Dutch public opinion was strongly aroused and a special embassy was sent to London, April, 1610, to protest against the edict and endeavour to procure its withdrawal or its modification.

This was by no means an easy matter.

The fisheries, on which a large part of the population of Holland and Zeeland depended for their livelihood, were of vital importance to the States.

On the other hand their virtual monopoly by the Dutch caused keen resentment in England.

In the latter part of the reign of Elizabeth that adventurous sea-faring spirit, which was destined eventually to plant the flag of England on the shores of every ocean, had come to the birth, and everywhere it found, during this early part of the 17th century, Dutch rivals already in possession and Dutch ships on every trading route.