"Then what are the intentions of Your Highness?" he asked, with some haughtiness.
"My intentions are well known," answered the Prince simply. "I have resigned all my offices. And I shall leave the Netherlands."
Egmont started.
"Leave the Netherlands!" he cried.
"Do you think," answered William, "that I will resign, make myself a rebel, and then wait the coming of the Duke of Alva?"
"Take the oaths," said Mansfeld, "and withdraw your resignations. We and the Regent alike entreat you to this."
William moved back in his chair and turned his head so as to face Mansfeld.
"Once and for ever, Count," he said, and from behind his pleasant calm there flashed the strength of an immovable purpose, "I declare I will not take an oath which is against my honour, an oath that makes me a tool, an executioner. Is William of Orange"—his voice was suddenly angry—"to await the orders of the Duke of Alva? To be the servant of the Inquisition?"
Egmont flushed, thinking of Valenciennes and the many poor Christians he had slain there, and of the old days when he and Orange had been one in protesting against the Inquisition.
"You mock at loyalty," he said gloomily, "but you go to your ruin. If you leave the Netherlands, your property will be confiscated."