Leoninus replied, good naturedly, that there should be no difficulty upon that score, and that writings should be exchanged.  In the meantime, however, he expressed the hope that the Prince would honor them with some preliminary information as to the points in which he felt aggrieved, as well as to the pledges which he and the states were inclined to demand.

“And what reason have we to hope,” cried the Prince, “that your pledges, if made; will be redeemed?  That which was promised so solemnly at Ghent, and ratified by Don John and his Majesty, has not been fulfilled.”

“Of what particular point do you complain?” asked Schetz.  “Wherein has the Pacification been violated?”

Hereupon the Prince launched forth upon a flowing stream of invective.  He spoke to them of his son detained in distant captivity—­of his own property at Breda withheld—­of a thousand confiscated estates—­of garrisons of German mercenaries—­of ancient constitutions annihilated—­ of the infamous edicts nominally suspended, but actually in full vigor.  He complained bitterly that the citadels, those nests and dens of tyranny, were not yet demolished.  “Ye accuse me of distrust,” he cried; “but while the castles of Antwerp, Ghent, Namur, and so many more are standing, ’tis yourselves who show how utterly ye are without confidence in any permanent and peaceful arrangement.”

“And what,” asked a deputy, smoothly, “is the point which touches you most nearly?  What is it that your Excellency most desires?  By what means will it be possible for the government fully to give you contentment?”

“I wish,” he answered, simply, “the full execution of the Ghent Pacification.  If you regard the general welfare of the land, it is well, and I thank you.  If not, ’tis idle to make propositions, for I regard my country’s profit, not my own.”

Afterwards, the Prince simply repeated his demand that the Ghent treaty should be executed; adding, that after the states-general should have been assembled, it would be time to propose the necessary articles for mutual security.

Hereupon Doctor Leoninus observed that the assembly of the states-general could hardly be without danger.  He alluded to the vast number of persons who would thus be convoked, to the great discrepancy of humors which would thus be manifested.  Many men would be present neither discreet nor experienced.  He therefore somewhat coolly suggested that it might be better to obviate the necessity of holding any general assembly at all.  An amicable conference, for the sake of settling doubtful questions, would render the convocation superfluous, and save the country from the dangers by which the step would be attended.  The Doctor concluded by referring to the recent assemblies of France, the only result of which had been fresh dissensions.  It thus appeared that the proposition on the part of Don John meant something very different from its apparent signification.  To advise with