“This is not reasonable.”
“It is very reasonable.” John de Witt’s voice was stern. “For twenty years I have stood at the helm of this Republic. I have guided her through storms and perils; through God’s help I have always maintained her dignity and prosperity. An uncorrupt, free Republic was my ideal. Well, I served it, I have fallen, I have failed—I have been repaid with hate where I worked for love—but I will never be the tool of the Prince who has destroyed my work, nor help the people set a yoke again upon their necks.”
“Mynheer, you talk rashly—we are as free as ever we were.”
John de Witt’s eyes flashed.
“You deceive yourself. You have put at the head of the State a young man with a temper as imperious as any of his House—a Stewart for pride, a Nassau for firmness. Were we free in the days of Prince Maurice? We shall not be free under this youth. For twenty years we have tasted real liberty, and now he will make us pay.…”
Gaspard Fagel replied vehemently—
“Indeed you wrong His Highness … he is the sole hope of the country.… I believe that he will save us.”
“Others could have saved you, had you permitted them.… If he be a patriot, he is not the only one in the United Provinces.”
“This attitude is dangerous,” said Gaspard Fagel.
John de Witt looked at him with an air almost of pity.