It is, therefore, not surprising that, although many sustained its principles, few were willing to affix their names to a paper which might prove a death-warrant to the signers.

Even Montigny and Berghen, although they had been active in conducting the whole cabal, if cabal it could be called, refused to subscribe the letter.

Egmont and Horn were men of reckless daring, but they were not keen-sighted enough to perceive fully the consequences of their acts.
Orange was often accused by his enemies of timidity, but no man ever doubted his profound capacity to look quite through the deeds of men.

His political foresight enabled him to measure the dangerous precipice which they were deliberately approaching, while the abyss might perhaps be shrouded to the vision of his companions.

He was too tranquil of nature to be hurried, by passions into a grave political step, which in cooler moments he might regret.