A.D. 1584

JOHN LOTHROP MOTLEY

Throughout the earlier period of the "heroic age of the Netherlands"
William of Orange, the natural leader of his people, displayed
qualities of foresight, prudence, and courage worthy of the position
which he held. Without great generalship, "he knew how to wait and
turn his reverses to account." His life was constantly in danger and
was repeatedly attempted, but his resolution was never disturbed by
fear. While meriting the surname of the "Silent," he expressed
himself effectively in the decisive speech of action.

The Pacification of Ghent (1576)--the union of the seventeen Netherland
provinces, of which William was at the head--was of short duration.
The northern provinces were Protestant, the southern mostly Catholic.
Diverse trade interests also prevented perfect union. Compromise was
attempted without avail. The Southern provinces acknowledged Philip
II, while the seven Northern provinces--Holland, Zealand, Utrecht,
Gelderland, Overyssel, Friesland, and Groningen--formed themselves
(1579) into the Union of Utrecht, a federal republic, with William
of Orange as stadtholder.

A little later the Spanish government published a ban against the
Prince and set a price upon his head. Many attempts against his life
were made by assassins eager for the promised reward. How the
treacherous end was finally compassed is told by Motley with all the
dramatic realism necessary for a faithful description of the scene.

In March, 1583, one Pietro Dordogno was executed in Antwerp for
endeavoring to assassinate the Prince. Before his death he confessed
that he had come from Spain solely for the purpose, and that he had
conferred with La Motte, Governor of Gravelines, as to the best means of
accomplishing his design. In April, 1584, Hans Hanzoon, a merchant of
Flushing, had been executed for attempting to destroy the Prince by
means of gunpowder concealed under his house in that city and under his
seat in the church. He confessed that he had deliberately formed the
intention of performing the deed, and that he had discussed the details
of the enterprise with the Spanish ambassador in Paris.

At about the same time one Le Goth, a captive French officer, had been
applied to by the Marquis de Richebourg, on the part of Alexander of
Parma, to attempt the murder of the Prince. Le