They protested their goodwill and went out to keep guard in the corridor.
John de Witt’s hope now rested in Count Tilly, who with the utmost firmness was sweeping the crowd back across the Plaats.
A goldsmith named Verhoef, in company with Michael Tichelaer, had taken the head of one of the burgher companies, and was practically master of the moment.
John de Witt could hear him threateningly order Tilly to retire; he saw Tilly ride out from his troops to answer them.
His words came with a faint clearness to the prison window.
“Burghers of the Hague, do you wish to fill your streets with blood? If you do, possibly you may be the first to suffer for it.”
Wild shouts answered him—
“Withdraw your troops!”
“No. I obey my orders.”
“Tilly stands firm,” said John to Cornelius.