Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/44

 the flesh smarts. It is the same with the field services. The burghers know they are prohibited, yet they attend by thousands. Then a cry of execration arises when they are surprised and punished. They tell me that Antwerp is even now in a tumult, because one of their conventicles was disturbed, and the preacher together with twenty followers put to the sword. As for myself, Prince,” continued Count Brederode with his accustomed recklessness, “I went to church this morning like a good Catholic, and I can say from the bottom of my heart that I am tired of all these sermons and masses. The priests expatiate on God's love and mercy, and entreat people to enter the fold of the one true Church, while between times they torture, hang, behead and burn men and women, for no other offence than daring to worship God in their own way. In truth, I am disgusted with such religion.”

The Prince of Orange smiled as he replied, “My friend, there are some truths which it is the part of wisdom to keep locked in one's breast in times like these.”

They had now reached the royal palace, where their ways diverged, the Count going to a banquet of nobles, and William to take his seat in the State Council.

Before alighting from the carriage, Count Brederode said jocosely, “Tell the Regent that the