The wardens and treasurers of the church, after a vain attempt to secure a few of its most precious possessions, retired.

They carried the news to the senators, who, accompanied by a few halberdmen, again ventured to approach the spot.

It was but for a moment, however, for, appalled by the furious sounds which came from within the church, as if subterranean and invisible forces were preparing a catastrophe which no human power could withstand, the magistrates fled precipitately from the scene.

Fearing that the next attack would be upon the town-house, they hastened to concentrate at that point their available forces, and left the stately cathedral to its fate.
And now, as the shadows of night were deepening the perpetual twilight of the church, the work of destruction commenced.

Instead of evening mass rose the fierce music of a psalm, yelled by a thousand angry voices.