When the ambassadors saw that, however many arguments they could put forward, they would not change the mind of the counsellors to settle for an unconditional peace, instead of one with binding clauses to be sure of the support that they were to have, they found a way to speak to the queen when the members of the royal council were not present. Addressing her, they told her:

‘My lady, you have seen what was proposed by us in the presence of your royal council. Although both then and afterwards we told some of its members several times that we did not think there was a finer way to settle matters equitably than an unconditional peace, neither then nor afterwards have they given us to understand that they will agree to it. Although the things said by us are so reasonable that no other better means can be conceived – for if we could conceive it, we would discuss it willingly – it seems we are in disagreement. Since such is the situation, my lady, it rests on you to mediate in these matters: according to what you sent to say to the king your brother, it is for you to act as you think best in order to distribute equal honour to both sides. For in our opinion, in this disagreement there is only a small matter to be settled, so as to serve God, for great peace and harmony to ensue in these kingdoms.’

‘In truth’, said the queen, ‘I understand well the arguments you have put forward, but I am very doubtful about their wanting to settle on any treaty without binding clauses, because of their not being sure or certain of the aid that would be given.’

‘My lady’, they replied, ‘it seems to us that all the doubt about this peace is due to your receiving less reassurance than you would like. Now, we think that you should feel totally reassured, with no further doubts about it, considering the great and close bonds that there are between our liege lords the king and queen, and yourself, and their children and yours.