As to the promises made by the Governor to rule the country with gentleness, the Prince could not do otherwise than commend the intention, even while distrusting the fulfilment.  In his reply to the two letters of Don John, he thanked his Highness, with what seemed a grave irony, for the benign courtesy and signal honor which he had manifested to him, by inviting him so humanely and so carefully to a tranquil life, wherein, according to his Highness, consisted the perfection of felicity in this mortal existence, and by promising him so liberally favor and grace.  He stated, however, with earnestness, that the promises in regard to the pacification of the poor Netherland people were much more important.  He had ever expected, he said, beyond all comparison, the welfare and security of the public before his own; “having always placed his particular interests under his foot, even as he was still resolved to do, as long as life should endure.”

Thus did William of Orange receive the private advances made by the government towards himself.  Meantime, Don John of Austria came to Louvain.  Until the preliminary conditions of the Perpetual Edict had been fulfilled, and the Spanish troops sent out of the country, he was not to be received as Governor-General, but it seemed unbecoming for him to remain longer upon the threshold of the provinces.  He therefore advanced into the heart of the country, trusting himself without troops to the loyalty of the people, and manifesting a show of chivalrous confidence which he was far from feeling.  He was soon surrounded by courtiers, time-servers, noble office-seekers.  They who had kept themselves invisible, so long as the issue of a perplexed negotiation seemed doubtful, now became obsequious and inevitable as his shadow.  One grand seignior wanted a regiment, another a government, a third a chamberlain’s key; all wanted titles, ribbons, offices, livery, wages.  Don John distributed favors and promises with vast liberality.  The object with which Philip had sent him to the Netherlands, that he might conciliate the hearts of its inhabitants by the personal graces which he had inherited from his imperial father, seemed in a fair way of accomplishment, for it was not only the venal applause of titled sycophants that he strove to merit, but he mingled gaily and familiarly with all classes of citizens.  Everywhere his handsome face and charming manner produced their natural effect.  He dined and supped with the magistrates in the Town-house, honored general banquets of the burghers with his presence, and was affable and dignified, witty, fascinating, and commanding, by turns.  At Louvain, the five military guilds held a solemn festival.  The usual invitations were sent to the other societies, and to all the martial brotherhoods, the country round.  Gay and gaudy processions, sumptuous banquets, military sports, rapidly succeeded each other.  Upon the day of the great trial of skill; all the high functionaries of the land were,