His arguments offended the nobleman thus addressed, who was vain and irascible.

He replied by affirming that he was a friend to Egmont, but would not have him for his master.

He would have nothing to do, he said, with their league against the Cardinal, who had never given him cause of enmity.

He had no disposition to dictate to the King as to his choice of ministers, and his Majesty was quite right to select his servants at his own pleasure.

The Duke added that if the seigniors did not wish him for a friend, it was a matter of indifference to him.