46,] Holland and Zealand were cut in twain by the occupation of Schouwen and the approaching fall of its capital.

Germany, England, France; all refused to stretch out their hands to save the heroic but exhaustless little provinces.

It was at this moment that a desperate but sublime resolution took possession of the Prince's mind.

There seemed but one way left to exclude the Spaniards for ever from Holland and Zealand, and to rescue the inhabitants from impending ruin.

The Prince had long brooded over the scheme, and the hour seemed to have struck for its fulfilment.
His project was to collect all the vessels, of every description, which could be obtained throughout the Netherlands.