Chains and barricades were stretched across the streets; the trumpets sounded through the city; the municipal guards swarmed to the rescue.

An effective rally was made, as usual, at the Bourse, whither a large detachment of the invaders had forced their way.

Inhabitants of all classes and conditions, noble and simple, Catholic and Protestant, gave each other the hand, and swore to die at each other's side in defence of the city against the treacherous strangers.

The gathering was rapid and enthusiastic.

Gentlemen came with lance and cuirass, burghers with musket and bandoleer, artisans with axe, mallet, and other implements of their trade.