whom they took prisoners in their sorties and, what was more offensive to a Spanish army in a bigotted age, they treated with profane derision and contempt the images and holy objects of the Catholic worship. Worn out by fatigue, pressed by famine, and hopeless of relief, the citizens of Haerlem at length agreed to surrender, on condition that the lives of the garrison and inhabitants of the town should be spared. This was agreed to by the son of the Duke of Alva; but, with horrid perfidy, he violated the articles of capitulation, and two thousand soldiers and inhabitants of the town were wantonly massacred in cold blood by the savage butchers of the Spanish army.
It is highly honourable to the Dutch that they preserve with religious care the memory of the gallant actions of their ancestors, and speak with becoming pride of their noble achievements and unshaken constancy. More than two centuries have elapsed since the arms of Spain spread terror and desolation through the United Provinces, yet the
