It thus appeared that the proposition on the part of Don John meant something very different from its apparent signification.

To advise with the Prince as to the proper method of assembling the estates really meant, to advise with him as to the best means of preventing any such assembly.

Here, certainly, was a good reason for the preference expressed by the deputies, in favor of amicable discussions over formal protocols.

It might not be so easy in a written document to make the assembly, and the prevention of the assembly, appear exactly the same thing.
The Prince replied that there was a wide difference between the condition of France and of the Netherlands.

Here, was one will and one intention.
There, were many factions, many partialities, many family intrigues.
Since it had been agreed by the Ghent treaty that certain points should be provisionally maintained and others settled by a speedy convocation of the states-general, the plainest course was to maintain the provisional points, and to summon the states-general at once.