The Valaisans at first refused their support: they preferred remaining

neuter; but on a sudden their fanaticism was inflamed. A sheet of

paper was found on an altar--such at least was the report circulated

in their valleys,--in which Zurich and Berne were accused of preaching

that to commit an offence against nature is a smaller crime than to

hear Mass![1150] Who had placed this mysterious paper on the altar?

Came it from man? Did it fall from heaven?......They knew not; but

however that might be, it was copied, circulated, and read everywhere;

and the effects of this fable, invented by some villain, says

Zwingle,[1151] was such that Valais immediately granted the support it

had at first refused! The Waldstettes, proud of their strength, then

closed their ranks; their fierce eyes menaced the heretical cantons;

and the winds bore from their mountains to their neighbours of the

towns a formidable clang of arms.

[1150] Ut si quis rem obscænam cum jumento sive bove habeat, minus

peccare quam si missam inaudiat (Zw. Epp. p. 610.)

[1151] Perfidorum ac sceleratorum hominum commentum. (Zw. Epp.)

At the sight of these alarming manifestations the evangelical cities

were in commotion. They first assembled at Basle in February 1531,

then at Zurich in March. "What is to be done?" said the deputies from

Zurich, after setting forth their grievances; "how can we punish these

infamous calumnies, and force these threatening arms to fall?"--"We

understand," replied Berne "that you would have recourse to violence;

but think of these secret and formidable alliances that are forming

with the Pope, the Emperor, the King of France, with so many princes,

in a word with all the priests' party, to accelerate our ruin;--think

on the innocence of so many pious souls in the Five Cantons, who

deplore these perfidious machinations;--think how easy it is to begin

a war, but that no one can tell when it will end."[1152] Sad

foreboding! which a catastrophe, beyond all human foresight,

accomplished but too soon. "Let us therefore send a deputation to the

Five Cantons," continued Berne; "let us call upon them to punish these

infamous calumnies in accordance with the treaty; and if they refuse,

let us break off all intercourse with them."--"What will be the use of

this mission?" asked Basle. "Do we not know the brutality of this

people? And is it not to be feared that the rough treatment to which

our deputies will be exposed, may make the matter worse? Let us rather

convoke a general diet." Schaffhausen and St. Gall having concurred in

this opinion, Berne summoned a diet at Baden for the 10th April, at

which deputies from all the cantons were assembled.

[1152] Aber sin end und ussgang möchte nieman bald wüssen. (Bull. ii.

p. 346.)

[Sidenote: MUTUAL ERRORS.]

Many of the principal men among the Waldstettes disapproved of the

violence of the retired soldiers and of the monks. They saw that these

continually repeated insults would injure their cause. "The insults of

which you complain," said they to the diet, "afflict us no less than

you. We shall know how to punish them, and we have already done so.

But there are violent men on both sides. The other day a man of Basle

having met on the highroad a person who was coming from Berne, and

having learnt that he was going to Lucerne:--'To go from Berne to

Lucerne,' exclaimed he, 'is passing from a father to an arrant

knave!'" The mediating cantons invited the two parties to banish every

cause of discord.

But the war of the Chatelain of Musso having then broken out, Zwingle

and Zurich, who saw in it the first act of a vast conspiracy, destined

to stifle the Reform in every place, called their allies together. "We

must waver no longer," said Zwingle; "the rupture of the alliance on

the part of the Five Cantons, and the unheard of insults with which

they load us, impose upon us the obligation of marching against our

enemies,[1153] before the Emperor, who is still detained by the Turks,

shall have expelled the Landgrave, seized upon Strasburg, and

subjugated even ourselves." All the blood of the ancient Swiss seemed

to boil in this man's veins; and while Uri, Schwytz, and Unterwalden

basely kissed the hand of Austria, this Zuricher--the greatest

Helvetian of the age--faithful to the memory of old Switzerland, but

not so to still holier traditions, followed in the glorious steps of

Stauffacher and Winkelried.

[1153] Sy gwaltig ze überziehen. (Bull. ii. p. 366.)

[Sidenote: FAILURE OF THE DIET.]

The warlike tone of Zurich alarmed its confederates. Basle proposed a

summons, and then, in case of refusal, the rupture of the alliance.

Schaffhausen and St. Gall were frightened even at this step: "The

mountaineers, so proud, indomitable, and exasperated," said they,

"will accept with joy the dissolution of the Confederation, and then

shall we be more advanced?" Such was the posture of affairs, when, to

the great astonishment of all, deputies from Uri and Schywtz made

their appearance. They were coldly received; the cup of honour was not

offered to them; and they had to walk, according to their own account,

in the midst of the insulting cries of the people. They unsuccessfully

endeavoured to excuse their conduct. "We have long been waiting," was

the cold reply of the diet, "to see your actions and your words

agree."[1154] The men of Schwytz and of Uri returned in sadness to

their homes; and the assembly broke up, full of sorrow and distress.

[1154] Und wortt und werk mit einandern gangen werind. (Bull. ii. p.

367.)

[Sidenote: ACTIVITY OF ZURICH.]

Zwingle beheld with pain the deputies of the evangelical towns

separating without having come to any decision. He no longer desired

only a reformation of the Church; he wished for a transformation in

the Confederacy; and it was this latter reform that he now was

preaching from the pulpit, according to what we learn from

Bullinger.[1155] He was not the only person who desired it. For a long

time the inhabitants of the most populous and powerful towns of

Switzerland had complained that the Waldstettes, whose contingent of

men and money was much below theirs, had an equal share in the

deliberations of the diet and in the fruits of their victories. This

had been the cause of division after the Burgundian War. The Five

Cantons, by means of their adherents, had the majority. Now Zwingle

thought that the reins of Switzerland should be placed in the hands of

the great cities, and, above all, in those of the powerful cantons of

Berne and Zurich. New times, in his opinion, called for new forms. It

was not sufficient to dismiss from every public office the pensioners

of foreign princes, and substitute pious men in their place; the

federal compact must be remodelled, and settled upon a more equitable

basis. A national constituent assembly would doubtless have responded

to his wishes. These discourses, which were rather those of a tribune

of the people than of a minister of Jesus Christ, hastened on the

terrible catastrophe.

[1155] Trang gar häfftig uff eine gemeine Reformation gemeiner

Eydgenoschaft. (Bull. ii. p. 368.)

And indeed the animated words of the patriot reformer passed from the

church where they had been delivered into the councils and the halls

of the guilds, into the streets and the fields. The burning words that

fell from the lips of this man kindled the hearts of his

fellow-citizens. The electric spark, escaping with noise and

commotion, was felt even in the most distant cottage. The ancient

traditions of wisdom and prudence seemed forgotten. Public opinion

declared itself energetically. On the 29th and 30th April, a number of

horsemen rode hastily out of Zurich; they were envoys from the

council, commissioned to remind all the allied cities of the

encroachment of the Five Cantons, and to call for a prompt and

definitive decision. Reaching their several destinations, the

messengers recapitulated the grievances.[1156] "Take care," said they

in conclusion; "great dangers are impending over all of us. The

Emperor and King Ferdinand are making vast preparations; they are

about to enter Switzerland with large sums of money, and with a

numerous army."

[1156] They are to be found in Bullinger, ii. p. 368-376.

[Sidenote: DIET OF ARAU.]

Zurich joined actions to words. This state, being resolved to make

every exertion to establish the free preaching of the Gospel in those

bailiwicks where it shared the sovereignty with the Roman-catholic

cantons, desired to interfere by force wherever negotiations could not

prevail. The federal rights, it must be confessed, were trampled under

foot at St. Gall, in Thurgovia, in the Rheinthal; and Zurich

substituted arbitrary decisions in their place, that excited the

indignation of the Waldstettes to the highest degree. Thus the number

of enemies to the Reform kept increasing; the tone of the Five Cantons

became daily more threatening, and the inhabitants of the canton of

Zurich, whom their business called into the mountains, were loaded

with insults, and sometimes badly treated. These violent proceedings

excited in turn the anger of the reformed cantons. Zwingle traversed

Thurgovia, St. Gall, and the Tockenburg, everywhere organizing synods,

taking part in their proceedings, and preaching before excited and

enthusiastic crowds. In all parts he met with confidence and respect.

At St. Gall an immense crowd assembled under his windows, and a

concert of voices and instruments expressed to the reformer the public

gratitude in harmonious songs. "Let us not abandon ourselves," he

repeated continually, "and all will go well." It was resolved that a

meeting should be held at Arau on the 12th May, to deliberate on a

posture of affairs that daily became more critical. This meeting was

to be the beginning of sorrows.

V. Zwingle's scheme with regard to the establishment of a new

Helvetian constitution did not prevail in the diet of Arau. Perhaps it

was thought better to see the result of the crisis. Perhaps a more

Christian, a more federal view--the hope of procuring the unity of

Switzerland by unity of faith--occupied men's minds more than the

pre-eminence of the cities. In truth, if a certain number of cantons

remained with the Pope, the unity of the Confederation was destroyed,

it might be for ever. But if all the Confederation was brought over to

the same faith, the ancient Helvetic unity would be established on the

strongest and surest foundation. Now was the time for acting--or

never; and there must be no fear of employing a violent remedy to

restore the whole body to health.

[Sidenote: CONTRARY OPINIONS.]

Nevertheless, the allies shrunk back at the thought of restoring

religious liberty or political unity by means of arms; and to escape

from the difficulties in which the Confederation was placed, they

sought a middle course between war and peace. "There is no doubt,"

said the deputies from Berne, "that the behaviour of the cantons with

regard to the Word of God fully authorizes an armed intervention; but

the dangers that threaten us on the side of Italy and the Empire--the

danger of arousing the lion from his slumber--the general want and

misery that afflict our people--the rich harvests that will soon cover

our fields, and that the war would infallibly destroy--the great

number of pious men among the Waldstettes, and whose innocent blood

would flow along with that of the guilty:--all these motives enjoin us

to leave the sword in the scabbard. Let us rather close our markets

against the Five Cantons; let us refuse them corn, salt, wine, steel,

and iron; we shall thus impart authority to the friends of peace among

them, and innocent blood will be spared."[1157] The meeting separated

forthwith to carry this intermediate proposition to the different

Evangelical cantons, and on the 15th May again assembled at Zurich.

[1157] Und dadurch unshuldiez Blüt erspart wurde. (Bull. ii. p. 383.)

Convinced that the means apparently the most violent were nevertheless

both the surest and the most humane, Zurich resisted the Bernese

proposition with all its might. "By accepting this proposition," said

they, "we sacrifice the advantages that we now possess, and we give

the Five Cantons time to arm themselves, and to fall upon us first.

Let us take care that the Emperor does not then attack us on one side,

while our ancient confederates attack us on the other; a just war is

not in opposition to the Word of God; but this is contrary to

it--taking the bread from the mouths of the innocent as well as the

guilty; straitening by hunger the sick, the aged, pregnant women,

children, and all who are deeply afflicted by the injustice of the

Waldstettes.[1158] We should beware of exciting by this means the

anger of the poor, and transforming into enemies many who at the

present time are our friends and our brothers!"

[1158] Kranke alte shwangere wyber, kinder und sunst betrubte. (Bull.

ii. p. 384.)

[Sidenote: FAULTS OF THE REFORMATION.]

We must acknowledge that this language, which was Zwingle's, contained

much truth. But the other cantons, and Berne in particular, were

immoveable. "When we have once shed the blood of our brothers," said

they, "we shall never be able to restore life to those who have lost

it; while, from the moment the Waldstettes have given us

satisfaction, we shall be able to put an end to all these severe

measures. We are resolved not to begin the war." There were no means

of running counter to such a declaration. The Zurichers consented to

refuse supplies to the Waldstettes; but it was with hearts full of

anguish, as if they had foreseen all that this deplorable measure

would cost them.[1159] It was agreed that the severe step that was now

about to be taken should not be suspended except by common consent,

and that, as it would create great exasperation, each one should hold

himself prepared to repel the attacks of the enemy. Zurich and Berne

were commissioned to notify this determination to the Five Cantons;

and Zurich, discharging its task with promptitude, immediately

forwarded an order to every bailiwick to suspend all communication

with the Waldstettes, commanding them at the same time to abstain from

ill-usage and hostile language. Thus the Reformation, becoming

imprudently mixed up with political combinations, marched from fault

to fault; it pretended to preach the Gospel to the poor, and was now

about to refuse them bread!

[1159] Schmerzlich und kummersachlich. (Bull. ii. p. 386.)

[Sidenote: ZWINGLE'S SERMON.]

On the Sunday following--it was Whitsunday--the resolution was

published from the pulpits. Zwingle walked towards his, where an

immense crowd was waiting for him. The piercing eye of this great man

easily discovered the dangers of the measure in a political point of

view, and his christian heart deeply felt all its cruelty. His soul

was overburdened, his eyes downcast. If at this moment the true

character of a minister of the Gospel had awoke within him; if Zwingle

with his powerful voice had called on the people to humiliation before

God, to forgiveness of trespasses, and to prayer; safety might yet

have dawned on "broken-hearted" Switzerland. But it was not so. More

and more the Christian disappears in the Reformer, and the citizen

alone remains; but in that character he soars far above all, and his

policy is undoubtedly the most skilful. He sees clearly that every

delay may ruin Zurich; and after having made his way through the

people, and closed the book of the Prince of Peace, he hesitates not

to attack the resolution which he has just communicated to the people,

and on the very festival of the Holy Ghost to preach war. "He who

fears not to call his adversary a criminal," says he in his usual

forcible language, "must be ready to follow the word with a

blow.[1160] If he does not strike, he will lie stricken. Men of

Zurich! you deny food to the Five Cantons, as to evil-doers: well! let

the blow follow the threat, rather than reduce poor innocent creatures

to starvation. If, by not taking the offensive, you appear to believe

that there is not sufficient reason for punishing the Waldstettes, and

yet you refuse them food and drink, you will force them by this line

of conduct to take up arms, to raise their hands, and to inflict

punishment upon you. This is the fate that awaits you."

[1160] Das er wortt und faust mitt einander gan lasse. (Bull. ii. p.

388.)

These words of the eloquent reformer moved the whole assembly.

Zwingle's politic mind already so influenced and misled all the people

that there were few souls christian enough to feel how strange it was

that on the very day when they were celebrating the outpouring of the

Spirit of peace and love upon the Christian Church, the mouth of a

minister of God should utter a provocation to war. They looked at this

sermon only in a political point of view: "It is a seditious

discourse; it is an excitement to civil war!" said some. "No," replied

others, "it is the language that the safety of the state requires!"

All Zurich was agitated. "Zurich has too much fire," said Berne.

"Berne has too much cunning," replied Zurich.[1161] Zwingle's gloomy

prophecy was too soon to be fulfilled!

[1161] It was Zwingle who characterized the two cities:--

Bern: klage Zurich wäre zu hitzig:

Zurich: Bern wäre zu witzig.--(Stettler.)

[Sidenote: BLOCKADE OF THE WALDSTETTES.]

No sooner had the reformed cantons communicated to the Waldstettes

this pitiless decree than they hastened its execution; and Zurich

showed the greatest strictness respecting it. Not only the markets of

Zurich and of Berne, but also those of the free bailiwicks, those of

St. Gall, of the Tockenburg, of the district of Sargans and of the

valley of the Rhine, a country partly under the sovereignty of the

Waldstettes, were shut against the Five Cantons. A formidable power

had suddenly encompassed with barrenness, famine, and death, the noble

founders of Helvetian liberty. Uri, Schwytz, Unterwalden, Zug, and

Lucerne, were, as it seemed, in the midst of a vast desert. Their own

subjects, thought they at least, the communes that have taken the oath

of allegiance to them, would range themselves on their side! But no;

Bremgarten, and even Mellingen, refused all succour. Their last hope

was in Wesen and the Gastal. Neither Berne nor Zurich have anything to

do there; Schwytz and Glaris alone rule over them; but the power of

their enemies has penetrated everywhere. A majority of thirteen votes

had declared in favour of Zurich at the Landsgemeinde of Glaris; and

Glaris closed the gates of Wesen and of the Gastal against Schwytz. In

vain did Berne itself cry out: "How can you compel subjects to refuse

supplies to their lords?" In vain did Schwytz raise its voice in

indignation; Zurich immediately sent to Wesen----gunpowder and

bullets. It is upon Zurich, therefore, that falls all the odium of a

measure which that city had at first so earnestly combated. At Arau,

at Bremgarten, at Mellingen, in the free bailiwicks, were several

carriages laden with provisions for the Waldstettes. They were

stopped, unloaded, and upset: with them were barricades erected on the

roads leading to Lucerne, Schwytz, and Zug. Already a year of dearth

had made provisions scarce in the Five Cantons;--already had a

frightful epidemic, the _Sweating Sickness_, scattered everywhere

despondency and death: but now the hand of man was joined to the hand

of God; the evil increased, and the poor inhabitants of these

mountains beheld unheard-of calamities approach with hasty steps. No

more bread for their children--no more wine to revive their exhausted

strength--no more salt for their flocks and herds! Everything failed

them that man requires for subsistence.[1162] One could not see such

things, and be a man, without a broken heart. In the confederate

cities, and out of Switzerland, numerous voices were raised against

this implacable measure. What good can result from it? Did not St.

Paul write to the Romans: "If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he

thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire

on his head?"[1163] And when the magistrates wished to convince

certain refractory communes of the utility of the measure: "We desire

no religious war," cried they. "If the Waldstettes will not believe in

God, let them stick to the devil!"

[1162] Deshalb sy bald grossen mangel erlittend an allem dem das der

Mensh geläben soll. (Bull. ii. p. 396.)

[1163] Bull. ii. p. 396.--Romans xii. 20.

[Sidenote: INDIGNATION.]

[Sidenote: BLOCKADE.]

But it was especially in the Five Cantons that earnest complaints were

heard. The most pacific individuals, and even the secret partisans of

the Reform, seeing famine invade their habitations, felt the deepest

indignation. The enemies of Zurich skilfully took advantage of this

disposition; they fostered these murmurs; and soon the cry of anger

and distress re-echoed from all the mountains. In vain did Berne

represent to the Waldstettes that it is more cruel to refuse men the

nourishment of the soul than to cut off that of the body. "God,"

replied these mountaineers in their despair, "God causes the fruits of

the earth to grow freely for all men!"[1164] They were not content

with groaning in their cottages, and venting their indignation in

councils; they filled all Switzerland with complaints and

menaces.[1165] "They wish to employ famine to tear us from our ancient

faith; they wish to deprive our wives and our children of bread, that

they may take from us the liberty we derive from our forefathers. When

did such things ever take place in the bosom of the Confederation? Did

we not see, in the last war, the Confederates with arms in their

hands, and who were ready to draw the sword, eating together from the

same dish? They tear in pieces old friendships--they trample our

ancient manners underfoot--they violate treaties--they break

alliances......We invoke the charters of our ancestor. Help!

help!......Wise men of our people, give us your advice, and all you

who know how to handle the sling and the sword, come and maintain with

us the sacred possessions, for which our fathers, delivered from the

yoke of the stranger, united their arms and their hearts."

[1164] Hartmann von Hallwyll to Albert of Mulinen, 7th August.

[1165] Klagtend sich allent halben wyt und breit. (Bull. ii. p. 397.)

At the same time the Five Cantons sent into Alsace, Brisgau, and

Swabia to obtain salt, wine, and bread; but the administration of the

cities was implacable; the orders were everywhere given and everywhere

strictly executed. Zurich and the other allied cantons intercepted all

communication, and sent back to Germany the supplies that had been

forwarded to their brethren. These Five Cantons were like a vast

fortress, all the issues from which are closely guarded by watchful

sentinels. The afflicted Waldstettes, on beholding themselves alone

with famine between their lakes and their mountains, had recourse to

the observances of their worship. All sports, dances, and every kind

of amusement were interdicted;[1166] prayers were directed to be

offered up; and long processions covered the roads of Einsideln and

other resorts of pilgrims. They assumed the belt, and staff, and arms

of the brotherhood to which they each belonged; each man carried a

chaplet in his hands, and repeated paternosters; the mountains and the

valleys re-echoed with their plaintive hymns. But the Waldstettes did

still more: they grasped their swords--they sharpened the points of

their halberds--they brandished their weapons in the direction of

Zurich and of Berne, and exclaimed with rage: "They block up their

roads, but we will open them with our right arms!"[1167] No one

replied to this cry of despair; but there is a just Judge in heaven

to whom vengeance belongs, and who will soon reply in a terrible

manner, by punishing those misguided persons, who, forgetful of

Christian mercy, and making an impious mixture of political and

religious matters, pretend to secure the triumph of the Gospel by

famine and by armed men.

[1166] Stelltent ab spielen, Tanzen.--Tschudi der Capeller krieg,

1531. This MS. is attributed to Egidius Tschudi, who must have written

it in 1533, in favour of Five Cantons, and was printed in the

"Helvetia," vol. ii. p. 165.

[1167] Trowtend auch die Straassen uff zu thun mit gwalt. (Bull, ii.

p. 397.)

[Sidenote: FRANCE CONCILIATES.]

Some attempts, however, were made to arrange matters; but these very

efforts proved a great humiliation for Switzerland and for the Reform.

It was not the ministers of the Gospel, it was France--more than once

an occasion of discord to Switzerland--that offered to restore peace.

Every proceeding calculated to increase its influence among the

cantons was of service to its policy. On the 14th May, Maigret and

Dangertin (the latter of whom had received the Gospel truth, and

consequently did not dare return to France),[1168] after some

allusions to the spirit which Zurich had shown in this affair--a

spirit little in accordance with the Gospel--said to the council: "The

king our master has sent you two gentlemen to consult on the means of

preserving concord among you. If war and tumult invade Switzerland,

all the society of the Helvetians will be destroyed,[1169] and

whichever party is the conqueror, he will be as much ruined as the

other." Zurich having replied that if the Five Cantons would allow the

free preaching of the Word of God, the reconciliation would be easy,

the French secretly sounded the Waldstettes, whose answer was: "We

will never permit the preaching of the Word of God, as the people of

Zurich understand it."[1170]

[1168] Ep. Rugeri ad Bulling., 12th November 1560.

[1169] Universa societas _Helvetiorum_ dilabetur, si tumultus et

bellum inter eam eruperit. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 604.)

[1170] Responderunt verbi Dei predicationem non laturos, quomodo nos

intelligamus. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 607.)

[Sidenote: THE FIVE CANTONS INFLEXIBLE.]

These more or less interested exertions of the foreigners having

failed, a general diet became the only chance of safety that remained

for Switzerland. One was accordingly convoked at Bremgarten. It was

opened in presence of deputies from France, from the Duke of Milan,

from the Countess of Neuchatel, from the Grisons, Valais, Thurgovia,

and the district of Sargans; and met on five different occasions,--on

the 14th and 20th June, on the 9th July, and the 10th and 23d August.

The chronicler Bullinger, who was pastor of Bremgarten, delivered an

oration at the opening, in which he earnestly exhorted the

Confederates to union and peace.

A gleam of hope for a moment cheered Switzerland. The blockade had

become less strict; friendship and good neighbourhood had prevailed in

many places over the decrees of the state. Unusual roads had been

opened across the wildest mountains to convey supplies to the

Waldstettes. Provisions were concealed in bales of merchandise; and

while Lucerne imprisoned and tortured its own citizens, who were found

with the books of the Zurichers,[1171] Berne punished but slightly the

peasants who had been discovered bearing food for Unterwalden and

Lucerne; and Glaris shut its eyes on the frequent violation of its

orders. The voice of charity, that had been momentarily stifled,

pleaded with fresh energy the cause of their confederates before the

reformed cantons.

[1171] Bull. ii. p. 30.

But the Five Cantons were inflexible. "We will not listen to any

proposition before the raising of the blockade," said they. "We will

not raise it," replied Berne and Zurich, "before the Gospel is allowed

to be freely preached, not only in the common bailiwicks, but also in

the Five Cantons." This was undoubtedly going too far, even according

to the natural law and the principles of the Confederation. The

councils of Zurich might consider it their duty to have recourse to

war for maintaining liberty of conscience in the common bailiwicks;

but it was unjust--it was a usurpation, to constrain the Five Cantons

in a matter that concerned their own territory. Nevertheless the

mediators succeeded, not without much trouble, in drawing up a plan of

conciliation that seemed to harmonize with the wishes of both parties.

The conference was broken up, and this project was hastily transmitted

to the different states for their ratification.

[Sidenote: ZURICH.]

The diet met again a few days after; but the Five Cantons persisted in

their demand, without yielding in any one point. In vain did Zurich

and Berne represent to them, that, by persecuting the Reformed, the

cantons violated the treaty of peace; in vain did the mediators

exhaust their strength in warnings and entreaties. The parties

appeared at one time to approximate, and then on a sudden they were

more distant and more irritated than ever. The Waldstettes at last

brake up the third conference by declaring, that far from opposing the

Evangelical truth, they would maintain it, as it had been taught by

the Redeemer, by his holy Apostles, by the Four Doctors, and by their

holy mother, the Church--a declaration that seemed a bitter irony to

the deputies from Zurich and Berne. Nevertheless Berne, turning

towards Zurich as they were separating, observed: "Beware of too much

violence, even should they attack you!"

This exhortation was unnecessary. The strength of Zurich had passed

away. The first appearance of the Reformation and of the Reformers had

been greeted with joy. The people, who groaned under a twofold

slavery, believed they saw the dawn of liberty. But their minds,

abandoned for ages to superstition and ignorance, being unable

immediately to realize the hopes they had conceived, a spirit of

discontent soon spread among the masses. The change by which Zwingle,

ceasing to be a man of the Gospel, became the man of the State, took

away from the people the enthusiasm necessary to resist the terrible

attacks they would have to sustain. The enemies of the Reform had a

fair chance against it, so soon as its friends abandoned the position

that gave them strength. Besides, Christians could not have recourse

to famine and to war to secure the triumph of the Gospel, without

their consciences becoming troubled. The Zurichers "_walked not in the

Spirit, but in the flesh; now, the works of the flesh are hatred,

variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions_."[1172] The danger

without was increasing, while within, hope, agreement, and courage

were far from being augmented: men saw on the contrary the gradual

disappearance of that harmony and lively faith which had been the

strength of the Reform. The Reformation had grasped the sword, and

that very sword pierced its heart.

[1172] Galatians, v. 19, 20.

Occasions of discord were multiplied in Zurich. By the advice of

Zwingle, the number of nobles was diminished in the two councils,

because of their opposition to the Gospel; and this measure spread

discontent among the most honourable families of the canton. The

millers and bakers were placed under certain regulations, which the

dearth rendered necessary, and a great part of the townspeople

attributed this proceeding to the sermons of the Reformer, and became

irritated against him. Rodolph Lavater, bailiff of Kibourg, was

appointed captain-general, and the officers who were of longer

standing than he were offended. Many who had been formerly the most

distinguished by their zeal for the Reform, now openly opposed the

cause they had supported. The ardour with which the ministers of peace

demanded war, spread in every quarter a smothered dissatisfaction, and

many persons gave vent to their indignation. This unnatural confusion

of Church and State which had corrupted Christianity after the age of

Constantine, was hurrying on the ruin of the Reformation. The majority

of the Great Council, ever ready to adopt important and salutary

resolutions, was abolished. The old magistrates, who were still at the

head of affairs, allowed themselves to be carried away by feelings of

jealousy against men whose non-official influence prevailed over

theirs. All those who hated the doctrine of the Gospel, whether from

love of the world or from love to the Pope, boldly raised their heads

in Zurich. The partisans of the monks, the friends of foreign service,

the malcontents of every class, coalesced in pointing out Zwingle as

the author of all the sufferings of the people.

[Sidenote: ZWINGLE'S FALSE POSITION.]

Zwingle was heart-broken. He saw that Zurich and the Reformation were

hastening to their ruin, and he could not check them. How could he do

so, since, without suspecting it, he had been the principal accomplice

in these disasters? What was to be done? Shall the pilot remain in

the ship which he is no longer permitted to save? There was but one

means of safety for Zurich and for Zwingle. He should have retired

from the political stage, and fallen back on that _kingdom which is

not of this world_; he should, like Moses, have kept his hands and his

heart night and day raised towards heaven, and energetically preached

repentance, faith, and peace. But religious and political matters were

united in the mind of this great man by such old and dear ties, that

it was impossible for him to distinguish their line of separation.

This confusion had become his dominant idea; the Christian and the

citizen were for him one and the same character; and hence it

resulted, that all resources of the state--even cannons and

arquebuses--were to be placed at the service of the Truth. When one

peculiar idea thus seizes upon a man, we see a false conscience formed

within him, which approves of many things condemned by the Word of

God.

This was now Zwingle's condition. War appeared to him legitimate and

desirable; and if that was refused, he had only to withdraw from

public life: he was for everything or nothing. He therefore, on the

26th July, appeared before the Great Council, with dimmed eyes and

disconsolate heart: "It is now eleven years," said he, "since I have

been preaching the Gospel among you, and that I have warned you

faithfully and paternally of the woes that are hanging over you; but

no attention is paid to my words; the friends of foreign alliances,

the enemies of the Gospel, are elected to the council, and while you

refuse to follow my advice, I am made responsible for every

misfortune. I cannot accept such a position, and I ask for my

dismissal." The reformer retired bathed in tears.

[Sidenote: THE GREAT COUNCIL.]

The council shuddered as they heard these words. All the old feelings

of respect which they had so long entertained for Zwingle were

revived; to lose him now was to ruin Zurich. The burgomaster and the

other magistrates received orders to persuade him to recall his fatal

resolution. The conference took place on the same day; Zwingle asked

time for consideration. For three days and three nights he sought the

road that he should follow. Seeing the dark storm that was collecting

from all quarters, he considered whether he ought to quit Zurich and

seek refuge on the lofty hills of the Tockenburg, where he had been

reared, when his country and his Church were on the point of being

assailed and beaten down by their enemies, like corn by the hailstorm.

He groaned and cried to the Lord. He would have put away the cup of

bitterness that was presented to his soul, but could not gather up the

resolution. At length the sacrifice was accomplished, and the victim

was placed shuddering upon the altar. Three days after the first

conference, Zwingle reappeared in the council: "I will stay with you,"

said he, "and I will labour for the public safety--until death!"

[Sidenote: ZWINGLE AT BREMGARTEN.]

From this moment he displayed new zeal. On the one hand, he

endeavoured to revive harmony and courage in Zurich; on the other, he

set about arousing and exciting the allied cities to increase and

concentrate all the forces of the Reformation. Faithful to the

political character he imagined he had received from God

himself--persuaded that it was in the doubts and want of energy of the

Bernese that he must look for the cause of all the evil, the Reformer

repaired to Bremgarten with Collin and Steiner, during the fourth

conference of the diet, although he incurred great danger in the

attempt. He arrived secretly by night, and having entered the house of

his friend and disciple, Bullinger, he invited the deputies of Berne

(J. J. de Watteville and Jur Hag) to meet him there with the greatest

secrecy, and prayed them in the most solemn tone earnestly to reflect

upon the dangers of the Reform. "I fear," said he, "that in

consequence of our unbelief, this business will not succeed. By

refusing supplies to the Five Cantons, we have begun a work that will

be fatal to us. What is to be done? Withdraw the prohibition? The

cantons will then be more insolent and haughty than ever. Enforce it?

They will take the offensive, and if their attack succeed, you will

behold our fields red with the blood of the believers, the doctrine

of truth cast down, the Church of Christ laid waste, all social

relations overthrown, our adversaries more hardened and irritated

against the Gospel, and crowds of priests and monks again fill our

rural districts, streets, and temples......And yet," added Zwingle,

after a few instants of emotion and silence, "that also will have an

end." The Bernese were filled with agitation by the solemn voice of

the reformer. "We see," replied they, "all that is to be feared for

our common cause, and we will employ every care to prevent such great

disasters."--"I who write these things was present and heard them,"

adds Bullinger.[1173]

[1173] These words are in Latin: Hæc ipse, qui hæc scribo, ab illis

audivi, præsens colloquio. (Bull. ii. p. 49.)

[Sidenote: THE APPARITION.]

It was feared that if the presence of Zwingle at Bremgarten became

known to the deputies of the Five Cantons, they would not restrain

their violence. During this nocturnal conference three of the town

councillors were stationed as sentinels in front of Bullinger's house.

Before daybreak, the reformer and his two friends, accompanied by

Bullinger and the three councillors, passed through the deserted

streets leading to the gate on the road to Zurich. Three different

times Zwingle took leave of Bullinger, who was erelong to be his

successor. His mind was filled with a presentiment of his approaching

death; he could not tear himself from that young friend whose face he

was never to see again; he blessed him amidst floods of tears. "O my

dear Henry!" said he, "may God protect you! Be faithful to our Lord

Jesus Christ, and to his Church!" At length they separated; but at

that very moment, says Bullinger, a mysterious personage, clad in a

robe as white as snow, suddenly appeared, and after frightening the

soldiers who guarded the gate, plunged suddenly into the water, and

vanished. Bullinger, Zwingle, and their friends did not perceive it;

Bullinger himself sought for it all around, but to no purpose;[1174]

still the sentinels persisted in the reality of this frightful

apparition. Bullinger in great agitation returned in darkness and in

silence to his house. His mind involuntarily compared the departure of

Zwingle and the white phantom; and he shuddered at the frightful omen

which the thought of this spectre impressed upon his mind.

[1174] Ein menschen in ein schneeweissen Kleid. (Bull. ii. p. 49.)

[Sidenote: FRIGHTFUL OMENS.]

Sufferings of another kind pursued Zwingle to Zurich. He had thought

that by consenting to remain at the head of affairs, he would recover

all his ancient influence. But he was deceived: the people desired to

see him there, and yet they would not follow him. The Zurichers daily

became more and more indisposed towards the war which they had at

first demanded, and identified themselves with the passive system of

Berne. Zwingle remained for some time stupefied and motionless before

this inert mass, which his most vigorous exertions could not move. But

soon discovering in every quarter of the horizon the prophetic signs,

precursors of the storm about to burst upon the ship of which he was

the pilot, he uttered cries of anguish, and showed the signal of

distress. "I see," exclaimed he one day to the people from the pulpit,

whither he had gone to give utterance to his gloomy forebodings,--"I

see that the most faithful warnings cannot save you: you will not

punish the pensioners of the foreigner......They have too firm a

support among us! A chain is prepared--behold it entire--it unrolls

link after link,--soon they will bind me to it, and more than one

pious Zuricher with me......It is against me they are enraged! I am

ready; I submit to the Lord's will. But these people shall never be my

masters......As for thee, O Zurich, they will give thee thy reward;

they will strike thee on the head. Thou willest it. Thou refusest to

punish them; well! it is they who will punish thee.[1175] But God will

not the less preserve his Word, and their haughtiness shall come to an

end." Such was Zwingle's cry of agony; but the immobility of death

alone replied. The hearts of the Zurichers were so hardened that the

sharpest arrows of the reformer could not pierce them, and they fell

at his feet blunted and useless.

[1175] Straafen willt sy nitt, des werden sy dich straafen. (Bull. ii.

p. 52.)

But events were pressing on, and justified all his fears. The Five

Cantons had rejected every proposition that had been made to them.

"Why do you talk of punishing a few wrongs?" they had replied to the

mediators; "it is a question of quite another kind. Do you not require

that we should receive back among us the heretics whom we have

banished, and tolerate no other priests than those who preach

conformably to the Word of God? We know what that means. No--no--we

will not abandon the religion of our fathers; and if we must see our

wives and our children deprived of food, our hands will know how to

conquer what is refused to us: to that we pledge our bodies--our

goods--our lives." It was with this threatening language that the

deputies quitted the Diet of Bremgarten. They had proudly shaken the

folds of their mantles, war had fallen from them.

The terror was general, and the alarmed citizens beheld everywhere

frightful portents, terrific signs, apparently foreboding the most

horrible events. It was not only the white phantom that had appeared

at Bremgarten at Zwingle's side: the most fearful omens, passing from

mouth to mouth, filled the people with the most gloomy presentiments.

The history of these phenomena, however strange it may appear,

characterizes the period of which we write.

On the 26th July, a widow chancing to be alone before her house in the

village of Castelenschloss, suddenly beheld a frightful

spectacle--blood springing from the earth all around her![1176] She

rushed in alarm into the cottage......but, oh horrible! blood is

flowing everywhere--from the wainscot and from the stones;[1177]--it

falls in a stream from a basin on a shelf, and even the child's cradle

overflows with it. The woman imagines that the invisible hand of an

assassin has been at work, and rushes in distraction out of doors,

crying murder! murder![1178] The villagers and the monks of a

neighbouring convent assemble at the cry--they succeed in partly

effacing the bloody stains; but a little later in the day, the other

inhabitants of the house, sitting down in terror to eat their evening

meal under the projecting eaves, suddenly discover blood bubbling up

in a pond--blood flowing from the loft--blood covering all the walls

of the house. Blood--blood--everywhere blood! The bailiff of

Schenkenberg and the pastor of Dalheim arrive--inquire into the

matter--and immediately report it to the lords of Berne and to

Zwingle.

[1176] Ante et post eam purus sanguis ita acriter ex dura terra

effluxit, ut ex vena incisa. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 627.)

[1177] Sed etiam sanguis ex terra, lignis, et lapidibus effluxit. (Zw.

Epp. ii. p. 627.)

[1178] Ut eadem excurreret cædem clamitans. (Zw. Ep. ii. p. 627.)

[Sidenote: THE COMET.]

Scarcely had this horrible recital--the particulars of which are

faithfully preserved in Latin and in German--filled all minds with the

idea of a horrible butchery, than in the western quarter of the

heavens there appeared a frightful comet,[1179] whose immense train of

a pale yellow colour turned towards the south. At the time of its

setting, this apparition shone in the sky like the fire of a

furnace.[1180] One night--on the 15th August as it would

appear[1181]--Zwingle and George Mühler, formerly abbot of Wettingen,

being together in the cemetery of the cathedral, both fixed their eyes

upon this terrific meteor. "This ominous globe," said Zwingle, "is

come to light the path that leads to my grave. It will be at the cost

of my life and of many good men with me. Although I am rather

shortsighted, I foresee great calamities in the future.[1182] The

Truth and the Church will mourn; but Christ will never abandon us." It

was not only at Zurich that this flaming star spread consternation.

Vadianus being one night on an eminence in the neighbourhood of St.

Gall, surrounded by his friends and disciples, after having explained

to them the names of the stars and the miracles of the Creator,

stopped before this comet, which denounced the anger of God; and the

famous Theophrastus declared that it foreboded not only great

bloodshed, but most especially the death of learned and illustrious

men. This mysterious phenomenon prolonged its frightful visitation

until the 3d September.

[1179] Ein gar eschrocklicher comet. (Bull. ii. p 46.) It was Halley's

comet, that returns about every 76 years. It appeared last in 1835.

[1180] Wie ein fhuwr in einer ess. (Ibid.) Perhaps Bullinger alludes

in this way to the phenomenon remarked by Appian, astronomer to

Charles V., who observed this comet at Ingoldstadt, and who says that

the tail disappeared as the nucleus approached the horizon. In 1456,

its appearance had already excited great terror.

[1181] Cometam jam tribus noctibus viderunt apud nos alii, ego una

tantum, puto 15 Augusti. (Zw. Epp. p. 634.)

[1182] Ego cæculus non unam calamitatem expecto. (Ibid. p. 626.)

When once the noise of these omens was spread abroad, men could no

longer contain themselves. Their imaginations were excited; they

heaped fright upon fright: each place had its terrors. Two banners

waving in the clouds had been seen on the mountain of the Brunig; at

Zug a buckler had appeared in the heavens; on the banks of the Reuss,

reiterated explosions were heard during the night; on the lake of the

Four Cantons, ships carrying aërial combatants cruised about in every

direction. War--war;--blood--blood!--these were the general cries.

[Sidenote: NEW MEDIATIONS.]

In the midst of all this agitation, Zwingle alone seemed tranquil. He

rejected none of these presentiments, but he contemplated them with

calmness. "A heart that fears God," said he, "cares not for the

threats of the world. To forward the designs of God, whatever may

happen,--this is his task. A carrier who has a long road to go must

make up his mind to wear his waggon and his gear during the journey.

If he carry his merchandise to the appointed spot, that is enough for

him. We are the waggon and the gear of God. There is not one of the

articles that is not worn, twisted, or broken; but our great Driver

will not the less accomplish by our means his vast designs. Is it not

to those who fall upon the field of battle that the noblest crown

belongs? Take courage, then, in the midst of all these dangers,

through which the cause of Jesus Christ must pass. Be of good cheer!

although we should never here below see its triumphs with our own

eyes. The Judge of the combat beholds us, and it is he who confers the

crown. Others will enjoy upon earth the fruits of our labours; while

we, already in heaven, shall enjoy an eternal reward."[1183]

[1183] Zw. Opp. Comment. in Jeremiam. This work was composed the very

year of Zwingle's death.

Thus spoke Zwingle, as he advanced calmly towards the threatening

noise of the tempest, which, by its repeated flashes and sudden

explosions, foreboded death.

VI. The Five Cantons, assembled in diet at Lucerne, appeared full of

determination, and war was decided upon. "We will call upon the cities

to respect our alliances," said they, "and if they refuse, we will

enter the common bailiwicks by force to procure provisions, and we

will unite our banners in Zug to attack the enemy." The Waldstettes

were not alone. The Nuncio, being solicited by his Lucerne friends,

had required that auxiliary troops, paid by the Pope, should be put in

motion towards Switzerland, and he announced their near arrival.

[Sidenote: DECEITFUL CALM.]

These resolutions carried terror into Switzerland; the mediating

cantons met again at Arau, and drew up a plan that should leave the

religious question just as it had been settled by the treaty of 1529.

Deputies immediately bore these propositions to the different

councils. Lucerne haughtily rejected them. "Tell those who sent you,"

was the reply, "that we do not acknowledge them as our schoolmasters.

We would rather die than yield the least thing to the prejudice of our

faith." The mediators returned to Arau, trembling and discouraged.

This useless attempt increased the disagreement among the Reformed,

and gave the Waldstettes still greater confidence. Zurich, so decided

for the reception of the Gospel, now became daily more irresolute! The

members of the council distrusted each other; the people felt no

interest in this war; and Zwingle, notwithstanding his unshaken faith

in the justice of his cause, had no hope for the struggle that was

about to take place. Berne, on its side, did not cease to entreat

Zurich to avoid precipitation. "Do not let us expose ourselves to the

reproach of too much haste, as in 1529," was the general remark in

Zurich. "We have sure friends in the midst of the Waldstettes; let us

wait until they announce to us, as they have promised, some real

danger."

It was soon believed that these temporizers were right. In fact the

alarming news ceased. That constant rumour of war, which incessantly

came from the Waldstettes, discontinued. There were no more alarms--no

more fears! Deceitful omen! Over the mountains and valleys of

Switzerland hangs that gloomy and mysterious silence, the forerunner

of the tempest.

[Sidenote: ZURICH FOREWARNED.]

Whilst they were sleeping at Zurich, the Waldstettes were preparing to

conquer their rights by force of arms. The chiefs, closely united to

each other by common interests and dangers, found a powerful support

in the indignation of the people. In a diet of the Five Cantons, held

at Brunnen on the banks of the Lake of Lucerne, opposite Grutli, the

alliances of the Confederation were read; and the deputies, having

been summoned to declare by their votes whether they thought the war

just and lawful, all hands were raised with a shudder. Immediately the

Waldstettes had prepared their attack with the profoundest mystery.

All the passes had been guarded--all communication between Zurich and

the Five Cantons had been rendered impossible. The friends upon whom

the Zurichers had reckoned on the banks of the Lakes Lucerne and Zug,

and who had promised them intelligence, were like prisoners in their

mountains. The terrible avalanche was about to slip from the icy

summits of the mountain, and to roll into the valleys, even to the

gates of Zurich, overthrowing everything in its passage, without the

least forewarning of its fall. The mediators had returned discouraged

to their cantons. A spirit of imprudence and of error--sad forerunner

of the fall of republics as well as of kings--had spread over the

whole city of Zurich. The council had at first given the order to call

out the militia; then, deceived by the silence of the Waldstettes, it

had imprudently revoked the decree, and Lavater, the commander of the

army, had retired in discontent to Rybourg, and indignantly thrown far

from him that sword which they had commanded him to leave in the

scabbard. Thus the winds were about to be unchained from the

mountains; the waters of the great deep, aroused by a terrible

earthquake, were about to open; and yet the vessel of the state, sadly

abandoned, sported up and down with indifference over the frightful

gulf,--its yards struck, its sails loose and motionless--without

compass or crew--without pilot, watch, or helm.

Whatever were the exertions of the Waldstettes, they could not

entirely stifle the rumour of war, which from chalet to chalet called

all their citizens to arms. God permits a cry of alarm--a single one,

it is true--to resound in the ears of the people of Zurich. On the 4th

October, a little boy, who knew not what he was doing, succeeded in

crossing the frontier of Zug, and presented himself with two loaves at

the gate of the reformed monastery of Cappel, situated in the farthest

limits of the canton of Zurich. He was led to the abbot, to whom the

child gave the loaves without saying a word. The superior, with whom

there chanced to be at this time a councillor from Zurich, Henry

Peyer, sent by his government, turned pale at the sight. "If the Five

Cantons intend entering by force of arms into the free bailiwicks,"

had said these two Zurichers to one of their friends in Zug, "you will

send your son to us with one loaf; but you will give him two if they

are marching at once upon the bailiwicks and upon Zurich." The abbot

and the councillor wrote with all speed to Zurich. "Be upon your

guard! take up arms," said they; but no credit was attached to this

information. The council were at that time occupied in taking measures

to prevent the supplies that had arrived from Alsace from entering the

cantons. Zwingle himself, who had never ceased to announce war, did

not believe it. "These pensioners are really clever fellows," said

the reformer. "Their preparations may be after all nothing but a

French manœuvre."[1184]

[1184] Dise ire Rustung mochte woll eine französische prattik sein.

(Bull. ii. p. 86.)

He was deceived--they were a reality. Four days were to accomplish the

ruin of Zurich. Let us retrace in succession the history of these

disastrous moments.

On Sunday, 8th October, a messenger appeared at Zurich, and demanded,

in the name of the Five Cantons, letters of perpetual alliance.[1185]

The majority saw in this step nothing but a trick; but Zwingle began

to discern the thunderbolt in the black cloud that was drawing near.

He was in the pulpit: it was the last time he was destined to appear

in it; and as if he had seen a formidable spectre of Rome rise

frightfully above the Alps, calling upon him and upon his people to

abandon the faith:--"No, no!" cried he, "never will I deny my

Redeemer!"

[1185] Die ewige Bünd abgefordert. (J. J. Hottinger, iii. p. 577.)

According to Bullinger, this did not take place until Monday.

At the same moment a messenger arrived in haste from Mulinen,

commander of the Knights-hospitallers of St. John at Hitzkylch. "On

Friday, 6th October," said he to the councils of Zurich, "the people

of Lucerne planted their banner in the Great Square.[1186] Two men

that I sent to Lucerne have been thrown into prison. To-morrow

morning, Monday, 9th October, the Five Cantons will enter the

bailiwicks. Already the country-people, frightened and fugitive, are

running to us in crowds."--"It is an idle story," said the

councils.[1187] Nevertheless they recalled the commander-in-chief

Lavater, who sent off a trusty man, nephew of James Winckler, with

orders to repair to Cappel, and if possible as far as Zug, to

reconnoitre the arrangements of the cantons.

[1186] Ire paner in den Brunnen gesteckt. (Bull. ii. p. 86.)

[1187] Ein gepöch und prögerey und unt darauff setzend. (Ibid.)

[Sidenote: MANIFESTO OF THE CANTONS.]

The Waldstettes were in reality assembling round the banner of

Lucerne. The people of this canton; the men of Schwytz, Uri, Zug, and

Unterwalden; refugees from Zurich and Berne, with a few Italians,

formed the main body of the army, which had been raised to invade the

free bailiwicks. Two manifestoes were published--one addressed to the

cantons, the other to foreign princes and nations.

The Five Cantons energetically set forth the attacks made upon the

treaties, the discord sown throughout the Confederation, and finally

the refusal to sell them provisions--a refusal whose only aim was

(according to them) to excite the people against the magistrates, and

to establish the Reform by force. "It is not true," added they,

"that--as they cease not to cry out--we oppose the preaching of the

truth and the reading of the Bible. As obedient members of the Church,

we desire to receive all that our holy mother receives. But we reject

all the books and the innovations of Zwingle and his companions."[1188]

[1188] Als wir vertruwen Gott und der Wel antwurt zu geben. (Bull. ii.

p. 101.)

Hardly had the messengers charged with these manifestoes departed

before the first division of the army began to march, and arrived in

the evening in the free bailiwicks. The soldiers having entered the

deserted churches, and having seen the images of the saints removed

and the altars broken, their anger was kindled; they spread like a

torrent over the whole country, pillaged everything they met with, and

were particularly enraged against the houses of the pastors, where

they destroyed the furniture with oaths and maledictions. At the same

time the division that was to form the main army marched upon Zug,

thence to move upon Zurich.

[Sidenote: INFATUATION OF ZURICH.]

Cappel, at three leagues from Zurich, and about a league from Zug, was

the first place they would reach in the Zurich territory, after

crossing the frontier of the Five Cantons. Near the Albis, between two

hills of similar height, the Granges on the north, and the Ifelsberg

on the south, in the midst of delightful pastures, stood the ancient

and wealthy convent of the Cistertians, in whose church were the tombs

of many ancient and noble families of these districts. The Abbot

Wolfgang Joner, a just and pious man, a great friend of the arts and

letters, and a distinguished preacher, had reformed his convent in

1527. Full of compassion, rich in good works, particularly towards the

poor of the canton of Zug and the free bailiwicks, he was held in

great honour throughout the whole country.[1189] He predicted what

would be the termination of the war; yet as soon as danger approached,

he spared no labour to serve his country.

[1189] That armen lüten vil guts......und by aller Erbarkeit in

grossern ansähen. (Bull. iii. p. 151.)

It was on Sunday night that the abbot received positive intelligence

of the preparations at Zug. He paced up and down his cell with hasty

steps; sleep fled from his eyes; he drew near his lamp, and addressing

his intimate friend, Peter Simmler, who succeeded him, and who was

then residing at Kylchberg, a village on the borders of the lake, and

about a league from the town, he hastily wrote these words: "The great

anxiety and trouble which agitate me prevent me from busying myself

with the management of the house, and induce me to write to you all

that is preparing. The time is come......the scourge of God

appears.[1190]......After many journeys and inquiries, we have learnt

that the Five Cantons will march to-day (Monday) to seize upon

Hitzkylch, while the main army assembles its banners at Baar, between

Zug and Cappel. Those from the valley of the Adige and the Italians

will arrive to-day or to-morrow." This letter, through some unforeseen

circumstance, did not reach Zurich till the evening.

[1190] Die Zyt ist hie, das die rüt gottes sich wil erzeigen. (Bull.

p. 87.)

Meanwhile the messenger whom Lavater had sent--the nephew of J.

Winckler--creeping on his belly, gliding unperceived past the

sentinels, and clinging to the shrubs that overhung the precipices,

had succeeded in making his way where no road had been cleared. On

arriving near Zug, he had discovered with alarm the banner and the

militia hastening from all sides at beat of drum: then traversing

again these unknown passes, he had returned to Zurich with this

information.[1191]

[1191] Naben den Wachten, durch umwag und gestrupp. (Bull. iii. p.

87.)

It was high time that the bandage should fall from the eyes of the

Zurichers; but the delusion was to endure to the last. The council

which was called together met in small number. "The Five Cantons,"

said they, "are making a little noise to frighten us, and to make us

raise the blockade."[1192] The council, however, decided on sending

Colonel Rodolph Dumysen and Ulric Funk to Cappel, to see what was

going on; and each one, tranquillized by this unmeaning step, retired

to rest.

[1192] Sy machtend alein ein geprög. (Ibid. p. 103.)

They did not slumber long. Every hour brought fresh messengers of

alarm to Zurich. "The banners of four cantons are assembled at Zug,"

said they. "They are only waiting for Uri. The people of the free

bailiwicks are flocking to Cappel, and demanding arms......Help!

help!"

Before the break of day the council was again assembled, and it

ordered the convocation of the Two Hundred. An old man, whose hair had

grown gray on the battle-field and in the council of the state--the

banneret John Schweizer--raising his head enfeebled by age, and

darting the last beam, as it were, from his eyes, exclaimed, "Now--at

this very moment, in God's name, send an advanced guard to Cappel, and

let the army, promptly collecting round the banner, follow it

immediately." He said no more; but the charm was not yet broken. "The

peasants of the free bailiwicks," said some, "we know to be hasty, and

easily carried away. They make the matter greater than it really is.

The wisest plan is to wait for the report of the councillors." In

Zurich there was no longer either arm to defend or head to advise.

[Sidenote: THE WAR BEGINS.]

It was seven in the morning, and the assembly was still sitting, when

Rodolph Gwerb, pastor of Rifferschwyl, near Cappel, arrived in haste.

"The people of the lordship of Knonau," said he, "are crowding round

the convent, and loudly calling for chiefs and for aid. The enemy is

approaching. Will our lords of Zurich (say they) abandon themselves,

and us with them? Do they wish to give us up to slaughter?" The

pastor, who had witnessed these mournful scenes, spoke with animation.

The councillors, whose infatuation was to be prolonged to the end,

were offended at his message. "They want to make us act imprudently,"

replied they, turning in their arm-chairs.

They had scarcely ceased speaking before a new messenger appears,

wearing on his features the marks of the greatest terror: it was

Schwyzer, landlord of the "Beech Tree" on Mount Albis. "My lords

Dumysen and Funck," said he, "have sent me to you with all speed to

announce to the council that the Five Cantons have seized upon

Hytzkilch, and that they are now collecting all their troops at Baar.

My lords remain in the bailiwicks to aid the frightened inhabitants."

This time the most confident turned pale. Terror, so long restrained,

passed like a flash of lightning through every heart.[1193] Hytzkilch

was in the power of the enemy, and the war was begun.

[1193] Dieser Bottschaft erschrack menklich büel. (Bull. iii. p. 104.)

[Sidenote: A FEARFUL NIGHT.]

It was resolved to expedite to Cappel a flying camp of six hundred men

with six guns; but the command was intrusted to George Goldli, whose

brother was in the army of the Five Cantons, and he was enjoined to

keep on the defensive. Goldli and his troops had just left the city,

when the captain-general Lavater, summoning into the hall of the

Smaller Council the old banneret Schweizer, William Toning, captain of

the arquebusiers, J. Dennikon, captain of the artillery, Zwingle, and

some others, said to them, "Let us deliberate promptly on the means of

saving the canton and the city. Let the tocsin immediately call out

all the citizens." The captain-general feared that the councils would

shrink at this proceeding, and he wished to raise the Landsturm by the

simple advice of the army and of Zwingle. "We cannot take it upon

ourselves," said they, "the two councils are still sitting; let us lay

this proposition before them." They hasten towards the place of

meeting; but, fatal mischance! there were only a few members of the

Smaller Council on the benches. "The consent of the Two Hundred is

necessary," said they. Again a new delay, and the enemy is on the

march. Two hours after noon the Great Council met again, but only to

make long and useless speeches.[1194] At length the resolution was

taken, and at seven in the evening the tocsin began to sound in all

the country districts. Treason united with this dilatoriness, and

persons who pretended to be envoys from Zurich stopped the Landsturm

in many places, as being contrary to the opinion of the council. A

great number of citizens went to sleep again.

[1194] Ward so vil und lang darim gerad schlagt. (Bull. iii. p. 104.)

It was a fearful night. The thick darkness--a violent storm--the

alarm-bell ringing from every steeple--the people running to arms--the

noise of swords and guns--the sound of trumpets and of drums, combined

with the roaring of the tempest, the distrust, discontent, and even

treason, which spread affliction in every quarter--the sobs of women

and of children--the cries which accompanied many a heartrending

adieu--an earthquake which occurred about nine o'clock at night, as if

nature herself had shuddered at the blood that was about to be spilt,

and which violently shook the mountains and valleys:[1195] all

increased the terrors of this fatal night,--a night to be followed by

a still more fatal day.

[1195] Ein startrer Erdbidem, der das Land, auch Berg und Thal

gwaltiglich ershütt. (Tschudi; Helvetia, ii. p. 186.)

[Sidenote: THE WAR.]

While these events were transpiring, the Zurichers encamped on the

heights of Cappel to the number of about one thousand men, fixed their

eyes on Zug and upon the lake, attentively watching every movement. On

a sudden, a little before night, they perceived a few barks filled

with soldiers coming from the side of Arth, and rowing across the lake

towards Zug. Their number increases--one boat follows another--soon

they distinctly hear the bellowing of the bull (the horn) of

Uri,[1196] and they discern the banner. The barks draw near Zug; they

are moored to the shore, which is lined with an immense crowd. The

warriors of Uri and the arquebusiers of the Adige spring up and leap

on shore, where they are received with acclamations, and take up their

quarters for the night: behold the enemies assembled! The council are

informed with all speed.

[1196] Vil schiffen uff Zag faren, und hort man luyen den Uri Stier.

(Bull. iii. p. 109.)

The agitation was still greater at Zurich than at Cappel: the

confusion was increased by uncertainty. The enemy attacking them on

different sides at once, they knew not where to carry assistance. Two

hours after midnight five hundred men with four guns quitted the city

for Bremgarten, and three or four hundred men with five guns for

Wadenshwyl. They turned to the right and to the left, while the enemy

was in front.

Alarmed at its own weakness, the council resolved to apply without

delay to the cities of the christian co-burghery. "As this revolt,"

wrote they, "has no other origin than the Word of God, we entreat you

once--twice--thrice, as loudly, as seriously, as firmly, and as

earnestly, as our ancient alliances and our christian co-burghery

permit and command us to do--to set forth without delay with all your

forces. Haste! haste! haste! Act as promptly as possible[1197]--the

danger is yours as well as ours." Thus spake Zurich; but it was

already too late.

[1197] Ylentz, ylentz, ylentz, uffs aller schnellist. (Bull. iii. p.

110.)

At break of day the banner was raised before the town-house; instead

of flaunting proudly in the wind, it hung drooping down the staff--a

sad omen that filled many minds with fear. Lavater took up his station

under the standard; but a long period elapsed before a few hundred

soldiers could be got together.[1198] In the square and in all the

city disorder and confusion prevailed. The troops, fatigued by a hasty

march or by long waiting, were faint and discouraged.

[1198] Sammlet sich doch das volck gmachsam. (Ibid. p. 112.)

[Sidenote: ZWINGLE'S DEPARTURE.]

At ten o'clock, only 700 men were under arms. The selfish, the

lukewarm, the friends of Rome and of the foreign pensioners, had

remained at home. A few old men who had more courage than

strength--several members of the two councils who were devoted to the

holy cause of God's Word--many ministers of the Church who desired to

live and die with the Reform--the boldest of the townspeople and a

certain number of peasants, especially those from the neighbourhood of

the city--such were the defenders who, wanting that moral force so

necessary for victory, incompletely armed, without uniform, crowded in

disorder around the banner of Zurich.

The army should have numbered at least 4000 men; they waited still;

the usual oath had not been administered; and yet courier after

courier arrived, breathless and in disorder, announcing the terrible

danger that threatened Zurich. All this disorderly crowd is

agitated--they no longer wait for the commands of their chiefs, and

many without taking the oath rush through the gates. About 200 men

thus set out in confusion. All those who remained prepared to depart.

Then was Zwingle seen to issue from a house before which a caparisoned

horse was stamping impatiently; it was his own. His look was firm, but

dimmed by sorrow. He parted from his wife, his children, and his

numerous friends, without deceiving himself, and with a bruised

heart.[1199] He observed the thick waterspout, which, driven by a

terrible wind, advanced whirling towards him. Alas! he had himself

called up this hurricane by quitting the atmosphere of the Gospel of

peace, and throwing himself into the midst of political passions. He

was convinced that he would be the first victim. Fifteen days before

the attack of the Waldstettes, he had said from the pulpit: "I know

what is the meaning of all this:--it is all about me. All this comes

to pass--in order that I may die."[1200] The council, according to an

ancient custom, had called upon him to accompany the army as its

chaplain. Zwingle did not hesitate. He prepared himself without

surprise and without anger,--with the calmness of a Christian who

placed himself confidently in the hands of his God. If the cause of

Reform was doomed to perish, he was ready to perish with it.

Surrounded by his weeping wife and friends--by his children who clung

to his garments to detain him, he quitted that house where he had

tasted so much happiness. At the moment that his hand was upon his

horse, just as he was about to mount, the animal violently started

back several paces, and when he was at last in the saddle, it refused

for a time to move, rearing and prancing backwards, like that horse

which the greatest captain of modern times had mounted as he was about

to cross the Niemen. Many in Zurich at that time thought with the

soldier of the Grand Army when he saw Napoleon on the ground: "It is a

bad omen! a Roman would go back!"[1201] Zwingle having at last

mastered his horse, gave the reins, applied the spur, started forward,

and disappeared.

[1199] Anna Rheinhard par G. Meyr of Knonau. (Bull. iii. p. 33.)

[1200] Ut ego tollar fiunt omnia. (De vita et obitu Zwinglii,

Myconius.)

[1201] Ségur: Hist. de Napoléon et de la Grande Armée, i. p. 142.

[Sidenote: THE SCENE OF WAR.]

At eleven o'clock the flag was struck, and all who remained in the

square--about 500 men--began their march along with it. The greater

part were torn with difficulty from the arms of their families, and

walked sad and silent, as if they were going to the scaffold instead

of battle. There was no order--no plan; the men were isolated and

scattered, some running before, some after the colours, their extreme

confusion presenting a fearful appearance;[1202] so much so, that

those who remained behind--the women, the children, and the old men,

filled with gloomy forebodings, beat their breasts as they saw them

pass, and many years after, the remembrance of this day of tumult and

mourning drew this groan from Oswald Myconius: "Whenever I recall it

to mind, it is as if a sword pierced my heart." Zwingle, armed

according to the usage of the chaplains of the Confederation, rode

mournfully behind this distracted multitude. Myconius, when he saw

him, was nigh fainting.[1203] Zwingle disappeared, and Oswald remained

behind to weep.

[1202] Nullus ordo, nulla consilia, nullæ mentes, tanta animorum

dissonantia, tam horrenda facies ante et post signa sparsim currentium

hominum. (De vita et ob. Zwinglii.)

[1203] Quem ut vidi repentino dolore cordis vix consistebam. (Ibid.)

He did not shed tears alone; in all quarters were heard lamentations,

and every house was changed into a house of prayer.[1204] In the midst

of this universal sorrow, one woman remained silent; her only cry was

a bitter heart, her only language the mild and suppliant eye of

faith:--this was Anna, Zwingle's wife. She had seen her husband

depart--her son, her brother, a great number of intimate friends and

near relations, whose approaching death she foreboded. But her soul,

strong as that of her husband, offered to God the sacrifice of her

holiest affections. Gradually the defenders of Zurich precipitate

their march, and the tumult dies away in the distance.

[1204] Manebamus non certe sine jugibus suspiriis, non sine precibus,

ad Deum. (Ibid.)

[Sidenote: THE ENEMY AT ZUG.]

VII. This night, which was so stormy in Zurich, had not been calmer at

Cappel. They had received the most alarming reports one after another.

It was necessary to take up a position that would allow the troops

assembled round the convent to resist the enemy's attack until the

arrival of the reinforcements that were expected from the city. They

cast their eyes on a small hill, which lying to the north towards

Zurich, and traversed by the highroad, presented an uneven but

sufficiently extensive surface. A deep ditch that surrounded it on

three sides defended the approaches; but a small bridge, that was the

only issue on the side of Zurich, rendered a precipitate retreat very

dangerous. On the south-west was a wood of beech-trees; on the south,

in the direction of Zug, was the highroad and a marshy valley. "Lead

us to the Granges," cried all the soldiers. They were conducted

thither. The artillery was stationed near some ruins. The line of

battle was drawn up on the side of the monastery and of Zug, and

sentinels were placed at the foot of the slope.

Meantime, the signal is given at Zug and Baar: the drums beat: the

soldiers of the Five Cantons take up their arms. A universal feeling

of joy animates them. The churches are opened, the bells ring, and the

serried ranks of the cantons enter the cathedral of St. Oswald; Mass

is celebrated; the Host is offered up for the sins of the people, and

all the army begin their march at nine o'clock, with banners flying.

The avoyer John Golder commands the contingent of Lucerne; the

landamman Jacques Troguer, that of Uri; the landamman Rychmut, a

mortal enemy of the Reformation, that of Schwytz; the landamman

Zellger, that of Unterwalden; and Oswald Dooss that of Zug. Eight

thousand men march in order of battle: all the picked men of the Five

Cantons are there. Fresh and active after a quiet night, and having

only one short league to cross before reaching the enemy, these

haughty Waldstettes advance with a firm and regular step under the

command of their chiefs.

[Sidenote: ARMY OF ZURICH.]

On reaching the common meadow of Zug, they halt to take the oath:

every hand is upraised to heaven, and all swear to avenge themselves.

They were about to resume their march, when some aged men made signs

to them to stop. "Comrades," they said, "we have long offended God.

Our blasphemies, our oaths, our wars, our revenge, our pride, our

drunkenness, our adulteries, the gold of the stranger to whom our

hands have been extended, and all the disorders in which we have

indulged, have so provoked his anger, that if he should punish us

to-day, we should only receive the desert of our crimes." The emotion

of the chiefs had passed into the ranks. All the army bend the knee in

the midst of the plain; deep silence prevails, and every soldier, with

bended head, crosses himself devoutly, and repeats in a low voice

five paters, as many aves, and the credo. One might have said that

they were for a time in the midst of a vast and stilly desert.

Suddenly the noise of an immense crowd is again heard. The army rises

up. "Soldiers," said the captains, "you know the cause of this war.

Bear your wives and your children continually before your eyes."

Then the chief usher (_grand sautier_) of Lucerne, wearing the colours

of the canton, approaches the chiefs of the army: they place in his

hands the declaration of war, dated on that very day, and sealed with

the arms of Zug. He then sets off on horseback, preceded by a

trumpeter, to carry this paper to the commander of the Zurichers.

It was eleven in the morning. The Zurichers soon discovered the

enemy's army, and cast a sorrowful glance on the small force they were

able to oppose to it. Every minute the danger increased. All bent

their knees, their eyes were raised to heaven, and every Zuricher

uttered a cry from the bottom of his heart, praying for deliverance

from God. As soon as the prayer was ended, they got ready for battle.

There were at that time about twelve hundred men under arms.

[Sidenote: BATTLE OF CAPPEL.]

At noon the trumpet of the Five Cantons sounded not far from the

advanced posts. Goldli, having collected the members of the two

councils who happened to be with the army, as well as the commissioned

and non-commissioned officers, and having ranged them in a circle,

ordered the secretary Rheinhard to read the declaration of which the

Sautier of Lucerne was the bearer. After the reading, Goldli opened a

council of war. "We are few in number, and the forces of our

adversaries are great," said Landolt, bailiff of Marpac, "but I will

here await the enemy in the name of God." "Wait!" cried the captain of

the halberdiers, Rodolph Zigler; "impossible! let us rather take

advantage of the ditch that cuts the road to effect our retreat, and

let us everywhere raise a levée _en masse_." This was in truth the

only means of safety. But Rudi Gallmann, considering every step

backwards as an act of cowardice, cried out, stamping his feet

forcibly on the earth, and casting a fiery glance around him,

"Here--here shall be my grave!"[1205]--"It is now too late to retire

with honour," said other officers. "This day is in the hands of God.

Let us suffer whatever he lays upon us." It was put to the vote.

[1205] Da, da mus min Rilchhof sin. (Bull. ii. p. 118.)

The members of the council had scarcely raised their hands in token of

assent, when a great noise was heard around them. "The captain! the

captain!" cried a soldier from the outposts who arrived in haste.

"Silence, silence!" replied the ushers, driving him back; "they are

holding a council!"--"It is no longer time to hold a council," replied

the soldier. "Conduct me immediately to the captain."......"Our

sentinels are falling back," cried he with an agitated voice, as he

arrived before Goldli. "The enemy is there--they are advancing through

the forest with all their forces and with great tumult." He had not

ceased speaking, before the sentinels, who were in truth retiring on

all sides, ran up, and the army of the Five Cantons was soon seen

climbing the slope of Ifelsberg in face of the Granges, and pointing

their guns. The leaders of the Waldstettes were examining the

position, and seeking to discover by what means their army could reach

that of Zurich. The Zurichers were asking themselves the same

question. The nature of the ground prevented the Waldstettes from

passing below the convent, but they could arrive by another quarter.

Ulric Brüder, under bailiff of Husen in the canton of Zurich, fixed

his anxious look on the beech-wood. "It is thence that the enemy will

fall upon us!" "Axes--axes!" immediately cried several voices; "let us

cut down the trees!"[1206] Goldli, the abbot, and several others, were

opposed to this: "If we stop up the wood, by throwing down the trees,

we shall ourselves be unable to work our guns in that direction," said

they.--"Well! at least let us place some arquebusiers in that

quarter."--"We are already so small a number," replied the captain,

"that it will be imprudent to divide the forces." Neither wisdom nor

courage were to save Zurich. They once more invoked the help of God,

and waited in expectation.

[1206] Ettliche schrüwend nach Achsen das man das Wäldi verhallte.

(Bull. iii. p. 118.)

At one o'clock the Five Cantons fired the first gun: the ball passing

over the convent, fell below the Granges; a second passed over the

line of battle; a third struck a hedge close to the ruins. The

Zurichers, seeing the battle was begun, replied with courage; but the

slowness and awkwardness with which the artillery was served in those

days prevented any great loss being inflicted on either side. When the

enemy perceived this, they ordered their advanced guard to descend

from Ifelsberg and to reach the Granges through the meadow; and soon

the whole army of the Cantons advanced in this direction, but with

difficulty and over bad roads. Some arquebusiers of Zurich came and

announced the disorder of the Cantons. "Brave Zurichers," cried Rudi

Gallmann, "if we attack them now, it is all over with them." At these

words some of the soldiers prepared to enter the wood on the left, to

fall upon the disheartened Waldstettes. But Goldli perceiving this

movement, cried out: "Where are you going?--do you not know that we

have agreed not to separate?" He then ordered the skirmishers to be

recalled, so that the wood remained entirely open to the enemy. They

were satisfied with discharging a few random shots from time to time

to prevent the Cantons from establishing themselves there. The firing

of the artillery continued until three o'clock, and announced far and

wide, even to Bremgarten and Zurich, that the battle had begun.

[Sidenote: THE MARCH.]

In the meanwhile the great banner of Zurich and all those who

surrounded it, among whom was Zwingle, came advancing in disorder

towards the Albis. For a year past the gaiety of the reformer had

entirely disappeared: he was grave, melancholy, easily moved, having a

weight on his heart that seemed to crush it. Often would he throw

himself weeping at the feet of his Master, and seek in prayer the

strength of which he stood in need. No one had ever observed in him

any irritation; on the contrary, he had received with mildness the

counsels that had been offered, and had remained tenderly attached to

men whose convictions were not the same as his own. He was now

advancing mournfully along the road to Cappel; and John Maaler of

Winterthour, who was riding a few paces behind him, heard his groans

and sighs, intermingled with fervent prayers. If any one spoke to him,

he was found firm and strong in the peace that proceeds from faith;

but he did not conceal his conviction that he should never see his

family or church again. Thus advanced the forces of Zurich. Awful

march! resembling rather a funeral procession then an army going to

battle.

As they approached they saw express after express gallopping along the

road from Cappel, begging the Zurichers to hasten to the defence of

their brothers.[1207]

[1207] Dan ein Manung uff die ander, von Cappel kamm. (Bull. iii. p.

113.)

At Adliswil, having passed the bridge under which flow the impetuous

waters of the Sihl, and traversed the village through the midst of

women, children, and old men, who, standing before their cottages,

looked with sadness on this disorderly troop, they began to ascend the

Albis. They were about half way from Cappel when the first cannon-shot

was heard. They stop, they listen: a second, a third succeeds......There

is no longer any doubt. The glory, the very existence of the republic

are endangered, and they are not present to defend it! The blood

curdles in their veins. On a sudden they arouse, and each one begins

to run to the support of his brothers. But the road over the Albis was

much steeper than it is in our days. The badly harnessed artillery

could not ascend it; the old men, the citizens, little habituated to

marching, and covered with weighty armour, advanced with difficulty:

and yet they formed the greater portion of the troops. They were seen

stopping one after another, panting and exhausted, along the sides of

the road near the thickets and ravines of the Albis, leaning against

a beech or an ash tree, and looking with dispirited eyes to the

summit of the mountain covered with thick pines.

They resume their march, however; the horsemen and the most intrepid

of the foot-soldiers hasten onwards, and having reached the "Beech

Tree," on the top of the mountain, halt to take council.

What a prospect then extended before their eyes! Zurich, the lake and

its smiling shores--those orchards, those fertile fields, those

vine-clad hills, almost the whole of the canton. Alas! soon, perhaps,

to be devastated by the Forest-bands.

Scarcely had these noble-minded men begun to deliberate, when fresh

messengers from Cappel appear before them and exclaim, "Hasten

forwards!" At these words many of the Zurichers prepared to gallop

towards the enemy.[1208] Toning, the captain of the arquebusiers,

stopt them. "My good friends," cried he to them, "against such great

forces what can we do alone? Let us wait here until our people are

assembled, and then let us fall upon the enemy with the whole

army."--"Yes, if we had an army," bitterly replied the captain-general,

who, in despair of saving the republic, thought only of dying with

glory; "but we have only a banner and no soldiers."--"How can we stay

calmly upon these heights," said Zwingle, "while we hear the shots

that are fired at our fellow-citizens? In the name of God I will march

towards our warriors, prepared to die in order to save them."[1209]--"And

I too," added the aged banneret Schweizer. "As for you," continued he,

turning with a contemptuous look towards Toning, "wait till you are a

little recovered."--"I am quite as much refreshed as you," replied

Toning, the colour mantling on his face, "and you shall soon see

whether I cannot fight." All hastened their steps towards the field of

battle.

[1208] Uff rossen häftig ylttend zum augriff. (Bull. iii. p. 113.)

[1209] Ich will Kacht, in den namen Gotts, zu den biderben luten und

willig mitt und under inen sterben. (Ibid. p. 123.)

The descent is rapid; they plunge into the woods, pass through the

village of Husen, and at length arrive near the Granges. It was three

o'clock when the banner crossed the narrow bridge that led thither;

and there were so few soldiers round it that every one trembled as he

beheld this venerated standard thus exposed to the attacks of so

formidable an enemy. The army of the Cantons was at that moment

deploying before the eyes of the new-comers. Zwingle gazed upon this

terrible spectacle. Behold, then, these phalanxes of soldiers!--a few

minutes more, and the labours of eleven years will be destroyed

perhaps for ever!......

A citizen of Zurich, one Leonard Bourkhard, who was ill-disposed

towards the reformer, said to him in a harsh tone, "Well, Master

Ulric, what do you say about this business? Are the radishes salt

enough?......who will eat them now?"[1210] "I," replied Zwingle, "and

many a brave man who is here in the hands of God; for we are his in

life and in death."--"And I too--I will help eat them," resumed

Bourkhard immediately, ashamed of his brutality,--"I will risk my life

for them." And he did so, and many others with him, adds the

chronicle.

[1210] Sind die Rüben gesaltzen! wer will sie ausessen. (J. J. Hott.

iii. p. 383.)

It was four o'clock; the sun was sinking rapidly; the Waldstettes did

not advance, and the Zurichers began to think that the attack would be

put off till the morrow. In fact, the chiefs of the Five Cantons

seeing the great banner of Zurich arrive, the night near at hand, and

the impossibility of crossing under the fire of the Zurichers the

marsh and the ditch that separated the combatants, were looking for a

place in which their troops might pass the night. "If, at this moment,

any mediators had appeared," says Bullinger, "their proposals would

have been accepted."

[Sidenote: BATTLE OF CAPPEL.]

The soldiers, observing the hesitation of their chiefs, began to

murmur loudly. "The big ones abandon us," said one. "The captains fear

to bite the fox's tail," said another. "Not to attack them," cried

they all, "is to ruin our cause." During this time a daring man was

preparing the skilful manœuvre that was to decide the fate of the day.

A warrior of Uri, John Jauch, formerly bailiff of Sargans, a good

marksman and experienced soldier, having taken a few men with him,

moved towards the right of the army of the Five Cantons, crept into

the midst of the clump of beech-trees that, by forming a semicircle to

the east, unite the hill of Ifelsberg to that of the Granges,[1211]

found the wood empty, arrived to within a few paces of the Zurichers,

and there, hidden behind the trees, remarked unperceived the smallness

of their numbers, and their want of caution. Then, stealthily

retiring, he went to the chiefs at the very moment the discontent was

on the point of bursting out. "Now is the time to attack the enemy,"

cried he. "Dear gossip," replied Troquer, captain-in-chief of Uri,

"you do not mean to say that we should set to work at so late an hour;

besides, the men are preparing their quarters, and everybody knows

what it cost our fathers at Naples and Marignan for having commenced

the attack a little before night. And then it is Innocents' day, and

our ancestors have never given battle on a feast-day."[1212]--"Don't

think about the Innocents of the calendar," replied Jauch, "but let us

rather remember the innocents that we have left in our cottages."

Gaspard Goldli of Zurich, brother of the commander of the Granges,

added his entreaties to those of the warrior of Uri. "We must either

beat the Zurichers to-night," said he, "or be beaten by them

to-morrow. Take your choice."

[1211] This wood no longer connects the two hills. The present pastor

of Cappel told me that when first he went into that district the wood

was much more extensive than it is at present.

[1212] An einem solchen Tag Blut ze vergiessen. (Tschudi, Helv. ii. p.

189.)

[Sidenote: AMBUSCADE.]

All was unavailing; the chiefs were inflexible, and the army prepared

to take up its quarters. Then the warrior of Uri, understanding like

his fellow-countryman Tell that great evils require great remedies,

drew his sword and cried: "Let all true confederates follow

me."[1213] Then hastily leaping to his saddle, he spurred his horse

into the forest;[1214] and immediately arquebusiers, soldiers from the

Adige, and many other warriors of the Five Cantons, especially from

Unterwalden--in all about 300 men, rushed into the wood after him. At

this sight Jauch no longer doubts of the victory of the Waldstettes.

He dismounts and falls upon his knees, "for," says Tschudi, "he was a

man who feared God." All his followers do the same, and together

invoke the aid of God, of his holy mother, and of all the heavenly

host, They then advance; but soon the warrior of Uri, wishing to

expose no one but himself, halts his troops, and glides from tree to

tree to the verge of the wood. Observing that the enemy was as

incautious as ever, he rejoins his arquebusiers, leads them stealthily

forward, and posts them silently behind the trees of the forest,[1215]

enjoining them to take their aim so as not to miss their men. During

this time the chiefs of the Five Cantons, foreseeing that this rash

man was about to bring on the action, decided against their will, and

collected their soldiers around the banners.

[1213] Welche redlicher Eidgnossen wärt sind, die louffind uns nach.

(Bull. iii. p. 125.)

[1214] Sass ylends wiederum uff sin Ross. (Tschudi, Helv. ii. p. 191.)

[1215] Zertheilt die Hagken hinter die Bäum im Wald in grosser Stille

(Tschudi, Helv. ii. p. 191.)

VIII. The Zurichers, fearing that the enemy would seize upon the road

that led to their capital, were then directing part of their troops

and their guns to a low hill by which it was commanded. At the very

moment that the invisible arquebusiers stationed among the beech trees

were taking their aim, this detachment passed near the little wood.

The deepest silence prevails in this solitude: each one posted there

picks out the man he desires to bring down, and Jauch exclaims: "In

the name of the Holy Trinity--of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy

Ghost--of the Holy Mother of God, and of all the heavenly host--fire!"

At the word the deadly balls issue from the wood, and a murderous

carnage in the ranks of Zurich follows this terrible discharge. The

battle, which had begun four hours ago, and which had never appeared

to be a serious attack, now underwent an unforeseen change. The sword

was not again to be returned to the scabbard until it had been bathed

in torrents of blood. Those of the Zurichers who had not fallen at

this first discharge, lie flat on the ground, so that the balls pass

over their heads; but they soon spring up, saying: "Shall we allow

ourselves to be butchered? No! let us rather attack the enemy!"

Lavater seizes a lance, and rushing into the foremost rank exclaims:

"Soldiers, uphold the honour of God and of our lords, and behave like

brave men!" Zwingle, silent and collected, like nature before the

bursting of the tempest, was there also halberd in hand. "Master

Ulric," said Bernard Sprungli, "speak to the people and encourage

them." "Warriors!" said Zwingle, "fear nothing. If we are this day to

be defeated, still our cause is good. Commend yourselves to God!"

The Zurichers quickly turn the artillery they were dragging to another

quarter, and point it against the wood; but their bullets, instead of

striking the enemy, only reach the top of the trees, and tear off a

few branches that fall upon the skirmishers.[1216]

[1216] Denn das die Aest auf sie fielent (Tschudi, p. 182.)

Rychmuth, the landamman of Schwytz, came up at a gallop to recall the

volunteers; but seeing the battle begun, he ordered the whole army to

advance. Immediately the five banners moved forward.

[Sidenote: BATTLE OF CAPPEL.]

But already Jauch's skirmishers, rushing from among the trees, had

fallen impetuously upon the Zurichers, charging with their long and

pointed halberds. "Heretics! sacrilegists!" cried they, "we have you

at last!"--"Man-sellers, idolaters, impious Papists!" replied the

Zurichers, "is it really you?" At first a shower of stones fell from

both parties and wounded several; immediately they come to close

quarters. The resistance of the Zurichers was terrible.[1217] Each

struck with the sword or with the halberd: at last the soldiers of the

Five Cantons were driven back in disorder. The Zurichers advanced, but

in so doing lost the advantages of their position, and got entangled

in the marsh. Some Roman-catholic historians pretend that this flight

of their troops was a stratagem to draw the Zurichers into the

snare.[1218]

[1217] Der angriff war hart und währt der Wiederstand ein gute Wyl.

(Tschudi, p. 192.)

[1218] Catholici autem, positis insidiis, retrocesserunt, fugam

simulantes. (Cochlœus, Acta Luth. p. 214.)

In the mean time the army of the Five Cantons hasten through the wood.

Burning with courage and with anger, they eagerly quicken their steps;

from the midst of the beech-trees there resounded a confused and

savage noise--a frightful murmur; the ground shook; one might have

said that the forest was uttering a horrible roar, or that witches

were holding their nocturnal revels.[1219] In vain do the bravest of

the Zurichers offer an intrepid resistance: the Waldstettes have the

advantage in every quarter. "They are surrounding us," cried some.

"Our men are fleeing," said others. A man from the canton of Zug

mingling with the Zurichers, and pretending to be of their party,

exclaims: "Fly, fly, brave Zurichers, you are betrayed!" Thus

everything is against Zurich. Even the hand of Him who is the disposer

of battles, turns against this people. Thus was it also in times of

old that God frequently chastised his own people of Israel by the

Assyrian sword. A panic terror seizes upon the bravest, and the

disorder spreads everywhere with frightful rapidity.

[1219] Der Boden erzittert; und nit anders war, denn als ob der Wald

lut bruelete. (Tschudi, p. 123.)

[Sidenote: THE BANNER IN DANGER.]

In the meanwhile the aged Schweizer had raised the great banner with a

firm hand, and all the picked men of Zurich were drawn up around it;

but soon their ranks were thinned. John Kammli, charged with the

defence of the standard, having observed the small number of

combatants that remained upon the field of battle, said to the

banneret: "Let us lower the banner, my lord, and save it, for our

people are flying shamefully:"--"Warriors, remain firm," replied the

aged banneret, whom no danger had ever shaken. The disorder

augmented--the number of fugitives increased every minute; the old man

stood fast, amazed and immoveable as an aged oak beaten by a frightful

hurricane. He received unflinchingly the blows that fell upon him, and

alone resisted the terrible storm. Kammli seized him by the arm: "My

lord," said he again, "lower the banner, or else we shall lose it:

there is no more glory to be reaped here!" The banneret, who was

already mortally wounded, exclaimed: "Alas! must the city of Zurich be

so punished!" Then, dragged off by Kammli, who held him by the arm, he

retreated as far as the ditch. The weight of years, and the wounds

with which he was covered, did not permit him to cross it. He fell in

the mire at the bottom, still holding the glorious standard, whose

folds dropped on the other bank.

The enemy ran up with loud shouts, being attracted by the colours of

Zurich, as the bull by the gladiator's flag. Kammli seeing this,

unhesitatingly leaps to the bottom of the ditch, and lays hold of the

stiff and dying hands of his chief, in order to preserve the precious

ensign, which they tightly grasped. But it is in vain; the hands of

the aged Schweizer will not loose the standard. "My lord banneret!"

cried this faithful servant, "it is no longer in your power to defend

it." The hands of the banneret, already stiffened in death, still

refuse; upon which Kammli violently tears away the sacred standard,

leaps upon the other bank, and rushes with his treasure far from the

steps of the enemy. The last Zurichers at this moment reach the ditch,

they fall one after another upon the expiring banneret, and thus

hasten his death.

[Sidenote: THE BANNER SAVED.]

Kammli, however, having received a wound from a gunshot, his march was

retarded, and soon the Waldstettes surround him with their swords. The

Zuricher, holding the banner in one hand, and his sword in the other,

defends himself bravely. One of the Waldstettes catches hold of the

staff--another seizes the flag itself and tears it. Kammli with one

blow of his sword cuts down the former, and striking around him, calls

out: "To the rescue, brave Zurichers! save the honour and the banner

of our lords." The assailants increase in number, and the warrior is

about to fall, when Adam Næff of Wollenwyd rushes up sword in hand,

and the head of the Waldstette who had torn the colours rolls upon the

plain, and his blood gushes out upon the flag of Zurich. Dumysen,

member of the Smaller Council, supports Næff with his halberd, and

both deal such lusty blows, that they succeed in disengaging the

standard-bearer. He, although dangerously wounded, springs forward,

holding the blood-stained folds of the banner in one hand, which he

carries off hastily, dragging the staff behind him. With fierce look

and fiery eye, he thus passes sword in hand through the midst of

friends and enemies: he crosses plains, woods, and marshes, everywhere

leaving traces of his blood, which flows from numerous wounds. Two of

his enemies, one from Schwytz, the other from Zug--were particularly

eager in his pursuit. "Heretic! villain!" cried they, "surrender and

give us the banner."--"You shall have my life first," replied the

Zuricher. Then the two hostile soldiers, who were embarrassed by their

cuirasses, stopped a moment to take them off. Kammli took advantage of

this to get in advance: he ran; Huber, Dumysen, and Dantzler of

Naenikon were at his side. They all four thus arrived near Husen,

half-way up the Albis. They had still to climb the steepest part of

the mountain. Huber falls covered with wounds. Dumysen, the

colonel-general, who had fought as a private soldier, almost reaches

the church of Husen, and there he falls lifeless: and two of his sons,

in the flower of youth, soon lie stretched on the battle-field that

has drunk their father's blood. Kammli takes a few steps further; but

halts erelong, exhausted and panting, near a hedge that he would have

to clear, and discovers his two enemies, and other Waldstettes running

from all sides, like birds of prey, towards the wavering standard of

Zurich. The strength of Kammli sinks rapidly, his eyes grow dim,

thick darkness surrounds him: a hand of lead fastens him to the

ground. Then, mustering all his expiring strength, he flings the

standard on the other side of the hedge, exclaiming: "Is there any

brave Zuricher near me? Let him preserve the banner and the honour of

our lords! As for me, I can do no more!" Then casting a last look to

heaven, he adds: "May God be my helper!" He fell exhausted by this

last effort. Dantzler, who came up, flung away his sword, sprung over

the hedge, seized the banner, and cried, "With the aid of God, I will

carry it off." He then rapidly climbed the Albis, and at last placed

the ancient standard of Zurich in safety. God, on whom these warriors

fixed all their hopes, had heard their prayers, but the noblest blood

of the republic had been spilt.

The enemy were victorious at all points. The soldiers of the Five

Cantons, and particularly those of Unterwalden, long hardened in the

wars of the Milanese, showed themselves more merciless towards their

confederates than they had ever been towards foreigners. At the

beginning of the battle, Goldli had taken flight, and soon after he

quitted Zurich for ever. Lavater, the captain-general, after having

fought valiantly, had fallen into the ditch. He was dragged out by a

soldier, and had escaped.

[Sidenote: TERRIBLE SLAUGHTER.]

The most distinguished men of Zurich fell one after another under the

blows of the Waldstettes.[1220] Rudi Gallmann found the glorious tomb

he had wished for, and his two brothers stretched beside him left

their father's house desolate. Toning, captain of the arquebusiers,

died for his country as he had foretold. All the pride of the

population of Zurich, seven members of the Smaller Council, nineteen

members of the Two Hundred, sixty-five citizens of the town, four

hundred and seventeen from the rural districts: the father in the

midst of his children,--the brother surrounded by his brothers,--lay

on the field.

[1220] Optimi et docti viri, quos necessitas traxerat in commune

periculum patriæ et ecclesiæ veritatisque defensandæ, quam et suo

sanguine redemerunt. (Pell. Vit. MS. p. 6.)

Gerold Meyer of Knonau, son of Anna Zwingle; at that time twenty-two

years of age, and already a member of the council of Two Hundred,--a

husband and a father,--had rushed into the foremost ranks with all the

impetuosity of youth. "Surrender, and your life shall be spared,"

cried some of the warriors of the Five Cantons, who desired to save

him. "It is better for me to die with honour than to yield with

disgrace," replied the son of Anna, and immediately struck by a mortal

blow, he fell and expired not far from the castle of his ancestors.

The ministers were those who paid proportionally the greatest tribute

on this bloody day. The sword that was at work on the heights of

Cappel thirsted for their blood: twenty-five of them fell beneath its

stroke. The Waldstettes trembled with rage when they discovered one of

these heretical preachers, and sacrificed him with enthusiasm, as a

chosen victim, to the Virgin and the saints. There has, perhaps, never

been any battle in which so many men of the Word of God have bitten

the dust. Almost everywhere the pastors had marched at the head of

their flocks. One might have said that Cappel was an assembly of

christian churches rather than an army of Swiss companies. The Abbot

Joner, receiving a mortal wound near the ditch, expired in sight of

his own monastery. The people of Zug, in pursuit of the enemy, uttered

a cry of anguish as they passed his body, remembering all the good he

had done them.[1221] Schmidt of Kuprach, stationed on the field of

battle in the midst of his parishioners, fell surrounded by forty of

their bodies,[1222] Geroldseck, John Haller, and many other pastors,

at the head of their flocks, suddenly met in a terrible and unforeseen

manner the Lord whom they had preached.

[1221] Es klagtend inn insonders die Züger. (Bull. iii. p. 151.)

[1222] Uff der Walstett warder funden, under und by sinen Kussnachern.

(Ibid. p. 147.)

[Sidenote: ZWINGLE'S LAST MOMENTS.]