These letters, as might be supposed, produced any thing but a satisfactory effect.  The discontent and rage of the gentlemen who had written or sustained the 11th of March communication, was much increased.  The answer was, in truth, no answer at all. “’Tis a cold and bad reply,” wrote Louis of Nassau, “to send after so long a delay.  ’Tis easy to see that the letter came from the Cardinal’s smithy.  In summa it is a vile business, if the gentlemen are all to be governed by one person.  I hope to God his power will come soon to an end.  Nevertheless,” added Louis, “the gentlemen are all wide awake, for they trust the red fellow not a bit more than he deserves.”

The reader has already seen that the letter was indeed “from the Cardinal’s smithy,” Granvelle having instructed his master how to reply to the seigniors before the communication had been despatched.

The Duchess wrote immediately to inform her brother that Egmont had expressed himself willing enough to go to Spain, but had added that he must first consult Orange and Horn.  As soon as that step had been taken, she had been informed that it was necessary for them to advise with all the gentlemen who had sanctioned their letter.  The Duchess had then tried in vain to prevent such an assembly, but finding that, even if forbidden, it would still take place, she had permitted the meeting in Brussels, as she could better penetrate into their proceedings there, than if it should be held at a distance.  She added, that she should soon send her secretary Armenteros to Spain, that the King might be thoroughly acquainted with what was occurring.

Egmont soon afterwards wrote to Philip, declining to visit Spain expressly on account of the Cardinal.  He added, that he was ready to undertake the journey, should the King command his presence for any other object.  The same decision was formally communicated to the Regent by those Chevaliers of the Fleece who had approved the 11th of March letter—­Montigny; Berghen, Meghem, Mansfeld, Ligne, Hoogstraaten, Orange, Egmont, and Horn.  The Prince of Orange, speaking in the name of all, informed her that they did not consider it consistent with their reputation, nor with the interest of his Majesty, that any one of them should make so long and troublesome a journey, in order to accuse the Cardinal.  For any other purpose, they all held themselves ready to go to Spain at once.  The Duchess expressed her regret at this resolution.  The Prince replied by affirming that, in all their proceedings, they had been governed, not by hatred of Granvelle but by a sense of duty to his Majesty.  It was now, he added, for the King to pursue what course it pleased him.