Parma is said to have hinted to Philip that De Billy would willingly undertake, the private assassination of La Noue .-- Popeliniere, Hist.

des Pays Bas; 1556- 1584.] His Majesty, of course, never signified his pleasure, and the illustrious soldier remained for five years in a loathsome dungeon more befitting a condemned malefactor than a prisoner of war.

It was in the donjon keep of the castle, lighted only by an aperture in the roof, and was therefore exposed to the rain and all inclemencies of the sky, while rats, toads, and other vermin housed in the miry floor.

Here this distinguished personage, Francis with the Iron Arm, whom all Frenchmen, Catholic or Huguenot, admired far his genius, bravery, and purity of character, passed five years of close confinement.

The government was most anxious to take his life, but the captivity of Egmont and others prevented the accomplishment of their wishes.