They were received with deafening huzzas and clappings of hands by the assembled populace.

As they entered the council chamber, passing through the great hall, where ten years before the Emperor had given away his crowns, they found the Emperor's daughter seated in the chair of state, and surrounded by the highest personages of the country.

The emotion of the Duchess was evident, as the procession somewhat abruptly made its appearance; nor was her agitation diminished as she observed among the petitioners many relatives and, retainers of the Orange and Egmont houses, and saw friendly glances of recognition exchanged between them and their chiefs.
As soon as all had entered the senate room, Brederode advanced, made a low obeisance, and spoke a brief speech.

He said that he had come thither with his colleagues to present a humble petition to her Highness.

He alluded to the reports which had been rife, that they had contemplated tumult, sedition, foreign conspiracies, and, what was more abominable than all, a change of sovereign.