William half turned towards him.
“Peace! You still hope for peace—after the treaty of Dover, after the invasion of Lorraine, of Munster and Cologne; after Downing’s audience of the States, his insolent demands, his frivolous complaints. Peace! You should open the campaign to-morrow, Mynheer.”
John de Witt replied firmly—
“Still do I hope to avert the war——”
“You have been hoping that these last two years, Mynheer.”
“Almighty God helping me I shall succeed in it yet.”
The Prince’s eyes flashed impatiently.
“I would sooner pray Almighty God to help me drive out the French.”
“That is the talk of selfish ambition,” answered the Grand Pensionary. “If once we embark on a war with France and England only a miracle can save us—” he gave a half sigh, and repeated—“can save us.”
“To that end—the end of peace—you make concessions.”