The nobles, however, forbore to press this point, by reason of the prohibition which the Regent had received from the King.

They suggested, however, that such an interdiction could have been dictated only by a distrust created between his Majesty and the estates by persons having no love for either, and who were determined to leave no resource by which the distress of the country could be prevented.

The nobles, therefore, begged her highness not to take it amiss if, so long as the King was indisposed to make other arrangements for the administration of the provinces, they should abstain from appearing at the state council.

They preferred to cause the shadow at last to disappear, which they had so long personated.

In conclusion, however, they expressed their determination to do their duty in their several governments, and to serve the Regent to the best of their abilities.
After this remonstrance had been delivered, the Prince of Orange, Count Horn, and Count Egmont abstained entirely from the sessions of the state council.