"Wherein has the Pacification been violated ?" Hereupon the Prince launched forth upon a flowing stream of invective.

He spoke to them of his son detained in distant captivity--of his own property at Breda withheld--of a thousand confiscated estates--of garrisons of German mercenaries--of ancient constitutions annihilated--of the infamous edicts nominally suspended, but actually in full vigor.

He complained bitterly that the citadels, those nests and dens of tyranny, were not yet demolished.

"Ye accuse me of distrust," he cried; "but while the castles of Antwerp, Ghent, Namur, and so many more are standing, 'tis yourselves who show how utterly ye are without confidence in any permanent and peaceful arrangement." "And what," asked a deputy, smoothly, "is the point which touches you most nearly?
What is it that your Excellency most desires?
By what means will it be possible for the government fully to give you contentment ?" "I wish," he answered, simply, "the full execution of the Ghent Pacification.

If you regard the general welfare of the land, it is well, and I thank you.