Before the signal was given, however, Leicester sent a trumpet to summon the town to surrender, and could with difficulty restrain his soldiers till the answer should be returned.

To the universal disappointment, the garrison agreed to surrender.

Norris himself then stepped forward to the breach, and cried aloud the terms, lest the returning herald, who had been sent back by Leicester, should offer too favourable a capitulation.

It was arranged that the soldiers should retire without arms, with white wands in their hands--the officers remaining prisoners--and that the burghers, their lives, and property, should be at Leicester's disposal.

The Earl gave most peremptory orders that persons and goods should be respected, but his commands were dis obeyed.