. Diessbach refused. Even when Zurich, at his
request, withdrew her troops from the Albis, forsook her own canton and
joined the Bernese at Bremgarten, he still hesitated. The united
forces, now exceeding in number those of the Catholics, occupied five
days in advancing the distance of a few miles, where they again
encamped. Frei could no longer endure such treasonable inaction. On his
own responsibility, aided by the men of Basel, Schaffhausen, and St.
Gall, he pressed on by night to the Gubel. The Bernese slept without
concern. But the Gospel of Christ is not to be upheld by swords and
lances. A second time Zurich was beaten, and her brave captain fell
among the slain.

And yet the Catholics did not gain all they desired. Their faith, as
well as their former just position in the Confederacy, were now
secured, and the unnatural prohibition against the export of provisions
done away; but the Reformation still survived, and their victories did
not give them power sufficient to crush again the liberty of the
Gospel, where it had taken root, or to limit Zurich in her territorial
rights. This, however, they attempted to do, and directly after the
defeat at Cappel invited all the parishes on the further side of the
Albis, together with the entire population on the left shore of the
lake, to abandon Zurich, swear allegiance to them and give hostages for
their fidelity in the future; in return for which, they promised to
guarantee their original liberties and "receive and treat them, as
faithful, loving subjects should be by a mild and paternal government."
In case of refusal, they were to be dealt with in "a hostile and
warlike manner," without mercy. The offer was unanimously rejected, and
information sent to the Council of Zurich, which was repeatedly
assured, that they were resolved to abide by the Gospel till death. The
latter government also remained unshaken, even by the new disaster at
the Gubel; indeed, now for the first time, exhibited a degree of
courage and activity, that was not looked for. And although the Duke of
Wuertemburg had been informed that "the trade of our city is nearly
ruined," orders were sent, only four days after the defeat at Cappel,
to the Zurichan allies, who were still engaged in the siege of the
castle Musso, on the borders of Graubuenden: "Persevere, do not break
up, nor let our affairs trouble you, but prosecute the war boldly and
earnestly, and give the enemy no rest till he surrenders." Th