But all his expostulations were vain.

The Hollanders, simple and parsimonious as their ordinary habits were, had set their hearts on giving their illustrious countryman a reception suited to his dignity and to his merit; and he found it necessary to yield.

On the day of his triumph the concourse was immense.

All the wheeled carriages and horses of the province were too few for the multitude of those who flocked to the show.

Many thousands came sliding or skating along the frozen canals from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Leyden, Haarlem, Delft.