He spoke with no emotion, with the cold precision of a statesman, a manner that sat curiously on his youthful appearance; it did not chill his supporters.
The magistrates themselves were driven to plead with him.
“For the good of the State we must ask Your Highness to yield.”
“Ah,” said the Prince, “you urge me?”
“In the name of the people——”
“Whose will is above the law,” added Henry Dibbets.
“I swore before God,” replied William.
“Then God shall absolve Your Highness,” returned the pastor. “The usurper forced you to take an oath against justice … and I solemnly absolve Your Highness from it.”
With one accord councillors, pastors, and citizens set William free of his vow to the Republic.