He went to Flanders, where the armed assemblages for field-preaching had become so numerous that a force of thirty or forty thousand men might be set on foot almost at a moment's warning, and where the conservatives, in a state of alarm, desired the presence of their renowned governor.

The people of Antwerp, on their part, demanded William of Orange.

The Prince, who was hereditary burgrave of the city, had at first declined the invitation of the magistracy.

The Duchess united her request with the universal prayer of the inhabitants.

Events meantime had been thickening, and suspicion increasing.