The Council of State, having assumed the authority of the viceroy during the interim, was deluged with letters petitioning them to shake off the Spanish yoke entirely.

But, as the Council still remained loyal to Philip, on September 4 its members were arrested, a _coup d'etat_ planned in the interests of Orange and doubtless with his knowledge.

It was, of course, tantamount to treason.

The Estates General now seized sovereign powers.

Still protesting their loyalty to the monarch's person and to the Catholic religion, they demanded virtual independence and the withdrawal of the Spanish troops.