public demonstration which might excite disturbance.  The adherents of one religion were forbidden to disturb, to insult, or in any way to interfere with the:  solemnities of the other.  All were to abstain from mutual jeerings—­by pictures, ballads, books, or otherwise—­and from all injuries to ecclesiastical property.  Every man, of whatever religion, was to be permitted entrance to the churches of either religion, and when there, all were to conform to the regulations of the church with modesty and respect.  Those of the new religion were to take oaths of obedience to the authorities, and to abstain from meddling with the secular administration of affairs.  Preachers of both religions were forbidden to preach out of doors, or to make use of language tending to sedition.  All were to bind themselves to assist the magistrates in quelling riots, and in sustaining the civil government.

This example of religious peace, together with the active correspondence thus occasioned with the different state assemblies, excited the jealousy of the Catholic leaders and of the Walloon population.  Champagny, who despite his admirable qualities and brilliant services, was still unable to place himself on the same platform of toleration with Orange, now undertook a decided movement against the policy of the Prince.  Catholic to the core, he drew up a petition, remonstrating most vigorously against the draft for a religions peace, then in circulation through the provinces.  To this petition he procured many signatures among the more ardent Catholic nobles.  De Heze, De Glimes, and others of the same stamp, were willing enough to follow the lead of so distinguished a chieftain.  The remonstrance was addressed to the Archduke, the Prince of Orange, the State Council, and the States-general, and called upon them all to abide by their solemn promises to permit no schism in the ancient Church.  Should the exercise of the new religion be allowed, the petitioners insisted that the godless licentiousness of the Netherlands would excite the contempt of all peoples and potentates.  They suggested, in conclusion, that all the principal cities of France—­and in particular the city of Paris—­had kept themselves clear of the exercise of the new religion, and that repose and prosperity had been the result.

This petition was carried with considerable solemnity by Champagny, attended by many of his confederates, to the Hotel-de Ville, and presented to the magistracy of Brussels.  These functionaries were requested to deliver it forthwith to the Archduke and Council.  The magistrates demurred.  A discussion ensued, which grew warmer and warmer as it proceeded.  The younger nobles permitted themselves abusive language, which the civic dignitaries would not brook.  The session was dissolved, and the magistrates, still followed by the petitioners, came forth into the street.  The confederates, more inflamed than ever, continued to vociferate and to threaten.  A crowd soon collected