The mutineers then made a demonstration upon Mechlin, but that city having fortunately strengthened its garrison, was allowed to escape.

They then hovered for a time outside the walls of Brussels.

At Grimsberg, where they paused for a short period, they held a parley with Captain Montesdocca, whom they received with fair words and specious pretences.

He returned to Brussels with the favourable tidings, and the mutineers swarmed off to Assche.

Thither Montesdoeca was again despatched, with the expectation that he would be able to bring them to terms, but they drove him off with jeers and threats, finding that he brought neither money nor the mortgage of a populous city.