He was desirous that the Pacification should be referred for approval, not to the municipal magistrates only, but to the people itself.

In all great emergencies, the man who, in his whole character, least resembled a demagogue, either of antiquity or of modern times, was eager for a fresh expression of the popular will.

On this occasion, however, the demand for approbation was superfluous.

The whole country thought with his thoughts, and spoke with his words, and the Pacification, as soon as published, was received with a shout of joy.
Proclaimed in the marketplace of every city and village, it was ratified, not by votes, but by hymns of thanksgiving, by triumphal music, by thundering of cannon, and by the blaze of beacons, throughout the Netherlands.

Another event added to the satisfaction of the hour.