point was left to the decision of a future assembly of the estates-
general. Leoninus essayed, as well as he could, to dispute these
positions. In their last interview, the Prince persisted in his
intention of laying the whole matter before the states of Holland
and Zealand. Not to do so, he said, would be to expose himself to ruin
on one side, and on the other, to the indignation of those who might
suspect him of betraying them. The envoy begged to be informed if any
hope could be entertained of a future arrangement. Orange replied that
he had no expectation of any, but advised Doctor Leoninus to be present
at Dort when the estates should assemble.

Notwithstanding the unfavorable result, of this mission, Don John did
not even yet despair of bending the stubborn character of the Prince.
He hoped that, if a personal interview between them could be arranged,
he should be able to remove many causes of suspicion from the mind of
his adversary. "In such times as these," wrote the Governor to Philip,
"we can make no election, nor do I see any remedy to preserve the state
from destruction, save to gain over this man, who has so much influence
with the nation." The Prince had, in truth, the whole game in his hands.
There was scarcely a living creature in Holland and Zealand who was not
willing to be bound by his decision in every emergency. Throughout the
rest of the provinces, the mass of the people looked up to him with
absolute confidence, the clergy and the prominent nobles respecting and
fearing him, even while they secretly attempted to thwart his designs.
Possessing dictatorial power in two provinces, vast influences in the
other fifteen, nothing could be easier for him than to betray his
country. The time was singularly propitious. The revengeful King was
almost on his knees to the denounced rebel. Everything was proffered:
pardon, advancement, power. An indefinite vista was opened. "You cannot
imagine," said Don John, "how much it will be within my ability to do for