r of France by espousing the cause of
constitutional rights. His advances were so favorably received that he now
came in disguise, accompanied by La Noue, Teligny, and Genlis, to confer
with Charles upon the subject. They met at Lumigny-en-Brie, whither the
king had gone to indulge in his favorite pastime of the chase, and on
several consecutive days held secret conferences.[836] Louis was a
nobleman whose history and connections entitled him to respect; but his
frank and sincere character was a still more powerful advocate in his
behalf.[837] He proved to the king how justly he might interfere in
defence of the Low Countries, where Philip was seeking "to plant, by
inquisition, the foundation of a most horrible tyranny, the overthrow of
all freedoms and liberties." He traced the course of events since the
humiliating treaty of Cateau-Cambresis, and added: "If you think in
conscience and honor you may not become the protector of this people, you
should do well to forbear, for otherwise the success cannot be gained. If
you think you may, then weigh in policy how beneficial it will be for you,
and how much your father would have given, to have had the like
opportunity offered unto him that is now presented unto you gratis; which,
if you refuse, the like you must never look for."

Both Charles and his mother appeared well pleased with the proposal, and
the king, who had listened attentively to the recital of the follies into
which Philip had fallen in consequence of listening to evil advice,
exclaimed: "Similar counsellors, by violating my edict, wellnigh brought
me into like terms with my subjects, wherefrom ensued the late troubles;
but now, thank God, He has opened my eyes to discern what their meaning
was." Next, Louis showed that success was not difficult. The Roman
Catholics and the Protestants in the Netherlands equally detested the
tyranny of the Spaniards. The towns were ready to receive garrisons.
Philip had not in the whole country over three thousand troops upon whose
fidelity he could rely. The addition of a dozen ships to those already
possessed by the patriots would enable them effectually to prevent the
landing of Spanish reinforcements. In short, the Netherlands were ripe for
a division which would amply recompense France and the German princes, as
well as Queen Elizabeth, should she, as was hoped, consent to take part in
the enterprise: for the provinces of Flanders and Artois, which had once
belonged to th