Yet, after all, Sir Philip had not grown in favour with her Majesty during his service in the Low Countries.  He had also been disappointed in the government of Zeeland, to which post his uncle had destined him.  The cause of Leicester’s ambition had been frustrated by the policy of Barneveld and Buys, in pursuance of which Count or Prince Maurice—­as he was now purposely designated, in order that his rank might surpass that of the Earl—­had become stadholder and captain general both of Holland and Zeeland.  The Earl had given his nephew, however, the colonelcy of the Zeeland regiment, vacant by the death of Admiral Haultain on the Kowenstyn Dyke.  This promotion had excited much anger among the high officers in the Netherlands who, at the instigation of Count Hohenlo, had presented a remonstrance upon the subject to the governor-general.  It had always been the custom, they said, with the late Prince of Orange, to confer promotion according to seniority, without regard to social rank, and they were therefore unwilling that a young foreigner, who had just entered the service; should thus be advanced over the heads of veterans who had been campaigning there so many weary years.  At the same time the gentlemen who signed the paper protested to Sir Philip, in another letter, “with all the same hands,” that they had no personal feeling towards him, but, on the contrary, that they wished him all honour.

Young Maurice himself had always manifested the most friendly feelings toward Sidney, although influenced in his action by the statesmen who were already organizing a powerful opposition to Leicester.  “Count Maurice showed himself constantly, kind in the matter of the regiment,” said Sir Philip, “but Mr. Paul Buss has so many busses in his head, such as you shall find he will be to God and man about one pitch.  Happy is the communication of them that join in the fear of God.”  Hohenlo, too, or Hollock, as he was called by the French and English, was much governed by Buys and Olden-Barneveld.  Reckless and daring, but loose of life and uncertain of purpose, he was most dangerous, unless under safe guidance.  Roger Williams—­who vowed that but for the love he bore to Sidney and Leicester, he would not remain ten days in the Netherlands—­was much disgusted by Hohenlo’s conduct in regard to the Zeeland regiment. “’Tis a mutinous request of Hollock,” said he, “that strangers should not command Netherlanders.  He and his Alemaynes are farther born from Zeeland than Sir Philip is.  Either you must make Hollock assured to you, or you must disgrace him.  If he will not be yours, I will show you means to disinherit him of all his commands at small danger.  What service doth he, Count Solms, Count Overatein, with their Almaynes, but spend treasure and consume great contributions?”