Letter XLIV
Ambassadors have again come from the rebel States of the Netherlands, with very extensive powers, they say, to induce the King to take them under his protection. The result is, to my mind, extremely doubtful. There are men about the King who would fain lead him into war.
Meanwhile Antwerp is said to be strictly blockaded, the navigation of the Scheldt being almost entirely stopped.
December 15, 1584.