"Do ye come as traitors?" he asked in a loud voice, "or as loyal men? If as traitors ye shall die ere ye advance another step. But if ye are loyal men, then listen, for I will speak with you in amity and peace."
"Thou knowest best, Magnificence," came Mark's clear voice out of the group, "if we are loyal men or no. Thou didst send an emissary to us; he goeth back to thee unhurt: thou standest before our bowmen even now and not an arrow hath touched thine armour. We are loyal men and are prepared to listen to what ye have to say."
"Listen then," resumed the Duke curtly, "but let no false hopes lure ye the while. Ye are rebels and are under the ban of the law. Nothing but unconditional surrender can win mercy for your city."
"Nothing but humility can save thee from the wrath of God," retorted Mark boldly. "We are unconquered, Magnificence! and 'tis thou who askest to parley--not we."
"I do not ask," retorted Alva loudly, "I demand."
"Then since 'tis the vanquished who demand, let us hear what they wish to say."
"To-morrow is Sunday, rebel, hadst forgotten that?"
"No, tyrant, I had not. God hath forbidden us to work on that day, but not to fight against oppression."
"He hath also enjoined us to attend Mass on His day. Are ye heretics that ye care naught for that?"
"We care for the Lord's Day as much as Spaniards do."