This pleasantry was alternated with much rude sarcasm concerning the new
bishoprics. The conversation then fell upon other topics, among others,
naturally upon the mission of Count Egmont. Brederede observed that it
was a very hazardous matter to allow so eminent a personage to leave the
land at such a critical period. Should any thing happen to the Count,
the Netherlands would sustain an immense loss. The Archbishop, irritated
by the previous conversation, ironically requested the speaker to be
comforted, "because," said he, "it will always be easy to find a new
Egmont." Upon this, Brederode, beside himself with rage, cried out
vehemently, "Are we to tolerate such language from this priest?"
Gulemburg, too, turning upon the offender, observed, "Your observation
would be much more applicable to your own case. If you were to die,
't would be easy to find five hundred of your merit, to replace you in
the see of Cambray." The conversation was, to say the least, becoming
personal. The Bishop, desirous of terminating this keen encounter of
wits, lifted a goblet full of wine and challenged Brederode to drink.
That gentleman declined the invitation. After the cloth had been
removed, the cup circulated more freely than ever. The revelry became
fast and furious. One of the younger gentlemen who was seated near the
Bishop snatched the bonnet of that dignitary from his head and placed it
upon his own. He then drained a bumper to his health, and passed the
goblet and the cap to his next neighbor. Both circulated till they
reached the Viscount of Ghent, who arose from his seat and respectfully
restored the cap to its owner. Brederode then took a large "cup of
silver and gold," filled it to the brim, and drained it to the confusion
of Cardinal Granvelle; stigmatizing that departed minister, as he
finished, by an epithet of more vigor than decency. He then called upon
all the company to pledge him to the same toast, and denounced as
cardinalists all those who should refuse. The Archbishop, not having
digested the affronts which had been put upon him already, imprudently