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250 unanimous in their opposition and purpose to revolt.

About this time Admirals Treslong and De la Marck took possession of the towns of Brill and Flushing. A small but important seaport was also taken, and half the island of Walcheren renounced the yoke of Spain. Enkhuizen, the key to the Zuyder Zee, followed suit, and with a great burst of enthusiasm rose and threw off the tyrant's yoke. Amsterdam was the only town in Holland remaining loyal to Spain; and in Zealand only Middleburg and Tergoes were submissive to Spanish rule. Louis of Nassau secured Mons, and one by one the important cities and towns throughout the Netherlands accepted garrisons of the Prince's army.

But the success of the patriots was capricious. Terrible reverses followed. The gallant Louis was defeated and killed at Mookerhyde and his army scattered. The army of the Prince, harassed by Alva's tactics, poorly paid and starving, mutinied at last. The massacre of St. Bartholomew put to flight all hopes of a Huguenot reinforcement which had been promised Orange. The terrified cities and towns of Belgium once more placed their necks under the heel of the conquering Alva. Tyranny was again triumphant.

But the Silent Prince remained calm and hopeful in the midst of crushing defeat. He was submissive to the will of God. "Nevertheless," he says, "since