He swore that he would sing his song whose bread he had eaten.

A "fat militia captain" of the place, one Soyssons, on the other hand, privately informed Willoughby that Maurice and Barneveld were treating underhand with Spain.

Willoughby was inclined to believe the calumny, but feared that his corpulent friend would lose his head for reporting it.

Meantime the English commander did his best to strengthen the English party in their rebellion against the States.
"But how if they make war upon us ?" asked the Leicestrians.
"It is very likely," replied Willoughby, "that if they use violence you will have her Majesty's assistance, and then you who continue constant to the end will be rewarded accordingly.

Moreover, who would not rather be a horse-keeper to her Majesty, than a captain to Barneveld or Buys ?" When at last the resignation of Leicester--presented to the States by Killegrew on the 31st March--seemed to promise comparative repose to the republic, the vexation of the Leicestrians was intense.