Lord Leicester and a brilliant English escort accompanied him; and Elizabeth asked the States to receive her suitor as "her own self." At Antwerp, where he took up his residence, Anjou was (February 19) solemnly invested with the duchy of Brabant, and received the homage of his new subjects.

He was far from popular, and William remained at his side to give him support and counsel.

On March 18 (Anjou's birthday) an untoward event occurred, which threatened to have most disastrous consequences.

As Orange was leaving the dinner-table, a young Biscayan, Juan Jaureguy by name, attempted his assassination, by firing a pistol at him.

The ball entered the head by the right ear and passed through the palate.