Perhaps it would have been better at that time had he advanced his claims and accepted the sovereignty which Philip had forfeited.

As he did not believe in the possibility of a republic, he might honestly have taken into his own hands the sceptre which he considered indispensable.

His self-abnegation was, however, absolute.

Not only did he decline sovereignty, but he repeatedly avowed his readiness to, lay down all the offices which he held, if a more useful substitute could be found.

"Let no man think," said he, in a remarkable speech to the states-general, "that my good-will is in any degree changed or diminished.