There was no longer any middle course between obedience and rebellion.

This opinion, the soundness of which could scarcely be disputed, was also sustained by Egmont and Horn.
Viglius, on the contrary, nervous, agitated, appalled, was now disposed to temporize.

He observed that if the seigniors feared such evil results, it would be better to prevent, rather than to accelerate the danger which would follow the proposed notification to the governors and municipal authorities throughout the country, on the subject of the inquisition.

To make haste, was neither to fulfil the intentions nor to serve the interests of the King, and it was desirable "to avoid emotion and scandal." Upon these heads the President made a very long speech, avowing, in conclusion, that if his Majesty should not find the course proposed agreeable, he was ready to receive all the indignation upon his own head.
Certainly, this position of the President was somewhat inconsistent with his previous course.

He had been most violent in his denunciations of all who should interfere with the execution of the great edict of which he had been the original draughtsman.