He was deceived.

On July 18 Alkmaar was summoned to surrender, but refused.

Alva's indignation knew no bounds, and he vowed that every man, woman and child in the contumacious town should be put to the sword.

The threat, however, could not at once be executed.

Toledo's army, debarred from the sack of Haarlem, became mutinous through lack of pay.