"I am in the hand of God," said William of Orange; "my worldly goods and my life have been long since dedicated to His service.

He will dispose of them as seems best for His glory and my salvation." On the contrary, however, if it could be demonstrated, or even hoped, that his absence would benefit the cause of the country, he proclaimed himself ready to go into exile.
"Would to God," said he, in conclusion, "that my perpetual banishment, or even my death, could bring you a true deliverance from so many calamities.

Oh, how consoling would be such banishment--how sweet such a death! For why have I exposed my property?
Was it that I might enrich myself?
Why have I lost my brothers?
Was it that I might find new; ones?
Why have I left my son so long a prisoner?
Can you give me another?
Why have I put my life so often in, danger?
What reward, can I hope after my long services, and the almost total wreck, of my earthly fortunes, if not the prize, of having acquired, perhaps at the expense of my life, your liberty ?--If then, my masters, if you judge that my absence or my death can serve you, behold me ready to obey.

Command me--send me to the ends of the earth--I will obey.

Here is my head, over which no prince, no monarch, has power but yourselves.