He took the ground boldly that the time had arrived for speaking out.

The object of sending an envoy of high rank and European reputation like the Count of Egmont, was to tell the King the truth.

Let Philip know it now.

Let him be unequivocally informed that this whole machinery of placards and scaffolds, of new bishops and old hangmen, of decrees, inquisitors, and informers, must once and forever be abolished.

Their day was over.