Orange, Egmont, Horn, Mansfeld replied, however, that it was not their affair, and that their opinion had not been demanded by his Majesty in the premises.

The Duchess accordingly transmitted to Philip the conclusions of the assembly, together with the reasons of the seigniors for refusing to take part in its deliberations.

The sentiments of Orange could hardly be doubtful, however, nor his silence fail to give offense to the higher powers.

He contented himself for the time with keeping his eyes and ears open to the course of events, but he watched well.

He had "little leisure for amusing himself," as Brederode suggested.