Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/155

 His face was deathly pale and his lips trembled, but it was not with fear.

"Burghers," said the Prince, "I will reply to your first accusation as to why I permitted the slaughter of yesterday to go unavenged. As to the threat upon my life, I can say nothing. There are thousands of you. I am alone!"

The proud dignity and quiet words of William of Orange were more cogent than a sublime oration. The crowd began to look shamefaced. They knew that the Prince was no coward. He was calm, even though he knew the mob was capable of tearing him in pieces. But they were not yet fully satisfied.

"Prove your statement!" shouted one.

"Deeds, we want deeds!" said another.

"Citizens," said William," do you think it cost me nothing to sacrifice the brother of one of my dearest friends, one who was dear to me for his own sake, and to feel compelled to disappoint his confidence? To be sure, you might have sallied forth, and perhaps have rescued Thoulouse and his men, and defeated the government troops. But at what a cost! The city of Antwerp would immediately have been subjected to all the horrors of civil war. From that fate you were saved yesterday. Was that the act of a traitor? Furthermore," he added, "so long as I have a voice to advise, and an arm to deter you, not a man shall draw a weapon