It is because of
the industry, the frugality, and the energy of the Dutch that your
Majesty has found them so difficult to overcome."
It is also related of Spinola and Richardet, the ambassadors sent
by the King of Spain to negotiate a treaty at the Hague in 1608,
that one day they saw some eight or ten persons land from a little
boat, and, sitting down upon the grass, proceed to make a meal of
bread-and-cheese and beer. "Who are those travellers asked the
ambassadors of a peasant. "These are worshipful masters, the
deputies from the States," was his reply. Spinola at once
whispered to his companion, "We must make peace: these are not men
to be conquered."
In fine, stability of institutions must depend upon stability of
character. Any number of depraved units cannot form a great
nation. The people may seem to be highly civilised, and yet be
ready to fall to pieces at first touch of adversity. Without
integrity of individual character, they can have no real strength,
cohesion, soundness. They may be rich, polite, and artistic; and
yet hovering on the brink of ruin. If living for themselves only,
and with no end but pleasure--each little self his own little god
--such a nation is doomed, and its decay is inevitable.
Where national character ceases to be upheld, a nation may be
regarded as next to lost. Where it ceases to esteem and to
practise the virtues of truthfulness, honesty, integrity, and
justice, it does not deserve to live.
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