Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/283

 content. Then her eyes closed again, but this time it was to fall into a natural slumber.

"Thank God, she is saved!" said Dr. Chenoweth.

For hours Katharine slept, rousing at intervals, when a strong stimulant was administered. When she finally awoke from this refreshing slumber she found her husband still by her side.

"My precious wife," said Colonel Van Straalen, "God has spared us to each other. We shall yet thank him and serve him together."

Prince William remained a few days in Leyden, stimulating and encouraging the people.

"We have had the honor," he said, "of doing what no nation ever did before us: we have defended and maintained ourselves, unaided, in so small a country, against the tremendous efforts of such powerful enemies. So long as the poor inhabitants of Holland, though deserted by all the world, hold firm, it will cost the Spaniards the half of Spain in money and men before they can make an end of us."

To this heroic and loyal city the Prince offered as a reward for their fidelity the choice of two things: perpetual exemption from taxation, or the founding of a university, which should be known as the University of Leyden.

To their lasting credit, be it said that the Dutch