Above all, it was necessary plainly to inform his Majesty that the canons of Trent, spurned by the whole world, even by the Catholic princes of Germany, could never be enforced in the Netherlands, and that it would be ruinous to make the attempt.

He proposed and insisted that the Count of Egmont should be instructed accordingly.

He avowed in conclusion that he was a Catholic himself and intended to remain in the Faith, but that he could not look on with pleasure when princes strove to govern the souls of men, and to take away their liberty in matters of conscience and religion.
Here certainly was no daintiness of phraseology, and upon these leading points, thus slightly indicated, William of Orange poured out his eloquence, bearing conviction upon the tide of his rapid invective.

His speech lasted till seven in the evening, when the Duchess adjourned the meeting.

The council broke up, the Regent went to supper, but the effect of the discourse upon nearly all the members was not to be mistaken.
Viglius was in a state of consternation, perplexity, and despair.