"My Scottish friend here agrees with me that it is useless to try to defend the town.

We might repulse several attacks, but in the end they would surely break in, for the walls are old and weak, and will crumble before their cannon.

Were there any hope of relief one would defend them to the last, but as it is it would be but a waste of blood, for many would be slain both in the defence and before they could retreat to the castle; therefore we propose at once to withdraw.

We doubt not that we can hold the castle.
Any who like to remain in their houses and trust to the tender mercy of Tilly's wolves can do so." There was no more hesitation, and a cannonball, the first which the Imperialists had fired, at that moment crashed into a house hard by, and sharpened their decision wonderfully.
"I have no great store of provisions in the castle," the count said, "and although I deem it not likely that we shall have to stand a long siege we must be prepared for it.

There are already more than 700 of your wives and children there, therefore while half of the force continue to show themselves upon the walls, and so deter the enemy from attempting an assault until they have opened some breaches, let the rest carry up provisions to the castle.