Being overwhelmed with debt, he should doubtless do better in a personal point of view to accept the excellent and profitable offers which were daily made to him by the enemy." He might be justified in such a course, when it was remembered how many had deserted him and forsworn their religion.

Nevertheless, he had ever refused, and should ever refuse to listen to offers by which only his own personal interests were secured.

As to the defence of the country, he had thus far done all in his power, with the small resources placed at his command.

He was urged by the "nearer-united states" to retain the poet of Lieutenant-General.
He was ready to consent.

He was, however, not willing to hold office a moment, unless he had power to compel cities to accept garrisons, to enforce the collection of needful supplies throughout the provinces, and in general to do everything which he judged necessary for the best interests of the country.
Three councils were now established--one to be in attendance upon the Archduke and the Prince of Orange, the two others to reside respectively in Flanders and in Utrecht.