Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/268



was one of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands. It was situated on a tributary of the river Rhine, and was interlaced with canals, upon whose sides were rows of stately poplar and lime trees. The houses were elegant, the public buildings imposing and substantial, the streets wide, and public gardens and squares numerous. The pastures reclaimed from the ocean were filled with sleek cattle, and the kitchen gardens and the orchards bore witness to the thrift and prosperity of the people.

"Leyden is besieged!" was the startling announcement which Dr. Chenoweth brought to his little household one morning. "The Spaniards have surrounded us with a cordon of forts and redoubts!"

The faces of the women blanched. The Spanish army lay between them and their dear ones. The Prince of Orange would therefore be powerless to aid them. 256