History and Language
oppressor of the country; nor was he, at least in the beginning, the incarnation of Calvinism, which was the soul and the strength of the revolt against Spain.
Charles V. conferred on the young Prince many high honours, among them that of Stadhouder (Lieutenant of the Sovereign) of the Provinces of Holland, Zeeland, and Utrecht, which post was confirmed by Philip II. This would amply suffice to explain the Prince's primary reluctance to identify himself with the revolt of the Dutch Netherlands. It was not until he had pleaded in vain with Philip II., and until he had witnessed the exasperation of his people over the atrocities perpetrated by that fiend the Duke of Alva, that he came to the conclusion that he was not forfeiting his honour in resisting the Spanish tyranny. The States-General offered him the leadership, and he accepted
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