Otherwise the land shall pay for it dearly." To these appeals, neither the Prince nor the authorities of Antwerp answered immediately in their own names.

A general consultation was, however, immediately held with the estates-general, and an answer forthwith despatched to the Duke by the hands of his envoys.

It was agreed to liberate the prisoners, to restore the furniture, and to send a special deputation for the purpose of making further arrangements with the Duke by word of mouth, and for this deputation his Highness was requested to furnish a safe conduct.
Anjou was overjoyed when he received this amicable communication.
Relieved for a time from his fears as to the result of his crime, he already assumed a higher ground.

He not only spoke to the states in a paternal tone, which was sufficiently ludicrous, but he had actually the coolness to assure them of his forgiveness.

"He felt hurt," he said, "that they should deem a safe conduct necessary for the deputation which they proposed to send.