The terrified population appeared to have determined upon submission, and, having assembled in a mass at the town-hall, there awaited anxiously the king's arrival.

On the 1st of January, 1543, Francis I.entered the town in state, surrounded by his escort.

The people's advocate fell on his knees, and appealed to the king's clemency in dealing with a revolt of which every one repented.

The king, who was seated on a wooden boarding, rose up.
"Speak we no more of revolt," said he; "I desire neither to destroy your persons nor to seize your goods, as was lately done by the Emperor Charles to the Ghentese, whereby his hands are stained with blood; I long more for the hearts of my subjects than for their lives and their riches.
I will never at any time of my life think again of your offence, and I pardon you without excepting a single thing.

I desire that the keys of your city and your arms be given back to you, and that you be completely reinstated in your liberties and your privileges." The cheers of the people responded to these words of the king.