The Rise of the Dutch Republic, 1572 | Page 4

introduce into the city before sunrise.
Having obtained all the information which they needed, they soon
afterwards left the tavern. The next day they presented themselves very
early at the gate, which the porter, on promise of a handsome
"drink-penny," agreed to unlock. No sooner were the bolts withdrawn,
however, than he was struck dead, while about fifty dragoons rode
through the gate. The Count and his followers now galloped over the
city in the morning twilight, shouting "France! liberty! the town is
ours!" "The Prince is coming!" "Down with the tenth penny; down with
the murderous Alva!" So soon as a burgher showed his wondering face
at the window, they shot at him with their carbines. They made as
much noise, and conducted themselves as boldly as if they had been at
least a thousand strong.
Meantime, however, the streets remained empty; not one of their secret
confederates showing himself. Fifty men could surprise, but were too
few to keep possession of the city. The Count began to suspect a trap.
As daylight approached the alarm spread; the position of the little band
was critical. In his impetuosity, Louis had far outstripped his army, but
they had been directed to follow hard upon his footsteps, and he was
astonished that their arrival was so long delayed. The suspense
becoming intolerable, he rode out of the city in quest of his adherents,
and found them wandering in the woods, where they had completely
lost their way. Ordering each horseman to take a foot soldier on the
crupper behind him, he led them rapidly back to Mons. On the way
they were encountered by La Noue, "with the iron arm," and Genlis,
who, meantime, had made an unsuccessful attack to recover
Valenciennes, which within a few hours had been won and lost again.
As they reached the gates of Mons, they found themselves within a
hair's breadth of being too late; their adherents had not come forth; the
citizens had been aroused; the gates were all fast but one--and there the
porter was quarrelling with a French soldier about an arquebuss. The
drawbridge across the moat was at the moment rising; the last entrance
was closing, when Guitoy de Chaumont, a French officer, mounted on
a light Spanish barb, sprang upon the bridge as it rose. His weight
caused it to sink again, the gate was forced, and Louis with all his men
rode triumphantly into the town.

The citizens were forthwith assembled by sound of bell in the market-
place. The clergy, the magistracy, and the general council were all
present. Genlis made the first speech, in which he disclaimed all
intention of making conquests in the interest of France. This pledge
having been given, Louis of Nassau next addressed the assembly: "The
magistrates," said he, "have not understoood my intentions. I protest
that I am no rebel to the King; I prove it by asking no new oaths from
any man. Remain bound by your old oaths of allegiance; let the
magistrates continue to exercise their functions--to administer justice. I
imagine that no person will suspect a brother of the Prince of Orange
capable of any design against the liberties of the country. As to the
Catholic religion, I take it under my very particular protection. You
will ask why I am in Mons at the head of an armed force: are any of
you ignorant of Alva's cruelties? The overthrow of this tyrant is as
much the interest of the King as of the people, therefore there is
nothing in my present conduct inconsistent with fidelity to his Majesty.
Against Alva alone I have taken up arms; 'tis to protect you against his
fury that I am here. It is to prevent the continuance of a general
rebellion that I make war upon him. The only proposition which I have
to make to you is this--I demand that you declare Alva de Toledo a
traitor to the King, the executioner of the people, an enemy to the
country, unworthy of the government, and hereby deprived of his
authority."
The magistracy did not dare to accept so bold a proposition; the general
council, composing the more popular branch of the municipal
government, were comparatively inclined to favor Nassau, and many of
its members voted for the downfall of the tyrant. Nevertheless the
demands of Count Louis were rejected. His position thus became
critical. The civic authorities refused to, pay for his troops, who were,
moreover, too few, in number to resist the inevitable siege. The
patriotism of the citizens was not to be repressed, however, by the
authority, of the magistrates; many rich proprietors of the great cloth
and silk manufactories, for which Mons was famous, raised, and armed
companies at their own expense; many volunteer troops were also
speedily