He sought to play a leading part in a great epoch; he only distinguished himself by courting and betraying all parties, and being thrown away by all.

His son and brother were hardly more respectable.

The Prince knew how little dependence could be placed on such allies, even although they had signed and sworn the Ghent Pacification.

He was also aware how little it was the intention of the Governor to be bound by that famous Treaty.

The Spanish troops had been, indeed, disbanded, but there were still, between ten and fifteen thousand German mercenaries in the service of the King; these were stationed in different important places, and held firm possession of the citadels.