He was treacherous from the most sordid of motives jealousy of his friend and love of place and pelf; but his subsequent remorse and his early death have cast a veil over the blackness of his crime.
While Cornelia de Lalain was in Groningen, Orange was in Holland.
Intercepted letters left no doubt of the plot, and it was agreed that the Prince, then on his way to Amsterdam, should summon the Count to an interview.

Renneberg's trouble at the proximity of Orange could not be suppressed.

He felt that he could never look his friend in the face again.

His plans were not ripe; it was desirable to dissemble for a season longer; but how could he meet that tranquil eye which "looked quite through the deeds of men ?" It was obvious to Renneberg that his deed was to be done forthwith, if he would escape discomfiture.

The Prince would soon be in Groningen, and his presence would dispel the plots which had been secretly constructed.
On the evening of March the 3rd, 1580, the Count entertained a large number of the most distinguished families of the place at a ball and banquet.