We have seen that at former periods he had entertained this subject and discussed it privately with those who were not only friendly but devoted to the Stadholder, and that he had arrived at the conclusion that it would not be for the interest of the Prince to encourage the project.

Above all he was sternly opposed to the idea of attempting to compass it by secret intrigue.
Should such an arrangement be publicly discussed and legally completed, it would not meet with his unconditional opposition.
"The Lord God knows," he said, "whether underneath all these movements does not lie the design of the year 1600, well known to you.

As for me, believe that I am and by God's grace hope to remain, what I always was, an upright patriot, a defender of the true Christian religion, of the public authority, and of all the power that has been and in future may be legally conferred upon his Excellency.

Believe that all things said, written, or spread to the contrary are falsehoods and calumnies." He was still in Utrecht, but about to leave for the Hague, with health somewhat improved and in better spirits in regard to public matters.
"Although I have entered my seventy-first year," he said, "I trust still to be of some service to the Commonwealth and to my friends.

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