every measure which could cement the friendship between
England and them; and that his peculiar ambition would be to facilitate
the prince's marriage with the infanta. But he added, with a sincerity
equally insolent and indiscreet, "With regard to you, sir, in
particular, you must not consider me as your friend, but must ever
expect from me all possible enmity and opposition." The Conde duke
replied, with a becoming dignity, that he very willingly accepted of
what was proffered him: and on these terms the favorites parted.[*]

Buckingham, sensible how odious he was become to the Spaniards, and
dreading the influence which that nation would naturally acquire after
the arrival of the infanta, resolved to employ all his credit in order
to prevent the marriage, By what arguments he could engage the prince
to offer such an insult to the Spanish nation, from whom he had met
with such generous treatment; by what colors he could disguise the
ingratitude and imprudence of such a measure; these are totally unknown
to us. We may only conjecture, that the many unavoidable causes of
delay which had so long prevented the arrival of the dispensation, had
afforded to Buckingham a pretence for throwing on the Spaniards the
imputation of insincerity in the whole treaty. It also appears, that
his impetuous and domineering character had acquired, what it ever
after maintained, a total ascendant over the gentle and modest temper
of Charles; and, when the prince left Madrid, he was firmly determined,
notwithstanding all his professions, to break off the treaty with Spain.

It is not likely that Buckingham prevailed so easily with James to
abandon a project which, during so many years, had been the object of
all his wishes, and which he had now unexpectedly conducted to a happy
period.[**]

* Rushworth, vol. i. p. 103. Clarendon, vol. i. p. 37.

** Hacket's Life of Williams.

A rupture with Spain, the loss of two millions, were prospects little
agreeable to this pacific and indigent monarch. But, finding his only
son bent against a match which had always been opposed by his people and
his parliament, he yielded to difficulties which he had not courage
or strength of mind sufficient to overcome. The prince, therefore, and
Buckingham, on their arrival at London, assumed entirely the direction
of the negotiation; and it was their business to seek for pretences by
which they could give a color to their intended breach of treaty.