In this strait I myself had to secretly raise a sufficient sum of money to procure the weapons we needed.

To this end I sought the assistance of a great merchant-prince, to whom our nation as well as myself was known.

He met me in the same generous spirit which he had shown to other struggling nationalities throughout a long and honourable career.

When I pledged to him as security my own estates, he wished to tear up the bond, and only under pressure would he meet my wishes in this respect.

Lords of the Council, it was his money, thus generously advanced, which procured for us the arms with which we hewed out our freedom.
"Not long ago that noble merchant--and here I trust you will pardon me that I am so moved as to perhaps appear to suffer in want of respect to this great Council--this noble merchant passed to his account--leaving to a near kinsman of his own the royal fortune which he had amassed.