If, occasionally, he honored one or two of the seigniors with an invitation to his table, he sat alone in solemn state at the head of the board, while the guests, to whom he scarcely vouchsafed a syllable, were placed on stools without backs, below the salt.

Such insolence, it may be supposed, was sufficiently galling to men of the proud character, but somewhat reckless demeanor, which distinguished the Netherland aristocracy.

After a short time they held themselves aloof, thinking it sufficient to endure such airs from Philip.

The Duchess at first encouraged the young Prince in his haughtiness, but soon became sad, as she witnessed its effects.

It was the universal opinion that the young Prince was a mere compound of pride and emptiness.