History of the United Netherlands (Volume 2 ); From the Death of William the Silent to the Twelve Years' Truce, 1609 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1900. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... THE UNITED NETHERLANDS CHAPTER VII The Earl of Leicester--His triuinphal entrance into Holland-- English spies about him--Importance of Holland to England-- Spanish schemes for invading England--Letter of the grand commander--Perilous position of England--True nature of the contest--Wealth and strength of the provinces--Power of the Dutch and English people--Affection of the Hollanders for the queen--Secret purposes of Leicester--Wretched condition of English troops--The Nassaus and Hohenlo--The earl's opinion of them--Clerk and Killigrew--Interview with the states-- Government-general offered to the earl--Discussions on the subject--The earl accepts the office--His ambition and mistakes --His installation at The Hague--Intimations of the queen's displeasure--Deprecatory letters of Leicester--Davison's mission to England--Queen's anger and jealousy--Her angry letters to the earl and the states--Arrival of Davison--Stormy interview with the queen--The second one is calmer--Queen's wrath somewhat mitigated--Mission of Heneage to the states--Shirley sent to England by the earl--His interview with Elizabeth--Leicester's letters to his friends--Paltry conduct of the earl to Davison--He excuses himself at Davison's expense--His letter to Burghley-- Effect of the queen's letters to the states--Suspicion and discontent in Holland--States excuse their conduct to the queen --Leicester discredited in Holland--Evil consequences to Holland and England--Magic effect of a letter from Leicester--The queen appeased--Her letters to the states and the earl--She permits the VOL. II.--1 i granted authority--Unhappy results of the queen's course--Her variable moods--She attempts to deceive Walsingham--Her injustice to Heneage--His perplexity and distress--Humiliating position of Leic...