“The revocation of all edicts hurtful to French commerce.
“The Dutch East and West India companies to submit to the French companies; a separate treaty on this matter to be concluded in three months.
“Free passage and passport for any subject of France.
“An indemnity of war, the tribute of 12,000,000 florins.
“A formal embassy to be sent every year to France, to present the King with a gold medal as token of homage; the motto on it to be a humble thanksgiving for His Majesty’s mercy in leaving the United Provinces some liberty.”
William paused, and again looked round the States.
“These are the final terms of France,” he said. “You have heard them before, my lords—they are not softened nor abated, and to them now are added these, which His Majesty of France demands for the King of England.”
Consternation and anguish showed in every face.
The senators of Rotterdam were weeping. Some sat rigid, with clasped hands and fixed eyes; others drooped with hanging heads, bowed by the bitterness of this humiliation.
No one spoke.