Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/286

272 stupendous task, but the Prince encouraged the people by his presence and his energy. Yearly the Prince made a tour of the provinces. His coming was heralded by the spontaneous homage of grateful hearts. William did not appear before his fellow countrymen as a vulgar potentate seeking admiration. He was like a beloved father visiting his children, and happy and honored were those who heard his voice or grasped his hand. No one was too humble or too ignorant to approach him. His gracious words and outstretched hand were for all.

In 1579 the "Union of Utrecht" occurred, which was the corner-stone of the Netherland Republic. Nine provinces out of the seventeen had ranged themselves on the side of the Prince of Orange, and now they formally banded themselves together for mutual protection and support. They agreed to defend each other "with life, goods and blood" against all force brought to bear upon them by the King of Spain. This union placed the Reformed religion on a level with the old. Protestantism was no longer proscribed. From out of subterranean cellars, forests, caves, and secret conventicles, the heretics who had worshipped God with fear and trembling came out boldly into the light of day, and voiced their devotions in language consonant with their beliefs.

There had been many attempts on the part of Spain to treat with the Prince of Orange, but he