Parma se mantiene dispuesto a negociar la paz.

ANDREA DE LOO to BURGHLEY.

Acknowledges letters of the 14th and 20th June with the names of her Majesty's deputies. Being then in Antwerp, ill with a fever, he wrote to the Duke of Parma, who at once sent the enclosed answer.

Has since been with his Highness thrice. In substance he said that he regretted the treaty was so long delayed and that while he was acting so sincerely, it seemed very strange that Drake should have proceeded in so hostile a manner in Spain; seeing that such methods exasperated the King and touched his own honour.

He wished the peace might have taken effect before he was forced to take the field; and even now he hoped it might be concluded before the arrival of the troops, he expected from eight to nine thousand Spaniards and as many Italians, without counting the Germans, Walloons, Lorrainers and others. He reckons in all, to have 30,000 men; whom (he said) he might still be able to countermand and send back; otherwise, he must employ them in Holland, on the confines of the States during the coming winter, to the total destruction of that country, which, he said, he would deeply regret; with many like observations, concluding as follows: Write to her Majesty that I desire to serve her, and that for all it will be well to make peace, I will forward and conclude it if her Majesty desires it, as much as I do. I shall not change my mind whatever happens as I prefer to proceed by love rather than by severity and bloodshed. To which de Loo replied that her Majesty was of the same disposition. Good, then said he, we shall soon arrive at an agreement. When asked if he accepted the commissioners nominated by her Majesty, he said yes, and that his own will be ready at the time and place appointed by her.

And while the negotiations are proceeding it might be possible to arrange for a cessation of arms, though he could not abandon the siege of L'Escluse, because of the charges already incurred, and the daily cost of his army. But if the commissioners come quickly (in which they do not much believe here) and treat, he might easily be persuaded to stay his hand against the town for a fortnight or so, as he seems sincerely disposed to do all that could be desired in favour of peace provided it is not to the prejudice of the service or honour of the King. He said he hopes that his proceedings will in no way vex her Majesty (as he thinks they ought not to do); and that he will not fail in hearty good will to please her in whatever way he can.

And that the best thing will be for the commissioners to come at once and begin to treat, which he very earnestly looks for, and for greater clearness he has had the enclosed letter written to the President. Thus nothing more remains but to pray the Omnipotent to grant that this matter may be put in execution as soon as possible bonis felicibusque avibus as even the slightest delay may do harm.

His Highness, alluding to the King of Denmark, said that a gentleman had been sent to him with letters in the same way as to her Majesty, [proposing] that the commissioners should meet at Emden on the 26 of August next; to which the Duke has replied, accepting his good will, thanking him; and [saying] that he will be ready to send his commissioners to the place and at the time her Majesty shall appoint ; yet the Duke does not at all wish to negotiate by this means; and also they do not think Emden a suitable place and there is no doubt that all can be done through the Duke with greater ease and more satisfaction to her Majesty. On taking leave his Highness said: Salute her Majesty from me and send away your letter quickly that I may speedily have the reply. Has told him it is expected here at Bruges, the camp being too inconvenient, and prays that he may have it with all possible speed, in order not to give time for any other disorder to intervene now that all is so happily arranged.

Bruges, 11 July, 1587,

stilo Anglico. Add. Endd. Italian. 2 pp. [Flanders I. f. 297.]