The palace where the states-general were upon this occasion convened, had been the residence of the Dukes of Brabant since the days of John the Second, who had built it about the year 1300.  It was a spacious and convenient building, but not distinguished for the beauty of its architecture.  In front was a large open square, enclosed by an iron railing; in the rear an extensive and beautiful park, filled with forest trees, and containing gardens and labyrinths, fish-ponds and game preserves, fountains and promenades, race-courses and archery grounds.  The main entrance to this edifice opened upon a spacious hall, connected with a beautiful and symmetrical chapel.  The hall was celebrated for its size, harmonious proportions, and the richness of its decorations.  It was the place where the chapters of the famous order of the Golden Fleece were held.  Its walls were hung with a magnificent tapestry of Arran, representing the life and achievements of Gideon, the Midianite, and giving particular prominence to the miracle of the “fleece of wool,” vouchsafed to that renowned champion, the great patron of the Knights of the Fleece.  On the present occasion there were various additional embellishments of flowers and votive garlands.  At the western end a spacious platform or stage, with six or seven steps, had been constructed, below which was a range of benches for the deputies of the seventeen provinces.  Upon the stage itself there were rows of seats, covered with tapestry, upon the right hand and upon the left.  These were respectively to accommodate the knights of the order and the guests of high distinction.  In the rear of these were other benches, for the members of the three great councils.  In the centre of the stage was a splendid canopy, decorated with the arms of Burgundy, beneath which were placed three gilded arm-chairs.

All the seats upon the platform were vacant, but the benches below, assigned to the deputies of the provinces, were already filled.  Numerous representatives from all the states but two—­Gelderland and Overyssel—­had already taken their places.  Grave magistrates, in chain and gown, and executive officers in the splendid civic uniforms for which the Netherlands were celebrated, already filled every seat within the apace allotted.  The remainder of the hall was crowded with the more favored portion of the multitude which had been fortunate enough to procure admission to the exhibition.  The archers and hallebardiers of the body-guard kept watch at all the doors.  The theatre was filled—­the audience was eager with expectation—­the actors were yet to arrive.  As the clock struck three, the hero of the scene appeared.  Caesar, as he was always designated in the classic language of the day, entered, leaning on the shoulder of William of Orange.  They came from the chapel, and were immediately followed by Philip the Second and Queen Mary of Hungary.  The Archduke Maximilian the Duke of Savoy, and other great personages came afterwards, accompanied by a glittering throng of warriors, councillors, governors, and Knights of the Fleece.