Whence all this Christian meekness in the author of the Ban against Orange and the eulogist of Alva?
The true explanation of this endurance on the part of the Cardinal lies in the estimate which he had formed of Egmont's character.

Granvelle had taken the man's measure, and even he could not foresee the unparalleled cruelty and dulness which were eventually to characterize Philip's conduct towards him.

On the contrary, there was every reason why the Cardinal should see in the Count a personage whom brilliant services, illustrious rank, and powerful connexions, had marked for a prosperous future.

It was even currently asserted that Philip was about to create him Governor-General of the Netherlands, in order to detach him entirely from Orange, and to bind him more closely to the Crown.

He was, therefore, a man to be forgiven.