All were ready to recognize his rank and services by every means in their power.

But it was desirable by conciliation and compromise, not by stern decree, to arrange these religious and political differences.
The Stadholder replied by again insisting on the Synod.

"As for the Waartgelders," he continued, "they are worse than Spanish fortresses.
They must away." After a little further conversation in this vein the Prince grew more excited.
"Everything is the fault of the Advocate," he cried.
"If Barneveld were dead," replied Grotius, "all the rest of us would still deem ourselves bound to maintain the laws.

People seem to despise Holland and to wish to subject it to the other provinces." "On the contrary," cried the Prince, "it is the Advocate who wishes to make Holland the States-General." Maurice was tired of argument.

There had been much ale-house talk some three months before by a certain blusterous gentleman called van Ostrum about the necessity of keeping the Stadholder in check.