They had, in their second address, expressed perfect confidence as to two very considerable concessions.

The Duchess was practically to suspend the inquisition, although she had declared herself without authority for that purpose, The King, who claimed, de jure and de facto, the whole legislative power, was thenceforth to make laws on religious matters by and with the consent of the states-general.

Certainly, these ends were very laudable, and if a civil and religious revolution could have been effected by a few gentlemen going to court in fine clothes to present a petition, and by sitting down to a tremendous banquet afterwards, Brederode and his associates were the men to accomplish the task.

Unfortunately, a sea of blood and long years of conflict lay between the nation and the promised land, which for a moment seemed so nearly within reach.
Meantime the next important step in Brederode's eyes was a dinner.

He accordingly invited the confederates to a magnificent repast which he had ordered to be prepared in the Culemburg mansion.