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26 every one as soon as the gates were opened. Finally, he begged them to take a strict account of all the provisions in the city, and be most saving and economical with food, lest it  should fail them before the siege was raised. When the message was ended the crowds cheered themselves hoarse, and when the  burgomaster inquired what word they desired him to send the Prince, they shouted as  with one voice:

“Tell him that while there is a living man left in the city we will contend for our liberty  and our religion!’’

“And now,” continued Adrian Van der Werf, “hear the proclamation of the King of  Spain. He invites all his erring and repentant subjects in the Netherlands, and especially Leyden, to return to his service and he will extend to them full forgiveness for all  their crimes. He declares that if any will lay down their arms, surrender themselves,  and become his loyal subjects once more, that  they shall receive his pardon, and all shall be