THE BATAVIANS AND THEIR GOOD MEADOW 63

history, the Russians burned Moscow to prevent it from
falling into the hands of Napoleon, so this stanch people
always stood ready, at the worst, to drown Holland rather
than yield her to the foe. Often they let in the waters
they had laboriously shut out, laying waste hundreds of
fertile acres, that an avenging sea might suddenly con-
found the invaders. Often they faced famine and pesti-
lence,— men, women, and little wonder-stricken children
all
who had breath to say it, still fiercely refusing to surrender.

perishing in the streets of their beleaguered cities

 

Wherever the strong arm of the enemy succeeded in mow-
ing these people down, a stronger, sturdier growth was sure
to spring from the stubble. Sometimes defeated, never
subdued, they were patient under subjection only until
they were again ready to rise as one man and throw off the
yoke. Now and then, it is true, under promise of peace
and increased prosperity, they formed a friendly union
with a one-time enemy. But woe to the other side if it
carried ageression and a trust in might too far. Treach-
ery, oppression, breach of faith were sure, sooner or later,
to arouse Dutch pluck; and Dutch pluck, in the end, has
always beaten.