The peace partisans among the burghers--a very small faction--were furious against him, for they knew that Maurice of Nassau represented war.

They accused of deep designs against the liberties of their country the youth who was ever ready to risk his life in their defence.

A burgomaster from Friesland, who had come across the Zuyder Zee to intrigue against the States' party, was full of spleen at being obliged to dance attendance for a long time at the Hague.

He complained that Count Maurice, green of years, and seconded by greener counsellors, was meditating the dissolution of the state-council, the appointment of a new board from his own creatures, the overthrow of all other authority, and the assumption of the sovereignty of Holland and Zeeland, with absolute power.

"And when this is done;" said the rueful burgomaster, "he and his turbulent fellows may make what terms they like with Spain, to the disadvantage of the Queen and of us poor wretches." But there was nothing farther from the thoughts of the turbulent fellows than any negotiations with Spain.