one day in such a state that I thought he would certainly die, but he has
now got over it." Count Brederode, soon afterwards to become so
conspicuous in the early scenes of the revolt, was, in truth, most
notorious for his performances in these banqueting scenes. He appeared
to have vowed as uncompromising hostility to cold water as to the
inquisition, and always denounced both with the same fierce and ludicrous
vehemence. Their constant connection with Germany at that period did not
improve the sobriety of the Netherlands' nobles. The aristocracy of that
country, as is well known, were most "potent at potting." "When the
German finds himself sober," said the bitter Badovaro, "he believes
himself to be ill." Gladly, since the peace, they had welcomed the
opportunities afforded for many a deep carouse with their Netherlands
cousins. The approaching marriage of the Prince of Orange with the Saxon
princess--an episode which will soon engage our attention--gave rise to
tremendous orgies. Count Schwartzburg, the Prince's brother-in-law, and
one of the negotiators of the marriage, found many occasions to
strengthen the bonds of harmony between the countries by indulgence of
these common tastes. "I have had many princes and counts at my table,"
he wrote to Orange, "where a good deal more was drunk than eaten. The
Rhinegrave's brother fell down dead after drinking too much malvoisie;
but we have had him balsamed and sent home to his family."

These disorders among the higher ranks were in reality so extensive as
to justify the biting remark of the Venetian: "The gentlemen intoxicate
themselves every day," said he, "and the ladies also; but much less than
the men." His remarks as to the morality, in other respects, of both
sexes were equally sweeping, and not more complimentary.

If these were the characteristics of the most distinguished society,
it may be supposed that they were reproduced with more or less intensity