It was then that Berlaymont, according to the account which has been sanctioned by nearly every contemporary writer, whether Catholic or Protestant, uttered the gibe which was destined to become immortal, and to give a popular name to the confederacy.

"What, Madam," he is reported to have cried in a passion, "is it possible that your Highness can entertain fears of these beggars?
(gueux).

Is it not obvious what manner of men they are?
They have not had wisdom enough to manage their own estates, and are they now to teach the King and your Highness how to govern the country?
By the living God, if my advice were taken, their petition should have a cudgel for a commentary, and we would make them go down the steps of the palace a great deal faster than they mounted them." The Count of Meghen was equally violent in his language.

Aremberg was for ordering "their reverences; the confederates," to, quit Brussels without delay.

The conversation, carried on in so violent a key, might not unnaturally have been heard by such of the gentlemen as had not yet left the grand hall adjoining the council chamber.