It was while the United Provinces were struggling for existence against the French power that the young Prince on whom all their hopes were fixed was seized by the small pox.

That disease had been fatal to many members of his family, and at first wore, in his case, a peculiarly malignant aspect.

The public consternation was great.

The streets of the Hague were crowded from daybreak to sunset by persons anxiously asking how his Highness was.

At length his complaint took a favourable turn.