It had been a scene where heroic self-sacrifice, touching confidence, ingenuous love of duty, patriotism, and paternal affection upon one side; filial reverence, with a solemn regard for public duty and the highest interests of the people on the other, were supposed to be the predominant sentiments.

The happiness of the Netherlands was apparently the only object contemplated in the great transaction.

All had played well their parts in the past, all hoped the best in the times which were to follow.
The abdicating Emperor was looked upon as a hero and a prophet.

The stage was drowned in tears.

There is not the least doubt as to the genuine and universal emotion which was excited throughout the assembly.