Mary, sister of Charles V., and queen-dowager of Hungary, the stadtholderess of the Netherlands, proposed a crusade against this fanatic; which was, however, totally discountenanced by the states.

Encouraged by impunity, whole troops of these infuriate sectarians, from the very extremities of Hainault, put themselves into motion for Munster; and notwithstanding the colds of February, they marched along, quite naked, according to the system of their sect.

The frenzy of these fanatics being increased by persecution, they projected attempts against several towns, and particularly against Amsterdam.

They were easily defeated, and massacred without mercy; and it was only by multiplied and horrible executions that their numbers were at length diminished.

John Bokelszoon held out at Munster, which was besieged by the bishop and the neighboring princes.