“Is that in your instructions?” asked William quietly.
“It is a point His Majesty made with the King of France,” answered Arlington eagerly. “If you make this peace, not only will the war be removed from your country, but you will be made Sovereign of it, and both the Kings will secure you, at home and abroad. For their Majesties agree to make this a condition of peace with the States, that they take you for King over such of the Low Countries as be left after we have had our partage.”
William kept his eyes lowered, and leant a little sideways over the arm of the chair.
“Ye were to make this proposal to me?” he asked.
My lord Buckingham put the matter more bluntly.
“We are to offer you the hereditary sovereignty of the United Provinces, Sir, if you will give up to the King of England the towns he demands from the States, forbear to contest the conquests of the French, and place in King Louis’ hands those remaining towns he has not yet taken.”
For the first time since the interview William looked at Bentinck, who stood motionless by the window.
“Sir,” said my lord Arlington, “do you hesitate?—you will be a sovereign Prince.”
“I like better,” replied William, “the condition I am in of Captain General of the United Provinces.”