His efforts were constant to elevate the middle class, to build up a strong third party which should unite much of the substantial wealth and intelligence of the land, drawing constantly from the people, and deriving strength from national enthusiasm--a party which should include nearly all the political capacity of the country; and his efforts were successful.

No doubt the Governor and his Secretary were right when they said the people of the Netherlands were inclined to brook the Turk as easily as the Spaniard for their master, and that their hearts were in reality devoted to the Prince of Orange.
As to the grandees, they were mostly of those who "sought to swim between two waters," according to the Prince's expression.

There were but few unswerving supporters of the Spanish rule, like the Berlaymont and the Tassis families.

The rest veered daily with the veering wind.

Aerschot, the great chief of the Catholic party, was but a cringing courtier, false and fawning both to Don John and the Prince.