An order was passed, by acclamation, in November, to do what Orange had recommended in June.

It was decreed that the Blaw-garen and the Kowenstyn should be pierced.

Alas, the hour had long gone by.
Alexander of Parma was not the man to undertake the construction of a bridge across the river, at a vast expense, and at the same time to permit the destruction of the already existing barrier.

There had been a time for such a deed.

The Seigneur de Kowenstyn, who had a castle and manor on and near the dyke which bore his name, had repeatedly urged upon the Antwerp magistracy the propriety of piercing this bulwark, even after their refusal to destroy the outer barrier.