William de Blois, Lord of Treslong, Admiral of Holland and Zeeland, was requested to carry out this order, and superintend the victualling of Antwerp.  But Treslong at once became troublesome.  He was one of the old “beggars of the sea,” a leader in the wild band who had taken possession of the Brill, in the teeth of Alva, and so laid the foundation of the republic.  An impetuous noble, of wealthy family, high connections, and refractory temper—­a daring sailor, ever ready for any rash adventure, but possessed of a very moderate share of prudence or administrative ability, he fell into loose and lawless courses on the death of Orange, whose firm hand was needed to control him.  The French negotiation had excited his profound disgust, and knowing Sainte Aldegonde to be heart and soul in favour of that alliance, he was in no haste whatever to carry out his orders with regard to Antwerp.  He had also an insignificant quarrel with President Meetkerk.  The Prince of Parma—­ever on the watch for such opportunities—­was soon informed of the Admiral’s discontent, and had long been acquainted with his turbulent character.  Alexander at once began to inflame his jealousy and soothe his vanity by letters and messengers, urging upon him the propriety of reconciling himself with the King, and promising him large rewards and magnificent employments in the royal service.  Even the splendid insignia of the Golden Fleece were dangled before his eyes.  It is certain that the bold Hollander was not seduced by these visions, but there is no doubt that he listened to the voice of the tempter.  He unquestionably neglected his duty.  Week after week he remained, at Ostend, sneering at the French and quaffing huge draughts in honour of Queen Elizabeth.  At last, after much time had elapsed, he agreed to victual Antwerp if he could be furnished with thirty krom-stevens,—­a peculiar kind of vessel, not to be found in Zeeland.  The krom-stevens were sent to him from Holland.  Then, hearing that his negligence had been censured by the States-General, he became more obstinate than ever, and went up and down proclaiming that if people made themselves disagreeable to him he would do that which should make all the women and children in the Netherlands shriek and tremble.  What this nameless horror was to be he never divulged, but meantime he went down to Middelburg, and swore that not a boat-load of corn should go up to Antwerp until two members of the magistracy, whom he considered unpleasant, had been dismissed from their office.  Wearied with all this bluster, and imbued with grave suspicion as to his motives, the States at last rose upon their High Admiral and threw him into prison.  He was accused of many high crimes and misdemeanours, and, it was thought, would be tried for his life.  He was suspected and even openly accused of having been tampered with by Spain, but there was at any rate a deficiency of proof.

“Treslong is apprehended,” wrote Davison to Burghley, “and, is charged to have been the cause that the fleet passed not up to Antwerp.  He is suspected to have otherwise forgotten himself, but whether justly or not will appear by his trial.  Meantime he is kept in the common prison of Middelburg, a treatment which it is thought they would not offer him if they had not somewhat of importance against him.”