It
was open to you to have fled when you heard the Imperialists were
coming. You could have opened the gates then with some hope at
least of your lives; but you decided to resist. You have killed
some fifty or sixty of their soldiers. You have repulsed them from
a place which they thought to take with scarce an effort. You have
compelled them to send for reinforcements and guns. And now you
are talking of opening the gates without even obtaining a promise
that your lives shall be spared. This is the extremity of folly,
and all I can say is, if you take such a step you will well deserve
your fate."
Malcolm's indignant address had its effect, and after a short
discussion the townspeople again placed themselves at the count's
disposal, and said that they would obey his orders.
"I will give no orders," the count said. "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.
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