tral, while the United States had paid their troops
better wages, and more punctually, than had ever been done by the
greatest potentates of Europe. It was true that the States kept many
cruisers off the coasts and upon the rivers, but these were to protect
their own citizens and friendly traders against pirates and against the
common foe. Germany derived as much benefit from this system as did the
Provinces themselves.

Thus did the States-General, respectfully but resolutely, decline all
proffers of intervention, which, as they were well aware, could only
enure to the benefit of the enemy. Thus did they avoid being entrapped
into negotiations which could only prove the most lamentable of comedies.

ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS:

A pusillanimous peace, always possible at any period
At length the twig was becoming the tree
Being the true religion, proved by so many testimonies
Certainly it was worth an eighty years' war
Chief seafaring nations of the world were already protestant
Conceding it subsequently, after much contestation
Fled from the land of oppression to the land of liberty
German Highland and the German Netherland
Little army of Maurice was becoming the model for Europe
Luxury had blunted the fine instincts of patriotism
Maritime heretics
Portion of these revenues savoured much of black-mail
The divine speciality of a few transitory mortals
The history of the Netherlands is history of liberty
The nation which deliberately carves itself in pieces
They had come to disbelieve in the mystery of kingcraft
Worn nor caused to be worn the collar of the serf

CHAPTER XXIII. 1590

Philip's scheme of aggrandizement--Projected invasion of France--
Internal condition of France--Character of Henry of Navarre--
Preparation for action--Battle of Ivry--Victory of the French king
over the League--Reluctance of the King to attack the French
capital--Siege of Paris--The pope indisposed towards the League--
Extraordinary demonstration of ecclesiastics--Influence of the
priests--Extremities of the siege--Attempted negotiation--State of
Philip's army--Difficult position of Farnese--March of the allies to
the relief of Paris--Lagny taken and the city relieved--Desertion of
the king's army--Siege of Corbeil--Death of Pope Sixtus V.--
Re-capture of Lagny and Corbeil--Return of Parma to the Netherlands