out of the presence.  A new list was then announced, prepared beforehand by Maurice on the suggestion of those on whom he could rely.  A faint resistance was here and there attempted by magistrates and burghers who could not forget in a moment the rights of self-government and the code of laws which had been enjoyed for centuries.  At Hoorn, for instance, there was deep indignation among the citizens.  An imprudent word or two from the authorities might have brought about a “blood-bath.”

The burgomaster ventured indeed to expostulate.  They requested the Prince not to change the magistracy.  “This is against our privileges,” they said, “which it is our duty to uphold.  You will see what deep displeasure will seize the burghers, and how much disturbance and tumult will follow.  If any faults have been committed by any member of the government, let him be accused and let him answer for them.  Let your Excellency not only dismiss but punish such as cannot properly justify themselves.”

But his Excellency summoned them all to the town-house and as usual deposed them all.  A regiment was drawn up in half-moon on the square beneath the windows.  To the magistrates asking why they were deposed, he briefly replied, “The quiet of the land requires it.  It is necessary to have unanimous resolutions in the States-General at the Hague.  This cannot be accomplished without these preliminary changes.  I believe that you had good intentions and have been faithful servants of the Fatherland.  But this time it must be so.”

And so the faithful servants of the Fatherland were dismissed into space.  Otherwise how could there be unanimous voting in parliament?  It must be regarded perhaps as fortunate that the force of character, undaunted courage, and quiet decision of Maurice enabled him to effect this violent series of revolutions with such masterly simplicity.  It is questionable whether the Stadholder’s commission technically empowered him thus to trample on municipal law; it is certain that, if it did, the boasted liberties of the Netherlands were a dream; but it is equally true that, in the circumstances then existing, a vulgar, cowardly, or incompetent personage might have marked his pathway with massacres without restoring tranquillity.

Sometimes there was even a comic aspect to these strokes of state.  The lists of new magistrates being hurriedly furnished by the Prince’s adherents to supply the place of those evicted, it often happened that men not quahified by property, residence, or other attributes were appointed to the government, so that many became magistrates before they were citizens.