and
being well assured that Leyden would again be attacked that he had
considered it his duty to ride round to that city in order to prepare
the inhabitants for what was likely to occur. He then gave an account
of the meeting of the Council, stating that John Van der Does had been
elected military commandant, subject to his approval.

"They could not have made a better choice," remarked the Prince. "It
shall be confirmed." In a few brief sentences he questioned the captain
regarding the battle of Mookerheyde. A tone of melancholy pervaded all
he said, but he in no other way showed the deep grief which weighed him
down. The Prince sat silently listening, his countenance unmoved, while
the captain made his report, and Berthold began to fear that his friend
might be blamed for his conduct. He was, therefore, greatly relieved
when the Prince remarked, "You have exhibited courage and discretion,
Captain Van der Elst, qualities we greatly need in the present
emergency. I must send you back with a message to the citizens of
Leyden to urge them to maintain the town against the foes of our country
to the last gasp. They ought to have destroyed the forts the Spaniards
left, to have amply provisioned the city, and to have secured an
efficient garrison; but I will not now speak of what is passed. Remind
them from me that they are about to contend not for themselves alone,
but that the fate of our country of unborn generations may, in all human
probability, depend on the issue about to be tried. Eternal glory will
be their reward if they manifest the courage worthy of their race, and
of the sacred cause of religion and liberty. Say that I implore them to
hold out at least three months, and I pledge my word that I will within
that time devise the means of delivering them. Advise them immediately
to take an account of their provisions of all kinds, including the live
stock, and let the strictest economy be employed in their consumption.
Stay, I will sign the commission appointing the Seigneur of Nordwyck as
Commandant, and write what I deem necessary to confirm the message I
verbally send by you. When can you again set out?"

The captain acknowledged that he and his young companion had had no
refreshment or rest since they left Leyden, but that he himself was
willing to start immediately could a fresh horse be found for him. He,
however, considered that he ought to mention having encountered several
parties of Spaniard