The languor of Philip and the procrastinating counsel of the dull Hopper unexpectedly widened the opening.

On the 24th of March letters were written by his Majesty to the states-general, to the provincial estates, and to the courts of justice, instructing them that, until further orders, they were all to obey the Council of State.

The King was confident that all would do their utmost to assist that body in securing the holy Catholic Faith and the implicit obedience of the country to its sovereign.

He would, in the meantime, occupy himself with the selection of a new Governor-General, who should be of his family and blood.

This uncertain and perilous condition of things was watched with painful interest in neighbouring countries.
The fate of all nations was more or less involved in the development of the great religious contest now waging in the Netherlands.