Page:Readings in European History Vol 2.djvu/215

 The Catholic Reformation 177 God's servant, that if one of our subjects be found so gen- erous of heart and so desirous of doing us a service and advantaging the public that he shall find means of execut- ing this decree and of ridding us of the said pest, either by delivering him to us dead or alive, or by depriving him at once of life, we will give him and his heirs landed estates or money, as he will, to the amount of twenty-five thousand gold crowns. If he has committed any crime, of any kind whatsoever, we will pardon him. If he be not noble, we will ennoble him for his valor ; and should he require other persons to assist him, we will reward them according to the service rendered, pardon their crimes, and ennoble them too. In answer to the charges brought against him the prince of Orange published his famous " Apology." This contains a good account of his life and a brief history of the revolt of the Netherlands, in which he played so important a part. A few passages only can be given here. .... What could be more gratifying in this world, 285. Ex- especially to one engaged in the great and excellent task Jf* * 8 * 10 ? 1 of securing liberty for a good people oppressed by evil men, ogy » f than to be mortally hated by one's enemies, who are at the William the same time enemies of the fatherland, and by their mouths ^/estates to receive a sweet testimony to one's fidelity to his people (1581). and to his obstinate opposition to tyrants and disturbers of the peace? Such is the pleasure that the Spaniards and their adherents have prepared for me in their anxiety to disturb me. They have but gratified me by that infamous proscription by which they sought to ruin me. Not only do I owe to them this favor, but also the occasion to make generally known the equity and justice of my enterprises. . . . [If in reviewing my life I am forced to praise myself and blame others] kindly attribute this, gentlemen, to the situation in which my enemies have placed me, and throw the blame upon their impudence and importunity. Remem- ber, gentlemen, that I am falsely accused of being an ingrate,