The Archbishop of Cambray, a man very odious to the liberal party in the provinces, was also bidden to the feast.

During the dinner, this prelate, although treated with marked respect by Egmont, was the object of much banter and coarse pleasantry by the ruder portion of the guests.

Especially these convivial gentlemen took infinite pains to overload him with challenges to huge bumpers of wine; it being thought very desirable, if possible; to place the Archbishop under the table.
This pleasantry was alternated with much rude sarcasm concerning the new bishoprics.

The conversation then fell upon other topics, among others, naturally upon the mission of Count Egmont.

Brederede observed that it was a very hazardous matter to allow so eminent a personage to leave the land at such a critical period.