It was one of the chief sources of his greatness.

At that period, perhaps at any period, he would have been incapable of such brilliant and dashing exploits as had made the name of Egmont so famous.

It had even become a proverb, "the counsel of Orange, the execution of Egmont," yet we shall have occasion to see how far this physical promptness which had been so felicitous upon the battle-field was likely to avail the hero of St.
Quentin in the great political combat which was approaching.
As to the talents of the Prince, there was no difference of opinion.

His enemies never contested the subtlety and breadth of his intellect, his adroitness and capacity in conducting state affairs, his knowledge of human nature, and the profoundness of his views.

In many respects it must be confessed that his surname of The Silent, like many similar appellations, was a misnomer.