"They try to calumniate me," he said, "as much on one side as on the other, but I will overcome by my innocence all the malice of my slanderers.

If his Highness should be pleased to grant us some liberty for our religion, I dare to promise such faithful service as will give very great satisfaction." Four days later, Sainte Aldegonde himself, together with M.de Duffel, M.
de Schoonhoven, and Adrian Hesselt, came to Parma's camp at Beveren, as deputies on the part of the Antwerp authorities.

They were courteously received by the Prince, and remained three days as his guests.

During the period of this visit, the terms of a capitulation were thoroughly discussed, between Alexander and his councillors upon one part, and the four deputies on the other.

The envoys endeavoured, with all the arguments at their command, to obtain the consent of the Prince to three preliminary points which they laid down as indispensable.