but little money in the impoverished little town, but mint-masters were
appointed by the: magistrates to take their seats at once an in the Hotel
de Ville. The citizens brought their spoons and silver dishes; one after
another, which were melted and coined into dollars and half-dollars,
until the payment was satisfactorily adjusted. Thus fell Zierickzee,
to the deep regret of the Prince. "Had we received the least succor in
the world from any side," he wrote; "the poor city should never have
fallen. I could get nothing from France or England, with all my efforts.
Nevertheless, we do not lose courage, but hope that, although abandoned
by all the world, the Lord God will extend His right hand over us."

The enemies were not destined to go farther. From their own hand now
came the blow which was to expel them from the soil which they had so
long polluted. No sooner was Zierickzee captured than a mutiny broke
forth among several companies of Spaniards and Walloons, belonging, to
the army in Schouwen. A large number of the most influential officers
had gone to Brussels, to make arrangements, if possible; for the payment
of the troops. In their absence there was more scope for the arguments
of the leading mutineers; arguments assuredly, not entirely destitute of
justice or logical precision. If ever laborers were worthy of their
hire, certainly it was the Spanish soldiery. Had they not done the work
of demons for nine years long? Could Philip or Alva have found in the
wide world men to execute their decrees with more unhesitating docility,
with more sympathizing eagerness? What obstacle had ever given them
pause in their career of duty? What element had they not braved? Had
not they fought within the bowels of the earth, beneath the depths of the
sea, within blazing cities, and upon fields of ice? Where was the work
which had been too dark and bloody for their performance? Had they not
slaughtered unarmed human beings by townfuls, at the word of command?
Had they not eaten the flesh, and drank the hearts' blood of their