Alarmed at the rising of the waters and fearing that the fleet of Boisot might cut off their escape, the Spaniards retreated in the night; and on the morning of October 3 the vessels of the relieving force, laden with provisions, entered the town.

The long-drawn-out agony was over and Leyden saved from the fate of Haarlem, just at the moment when further resistance had become impossible.

Had Leyden fallen the probability is that the whole of South Holland would have been conquered, and the revolt might have collapsed.

In such a narrow escape well might the people of the town see an intervention of Providence on their behalf.

The prince himself hastened to Leyden on the following day, reorganised the government of the town and in commemoration of this great deliverance founded the University, which was to become in the 17th century one of the most famous seats of learning in Europe.
The successful relief of Leyden was followed by a mutiny of the army of Valdez.