before I had been a witness to his resignation and trust in God."

"How, sir? of what do you speak ?"

"Just when the prince saw that all went against him, a violent peal of thunder broke over our heads; whereupon he raised his eyes to heaven, and saying— Ah! Thou Almighty One! Thou tellest me that Thou still reignest, and will not forsake Thy servant,' his countenance immediately assumed its usual calm expression."

"My good husband!" said Sybilla, as the tears rolled down her cheeks. "We must prove ourselves worthy of him, my dear children. Count Hugel, will you give orders for the defence of the city ?"

"Gladly, madam. The emperor is close at hand,

and there is no time to be lost."

"He shall find us ready for him. I have no fear of the people, they are as true as steel."

"The tidings we bring, however, have thrown the citizens into the utmost consternation, madam.* That their loved and honoured sovereign should be a prisoner, has so afflicted them that they are overwhelmed with grief and terror; whilst the news of the approach of the Imperialists has completed the shock. They appear to be nearly stunned by the blow."

If

"Then must they be aroused to exertion. properly defended, Wittenberg is almost impregnable. Let the walls be manned instantly, and all prepared for a seige."

* Sec Frontispiece.

DEFENCE OF WITTENBERG.

"Your commands shall be obeyed,” replied the brave officer; and he left the room to make the necessary preparations.

In a few minutes the sharp, quick sound of the alarm-bells of the city announced to the inhabitants the danger which threatened them, and the necessity for exertion. And nobly did Sybilla behave in this hour of peril. Instead of abandoning herself to tears and lamentations for her husband's misfortune, she, both by her example and exhortations, animated the citizens to courage.

"Be firm and brave, my people," she said—as she appeared on the ramparts, surrounded by her children —" and we have nothing to fear. The walls of Wittenberg are strong, and with a few stout hearts may be well defended. For the honour of your sovereign prince, you will not let his capital city fall into the hands of the Spaniards."

"Never!" shouted the citizens, with one voice. "We will die first! Long live our noble prince!"

So well did Sybilla speak, and with such resolution did she inspire the people, that when Charles and his army appeared before Wittenberg, and summoned it to surrender, the answer returned was as determined as it was fearless. "We will defend our city to the last!" they exclaimed; "and we warn your emperor to treat our sovereign with the respect due to his rank. Let him remember Albert of Bradenburg is our prisoner, and if aught be done to harm the Elector of Saxony, that instant he dies."

*

'They shew some spirit, however, these Saxons," observed Charles to his officers; "we must besiege the city in earnest."

But your Majesty is destitute of everything requisite for such an undertaking," said the Duke of Alva: "it cannot be done."

"I will undertake to furnish all that is necessary,' replied Prince Maurice. "Provisions, artillery, ammunition, pioneers, and whatever else is needed, shall be at your Majesty's service in a very short space of time."

'Say you so, Prince? Then let not an hour be lost. Give orders to open the trenches before the town; we will soon bring these rebels to obedience."

But the young margrave, Maurice, so eager to take possession of his kinsman's capital, had promised more than he was able to perform. His military stores and provisions were intercepted on their way to Wittenberg, and his pioneers dispersed. This put a stop to the progress of the siege, and determined the emperor to try some more expeditious and certain method of getting possession of the town.

A second time was Sybilla summoned to open the gates. "If this demand be not complied with," was the emperor's message, "the elector shall answer for your obstinacy with his head. Be warned in time."

"They dare not harm him," said the princess, indignantly. "A sovereign prince of Germany!