“This may alter the laws, Mynheer,” answered the Prince proudly.
“Your Highness sides with this revolt!” cried M. Van Beveren.
William turned his powerful glance on the brother-in-law of M. de Witt.
“I do nothing, Mynheer,” he answered coldly. “I wait for you—who sent for me—you who have the authority—to act——”
Henry Dibbets broke in—
“If they are at a loss, Your Highness, we will soon teach them what to do.”
The magistrates stood nonplussed, overwhelmed; for the people were plainly in earnest, plainly dangerous.
The town secretary, Orent Muys, whispered to the burgomaster that they had best yield.
The crowd, by now filling the room, caught up the words; with much violence they swore to massacre the councillors did they not at once proclaim the Prince as Stadtholder.
William sat immovable. It was obvious that he would neither pacify the crowd (if indeed he could) nor so declare himself or his wishes as to shift the responsibility to his from the shoulders of the magistrates; they, seeing that they could never leave the inn alive without submitting to the outcry of the people, and, indeed, in their hearts yielding to the general enthusiasm, consulted together.… How should they combine dignity with concession?