“My lord, the French have made advances to me very often—they have always been rejected. I would not owe my elevation in the State to foreign intervention, but to the will of God and the wish of the people.”
Arlington was nonplussed.
“Your Highness has not learnt the language of diplomacy,” he said.
“Your lordship must lay that to the charge of my inexperience—I am new to affairs,” answered the Prince proudly. “Maybe I speak too bluntly—but the meaning is the main thing, is it not, my lord?”
Buckingham spoke now.
“Consider well your meaning before you utter it, Highness—think of the alternative. The terms that you propose we should not dare put before M. de Louvois, I tell you plainly; and there is nothing before you but a continuation of the war—that is, a continuation of the conquest of the Republic—if you refuse us. You and the States go to ruin together, for there is no help for you.”
M. Bentinck came anxiously forward.
William looked straight at the Duke.
“Nevertheless I refuse your offer, my lord.”
Buckingham rose impatiently.