The Rise of the Dutch Republic, 1577-78 | Page 9

to play the part set down for him by
those who had placed him upon the stage. A large portion, no doubt, of
the schemes here suggested, was in agitation, but the actors were hardly
equal to the drama which they were attempting. The intrigue was,
however, to be frustrated at once by the hand of Orange, acting as it
often did from beneath a cloud.
Of all the chieftains possessing influence with the inhabitants of Ghent,
two young nobles, named Ryhove and Imbize, were the most
conspicuous. Both were of ancient descent and broken fortunes, both
were passionately attached to the Prince, both were inspired with an
intense hatred for all that was Catholic or Spanish. They had travelled

further on the reforming path than many had done in that day, and
might even be called democratic in their notions. Their heads were
filled with visions of Greece and Rome; the praise of republics was
ever on their lips; and they avowed to their intimate associates that it
was already feasible to compose a commonwealth like that of the Swiss
Cantons out of the seventeen Netherlands. They were regarded as
dreamers by some, as desperadoes by others. Few had confidence in
their capacity or their purity; but Orange, who knew mankind,
recognized in them useful instruments for any hazardous enterprise.
They delighted in stratagems and sudden feats of arms. Audacious and
cruel by temperament, they were ever most happy in becoming a
portion of the desolation which popular tumults engender.
There were several excited meetings of the four estates of Flanders
immediately after the arrival of the Duke of Aerschot in Ghent. His
coming had been preceded by extensive promises, but it soon became
obvious that their fulfilment was to be indefinitely deferred. There was
a stormy session on the 27th of October, many of the clergy and
nobility being present, and comparatively few members of the third
estate. Very violent speeches were made, and threats openly uttered,
that the privileges, about which so much noise had been heard, would
be rather curtailed than enlarged under the new administration. At the
same session, the commission of Aerschot was formally presented by
Champagny and Sweveghem, deputed by the State Council for that
purpose. Champagny was in a somewhat anomalous position. There
was much doubt in men's minds concerning him. He had seemed lately
the friend of Orange, but he was certainly the brother of Granvelle. His
splendid but fruitless 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
carry out the intentions of his Majesty and the plans of his Highness.
We shall also know how to circumvent the scandalous heretic with all
his adherents and followers."
Certainly, if this letter were true, it was high time for the friends of the
"scandalous heretic" to look about them. If it were a forgery, which is
highly probable, it was ingeniously imagined, and did the work of truth.
The revolutionary party, being in a small minority in the assembly,
were advised