"Doth not Your Majesty believe that God hath some further use for you?"
The King answered simply and with infinite sadness—
"I think He hath had from me all the work I am capable of."
"No," said Sunderland. "Your greatest tasks, your greatest victories lie before you. William of Nassau will not die while the battle rageth. God, who put you in the vanguard of the world, will not let you fall out with the deserters."
The King drew a sharp breath; he seemed considerably moved and agitated; his dark eyes turned to Sunderland.
"What is it to you whether I fail or no?" he asked wildly.
The Earl smiled.
"I stand for England, sire. Besides that, I always believed in you, and you are the only man in Europe worth serving."
William flushed.
"You speak very boldly."