Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/67

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THE BURGOMASTER'S DAUGHTER
61

fruitless, we will make an appeal to the manhood of the Netherlands, and I am confident we shall elicit such a reply as will make the bigot tremble on his throne.”

The girl flashed a glance at the young man, which fairly bewildered him with its sweetness.

“I think the Prince is wise in his caution,” said Dr. Chenoweth. “He is a sagacious statesman, and I have implicit faith in his judgment.”

The Prince's brother, Louis of Nassau, is with the nobles, as well as Count Mansfeldt and St. Aldegonde,” continued the advocate. “The Prince of Orange has shown his colors, however. At the last meeting of the State Council he resigned his seat in that august body because he could not countenance the violent measures which were adopted.”

“God be praised for this!” said Dr. Chenoweth, “The Prince of Orange is the one hope of this persecuted country, the one man among the many who can successfully mediate between the government and the people—between Catholics and Protestants. I wish, my son, that you could have witnessed his triumphal entry into Antwerp. No monarch was ever awaited with such feverish impatience. Tens of thousands of citizens lined the streets for several miles outside the city to welcome him. When he came in sight the people pressed about him like perplexed children to a parent, call-