He entreated them to believe that he had always meant and endeavoured to promote the interest of his country.

He was now quitting them, perhaps never to return.

If he should fall in defence of the reformed religion and of the independence of Europe, he commended his beloved wife to their care.

The Grand Pensionary answered in a faltering voice; and in all that grave senate there was none who could refrain from shedding tears.

But the iron stoicism of William never gave way; and he stood among his weeping friends calm and austere as if he had been about to leave them only for a short visit to his hunting grounds at Loo.