Not the forces of the States, but the soldiers of the people were arriving at the Plaats; perhaps fifteen hundred of them already surrounding the prison.
The company of the blue stationed itself by the Vyver; four other companies marched out of sight; while the division of the white, orange, and blue took up their position in front of the Gevangenpoort.
John de Witt could see them exchange pleasantries with the crowd, while many among them echoed the popular cry—
“Up with Orange, down with de Witt!”
“Heaven guard us,” he muttered, “if we must trust to these!”
Van Bossi returned.
The message had, he said, been taken to the States, who had ordered out the cavalry, and dispatched a messenger to the Prince of Orange, as he was the only man, they declared, who could restore order in the Hague.
“Have the magistrates no power?” asked Cornelius scornfully.
Very little, it seemed—since the arming of the burgher companies they trembled for their own lives.