Certainly, as we read the epistles, and observe how profoundly the writer seems to have sounded the deep guile of the Spanish Cabinet, and how distinctly events, then far in the future, are indicated, we are tempted to exclaim:  “aut Alava, aut Diabolus;” either the envoy wrote the despatch, or Orange.  Who else could look into the future, and into Philip’s heart so unerringly?

As the charge has never been made, so far as we are aware, against the Prince, it is superfluous to discuss the amount of immorality which should belong to such a deception.  A tendency to employ stratagem in his warfare against Spain was, no doubt, a blemish upon his—­high character.  Before he is condemned, however, in the Court of Conscience, the ineffable wiles of the policy with which he had to combat must be thoroughly scanned, as well as the pure and lofty purpose for which his life’s long battle was fought.

There was, doubtless, some conversation at Dendermonde on the propriety or possibility of forcible resistance to a Spanish army, with which it seemed probable that Philip was about to invade the provinces, and take the lives of the leading nobles.  Count Louis was in favor of making provision in Germany for the accomplishment of this purpose.  It is also highly probable that the Prince may have encouraged the proposition.  In the sense of his former communication to Egmont, he may have reasoned on the necessity of making levies to sustain the decisions of the states-general against violence.  There is, however, no proof of any such fact.  Egmont, at any rate, opposed the scheme, on the ground that “it was wrong to entertain any such ill opinion of so good a king as Philip, that he had never done any thing unjust towards his subjects, and that if any one was in fear, he had better leave the country.”

Egmont, moreover; doubted the authenticity of the letters from Alava, but agreed to carry them to Brussels, and to lay them before the Regent.  That lady, when she saw them, warmly assured the Count that they were inventions.

The Conference broke up after it had lasted an hour and a half.  The nobles then went to dinner, at which other persons appear to have been present, and the celebrated Dendermonde meeting was brought to a close.  After the repast was finished, each of the five nobles mounted his horse, and departed on his separate way.

From this time forth the position of, these leading seigniors became more sharply defined.  Orange was left in almost complete isolation.  Without the assistance of Egmont, any effective resistance to the impending invasion from Spain seemed out of the question.  The Count, however, had taken his irrevocable and fatal resolution.  After various oscillations during the stormy period which had elapsed, his mind, notwithstanding all the disturbing causes by which it had hitherto been partially influenced, now pointed steadily to the point of loyalty.  The guidance of that pole star was to lead him to