en, where they engaged in mortal conflict. The forts fell into
their hands, some being deserted by the Spanish who fled from the
rising waters. William of Orange received the news at Delft, where he
had taken up his residence. He founded the University of Leyden as a
memorial of the citizens' endurance. The victory, however, was
modified some months later by the capture of Zierickzee, which gave the
Spaniards an outlet on the sea and also cut off Walcheren from Holland.

In sheer desperation William made overtures to Queen Elizabeth,
offering her the sovereignty of Holland and Zealand if she would engage
in the struggle against Spain. Elizabeth dared not refuse, lest France
should step into the breach, but she was unwilling to declare herself
publicly on the side of rebels.

In April 1576 an Act of Federation was signed which formally united the
two States of Zealand and Holland and conferred the supreme authority
on the Prince of Orange, commander in war and governor in peace.
Requesens was dead; a general patriotic rising was imminent. On
September 26th the States-General met at Brussels to discuss the
question of uniting all the provinces.

The Spanish Fury at Antwerp caused general consternation in the
Netherlands. The ancient town was attacked quite suddenly, all its
wealth falling into the hands of rapacious soldiers. No less than 7000
citizens met their death at the hands of men who carried the standard
of Christ on the Cross and knelt to ask God's blessing before they
entered on the massacre! Greed for gold had come upon the Spaniards,
who hastened to secure the treasures accumulated at Antwerp. Jewels
{96} and velvets and laces were coveted as much as the contents of the
strong boxes of the merchants, and torture was employed to discover the
plate and money that were hidden. A wedding-party was interrupted, and
the clothes of the bride stripped from her. Many palaces fell by fire
and the splendid Town House perished. For two whole days the city was
the scene of indescribable horrors.

The Pacification of Ghent had been signed when the news of the Spanish
Fury reached the States-General. The members of this united with the
Prince of Orange, as ruler of Holland and Zealand, to drive the
foreigner from their country. The Union of Brussels confirmed this
treaty in January 1577, for the South were anxious to rid themselves of
the Spaniards though they desired to maintain the Catholic religion.
Don