He held repeated deliberations with every separate portion of the little commonwealth, the senate, the council of ancients, the corporation of ward-masters, the deans of trades.

Nor did he confine his communication to these organized political bodies alone.

He had frequent interviews with the officers of the military associations, with the foreign merchant companies, with the guilds of "Rhetoric." The chambers of the "Violet" and the "Marigold" were not too frivolous or fantastic to be consulted by one who knew human nature and the constitution of Netherland society so well as did the Prince.

Night and day he labored with all classes of citizens to bring about a better understanding, and to establish mutual confidence.

At last by his efforts tranquillity was restored.