We need them! Ulrich, Ulrich! Come back at once and bring us the news.

Dear Father in Heaven! "Merciful God! Send the relief.

If it were only that!" The two women waited in great suspense.

At last Wilhelm's brother Ulrich returned, saying that the messengers sent to Delft had succeeded in passing the enemy's ranks and brought with them a letter from the estates, which the city-clerk had read from the window of the town-hall.
The representatives of the country praised the conduct and endurance of the citizens, and informed them that, in spite of the damage done to thousands of people, the dykes would be cut.
In fact, the water was already pouring over the land, and the messengers had seen the vessels appointed to bring relief.

The country surrounding Leyden must soon be inundated, and the rising flood would force the Spanish army to retreat, "Better a drowned land than a lost land," was a saying that had been decisive in the execution of the violent measure proposed, and those who had risked so much might be expected to shrink from no sacrifice to save Leyden.
The two women joyously shook hands with each other; the bells continued to ring merrily, and report after report of cannon made the window-panes rattle.
As twilight approached, Maria turned her steps towards home.