Because the great lords "owed their very souls"-- because convulsions might help to pay their debts, and furnish forth their masquerades and banquets--because the Prince of Orange was ambitious, and Egmont jealous of the Cardinal--therefore superficial writers found it quite natural that the country should be disturbed, although that "vile and mischievous animal, the people," might have no objection to a continuance of the system which had been at work so long.

On the contrary, it was exactly because the movement was a popular and a religious movement that it will always retain its place among the most important events of history.
Dignified documents, state papers, solemn treaties, are often of no more value than the lambskin on which they are engrossed.

Ten thousand nameless victims, in the cause of religious and civil freedom, may build up great states and alter the aspect of whole continents.
The nobles, no doubt, were conspicuous, and it was well for the cause of the right that, as in the early hours of English liberty, the crown and mitre were opposed by the baron's sword and shield.

Had all the seigniors made common cause with Philip and Granvelle, instead of setting their breasts against the inquisition, the cause of truth and liberty would have been still more desperate.

Nevertheless they were directed and controlled, under Providence, by humbler, but more powerful agencies than their own.