“I am a Calvinist,” returned the Prince; “and I take such comfort in my faith that no mocks can touch me.”
The Duke smiled at Arlington.
“What have we here?” he asked. “This would sound like Tom o’ Bedlam in London. If Your Highness is to talk like a country parson, I am silenced.”
The Earl spoke—
“I must entreat Your Highness to consult your advisers on what we have said—this matter may not be decided easily.”
William rose and held on to the back of his chair.
“It may be decided in a breath, my lord.” He addressed himself to Arlington, and had his back half turned to the Duke. “But the terms of peace—I will appeal to you to consider those. In the name of wisdom, of generosity, of policy, my lord, offer us terms we can with honour accept.”
Arlington rose.
“Sir, if you prove not tractable in this matter we must go to the French, and I have small hopes of concessions from them.”