Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/284

 citizens of Leyden chose the latter gift; and as soon as they had recovered their health, and to some degree their former prosperity, a gala day, garnished by stately processions, martial music and ornate speeches, inaugurated the founding of this historic seat of learning.

Holland, Zealand and Friesland were now united, and an assembly of delegates, meeting in November, 1574, implored William to assume absolute control of these estates, under whatever title he pleased—either governor, king or emperor.

The Prince of Orange accepted this honor, although he resolutely put aside the diadem which the Congress of Delft offered him. It was enough for him to be recognized as the Father of his country. The title, "Father William," by which he was universally known, pleased him best. He cared nothing for mere titles of honor. He was absorbed in the greater question as to how best he might uplift his nation.

Upon only one question did the Prince issue peremptory commands. He insisted that there should be no persecution of the Roman Catholics in those provinces under his control. "My purpose," he said, "is to strangle the Spanish Inquisition, not to institute a Protestant Inquisition for the suppressing of those who differ from us in matters of conscience. I will never meddle with a man's religious thoughts. They are between himself and his God."