That oligarchical party, which had always been hostile to the doctrines of Calvin and to the House of Orange, muttered faintly that His Majesty ought to resign the Stadtholdership.

But all such mutterings were drowned by the acclamations of a people proud of the genius and success of their great countryman.

A day of thanksgiving was appointed.
In all the cities of the Seven Provinces the public joy manifested itself by festivities of which the expense was chiefly defrayed by voluntary gifts.

Every class assisted.

The poorest labourer could help to set up an arch of triumph, or to bring sedge to a bonfire.