had perished by treachery at the first landing of the Spanish troops; after their perilous passage from Duiveland.—­Thus both the brethren had laid down their lives for their country, in this its outer barrier, and in the hour of its utmost need.  The fall of the beleaguered town could no longer be deferred.  The Spaniards were, at last, to receive the prize of that romantic valor which had led them across the bottom of the sea to attack the city.  Nearly nine months had, however, elapsed since that achievement; and the Grand Commander, by whose orders it had been undertaken, had been four months in his grave.  He was permitted to see neither the long-delayed success which crowded the enterprise, nor the procession of disasters and crimes which were to mark it as a most fatal success.

On the 21st of June, 1576, Zierickzee, instructed by the Prince of Orange to accept honorable terms, if offered, agreed to surrender.  Mondragon, whose soldiers were in a state of suffering, and ready to break out in mutiny, was but too happy to grant an honorable capitulation.  The garrison were allowed to go out with their arms and personal baggage.  The citizens were permitted to retain or resume their privileges and charters, on payment of two hundred thousand guldens.  Of, sacking and burning there was, on this occasion, fortunately, no question; but the first half of the commutation money was to be paid in cash.  There was 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