The states were not willing to exchange the sovereignty over their country for so paltry a concession.

The Queen declared herself indisposed to go further, at least before consulting parliament.

The commissioners waited for the assembling of parliament.

She then refused to lay the matter before that body, and forbade the Hollanders taking any steps for that purpose.

It was evident that she was disposed to trifle with the provinces, and had no idea of encountering the open hostility of Philip.