Among a hundred, sixty would bear the Spanish yoke, even do violence to conscience, if only their liberties and rights were guaranteed.

The cities must rule and they themselves in them; that is all they desire.

Whether people preach sermons or read mass in the church, whether a Spaniard or a Hollander rules, is a matter of secondary importance to them.

I except the present company, for you would not be here, gentlemen, if your views were similar to those of the men of whom I speak." "Thanks for those words," said Dirk Smaling, "but with all due honor to your opinion, you have painted matters in too dark colors.

May I ask if the nobles do not also cling to their rights and liberties ?" "Certainly, Herr Dirk; but they are commonly of longer date than yours," replied Van Bronkhorst.