Page:Pieces People Ask For.djvu/20

10 HOW THE RANSOM WAS PAID. 1598.

On the helpless Flemish village
 * Cruel Alva swooped and fell;

And the peace of trade and tillage
 * Turned to martial clank and yell.

In the town-house, tall and handsome,
 * Stood the great duke looking down

On the burghers proffering ransom
 * For the safety of the town.

O'er his brow gray locks were twining,
 * For his casque was laid aside,

And his good sword carved and shining
 * From the sword-belt was untied.

Prince he seemed of born commanders;
 * Pride and power each gesture told;

As he cried, "Ye men of Flanders,
 * Bring me twenty casks of gold!"

Then upon them fell a sadness,
 * And a shadow like a pall,

While they murmured, "'Tis rank madness
 * Such a sum from us to call!"

And the spokesman of the village
 * Murmured feebly, "Sure you jest."

Answered Alva, "Gold or pillage,
 * Choose whiche'er may suit you best!"

Faint and stunned they turned despairing,
 * When arose a laugh of joy,

And before their startled staring
 * In there pranced a little boy;

On his curls the duke's helm rested,
 * As with noisy glee he roared,

And his good steed mailed and crested
 * Was great Alva's mighty sword!