through; and he looks so stiff and morose, that you fancy you see a task- master at every corner. They offend my sight. Our militia were merry fellows; they took liberties, stood their legs astride, their hats over their ears, they lived and let live; these fellows are like machines with a devil inside them. Carpenter. Were such an one to cry, "Halt!" and level his musket, think you one would stand? Jetter. I should fall dead upon the spot. Carpenter. Let us go home! Jetter No good can come of it. Farewell. [Enter Soest. Soest. Friends! Neighbours! Carpenter. Hush! Let us go. Soest. Have you heard? Jetter. Only too much! Soest. The Regent is gone. Jetter. Then Heaven help us. Carpenter. She was some stay to us. Soest. Her departure was sudden and secret. She could not agree with the duke; she has sent word to the nobles that she intends to return. No one believes it, however. Carpenter. God pardon the nobles for letting this new yoke be laid upon our necks. They might have prevented it. Our privileges are gone. Jetter. For Heaven's sake not a word about privileges. I already scent an execution; the sun will not come forth; the fogs are rank. Soest. Orange, too, is gone. Carpenter. Then are we quite deserted! Soest, Count Egmont is still here. Jetter. God be thanked! Strengthen him, all ye saints, to do his utmost; he is the only one who can help us. [Enter Vansen. Vansen. Have I at length found a few brave citizens who have not crept out of sight? Jetter. Do us the favour to pass on. Vansen. You are not civil.