Under these circumstances he was not impatient, for a time at least, to leave the Netherlands.

His administration had not been very successful.

He had been led away by his own vanity, and by the flattery of artful demagogues, but the immense obstacles with which he had to contend in the Queen's wavering policy, and in the rivalry of both English and Dutch politicians have been amply exhibited.

That he had been generous, courageous, and zealous, could not be denied; and, on the whole, he had accomplished as much in the field as could have been expected of him with such meagre forces, and so barren an exchequer.
It must be confessed, however, that his leaving the Netherlands at that moment was a most unfortunate step, both for his own reputation and for the security of the Provinces.

Party-spirit was running high, and a political revolution was much to be dreaded in so grave a position of affairs, both in England and Holland.