he soon became in reality most impatient of his compulsory seclusion.
His pretence of "composing himself as much as possible to tranquillity
and repose" could deceive none of the intimate associates to whom he
addressed himself in that edifying vein. While he affected to be blind
and deaf to politics, he had eyes and ears for nothing else. Worldly
affairs were his element, and he was shipwrecked upon the charming
solitude which he affected to admire. He was most anxious to return to
the world again, but he had difficult cards to play. His master was even
more dubious than usual about everything. Granvelle was ready to remain
in Burgundy as long as Philip chose that he should remain there. He was
also ready to go to "India, Peru, or into the fire," whenever his King
should require any such excursion, or to return to the Netherlands,
confronting any danger which might lie in his path. It is probable that
he nourished for a long time a hope that the storm would blow over in the
provinces, and his resumption of power become possible. William of
Orange, although more than half convinced that no attempt would be made
to replace the minister, felt it necessary to keep strict watch on his
movements. "We must be on our guard," said he, "and not be deceived.
Perhaps they mean to put us asleep, in order the better to execute their
designs. For the present things are peaceable, and all the world is
rejoiced at the departure of that good Cardinal." The Prince never
committed the error of undervaluing the talents of his great adversary,
and he felt the necessity of being on the alert in the present emergency.
"'Tis a sly and cunning bird that we are dealing with," said he,
"one that sleeps neither day nor night if a blow is to be dealt to us."
Honest Brederode, after solacing himself with the spectacle of his
enemy's departure, soon began to suspect his return, and to express
himself on the subject, as usual, with ludicrous vehemence. "They say
the red fellow is back again," he wrote to Count Louis, "and that
Berlaymont has gone to meet him at Namur. The Devil after the two would