Suddenly, amid the din of voices, he arose, with all his rhetorical powers at command: He recounted to the company the observations which the Seigneur de Berlaymont was reported to have made to the Duchess, upon the presentation of the Request, and the name which he had thought fit to apply to them collectively.

Most of the gentlemen then heard the memorable sarcasm for the first time.

Great was the indignation of all that the state councillor should have dared to stigmatize as beggars a band of gentlemen with the best blood of the land in their veins.

Brederode, on the contrary, smoothing their anger, assured them with good humor that nothing could be more fortunate.

"They call us beggars!" said he; "let us accept the name.