Dykvelt was one of a remarkable class of public men who, having been bred to politics in the noble school of John De Witt, had, after the fall of that great minister, thought that they should best discharge their duty to the commonwealth by rallying round the Prince of Orange.

Of the diplomatists in the service of the United Provinces none was, in dexterity, temper, and manners, superior to Dykvelt.

In knowledge of English affairs none seems to have been his equal.

A pretence was found for despatching him, early in the year 1687, to England on a special mission with credentials from the States General.

But in truth his embassy was not to the government, but to the opposition; and his conduct was guided by private instructions which had been drawn by Burnet, and approved by William.
[264] Dykvelt reported that James was bitterly mortified by the conduct of the Prince and Princess.