Life and Death of John of Barneveld, v4, 1610-12


CHAPTER V.

Interviews between the Dutch Commissioners and King James--Prince
Maurice takes command of the Troops--Surrender of Julich--Matthias
crowned King of Bohemia--Death of Rudolph--James's Dream of a
Spanish Marriage--Appointment of Vorstius in place of Arminius at
Leyden--Interview between Maurice and Winwood--Increased Bitterness
between Barneveld and Maurice--Projects of Spanish Marriages in
France.

It is refreshing to escape from the atmosphere of self-seeking faction,
feverish intrigue, and murderous stratagem in which unhappy France was
stifling into the colder and calmer regions of Netherland policy.

No sooner had the tidings of Henry's murder reached the States than
they felt that an immense responsibility had fallen on their shoulders.
It is to the eternal honour of the Republic, of Barneveld, who directed
her councils, and of Prince Maurice, who wielded her sword, that she was
equal to the task imposed upon her.

There were open bets on the Exchange in Antwerp, after the death of
Henry, that Maurice would likewise be killed within the month. Nothing
seemed more probable, and the States implored the Stadholder to take
special heed to himself. But this was a kind of caution which the Prince
was not wont to regard. Nor was there faltering, distraction, cowardice,
or parsimony in Republican councils.