Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/49

 “Do you refuse to obey your sovereign?” demanded the Regent.

“I beg you to pardon my presumption, your Highness,” replied the Prince. “I would not in matters of such importance affect to be wiser, or to make greater pretensions than my age or experience warrants, yet seeing affairs in such perplexity, I would rather incur the risk of being charged with forwardness than neglect that which I consider my duty. You have not asked me for advice, but I prefer to hazard being censured for my remonstrance rather than to incur the suspicion of connivance at the desolation of my country by my silence. The only reason the whole country has not arisen in a great revolutionary movement has been because of the hope that the Inquisition would never be allowed to become a permanent institution in the Netherlands. With regard to these new and stringent methods for enforcing the edicts, I beg leave to say that it would be unwise to attempt this measure in the face of universal misery and an exasperated people. The King will gain nothing from the execution of this paper, except difficulty for himself. Moreover, a famine is impending, and no worse moment could be chosen in which to enforce such a policy. I am at all times desirous of obeying the command of his Majesty and your Highness, and of discharging the duties of a good Christian.”