“I confess I find difficulty in satisfying your second question,” continued the Prince, “for I acknowledge that Barneveld is wholly devoted to the service of France.  During the truce negotiations, when some difference arose between him and myself, President Jeannin came to me, requiring me in the French king’s name to treat Monsieur Barneveld well, whom the King had received into his protection.  The letters which the States’ ambassador in France wrote to Barneveld (and to him all ambassadors address their despatches of importance), the very autographs themselves, he sent back into the hands of Villeroy.”

Here the Prince did not scruple to accuse the Advocate of doing the base and treacherous trick against Aerssens which he had expressly denied doing, and which had been done during his illness, as he solemnly avowed, by a subordinate probably for the sake of making mischief.

Maurice then discoursed largely and vehemently of the suspicious proceedings of Barneveld, and denounced him as dangerous to the State.  “When one man who has the conduct of all affairs in his sole power,” he said, “shall hold underhand intelligence with the ministers of Spain and the Archduke, and that without warrant, thereby he may have the means so to carry the course of affairs that, do what they will, these Provinces must fall or stand at the mercy and discretion of Spain.  Therefore some good resolutions must be taken in time to hold up this State from a sudden downfall, but in this much moderation and discretion must be used.”

The Prince added that he had invited his cousin Lewis William to appear at the Hague at May day, in order to consult as to the proper means to preserve the Provinces from confusion under his Majesty’s safeguard, and with the aid of the Englishmen in the States’ service whom Maurice pronounced to be “the strength and flower of his army.”

Thus the Prince developed his ideas at great length, and accused the Advocate behind his back, and without the faintest shadow of proof, of base treachery to his friends and of high-treason.  Surely Barneveld was in danger, and was walking among pitfalls.  Most powerful and deadly enemies were silently banding themselves together against him.  Could he long maintain his hold on the slippery heights of power, where he was so consciously serving his country, but where he became day by day a mere shining mark for calumny and hatred?

The Ambassador then signified to the Prince that he had been instructed to carry to him the King’s purpose to confer on him the Order of the Garter.

“If his Majesty holds me worthy of so great honour,” said the Prince, “I and my family shall ever remain bound to his service and that of his royal posterity.

“That the States should be offended I see no cause, but holding the charge I do in their service, I could not accept the honour without first acquainting them and receiving their approbation.”