CHAPTER XXVI.
On the morning of the following day the spacious shooting-grounds, situated not far from the White Gate, between the Rapenburg and the city-wall, presented a busy scene, for by a decree of the council the citizens and inhabitants, without exception, no matter whether they were poor or rich, of noble or plebeian birth, were to take a solemn oath to be loyal to the Prince and the good cause.
Commissioner Van Bronkhorst, Burgomaster Van der Werff, and two other magistrates, clad in festal attire, stood under a group of beautiful linden-trees to receive the oaths of the men and youths, who flocked to the spot.

The solemn ceremonial had not yet commenced.

Janus Dousa, in full uniform, a coat of mail over his doublet and a helmet on his head, arm-in-arm with Van Hout, approached Meister Peter and the commissioner, saying: "Here it is again! Not one of the humbler citizens and workmen is absent, but the gentlemen in velvet and fur are but thinly represented." "They shall come yet!" cried the city clerk menacingly.
"What will formal vows avail ?" replied the burgomaster.

"Whoever desires liberty, must grant it.

Besides, this hour will teach us on whom we can depend." "Not a single man of the militia is absent," said the commissioner.
"There is comfort in that.