The President's elegant periods produced but little effect upon his mind.

The meeting adjourned, after a few additional words from the Duchess, in which she begged the knights to ponder well the causes of the increasing discontent, and to meet her again, prepared to announce what, in their opinion, would be the course best adapted to maintain the honor of the King, the safety of the provinces, and the glory of God.
Soon after the separation of the assembly, the Prince of Orange issued invitations to most of the knights, to meet at his house for the purpose of private deliberation.

The President and Cardinal were not included in these invitations.

The meeting was, in fact, what we should call a caucus, rather than a general gathering.

Nevertheless, there were many of the government party present--men who differed from the Prince, and were inclined to support Granvelle.