During his absence there had been much turbulence, but no decided outbreak, in that city.

Imbize had accosted the Duke of Aerschot in the street, and demanded when and how he intended to proclaim the restoration of the ancient charters.

The haughty Duke had endeavoured to shake off his importunate questioner, while Imbize persisted, with increasing audacity, till Aerschot lost his temper at last: "Charters, charters!" he cried in a rage; "you shall learn soon, ye that are thus howling for charters, that we have still the old means of making you dumb, with a rope on your throats.

I tell you this--were you ever so much hounded on by the Prince of Orange." The violence of the new governor excited the wrath of Imbize.

He broke from him abruptly, and rushed to a rendezvous of his confederates, every man of whom was ready for a desperate venture.