Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/281

 sent terror into the craven hearts of our enemies. The Spaniards have fled! The fort is deserted! Leyden is saved!"

With a mighty cheer the flotilla was borne to the very gates of the starving city. The quays were lined with famished men, women and children. Loaves of bread were flung from the vessels into the midst of the crowd. The Prince and the Admiral stepped ashore, and the great throng of gaunt, wasted creatures, with tears and with prayers of thanksgiving, knelt in the streets before their noble deliverer.

The tears rolled down William's cheeks as he saw how these brave citizens had suffered. Then he said with love and tenderness:

"My children, kneel not to me, but to the heavenly Prince who has enabled you to endure to the end. Let us return thanks to God."

A solemn procession was formed, and all that famished throng who were able to walk, together with the Prince, the Admiral, and the fierce Zealand sailors, repaired to the church, where the Prince gave thanks to God for this signal proof of his love and goodness. Then a hymn was raised, but only a line had been sung in weak, trembling voices, when the great congregation gave way to tears, but they were tears of joy.

Then loaves of bread were distributed—bread,