then replied, that it ought
not to seem strange, for that the King of Spain retained the title of
King of Jerusalem; the King of France that of King of Navarre, and the
King of England retained the arms and title of France.

"On the 11th of February, 1608, they met again; the Deputies of the
States presented to the others an article, which they had drawn up, by
which the 'Provinces were declared to be free, and that the King of
Spain and the Archdukes relinquished all their pretensions to the
sovereignty of the said Provinces, &c. as well for themselves as for
their successors and heirs, _with the name and arms_.'

"The others received the article and took time to consider of it, on
which the meeting was adjourned. They immediately despatched a courier
with a copy of it to Brussels, and received an answer on the 13th.
They complained, however, to the Ambassadors of France and Great
Britain, &c. of the States being _so precise_ in that article.

"On the 13th of February, 1608, in the afternoon, the Deputies again
assembled, and those of the Archduke _consented to the article as it
was drawn up_, with reserve, nevertheless, that in case all the other
points should be agreed upon, _they hoped_ the States would do
something for the King of Spain and the Archduke respecting the
Indies, &c.

"On the 15th of February they again met; they agreed on the points of
amnesty and oblivion; but on treating of reciprocal free trade and
navigation to each other's ports and countries, the Deputies of the
Archduke declared, that they did not mean to comprehend in that free
trade, _the navigation to the Indies_ and all the fortresses there,
but, on the contrary, that all the subjects of these countries should
_forthwith desist therefrom_. The Dutch Deputies opposed _this
strongly and firmly_, saying, that it would prejudice the liberty of
the Provinces and _the free use of the sea_, and, therefore, that they
were not authorised to relinquish it. The others continued firm in
their demand, and after long debates the Deputies separated.

"On the 19th, 23d, and 27th of February, and 4th of March, 1608, the
Deputies met, but, except debating, did nothing, both parties
continuing firm and resolved not to cede anything.

"The Deputies of Spain, finding they could not carry the point as to
the Indies, declared, at length, that they would consult together on a
proposition to make a truce for some years respecting the navigation,
and that th