It was obvious to Alva that the royal pupil had learned his lesson for that occasion.

It was a pity for humanity that the wisdom thus hypocritically taught him could not have sunk into his heart.

The Duke did his best to bring forward the plans and wishes of his royal master, but without success.

The Queen Regent proposed a league of the two Kings and the Emperor against the Turk, and wished to arrange various matrimonial alliances between the sons and daughters of the three houses.

Alva expressed the opinion that the alliances were already close enough, while, on the contrary, a secret league against the Protestants would make all three families the safer.
Catherine, however, was not to be turned from her position.