That functionary now repaired to the citadel, whither the magistrates, the leading citizens, and the chief merchants were instantly summoned.

The castle was carried, but the city was already trembling with apprehension lest the German mercenaries quartered within its walls, should rise with indignation or panic, and repeat the horrid tragedy of The Antwerp Fury.
In truth, there seemed danger of such a catastrophe.

The secret correspondence of Don John with the colonels was already discovered, and it was seen how warmly he had impressed upon the men with whom he had been tampering, "that the die was cast," and that all their art was necessary to make it turn up successfully.

The castle was carried, but what would become of the city?
A brief and eager consultation terminated in an immediate offer of three hundred thousand crowns by the leading merchants.

This money was to be employed in amicably satisfying, if possible, the German soldiers, who had meanwhile actually come to arms, and were assembled in the Place de Meer.