only by the power of his iron hand. Its walls were, however,
demolished, and Goetz von Berlichingen was also reckoned among the
prisoners. Schorndorf could not withstand Fronsberg's cannon; it was
reckoned, of all places, one of the strongest holds, and with it the
rest of the low country belonging to Duke Ulerich fell into the hands
of the League.

The whole of Wuertemberg, as far as the neighbourhood of Kirchheim,
being now in the power of the League, the Duke of Bavaria broke up his
camp, for the purpose of besieging Stuttgardt in person. An embassy
from the town met him, however, at Denkendorf, to beg for mercy. The
ambassadors did not attempt to make any excuse before the bitter
enemies of their Duke, nor to shelter themselves under the allegiance
they owed to their hereditary Prince; they merely asserted, that as he,
the cause of the war, was no longer within their walls, they craved
exemption for their town being occupied by the troops of the League.
But this petition found no grace in the stern mind of Wilhelm of
Bavaria and the covetous desires of the other members of the League.
The only answer they received was, that Ulerich's conduct had merited
punishment, and that, as the country had supported him, Stuttgardt
therefore must also open its gates unconditionally.

The townsfolk of the capital being unable to defend themselves against
the powerful forces of the League, were obliged to submit to these hard
terms, and admit a garrison within their walls.

The conquest of the country was, however, far from being complete
with the capture of the capital. The greatest part of the hill
country still held for the Duke, and, judging from the spirit of its
inhabitants, they were not likely to submit to the first summons. This
elevated district was commanded by two fortified places, Urach and
Tuebingen;--and so long as they remained firm to the Duke, the
surrounding neighbourhood also determined not to desert his cause. In
Urach, however, the citizens, fearful of the power of the League,
wished to come to terms, whilst the garrison held faithful to their
master. The two parties at last came to blows, in which the brave
commander was killed, and the garrison was then obliged to surrender.

By the middle of April Tuebingen, which had been strongly fortified, was
the only place left to the Duke. Ulerich confided the defence of the
castle, with the care of his family and the treasure of his house, to
forty gallant and