He knew that the King was sincere in his purposes.

He foresaw that the people would one day be terribly in earnest.

Of ancient Frisian blood himself, he knew that the spirit of the ancient Batavians and Frisians had not wholly deserted their descendants.

He knew that they were not easily roused, that they were patient, but that they would strike at last and would endure.

He urgently solicited the King to release him, and pleaded his infirmities of body in excuse.