El Obispo de Arras a Simon Renard

The Camp near Cambrai,

I omitted to say in my last letter that the Emperor has heard that the King has been influenced by certain persons to be resentful because the man of the Low Countries sent no ambassadors to assist at the solemnisation of his marriage and congratulate him on his arrival in England. You will take some favourable opportunity to explain to the King that the Low Countries have never been in the habit of sending ambassadors to any court except by the express order of their prince, to whom they always leave the initiative; and his Majesty thought it unnecessary in this case, as the condition of affairs made it advisable, even from the point of view of the King's interests, that every thought should be given to the protection of these countries against the enemy.

Moreover, they are so exhausted as to be unable to do more than furnish the contributions indispensable for their own defence; and as to send ambassadors without presents would be to give a wrong impression of the loyal feelings of subjects, it was better not to attempt a mission more suitable to times of peace than to a troublous season like the present.

I am sorry that Count Horn should have mentioned the King's resentment, as the people here may be hurt about it; and I feel sure that when his Royal Majesty has been fully informed he will not harbour the resentment about which certain persons have had so much to say. You will see what the Queen has written to me by the enclosed copy, and you will act in this matter as you think most prudent.

Signed. French. Slightly torn.