An indefinite vista was opened.

"You cannot imagine," said Don John, "how much it will be within my ability to do for you." The Governor was extremely anxious to purchase the only enemy whom Philip feared.

The Prince had nothing personally to gain by a continuance of the contest.
The ban, outlawry, degradation, pecuniary ruin, assassination, martyrdom--these were the only guerdons he could anticipate.

He had much to lose: but yesterday loaded with dignities, surrounded by pomp and luxury, with many children to inherit his worldly gear, could he not recover all; and more than all, to-day?
What service had he to render in exchange?
A mere nothing.

He had but to abandon the convictions of a lifetime, and to betray a million or two of hearts which trusted him.
As to the promises made by the Governor to rule the country with gentleness, the Prince could not do otherwise than commend the intention, even while distrusting the fulfilment.