On the other hand, the ardent temper of Don John was never slow to take offence.

One of the deputies proposed to the Governor, with great coolness, that he should assume the government in his own name, and renounce the authority of Philip.

Were he willing to do so, the patriotic gentleman pledged himself that the provinces would at once acknowledge him as sovereign, and sustain his government.

Don John, enraged at the insult to his own loyalty which the proposition implied, drew his dagger and rushed towards the offender.

The deputy would, probably, have paid for his audacity with his life had there not been by-standers enough to prevent the catastrophe.