whom no more sagacious military critic or accomplished strategist existed in Europe, denounced it with energy and even with indignation.  It was, in the opinion of the young stadholder of Friesland, to suspend the existence of the whole commonwealth upon a silken thread.  Even success, he prophesied, would bring no permanent, fruits, while the consequences of an overthrow, were fearful to contemplate.  The immediate adherents and most trusted counsellors of William Lewis were even more unmeasured in their denunciations than he was himself. “’Tis all the work of Barneveld and the long-gowns,” cried Everard van Reyd.  “We are led into a sack from which there is no extrication.  We are marching to the Caudine Forks.”

Certainly it is no small indication of the vast influence and the indomitable resolution of Barneveld that he never faltered in this storm of indignation.  The Advocate had made up his mind to invade Flanders and to capture Nieuport; and the decree accordingly went forth, despite all opposition.  The States-General were sovereign, and the Advocate and the States-General were one.

It was also entirely characteristic of Maurice that he should submit his judgment on this great emergency to that of Olden-Barneveld.  It was difficult for him to resist the influence of the great intellect to which he had always willingly deferred in affairs of state, and from which; even in military matters, it was hardly possible for him to escape.  Yet in military matters Maurice was a consummate professor, and the Advocate in comparison but a school-boy.

The ascendency of Barneveld was the less wholesome, therefore, and it might have been better had the stadholder manifested more resolution.  But Maurice had not a resolute character.  Thorough soldier as he was, he was singularly vacillating, at times almost infirm of purpose, but never before in his career had this want of decision manifested itself in so striking a manner.

Accordingly the States-General, or in other words John of Olden-Barneveld proposed to invade Flanders, and lay siege, to Nieuport.  The States-General were sovereign, and Maurice bowed to their authority.  After the matter had been entirely decided upon the state-council was consulted, and the state-council attempted no opposition to the project.  The preparations were made with matchless energy and extraordinary secrecy.  Lewis William, who meanwhile was to defend the eastern frontier of the republic against any possible attack, sent all the troops that it was possible to spare; but he sent, them with a heavy heart.  His forebodings were dismal.  It seemed to him that all was about to be staked upon a single cast of the dice.  Moreover it was painful to him while the terrible game, was playing to be merely a looker on and a prophet of evil from a distance, forbidden to contribute by his personal skill and experience to a fortunate result.  Hohenlo too was appointed to protect the southern border, and was excluded from, all participation in the great expedition.