The deed was done, and the Prince of Orange, stooping to the ear of his next neighbor, as they sat at the council-board, whispered that they were now about to witness the commencement of the most extraordinary tragedy which had ever been enacted.
The prophecy was indeed a proof that the Prince could read the future, but the sarcasm of the President, that the remark had been made in a tone of exultation, was belied by every action of the prophet's life.
The fiat went forth.

In the market-place of every town and village of the Netherlands, the inquisition was again formally proclaimed.

Every doubt which had hitherto existed as to the intention of the government was swept away.

No argument was thenceforward to be permissible as to the constitutionality of the edicts as to the compatibility of their provisions with the privileges of the land.

The cry of a people in its agony ascended to Heaven.