PG Edition of Netherlands series — Complete eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 5,745 pages of information about PG Edition of Netherlands series — Complete.

PG Edition of Netherlands series — Complete eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 5,745 pages of information about PG Edition of Netherlands series — Complete.

The day thus unprofitably spent, had now come to its close, and the deputies left the presence of Don John with tempers as inflamed as his own.  They were, therefore, somewhat surprised at being awakened in their beds, after midnight, by a certain Father Trigoso, who came to them with a conciliatory message from the Governor.  While they were still rubbing their eyes with sleep and astonishment, the Duke of Aerschot, the Bishop of Liege, and several councillors of state, entered the room.  These personages brought the news that Don John had at last consented to maintain the Pacification of Ghent, as would appear by a note written in his own hand, which was then delivered.  The billet was eagerly read, but unfortunately did not fulfil the anticipations which had been excited.  “I agree,” said Don John, “to approve the peace made between the states and the Prince of Orange, on condition that nothing therein may seem detrimental to the authority of his Majesty and the supremacy of the Catholic religion, and also with reservation of the points mentioned in my last communication.”

Men who had gone to bed in a high state of indignation were not likely to wake in much better humour, when suddenly aroused in their first nap, to listen to such a message as this.  It seemed only one piece of trifling the more.  The deputies had offered satisfactory opinions of divines and jurisconsults, as to the two points specified which concerned the Ghent treaty.  It was natural, therefore, that this vague condition concerning them, the determination of which was for the Governor’s breast alone, should be instantly rejected, and that the envoys should return to their disturbed slumbers with an increase of ill-humour.

On the morrow, as the envoys, booted and spurred, were upon the point of departure for Brussels, another communication was brought to them from Don John.  This time, the language of the Governor seemed more to the purpose.  “I agree,” said he, “to maintain the peace concluded between the states and the Prince of Orange, on condition of receiving from the ecclesiastical authorities, and from the University of Louvain, satisfactory assurance that the said treaty contains nothing derogatory to the Catholic religion—­and similar assurance from the State Council, the Bishop of Liege, and the imperial envoys, that the treaty is in no wise prejudicial to the authority of his Majesty.”  Here seemed, at last, something definite.  These conditions could be complied with.  They had, in fact, been already complied with.  The assurances required as to the two points had already been procured, as the deputies and as Don John well knew.  The Pacification of Ghent was, therefore, virtually admitted.  The deputies waited upon the Governor accordingly, and the conversation was amicable.  They vainly endeavoured, however, to obtain his consent to the departure of the troops by land—­the only point then left in dispute.  Don John, still clinging to his secret

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PG Edition of Netherlands series — Complete from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.