The nobles had lost much of their ancient attachment to liberty; and had become, in various ways, dependent on the royal favor.

Many of the first families were then represented by men possessed rather of courage and candor than of foresight and sagacity.

That of Nassau, the most distinguished of all, seemed the least interested in the national cause.

A great part of its possessions were in Germany and France, where it had recently acquired the sovereign principality of Orange.

It was only from the third order--that of the commons--that Philip had to expect any opposition.