ABSTRACT
In the four perilous years when Holland and Zeeland stood alone and defied the enemy, Orange repeatedly praised his troops for their heroism, and assured them that it would win them everlasting fame with posterity. Unlike nearly all revolutions in the past, the Revolt in Holland and Zeeland did not end in failure. The period when Orange bent all his strength to the defence of Holland and Zeeland was his 'finest hour'. In 1572–76 Orange achieved remarkable success through the policy in Holland and Zeeland. After the negotiations in England had failed in April, Orange decided to try his luck with France. With some of the leading members of the States of Holland he drew up a draft treaty to be signed with the Duke of Alencon. It stipulated that Alencon should be recognized as Count of Holland and Zeeland, on condition that he upheld all their privileges and allowed only the Reformed religion to be practised.
