Outside were a multitude of women, children, and old men.
These General Rosen, with a refinement of cruelty, had swept in from the country round and driven under the walls, where they were left to starve, unless the garrison would take them in, and divide their scanty supply of food with them.
"It is monstrous," John cried, when he understood the meaning of the sight.

"What are we to do ?" "We can do nothing," the tanner replied.

"The council have met, and have determined to keep the gates closed.

We are dying for the cause.

They must do so too; and they will not die in vain, for all Europe will cry out when they hear of this dastardly act of cruelty." The people outside were animated by a spirit as stern as that of the besieged, and the women cried out, to those on the walls, to keep the gates shut and to resist to the last, and not to heed them.
The ministers went out through the gates, and held services among the crowd, and the people on the walls joined in the hymns that were sung below.