, and
assembled in the Mere for its defence.

A'Dale and I, standing well with the Calvinists, were able to go in
among them; but what we heard gave us great cause for anxiety. A large
number were sincere and devoted men, excited at that moment to the
highest pitch of religious enthusiasm. There were, however, no small
number of ruffians, eager to commit any crime which came in their way.
Some proposed pillaging the churches and the houses of the Romanists,
the images only having before been destroyed.

"Let us collect all the wealth which has been so long hoarded up by
these wretched drones!" cried out some; others proposed even sacking the
whole of the city, and setting up a Republic of their own.

The report of these proposals spread rapidly through the city: nothing
could exceed the terror and alarm of the rest of the inhabitants. It
was fearful to hear the cries of the women and children, who every
moment expected that the place would be given over to rapine and
bloodshed.

Night was approaching: it was impossible to say what would take place
during the coming darkness. Meantime the Prince summoned the Board of
Ancients, the Deans of Guilds, and the Ward Masters, to consult with him
at the Council Room: he had also caused eight companies of Guards, which
had previously been enrolled, to be mustered on the square in front of
the City Hall for its protection. It was rapidly arranged, at his
suggestion, that terms should be offered to the insurgents; but who was
to carry the message?

"I myself will go forth," he said; and listening to no remonstrances, he
threw himself on his horse, and rode down to the Mere. He was allowed
to pass by the guns, till he was once more in the centre of the fierce
mob. He told them that they must appoint eight deputies to treat with
him and the magistrates at the Town Hall. The deputies were soon
chosen, and accompanied him back. Six articles were drawn up, providing
that the keys of the city should remain in his possession; that the
watch should be held by burghers and soldiers together; that the
magistrates should permit the entrance of no garrison; and that the
citizens should be entrusted with the care of their own charters. The
deputies and the City Government at once gave their cordial assent to
these articles. When the deputies returned, their constituents were not
very well pleased with what had been done, declaring that they would not
submit to be locked up at t