The Peril of the Republic of the United States of America - Percy T. Magan

“And day after day they did go up to the ancient
tower of Hengist, with heavy heart and anxious
eye, watching, hoping, fearing, praying, and at last
almost despairing of relief by God or man.” Once,
fearing that they had been forgotten, they
addressed a despairing letter to the estates; but
back came the reply: “Rather will we see our whole
land and all our possessions perish in the waves
than forsake thee, Leyden. We know full well,
moreover, that with Leyden all Holland must
perish also.”
Once during the siege a crowd of those who
had grown fainthearted during the long and terrific
struggle came to Adrain van der Werf, the
burgomaster. They assailed him with threats and
reproaches. He waved his hand for silence, and
spoke as follows: “What would ye, my friends?
Why do ye murmur that we do not break our vows,
and surrender the city to the Spaniards, a fate more
horrible than the agony which she now endures? I
tell you I have made an oath to hold the city, and
may God give me strength to keep my oath! I can
die but once; whether by your hands, the enemy’s,
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