"The people! It is they will decide the final issue. They are not slaves, Your Eminence, nor a conquered race, but His Majesty's subjects through inheritance; nor is he an absolute King here, as in Spain, but merely Count and Lord, and bound by oath to protect the people's charters as they to obey him. Look back a little—did not Maximilian do penance in the square of Bruges, and Mary go on her knees to her own councillors? These Netherlanders are easily pressed too far."
"Your Highness threatens revolt?"
"I threaten nothing. I prophesy."
The Cardinal tossed down his lace napkin.
"Even if there were a revolt," he said quietly, "it might be crushed."
"It might be supported," replied William.
"By the House of Nassau?" asked Granvelle.
William laughed in the priest's face.
"I am Catholic, and His Majesty's subject," he replied, "but there are certain neighbours who are neither who might easily be induced to foment discontent in the Netherlands."
"Notably the relatives of Your Highness's wife?" insinuated the Cardinal.