He might have proved to the grand seigniors that their suspicions were just, by assuming a crown which they had been intriguing to push from his brows.

Certainly the nobles deserved their defeat.

They had done their best to circumvent Orange, in all ways and at all times.

They had paid their court to power when it was most powerful, and had sought to swim on the popular tide when it was rising.

He avenged himself upon their perfidy only by serving his country more faithfully than ever, but it was natural that he should be indignant at the conduct of these gentlemen, "children of good houses," (in his own words,) "issue of worthy, sires," whose fathers, at least, he had ever loved and honored.
"They serve the Duke of Alva and the Grand Commander like varlets," he cried; "they make war upon me to the knife.