“If ever I have humiliated you or angered you—and never did I so wantonly—consider that I have had to ask the States to give me a position that will bring me bread; consider that my family is ruined, that I leave nothing but a heritage of failure to my sons—and again be satisfied.
“I shall not trouble you—I am not made for intrigue; had I been I need not have stood before you now asking for my brother’s life.… After my great labour I shall be content to take a little idleness in which to prepare me for death.… I shall not trouble you.
“Give me my brother’s life.… He is an innocent man; you, who have looked on him, must know it.… He is a man who has given all to his country; he has been great … and … they tortured him.… Oh, God forgive Your Highness if you knew of that!…”
The Prince moved towards the window.
“I only heard to-day.”
John de Witt put his hand over his hot and aching eyes.
“He is also sufficiently punished for having withstood your Highness.… I ask, nay, I demand, his life.”
William turned; he too was pale.
“Were he guilty, Mynheer, he should not die by virtue of your honourable family.… I blame myself that I did not sooner interpose—and greatly am I ashamed that he was put to the torture.… But the mob rules here, not I. I have a task so manifold before me that I might well despair—the country under water; the peasants rising; the enemy but just repulsed; the towns in a state of revolution.… My amnesty is scarcely heeded.… Yet I will save M. Cornelius de Witt.”
“I do not need to thank Your Highness, for you would injure your own honour should you have refused.”