His opinions were shared by Montigny, Culemburg, and many others.

The Duchess was almost reduced to desperation.

The condition of the country was frightful.

The most determined loyalists, such as Berlaymont, Viglius and Hopper, advised her not to mention the name of inquisition in a conference which she was obliged to hold with a deputation from Antwerp.

She feared, all feared, to pronounce the hated word.