[The Rise of the Dutch Republic Volume I.(of III) 1555-66 by John Lothrop Motley]@TWC D-Link bookThe Rise of the Dutch Republic Volume I.(of III) 1555-66 CHAPTER VII 10/57
Better the sanguinary rites of Belgic Druids, better the yell of slaughtered victims from the "wild wood without mercy" of the pagan forefathers of the nation, than this fantastic intermingling of divine music, glowing colors, gorgeous ceremonies, with all the burning, beheading and strangling work which had characterized the system of human sacrifice for the past half-century. Such was the church of Notre Dame at Antwerp.
Thus indifferent or hostile towards the architectural treasure were the inhabitants of a city, where in a previous age the whole population would have risked their lives to defend what they esteemed the pride and garland of their metropolis. The Prince of Orange had been anxiously solicited by the Regent to attend the conference at Duffel.
After returning to Antwerp, he consented, in consequence of the urgent entreaties of the senate, to delay his departure until the 18th of August should be past.
On the 13th of that month he had agreed with the magistrates upon an ordinance, which was accordingly published, and by which the preachings were restricted to the fields.
A deputation of merchants and others waited upon him with a request to be permitted the exercises of the Reformed religion in the city.
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