Protestantism in Switzerland - James Aitken Wylie

darkness that brooded over the city. So passed the
night of the 8th February, 1529, in Basle.
The leaders of the Romanists began to quail
before the firm attitude of the citizens. The
burgomaster, Henry Meltinger with his son-in-law,
and several councilors, stole, under cover of the
darkness, to the Rhine, and embarking in one of the
boats that lay moored on its banks, made their
escape on its rapid current. Their flight, which
became known over-night, increased the popular
uneasiness and suspicion. "They are gone to fetch
the Austrians," said the people. "Let us make ready
against their return." When day broke they had
2,000 men in arms.[14]
At eight in the morning the Senate sent to the
committee of the citizens to say that they had
designated twelve senators, who were to absent
themselves when religious affairs were treated of,
but that the men so designated refused to submit
unconditionally, and had appealed their cause for a
hearing before the other cantons. The citizens were
willing to meet them there, but on this condition,
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