Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/261



was the spring of 1574. William of Orange sat in a room in his spacious mansion at Delft, reading despatches. One in particular seemed to touch him. It was an announcement from a Protestant clergyman, stating that as soon as he could make his way through the enemy's lines he would present in person the contribution which his needy flock had gathered together for the Prince.

The unequal contest between the people of the Netherlands and the Spanish government continued unabated. The Duke of Alva in his greed had at last overreached the mark. He levied a tax of the tenth penny upon every article of merchandise or personal property, to be paid as often as it should be sold, said tax to be perpetual. No one was exempt. This was a blow which struck home to every fireside. If enforced, commerce would be paralyzed. Religious persecution had failed to unite these provinces. Alva's oppression accomplished this union, and the different States were 249