The Embassy of Everaard van Weede 7 1 



political and religious parties. Yet the Tories were as enthusi- 

 astic in their reception of William as the Whigs, and the Non- 

 conformists were willing to forget all past injuries for a greater 

 good. Dykvelt was a past master in the art of conciliation, and he 

 knew when to speak and when to keep quiet. When the Catholics 

 came to him with specific demands, he remained calm. The 

 natural course of events and the constant warning of Dykvelt of 

 French aggression made a split in the Catholic ranks. Of char- 

 acteristic Dutch temper, Dykvelt was not easily cowed. At the 

 reproach of the King, he defended himself nobly. He entered into 

 designs with those most closely attached to the King. The army 

 and the navy, the court and the national Parliament, and even 

 the King's household were profoundly influenced by the negotia- 

 tions of Dykvelt. All the indications of this period are that 

 Dykvelt organized the great movement against the arbitrary 

 government of James II, and through his negotiations with the 

 English leaders helped in a large measure to bring about a new 

 period in English history. Little wonder that it was suggested to 

 erect a statue in his memory for his efforts in bringing about the 

 great enterprise of the Revolution of 1688! 



155 



