Two choice regiments, recently arrived from Lombardy, led the onset, rending the air with their shouts, and confident of an easy victory.

They were sustained by what seemed an overwhelming force of disciplined troops.

Yet never, even in the recent history of Haarlem, had an attack been received by more dauntless breasts.

Every living man was on the walls, The storming parties were assailed with cannon, with musketry, with pistols.

Boiling water, pitch and oil, molten lead, and unslaked lime, were poured upon them every moment.