CHAPTER V.
Interviews between the Dutch Commissioners and King James--Prince Maurice takes command of the Troops--Surrender of Julich--Matthias crowned King of Bohemia--Death of Rudolph--James's Dream of a Spanish Marriage--Appointment of Vorstius in place of Arminius at Leyden--Interview between Maurice and Winwood--Increased Bitterness between Barneveld and Maurice--Projects of Spanish Marriages in France.
It is refreshing to escape from the atmosphere of self-seeking faction, feverish intrigue, and murderous stratagem in which unhappy France was stifling into the colder and calmer regions of Netherland policy.
No sooner had the tidings of Henry's murder reached the States than they felt that an immense responsibility had fallen on their shoulders.

It is to the eternal honour of the Republic, of Barneveld, who directed her councils, and of Prince Maurice, who wielded her sword, that she was equal to the task imposed upon her.
There were open bets on the Exchange in Antwerp, after the death of Henry, that Maurice would likewise be killed within the month.

Nothing seemed more probable, and the States implored the Stadholder to take special heed to himself.

But this was a kind of caution which the Prince was not wont to regard.

Nor was there faltering, distraction, cowardice, or parsimony in Republican councils.
We have heard the strong words of encouragement and sympathy addressed by the Advocate's instructions to the Queen-Regent and the leading statesmen of France.