The Rise of the Dutch Republic — Volume 08: 1563-64Motley, John Lothrop
History
The Rise of the Dutch Republic — Volume 08: 1563-64
Motley, John Lothrop
Netherlands -- Church history; Netherlands -- History -- Eighty Years' War, 1568-1648
groves, fertile fields, lovely meadows; on the one aide great warmth,
on the other aide delectable coolness, despite the summer's heat. Nor is
there any lack of good company, friends, and relations, with, as you well
know, the very best wines in the world."
Thus it is obvious that the Cardinal was no ascetic. His hermitage
contained other appliances save those for study and devotion. His
retired life was, in fact, that of a voluptuary. His brother,
Chantonnay, reproached him with the sumptuousness and disorder of his
establishment. He lived in "good and joyous cheer." He professed to be
thoroughly satisfied with the course things had taken, knowing that God
was above all, and would take care of all. He avowed his determination
to extract pleasure and profit even from the ill will of his adversaries.
"Behold my philosophy," he cried, "to live joyously as possible, laughing
at the world, at passionate people, and at all their calumnies."
It is evident that his philosophy, if it had any real existence,
was sufficiently Epicurean. It was, however, mainly compounded of
pretence, like his whole nature and his whole life. Notwithstanding
the mountains high as heaven, the cool grottos, the trout, and the best
Burgundy wines in the world, concerning which he descanted so eloquently,
he soon became in reality most impatient of his compulsory seclusion.
His pretence of "composing himself as much as possible to tranquillity
and repose" could deceive none of the intimate associates to whom he
addressed himself in that edifying vein. While he affected to be blind
and deaf to politics, he had eyes and ears for nothing else. Worldly
affairs were his element, and he was shipwrecked upon the charming
solitude which he affected to admire. He was most anxious to return to
the world again, but he had difficult cards to play. His master was even
more dubious than usual about everything. Granvelle was ready to remain
in Burgundy as long as Philip chose that he should remain there. He was
also ready to go to "India, Peru, or into the fire," whenever his King
should require any such excursion, or to return to the Netherlands,
confronting any danger which might lie in his path. It is probable that
he nourished for a long time a hope that the storm would blow over in the
provinces, and his resumption of power become possible. William of
Orange, although more than half convinced that no attempt would be made
to replace the minister, felt it necessary to keep strict watch on his
movements. "We must be on our guard," said he, "and not be deceived.
Perhaps they mean to put us asleep, in order the better to execute their
designs. For the present things are peaceable, and all the world is
rejoiced at the departure of that good Cardinal." The Prince never
committed the error of undervaluing the talents of his great adversary,
and he felt the necessity of being on the alert in the present emergency.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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