Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/36

 of the cruel edicts, and an appeal for resistance.

“Brethren of the Netherlands,” he said, “we are commanded to wield the sword in this righteous cause. God calls us to be the weapon with which to overcome falsehood and oppression. Though you are among the least of the nations, you may yet win victories which shall place you among the greatest. The contest shall be that of all humanity. You may yet expel the seeds of disease from this soil. You are not yet exiled and hunted, like your brethren, the unhappy Huguenots. Exert yourselves to save your native land. Linger not until the bloody edicts of the oppressor shall be enforced. I know from experience that ‘the bread of the exile is bitter, and tears fall into his cup.’

“In this age men are tested and judged. What shall be written of you? That you fought the good fight of faith, and delivered your native land from the hand of the destroyer? or that you submitted like cowards, and allowed the tyrant to plant his heel on your necks? Think you that submission will bring mercy? Look at Spain! Then lay aside all dreams of mercy. In Span the auto da fé still sends up its lurid fires; the rack is never without a victim, her prisons are always crowded. Our enemies have shown us that their forbearance is