Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/185

 the image-breaking was amply revenged. At the bar of divine judgment, where a single human life is counted of more value than any relics however revered, perhaps this terrible account will be justly balanced.

It is not our purpose to drag the reader through the seas of blood, which the savage bigotry of that age caused to be spilled. The most meagre details of this human butchery are sufficient. But the finger of History points to a page in her record darker than the rest: it is the invasion of the Netherlands by the Duke of Alva. The deeds of atrocity and fiendish hate which are herein recorded are unparalleled. The records of this period are numerous, and the truth is stated in unequivocal terms by both Dutchman and Spaniard. In the last analysis, it is out of the mouth of the Spaniard that the Spaniard is judged and condemned.

Who can forget Naarden? Alva and his soldiers entered the town. The three thousand starved men, women and children were persuaded to lay down their arms and surrender peaceably, trusting to the fair speech of their conqueror.

"Place yourselves at once under my protection!" said Alva. "I will conduct myself toward you as God shall give me grace. Do otherwise, and you can have neither truce nor friendship with me."

And how did the Iron Duke keep his promises?