Fire-ships were now constructed, by order of Leicester--feeble imitations: of the floating volcanoes of Gianihelli--and it was agreed that they should be sent against the bridge with the first flood-tide.

The propitious moment never seemed to arrive, however, and, meantime, the citizens of Flushing, of their own accord, declared that they would themselves equip and conduct a fleet into the harbour of Sluys.

But the Nassaus are said to have expressed great disgust that low-born burghers should presume to meddle with so important an enterprise, which of right belonged to their family.

Thus, in the midst of these altercations and contradictory schemes; the month of July wore away, and the city was reduced to its last gasp.
For the cannonading had thoroughly done its work.

Eighteen days long the burghers and what remained of the garrison had lived upon the ramparts, never leaving their posts, but eating, sleeping, and fighting day and night.