He answered with composure—
“Mynheer, I must remind you that I came here at your request—your urgent request—to hear what you had to say to me.”
The councillors refused to be drawn; with many protestations of respect they invited him to inspect the arsenals and fortifications of the town.
William looked at them, at M. Bentinck, at the crowd, and he smiled.
He could not help being amused at the cunning with which these republican magistrates were endeavouring to keep the law and please the people.
“Very well, Mynheer,” he answered gravely. “I shall be pleased to see your fortifications.”
Followed by the eager crowds, the Prince set out for the ramparts and the powder magazines.
M. Beveren, the husband of John de Witt’s sister, galled by the position in which he found himself, ventured to put on his hat.
It was instantly knocked off, with threats that it would be his head next time if he did not treat the Prince with proper respect.
William affected neither to see nor hear. He conversed with M. Bentinck, and occasionally with the burgomaster, his manner showing the same calm as if no mob clamoured at their heels. He passed interested comments on the beautiful architecture of the wealthy town that he had never seen before.