scattered to the four winds; a single sweep of the disciplined scythe, and countless acres were in an instant mown.  Nevertheless, although beaten constantly, the Netherlanders were not conquered.  Holland and Zealand had read the foe a lesson which he had not forgotten, and although on the open fields, and against the less vigorous population of the more central provinces, his triumphs had been easier, yet it was obvious that the spirit of resistance to foreign oppression was growing daily stronger, notwithstanding daily defeats.

Meantime, while these desultory but deadly combats were in daily progress, the Council of State was looked upon with suspicion by the mass of the population.  That body, in which resided provisionally the powers of government, was believed to be desirous of establishing relations with the mutinous army.  It was suspected of insidiously provoking the excesses which it seemed to denounce.  It was supposed to be secretly intriguing with those whom its own edicts had outlawed.  Its sympathies were considered, Spanish.  It was openly boasted by the Spanish army that, before long, they would descend from their fastnesses upon Brussels, and give the city to the sword.  A shuddering sense of coming evil pervaded the population, but no man could say where the blow would first be struck.  It was natural that the capital should be thought exposed to imminent danger.  At the same time, while every man who had hands was disposed to bear arms to defend the city, the Council seemed paralyzed.  The capital was insufficiently garrisoned, yet troops were not enrolling for its protection.  The state councillors obviously omitted to provide for defence, and it was supposed that they were secretly assisting the attack.  It was thought important, therefore, to disarm, or, at least, to control this body which was impotent for protection, and seemed powerful only for mischief.  It was possible to make it as contemptible as it was believed to be malicious.

An unexpected stroke was therefore suddenly levelled against the Council in full session.  On the 5th of September, the Seigneur de Heze, a young gentleman of a bold, but unstable character, then entertaining close but secret relations with the Prince of Orange, appeared before the doors of the palace.  He was attended by about five hundred troops, under the immediate command of the Seigneur de Glimes, bailiff of Walloon Brabant.  He demanded admittance, in the name of the Brabant estates, to the presence of the State Council, and was refused.  The doors were closed and bolted.  Without further ceremony the soldiers produced iron bars brought with them for the purpose, forced all the gates from the hinges, entered the hall of session, and at a word from their commander, laid hands upon the councillors, and made every one prisoner.  The Duke of Aerschot, President of the Council, who was then in close alliance with the Prince, was not present at the meeting, but lay forewarned,