e had now three aims in life, to convoke the States-General, to
moderate or abolish the edicts, and to suppress both council of finance
and privy council, leaving only the one council of state, which he
could make the body of reform. By this time the persecutions were
rousing the horror of Catholic as well as Calvinist. The prisons were
crowded with victims, and through the streets went continual
processions to the stake. The four estates of Flanders were united in
an appeal to Philip. Egmont was to visit Spain and point out the
uselessness of forcing the Netherlands to accept religious decrees
which reduced them to abject slavery. Before he set out, William of
Orange made a notable speech, declaring the provinces free and
determined to vindicate their freedom.

Egmont's visit was a failure, since he suffered himself to be won by
the flattery of Philip II. He was reproached with having forgotten the
interests of the State when {82} he returned, and was consumed by
regrets that were unavailing. The wrath of the people was increasing
daily as the cruel persecution devastated the Low Countries. All other
subjects were forgotten in the time of agony and expectation. There
was talk of resistance that would win death on the battlefield, more
merciful than that proceeding from slow torture. In streets, shops,
and taverns men gathered to whisper of the dark deeds done in the name
of the Inquisition. Philip had vowed "never to allow myself either to
become or to be called the lord of those who reject Thee for their
Lord," as he prostrated his body before a crucifix. The doom of the
Protestants had been sealed by that oath. Henceforth, those who feared
death were known to favour freedom of religion.

The Duke of Alva was firm in his support of Philip's measures. The
Inquisition was formally proclaimed in the market-place of every town
and village in the Netherlands. Resistance was certain. All knew that
contending armies would take the field soon. Commerce ceased to engage
the attention of the people. Those merchants and artisans who were
able left the cities. Patriots spoke what was in their hearts at last,
and pamphlets "snowed in the streets." The "League of the Compromise"
was formed in 1566, with Count Louis of Nassau as the leader; it
declared the Inquisition "iniquitous, contrary to all laws, human and
divine, surpassing the greatest barbarism which was ever practised by
tyrants, and as redounding to t