Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/184



was bent upon proving himself an accomplished financier, as he was indisputably a skilful commander, and he promised his sovereign an annual income of five hundred thousand ducats from the confiscations which were to follow the executions. For this purpose the Council of Blood was organized, which terrible tribunal has had no equal in the annals of history. So thoroughly did this institution perform its self-appointed task, that in less than three months from the time of its erection eighteen hundred human beings had suffered death. The Duke of Alva was president of this Council, and his coadjutors were appointed by himself. Noircarmes and Berlaymont, and two Spaniards, Del Rio and de Vargas, composed the working force of the Council. To each of these men the shedding of blood was an exhilarating pastime.

The greatest terror prevailed. The grass began to grow in the streets of the cities. All business was suspended. The country was like a vast sepulchre. Everywhere firesides were desolated. Surely 174