The Landgrave, in the midst of his preparations for the tournament, meditated the most serious resolution. Excluded by Charles from every important deliberation, irritated at the treatment the Protestants had undergone during this diet,[736] convinced that they had no more chance of peace,[737] not doubting that their liberty was greatly endangered in Augsburg, and feeling unable to conceal under the appearance of moderation the indignation with which his soul was filled, being besides of a quick, prompt, and resolute character, Philip had decided on quitting the city and repairing to his states, in order to act freely, and to serve as a support to the Reform. [736] Commotus indignitate actionum. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 260.) [737] Spem pacis abjecisse. (Ibid.) But what mystery was required! If the Landgrave was taken in the act, no doubt he would be put under arrest. This daring step might therefore become the signal of those extreme measures from which he longed to escape. [Sidenote: FLIGHT FROM AUGSBURG.] It was Saturday, the 6th August, the day for which Philip had requested the Emperor's leave of absence. He waits until the commencement of the night, and then, about eight o'clock, disguised in a foreign dress, without bidding farewell to any of his friends,[738] and taking every imaginable precaution,[739] he makes for the gates of the city, about the time when they are usually closed. Five or six cavaliers followed him singly, and at a little distance.[740] In so critical a moment will not these men-at-arms attract attention? Philip traverses the streets without danger, approaches the gate,[741] passes with a careless air through the midst of the guard, between the scattered soldiers; no one moves, all remain idly seated, as if nothing extraordinary was going on. Philip has passed without being recognised.[742] His five or six horsemen come through in like manner. Behold them all at last in the open country. The little troop immediately spur their horses, and flee with headlong speed far from the walls of the imperial city. [738] Clam omnibus abit. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 260.) [739] Multa cum cautela. (Seck. ii. p. 172.) [740] Clam cum paucis equitibus. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 277; Mit 5 oder 6 pferden. Ibid. p. 263.) [741] Seckendorf, and M. de Rommel no doubt after him, say that the Landgrave went out through a secret gate (porta urbis secretiori, Seck. ii. p. 172; Rommel i. p. 270.) I prefer the contemporary evidence, particularly that of Brenz, which says: Vesperi priusquam portæ urbis clauderentur, urbe elapsus est. (Corp. Ref. ii. p. 277.) The chief magistrate of Augsburg, who alone had the keys of the wicket, would never have dared to favour the departure of the Landgrave. [742] Ubi erat ille ignotus. (Corp. Ref. p. 261.)