broadly the principle that the true historical polity of the Netherlands was a representative, constitutional government, Don John, on arriving at Luxemburg, had demanded hostages for his own security, a measure which could not but strike the calmest spectator as an infraction of all provincial rights.  “He asks you to disarm,” continued William of Orange; “he invites you to furnish hostages, but the time has been when the lord of the land came unarmed and uncovered, before the estates-general, and swore to support the constitutions before his own sovereignty could be recognized.”

He reiterated his suspicions as to the honest intentions of the government, and sought, as forcibly as possible, to infuse an equal distrust into the minds of those he addressed.  “Antwerp,” said he, “once the powerful and blooming, now the most forlorn and desolate city of Christendom, suffered because she dared to exclude the King’s troops.  You may be sure that you are all to have a place at the same banquet.  We may forget the past, but princes never forget, when the means of vengeance are placed within their hands.  Nature teaches them to arrive at their end by fraud, when violence will not avail them.  Like little children, they whistle to the birds they would catch.  Promises and pretences they will furnish in plenty.”

He urged them on no account to begin any negotiation with the Governor, except on the basis of the immediate departure of the soldiery.  “Make no agreement with him; unless the Spanish and other foreign troops have been sent away beforehand; beware, meantime, of disbanding your own, for that were to put the knife into his hands to cut your own throats withal.”  He then proceeded to sketch the out lines of a negotiation, such as he could recommend.  The plan was certainly sufficiently bold, and it could hardly cause astonishment, if it were not immediately accepted by Don John; as the basis of an arrangement.  “Remember this is not play”, said the Prince, “and that you have to choose between the two, either total ruin or manly self-defence.  Don John must command the immediate departure of the Spaniards.  All our privileges must be revised, and an oath to maintain them required.  New councils of state and finance must be appointed by the estates.  The general assembly ought to have power to come together twice or thrice yearly, and, indeed, as often as they choose.  The states-general must administer and regulate all affairs.  The citadels must be demolished everywhere.  No troops ought to be enlisted, nor garrisons established, without the consent of the estates.”