158 REIGN OF ELIZABETH. [CH. 58. and Count Louis capitulated in Mons when lie found that no relief could reach him from any quarter. The garrison was at its last extremity, and in a few more days must have surrendered unconditionally. To his own and the world's surprise, the Duke of Alva con- sented to terms rarely granted to insurgents by the most lenient commander. The Huguenot troops marched out with the honours of war, to be cut to pieces by their own countrymen when they crossed the French frontier ; and Count Louis himself, after being received with marked distinction in the Spanish camp, was permitted to go where he pleased. The Duke apologized to Philip for his unusual cle- mency, saying simply that he had reasons for it, on which he would not dilate. It became immediately evident that he desired to create a favourable impression upon England. Ferocity at that particular moment would have exasperated the passions of the people beyond control, while forbearance would contrast with the atro- cities of Paris, and give Elizabeth an excuse, of which he believed that she would avail herself, for leaving the Netherlands to their natural master. Antonio de Guaras supplied the Duke daily with the most minute account of the English movements, and he had soon reason to congratulate himself on his prudence. The old friends of the Spanish alliance were busy again. De Guaras spent money freely, giving as much as ten thousand crowns to some one unnamed who had influence with the Queen ; and he ascertained in a little while that the reinforcements which were to have gone to Gilbert
