"There are many words among this free-spoken people," said Carleton, "that to end these differences they must follow the example of France in Marshal d'Ancre's case, and take off the heads of both chiefs." But these decided persons were in a small minority.

Meantime the States of Holland met in full assembly; sixty delegates being present.
It was proposed to invite his Excellency to take part in the deliberations.

A committee which had waited upon him the day before had reported him as in favour of moderate rather than harsh measures in the church affair, while maintaining his plighted word to the seceders.
Barneveld stoutly opposed the motion.
"What need had the sovereign states of Holland of advice from a stadholder, from their servant, their functionary ?" he cried.
But the majority for once thought otherwise.

The Prince was invited to come.

The deliberations were moderate but inconclusive.