Orange.  What if the sentence were to precede the trial? punishment, the sentence?

Egmont.  It were an injustice of which Philip is incapable; a folly which I cannot impute either to him or to his counsellors.

Orange.  And how if they were both unjust and foolish?

Egmont.  No, Orange, it is impossible.  Who would venture to lay hands on us?  The attempt to capture us were a vain and fruitless enterprize.  No, they dare not raise the standard of tyranny so high.  The breeze that should waft these tidings over the land would kindle a mighty conflagration.  And what object would they have in view?  The king alone has no power either to judge or to condemn us and would they attempt our lives by assassination?  They cannot intend it.  A terrible league would unite the entire people.  Direful hate and eternal separation from the crown of Spain would, on the instant, be forcibly declared.

Orange.  The flames would then rage over our grave, and the blood of our enemies flow, a vain oblation.  Let us consider, Egmont.

Egmont.  But how could they effect this purpose?

Orange.  Alva is on the way.

Egmont.  I do not believe it.

Orange.  I know it.

Egmont.  The Regent appeared to know nothing of it.

Orange.  And, therefore, the stronger is my conviction.  The Regent will give place to him.  I know his blood-thirsty disposition, and he brings an army with him.

Egmont.  To harass the provinces anew?  The people will be exasperated to the last degree.

Orange.  Their leaders will be secured.

Egmont.  No!  No!

Orange.  Let us retire, each to his province.  There we can strengthen ourselves; the Duke will not begin with open violence.

Egmont.  Must we not greet him when he comes?

Orange.  We will delay.

Egmont.  What if, on his arrival, he should summon us in the king’s name?

Orange.  We will answer evasively.

Egmont.  And if he is urgent?

Orange.  We will excuse ourselves.

Egmont.  And if he insist?

Orange.  We shall be the less disposed to come.

Egmont.  Then war is declared; and we are rebels.  Do not suffer prudence to mislead you, Orange.  I know it is not fear that makes you yield.  Consider this step.

Orange.  I have considered it.

Egmont.  Consider for what you are answerable if you are wrong.  For the most fatal war that ever yet desolated a country.  Your refusal is the signal that at once summons the provinces to arms, that justifies every cruelty for which Spain has hitherto so anxiously sought a pretext.  With a single nod you will excite to the direst confusion what, with patient effort, we have so long kept in abeyance.  Think of the towns, the nobles, the people; think of commerce, agriculture, trade!  Realize the murder, the desolation!  Calmly the soldier beholds his