services during the Antwerp Fury had not been forgotten, but he was known
to be a determined Catholic. He was a hater of Spaniards, but no lover
of popular liberty. The nature of his sentiments towards Orange was
perhaps unjustly suspected. At any rate, two or three days after the
events which now occupy our attention, he wrote him a private letter, in
which he assured him of his attachment. In reference to the complaints,
of the Prince, that he had not been seconded as he ought to have been, he
said, moreover, that he could solemnly swear never to have seen a single
individual who did not hold the Prince in admiration, and who was not
affectionately devoted to him, not only, by public profession, but by
private sentiment.

There was little doubt entertained as to the opinions held by the rest of
the aristocratic party, then commencing their manoeuvres in Ghent. Their
sentiments were uttered with sufficient distinctness in this remarkable
session.

Hessels, the old Blood Councillor, was then resident in Ghent; where he
discharged high governmental functions. It was he, as it will be
remembered, who habitually fell asleep at that horrible council board,
and could only start from his naps to-shout "ad patibulum," while the
other murderers had found their work less narcotic. A letter from
Hessels to Count de Reux, late royal governor of Flanders, was at the
present juncture intercepted. Perhaps it was invented, but genuine or
fictitious, it was circulated extensively among the popular leaders,
and had the effect of proving Madame de Hessels a true prophet. It
precipitated the revolution in Flanders, and soon afterwards cost the
Councillor his life. "We have already brought many notable magistrates
of Flanders over to the aide of his Highness Don John," wrote Hessels.
"We hope, after the Duke of Aerschot is governor; that we shall fully