'Should any circumstances have induced me to act against my said cousin of Brabant, I am not as you know, any way to blame, but constrained thereto by his enterprises, in the defence of my own honour, and for the preservation of my country, which will make me exert myself to the utmost of my power. 'Now as you are perfectly well acquainted with all that I have mentioned, I can scarcely persuade myself that these said letters have been written with your knowledge; and I most earnestly intreat, most high and potent prince, my very dear and well beloved cousin, that you would maturely consider of all that I have done for your service, the different conduct of my adversary toward you, the nearness of the relationship, the treaty of peace between us, which I have never violated, and the enterprises of my opponent. I am firmly convinced, that supposing the measures hitherto followed have had your approbation, when you shall have maturely reconsidered the whole of mine and of my adversary's conduct, you will be of a contrary opinion. 'Should, however, your intentions remain unaltered, God, to whom nothing is hidden, will defend my just rights, if you be regardless of the oath you have taken for the same purpose. High and potent prince, my very dear and well-beloved cousin, let me know your intentions by the bearer of this, and if there is any thing I can do for your service, I will most heartily employ myself therein, as our lord knows, and to his care I commend you. 'Written at my town of Mons, and signed with my signet, this 12th day of January. High and potent prince, very dear and well-beloved cousin, I send with this letter copies of the letters I have alluded to, signed 'de Croy.' The address on this letters was, 'To the high and potent prince, my very dear and well-beloved cousin, the duke of Burgundy;' and lower down, 'Your cousin the duke of Glocester, count of Hainault, of Holland, of Zealand, and lord of Frizeland.' The duke of Burgundy, on receiving this letter, laid it before the whole of his council, and, after due deliberation, returned the following answer to the duke of Glocester. CHAP. XXVII. COPY OF THE ANSWER OF THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY TO THE LETTER FROM THE DUKE OF GLOCESTER.