He alone can destroy or save it.

The greatest obstacles would be removed if he could be gained." He had proposed, and Philip had approved the proposition, that the Count Van Buren should be clothed with his father's dignities, on condition that the Prince should himself retire into Germany.

It was soon evident, however, that such a proposition would meet with little favor, the office of father of his country and protector of her liberties not being transferable.
While at Louvain, whither he had gone after the publication of the Perpetual Edict, Don John had conferred with the Duke of Aerschot, and they had decided that it would be well to send Doctor Leoninus on a private mission to the Prince.

Previously to his departure on this errand, the learned envoy had therefore a full conversation with the Governor.

He was charged to represent to the Prince the dangers to which Don John had exposed himself in coming from Spain to effect the pacification of the Netherlands.