more significative one than the unmeaning phrases of barren benignity with which public documents might be crammed?  “The old tricks are again brought into service,” said the Prince; “therefore ’tis necessary to ascertain your veritable friends, to tear off the painted masks from those who, under pretence-of not daring to displease the King, are seeking to swim between two waters.  ’Tis necessary to have a touchstone; to sign a declaration in such wise that you may know whom to trust, and whom to suspect.”

The massacre at Antwerp and the eloquence of the Prince produced a most quickening effect upon the Congress at Ghent.  Their deliberations had proceeded with decorum and earnestness, in the midst of the cannonading against the citadel, and the fortress fell on the same day which saw the conclusion of the treaty.

This important instrument, by which the sacrifices and exertions of the Prince were, for a brief season, at least, rewarded, contained twenty-five articles.  The Prince of Orange, with the estates of Holland and Zealand, on the one side, and the provinces signing, or thereafter to sign the treaty, on the other, agreed that there should be a mutual forgiving and forgetting, as regarded the past.  They vowed a close and faithful friendship for the future.  They plighted a mutual promise to expel the Spaniards from the Netherlands without delay.  As soon as this great deed should be done, there was to be a convocation of the states-general, on the basis of that assembly before which the abdication of the Emperor had taken place.  By this congress, the affairs of religion in Holland and Zealand should be regulated, as well as the surrender of fortresses and other places belonging to his Majesty.  There was to be full liberty of communication and traffic between the citizens of the one side and the other.  It should not be legal, however, for those of Holland and Zealand to attempt anything outside their own territory against the Roman Catholic religion, nor for cause hereof to injure or irritate any one, by deed or word.  All the placards and edicts on the subject of heresy, together with the criminal ordinances made by the Duke of Alva, were suspended, until the states-general should otherwise ordain.  The Prince was to remain lieutenant, admiral, and general for his Majesty in Holland, Zealand, and the associated places, till otherwise provided by the states-general; after the departure of the Spaniards.  The cities and places included in the Prince’s commission, but not yet acknowledging his authority, should receive satisfaction from him, as to the point of religion and other matters, before subscribing to the union.  All prisoners, and particularly the Comte de Bossu, should be released without ransom.  All estates and other property not already alienated should be restored, all confiscations since 1566 being declared null and void.  The Countess Palatine, widow of Brederode, and Count de Buren, son of the Prince of Orange, were expressly