Thus was a second assault, made by an overwhelming force and led by the most accomplished generals of Spain, signally and gloriously repelled by the plain burghers of Haarlem." Cold and famine now began to assist the Spaniards, and the townsfolk were reduced to every privation.

The Spaniards also suffered and Don Frederic wished to raise the siege.

He suggested this step to his father, but Alva was made of sterner stuff.

He sent from Nymwegen a grim message: "'Tell Don Frederic,' said Alva, 'that if he be not decided to continue the siege till the town be taken, I shall no longer consider him my son, whatever my opinion may formerly have been.

_Should he fall in the siege_, I will myself take the field to maintain it; and when we have both perished, the Duchess, my wife, shall come from Spain to do the same.' Such language was unequivocal, and hostilities were resumed as fiercely as before.