The Prince of Orange lamented the intolerant spirit thus showing itself among those who had been its martyrs, but it was not possible at that moment to keep it absolutely under control.
A most important change was now to take place in his condition, a most vital measure was to be consummated by the provinces.

The step, which could never be retraced was, after long hesitation, finally taken upon the 26th of July, 1581, upon which day the united provinces, assembled at the Hague, solemnly declared their independence of Philip, and renounced their allegiance for ever.
This act was accomplished with the deliberation due to its gravity.

At the same time it left the country in a very divided condition.

This was inevitable.

The Prince had done all that one man could do to hold the Netherlands together and unite them perpetually into one body politic, and perhaps, if he had been inspired by a keener personal ambition, this task might have been accomplished .-- The seventeen provinces might have accepted his dominion, but they would agree to that of no other sovereign.