“My lords,” he said in a low voice, “I have no power to treat with you save as General of the States, and with the object to detach you from the French alliance. I do not think it would be to the advantage of England to see the Republic in the hands of France, and it is my aim to separate you from your ally.”
Again the envoys looked at each other. Both trained in small dissimulation, neither great enough statesmen to know that candour is often more effective than deception, they regarded this statement as boyish simplicity. It emboldened Arlington to bring out his trump card.
“To return to the terms of France——”
“Sir,” interrupted the Prince, “talk no more of them—we would sooner die a thousand deaths than submit to them.”
“I will take it upon me,” answered the Earl, “to moderate them—so that we find our account in the adjustment; but we must have the cautionary towns.”
“I am confident the States—will never give them,” returned William.
Buckingham rose suddenly and came to the table.
“There is somewhat else to add,” he said, with his air of good-humoured insolence. “You will not lose by this——”
Arlington took it up—
“This in confidence between us: so you cede these terms His Majesty will make you greater than any of your House have been.”