The years 1584–86 have been critical for Maurice, who has also become stadholder of Utrecht, Overijssel, and Gelderland.

English help for the Netherlands revolt had finally materialized in the person of the Earl of Leicester, whose expeditionary force has temporarily strengthened the provinces' defenses but imperiled the cause of the rebels by political blunders.

Fortunately for Maurice, he has the assistance of the master politician Oldenbarnevelt.

With Maurice's cousin and loyal supporter, William Louis, Count of Nassau-Dillenburg, who is stadholder of Friesland, Oldenbarnevelt and Maurice form a powerful triumvirate.

Under the three, the northern provinces have steadily consolidated their position against Spain, grown progressively richer by trade and shipping, and prepared themselves for independence.