In August he sent a demand to the representatives to do their duty by the people, for he did not doubt that they had the right to depose the tyrant.

Never did his prospects look brighter.

Help was offered by Elizabeth and the tide of republican feeling began to rise higher.

In proportion as the laborers were drawn to the party of revolt did the doctrine of the monarchomachs become liberal.

No longer satisfied with the democracy of corporations and castes of the Middle Ages, the people began to dream of the individualistic democracy of modern times.
The executive power, virtually abandoned by Don John, now became centered in a Committee of {268} Eighteen, nominally on fortifications, but in reality, like the French Committee of Public Safety, supreme in all matters.