A generall historie of the Netherlands VVith the genealogie and memorable acts of the Earls of Holland, Zeeland, and west-Friseland, from Thierry of Aquitaine the first Earle, successiuely vnto Philip the third King of Spaine: continued vnto this present yeare of our Lord 1608, out of the best authors that haue written of that subiect: by Ed. Grimeston.

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〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 Austrius

MAXIMILIAN ARCH-DVKE OF Austria, sonne to the Emperour Fredericke, by the Lady Marie of Bourgongne his wife the 33. Earle of Holland Zeeland, and Lord of Freezland.

Nor am I Heire, nor Earle, but countable Vnto my sonne, and for his good I hold it, I onely twelue yeares kept the Dukedome stable, To render it to him at yeares •…•…'vphold it, What I possesse is his, for him I keepe. My Empire me contents, no more I thirst, Two wiues I had, but now with death I sleepe, At Newstad with my Mother, I lye Herst, (Book 5)

The Argument of the fift Booke.

THE good parts of the Arch-duke Maximilian: the knowledge of Tongs reuiued: the Arch-dukes marriage with the Princesse of Bourgongne: the order of the Golden Fleece giuen to the Arch-duke. The birth of Prince Philip of Austria: the Geldrois reuolts from the house of Bourgongne: the battell of Guinegate, whereas the Arch-duke is Vi∣ctor. Tourney yeelded to the Arch-duke: Truce betwixt the French King and the Arch-duke: warre betwixt the Geldrois and Hollanders. New tumults in Holland by the two Factions, which the Arch-duke doth pacifie. Dordrecht surpized by the yong Lord of Egmond. Many townes in Gelders yeelded to the Arch-duke. The factions reuiued in Freezland. Warre betwixt the Hol∣landers and them of Vtrecht: the death of the Arch-dutchesse: the Flemmings take vppon them the go∣uernment of the Countrie, and fall to their old mutinies. Pettie warres in Freezland: the Lady Margue∣rite carried into France after the peace, to bee married to the Dolphin. New troubles at Vtrecht, and the Bishop prisoner afterwards restored by the Arch-duke. Engelbert Earle of Nassau, made gouernour of the Neitherlands, by the Arch-duke Maximilian and Philip his sonne. The Arch-duke creat•…•…d King of Romans: the Factions reuiued and great troubles in Freezland: the Ganthois and Brugeois mutinue againe, and keepe the King of Romaines prisoner: to whose succour the Emperour Frederick his father came: against whom, and against the Frisons he made Albert Duke of Saxonie his generall: a priuate warre in Holland: a peace betwixt the Flemmings and the Arch-duke: diuers Factions armed in Freez∣land. Duke Albert seekes a quarrell against them both: a peace betwixt the Arch-duke Philip of Austria and Charles the 8. the French King: the Arch-duke takes possession of the Neitherlands: war betwixt the Duke of Gelders & the Arch-duke: the Estates of Freezland held at Sn•…•…cke, whereof followed great wars: Duke Albert obtaines of the Emperour the hereditarie gouernment of Freezland: the continuance of the warre in Freezland: Duke Albert slaine before Groningen: the Arch-duke inherits the Realmes of Spaine by his wife: Duke George of Saxonie after the death of Albert, his father, conti•…•…ues the warre in Freezland: the Duke of Gelders reconciled to the King of Castile: the death of the said King: warre re∣newed betwixt the Geldrois and the Bourguignons.

MAXIMILIAN Arch-duke of Austria, sonne to the Emperour Fre∣derick, was borne the 12. of March 1459. from his infancie vntill he came to be fourteene or fifteene yeares old, he was of a heauie dispo∣sition, and slow in speech, for he grew some-what big before he could pronounce his words; but being come to age hee recompenced that defect by wisedome and readinesse of speech, especially in the Latin tongue: Nature and the bountie of God did adorne and inrich him with so many ver∣tues, for the good of the Empire, as by the iudgement of euery man, he did exceed all * 1.1 the Christian Princes of his time, in vigour, viuacitie and quicknesse of spirit; in do∣mestick, publike, polliticke and militarie vertues: in zeale to religion, in bountie wor∣thy of such a Prince, and of an invincible courage as well in prosperitie as in aduersitie.

Hee was about 20. years old when hee married his first wife Marie, Dutchesse of Bourgongne, Countesse of Holland, Zeeland, &c. By whom hee had the first yeare of * 1.2 their marriage one sonne, named Philip (who was father to Charles the fift) the se∣cond yeare he had one daughter, named Marquerite, the which in her infancie was betrothed to Charles Dolphin of France, sonne to King Lewis the 11. The third yeare he had a sonne named Francis, so named by Francis Duke of Brittaine. The fourth yere he dyed as we will shew in the deduction of this Historie.

This vertuous Prince marrying this Princesse of Bourgongne, was withall wedded to great warres, which we will discribe heare, for that which shall concerne the Nei∣therlands, as succinctly as wee can, referring those of Italy and Germanie, to Paulus Io∣uius, Francis Guichardin, and others that haue written of that subiect.

The French King had no care but how he should deuoure all the siegneories of this

Princesse, but hearing of her marriage (whereon hee thought least) he did somewhat [ A] moderate the least of his greedie couetousnesse. He had already (notwithstanding the Truce made with the Duke, father to the said Lady) wrested away violently all the Townes of Picardie, on this side the Riuer of Some, the countrie of Arthois with Tournay and Tournesis; practising all hee could the Towne of Gaunt, and the Flem∣mings, beeing easie to mooue, and which since gaue many crosses to the Arch-duke Maximilian: It was therefore needfull for this Prince to craue the succours and means of his father, and his friends in Germanie, for the Neitherlandes were much vnpeo∣pled, both of their Nobilitie, and of their best Commanders in warre, and of common souldiers, which had beene lost in those three defeates, and those fewe which had re∣mained in Picardie (as the Lord of Cordes and others of the countrey of Arthois) had [ B] imbraced the French Kings partie: some for that their liuings lay in those Countries; and others being drawne away by gifts, and goodly promises.

The Arch duke hauing visited all the Prouinces of the Dutchesse his wife, where * 1.3 he was well intertained, and hauing receiued the oathes and hostages, returned to Bru∣ges; where hee called an Assembly of all the Princes, Earles, Barons, Knights and chiefe Gentlemen of the said Countries, with the generall Estates, to resolue of the best meanes and course that was to be taken, to resist the attempts of the French king, who did dayly seaze vppon some piece of his estate. But for that hee was not yet Knighted, his desire was (before hee vndertooke any warre against the French) to re∣ceiue [ C] the order of Knight-hood of the golden Fleece, with the solemnities and Ceremonies accustomed, as the good Duke Philip (his wiues grand-father) had in∣stituted * 1.4 it. Hauing therefore receiued the choller from Adolph of Cleues, Lorde of Rauesteyn; he held a generall Chapter of the said Order, which hee renewed and ad∣ded some other Knights. Among the which were William of Egmond, brother to Ar∣nold Duke of Gelders, father to Prince Adolph. The feastes and tryumphs of this Ce∣remonie being ended, the Arch-duke began to leuie men of all sides to expell the French out of his Territories, who had already taken many places in Henault. But hea∣ring of this preparation for warre, and of so great a leuie of men, they left all and aban∣doned the countrey: whether the Arch-duke went in person, & in a short time reduced all the countrie vnder his obedience and subiection, after some light skirmishes and [ D] incounters which hee had often against the French, in the which for the most part hee was victor.

The 22. of Iune in the yeare 1478. was borne in the cittie of Bruges, Philip of Au∣stria, first child to the Arch-duke and the Lady Marie of Bourgongne, which brought * 1.5 great ioy to all the Neitherlands, giuing thanks vnto GOD that had giuen them a Prince, who in time to come might gouerne them in peace, and defend them against the French, their naturall enemies.

Wee haue formerly sayd that Duke Arnold of Gelders, had sold the Dutchie to Duke Charles of Bourgongne, by reason of the great wrong which Prince Adolph, his sonne had done him by his imprisonment: wherof Duke Charles had taken possession in [ E] the life time of Duke Arnold. But after the death of Duke Charles, & of Prince Adolph (who was slaine as we haue said before Tournay) the Geldrois did reuolt, especially the Townes of Numeghen and Zutphen, with their dependances. The children of Prince Adolph were at that time bred vp in the Court of Bourgongne: wherevpon the * 1.6 Geldrois sent for the Lady Katherine of Gelders, sister to prince Adolph, to come and gouerne the countrie, the which she did, which was the cause of great warre betwixt the house of Bourgongne and the Geldrois. The Arch-duke Maximilian hauing re∣conquered the Countrie of Henault, he marched with his troupes towards the Con∣trie * 1.7 of Gelders, hee came to Ruremond, where hee was receiued, and at Venlo also, and in all the quarters there abouts: then he returned into Flanders, & went to Gaunt, [ F] to set things in order. In the Meane time Duke Frederick of Brunswick (whom the reuolted Geldrois had chosen for their Gouernor) fell sicke, and so retyred into his countrie. Then the Geldrois tooke Henrie of Swartsenbourg, Bishop of Munster for their new Gouernour, who tooke vpon him the charge, and came well acompanied.

About the end of the same yeare, 1478. the Arch-duke went from Brusselles with

all his Nobility of Brabant and Flanders, leading with him a goodly army and marched [ A] into the Contry of Arthois, being resolued to recouer the townes and places which the French King had taken from the Dutchesse his wife. He went and camped at Pont a vendin, which is a small towne betwixt Lille and Arras, The King was far of beseeging the towne of Lens in Arthois. These two armies were there for a time fronting one an other, during the which there were diuers messages past on either side, so as in the end a truce was made, and they retyred euery one to his home.

The truce being expired in August. 1479. the Earle of Romont, Gouernor of * 1.8 Arthois, surprized Cambray and Bohain, a little towne three leagues from thence. The Earle of Saint Pol, brother in lawe to the saide Earle of Romont, hauing married his sister was made Gouernor of Flanders for the Archduke, although he were much [ B] tormented with the gout, yet he was a wise and valiant knight. The Archduke accom∣panied by the Earle of Romont and Saint Pol, by Cont Engelbert of Nassau, Philip of Cleues sonne to the Lord of Rauesteyn, the Lords of Fiennes, Beueren, Lalain and o∣ther Noblemen of the Netherlands, being followed by a goodly army went and camped neere vnto Teroanne, being resolued to beseege it. The French, namely the Lord of Cordes coming out of Picardy with 1800. pikes, and 14000. Archers, thought to fight with the Archdukes army, and to charge them in their campe, But the Archduke being aduertised thereof in time, hauing left some troupes of soote with 800. horse vnder the commande of Philip of Cleues, to guard the campe the vit∣telers and the baggage, he went himselfe in person, to meet them in the open field. The [ C] Earle of Romont Marshall of the army hauing ordred the Battalyons with the pikes in * 1.9 the forward: and the Earle of Nassau commanded the reerward. The French men coming downe from the mont of Esguinegate charged the forward of the Bourguig∣nons, the Earle of Romont with his Flemings stood firme and maintained the fight va∣liantly against the French archers. In the meane time the garrison of Teroanne, mea∣ning to charge the reerward, fell vpon the campe, where they grew amazed, and made so small resistance, as they did what they would, so as the horsemen that were there ingard, hauing beene defeated and put to rout, were pursued euen into the suburbes of the towne of Aire. The French whome the Earle of Romont had in front (noting them that fled being greedy of spoile) left their places and fell vpon the baggage. The Arch-duke [ D] seeing that the French had forsaken their rankes of them-selues, to runne after Pillage, he went and charged them so furiously, as he put the Archers to rout, so as * 1.10 there were about 5000. slaine vpon the place, and a great number of prisoners, he remayning maister of the field, with a memorable victory which GOD gaue him on the seauenth of August. 1491.

After the Battaile the Arch-duke returned victorious into the towne of Aire, and the Earle of Romont with part of his troupes went to beseege the castell of Malonoy, neere to the Abbaie of Han, belonging to the house of Croy, in the which there was * 1.11 a French garison, from whence he brought Captaine Cadet a gentleman Gascon pri∣soner, to the Arch-duke, who for his presumption and brauery caused him with 50. of [ E] his souldiers to be hanged. The French King much displeased for this fact, in reuenge there of caused 50. men to bee chosen out of those which the garrison of Tournay had taken in the Arch-dukes campe, and commanded his prouost generall to goe and hang them, giuing him for his garde a thousand horse, and sixe thousand foote which was in the very place whereas Captaine Cadet had beene hanged ten, before the gates of Arras ten, at the Port of Douay ten, before Saint Omers ten, and at * 1.12 the gates of Lille the last ten. After this victory of Esguinegate, the Arch-duke led his army before Tournay, the which he beseeged so straightly, as in the end necessity forced them to yeeld vpon composition, with a condition that if they did euer rebell any more against him, they should forfait al the rents and fees that they had in Flanders [ F] and for reparation of the death of Duke Adolph of Geldres they should build vp a Chappell in perpetuall memory thereof. The French King seeing the happy successe of the Arch-duke Maximilian, and that he had a sonne borne, sent a notable Ambassage vnto him with rich presents, betwixt whome there was a truce made for a time. At

that time there reuiued in Holland the factions of Hoecks and Cabillaux, for that one [ A] Martin of Velaere Baylife of the towne of Horne the which was of the Hoeckin * 1.13 faction and hee a Cabillautin hauing beene expelled the towne without any hope of returne, resigned his Office to the young Lord of Egmond, promising to giue en∣trance to him and all the Cabillautin faction into the Towne, they laide two plots to surprise it but both failed: where-vpon the towne of Horne allyed it selfe with En∣chuysen, Eedam, Monick, Endam-Metemblick, & other villages there abouts. These fac∣tions were the cause of great troubles at that time in Harlem Rotterdam, Leyden and else where; one party chasing an other out of these townes. The Cabillautines surpri∣sed Oud-water, seased vpon the court at the Hage, from whence they chased away the seruants, and spoyled the moueables, plate and Iewels of the Lord of La Vere Gouer∣nor [ B] of Holland, who had his reuenge in chasing away the Cabillautines, against whom the Hoekins committed great insolencies.

A while after the Gouernor went to Rotterdam, to remaine there for his better safe∣ty, but few of the Councell went with him, for the most of the towne were of the Ca∣bellautin faction: when the Noble men of that faction which had fled from the Hage, heard that the Gouernor was retired with his followers, they returned, forced the Hoekins lodgings, and brake downe all they found, as they had done to them before. And they were not content there-with, vntill they had drawne the Arch-duke into their quarrells, who to please them, put the Lord of La Vere from his gouerment of * 1.14 Holland, for whome the Cabillautins laid ambushes to kill him at his returne to La-Vere [ C] in Zeland, whereof hee was aduertised at Gorrichom whether the Archduke was come to setle the affaiers of Gelders, and to subdue Ghysbrecht Pyecht Lord of halfe the towne of Aspren, against Wessel of Boerslaer Lord of another moeity and of an other Castell; this holding of Holland and the other of Gelders, which Castel the Arch∣dukes men tooke by assault, the siegeior Pyecke being fled before. The Archduke hauing * 1.15 during his aboad at Gorrichom, setled the estate of Gelders, he went to Dordrecht cary∣ing with him all of the Cabillautin faction that had been expelled that towne to restore them againe to their houses. But the magistrats and Superintendents of the same towne did giue the Archduke such reasons as they entred not for that time; whether came the Prince of Orange, Cont Engelbert of Nassau, Wolfart of Lauere, Iohn Vicont [ D] of Momfort, Walrauen Lord of Brederode and many other gentlemen of the Hoeckin faction, where hauing treated awhile of busines the Archduke went to Rotterdam, ac∣companied with many of Rotterdam and la Goud, as it were for his conuoie, where ther was much trouble betwixt the noblemen of both factions, the which notwith∣standing was pacified without any effusion of bloud; so as in the end, to auoid all fac∣tions and partialities, the Archduke made one Gouernor of Holland, that was a neu∣trall * 1.16 and not borne in the contry, which was Simon of Lalain, Lord of Montigny Sainctes and Knight of the order of the golden fleece, appointing new councelors in the Prouinciall councell. This done hee went to Leyden, leading with him many of the Hoeckin faction, that had beene expelled the towne but they could not all [ E] enter, by reason of the violent opposition of the contrary party; And therefore such as remayned without, entred an action of the restitution before the prouinciall councell, against the magistrate of Leyden, who opposed himselfe against them.

In the same yeare 1480. the Archduke hauing beene sick some time at the Hage, and recouered his health, hauing taken the aduice of his priuie Councell, to make * 1.17 the nauigation of the riuer of Rhine free; hee sent Iohn of Cleues with Iohn of Eg∣mond, and all his Caualerie to beseege the towne of Wageningen in the Duchie of Gelders; the garrison wherof stopt the passage of the Rhine into Holland, which towne * 1.18 in the end they forced to yeeld vpon composition to haue their liues and goods saued. Soone after the Geldrois surprised Venlo, and did incite the townes of Nimeghen and [ F] Zutphen to reuolt against the Archduke whome they would not acknowledge but by force. After that the Archduke had staied long in Holland and labored in vaine to sup∣presse the factions of the Cabillaux and Hoecks he returned into Brabant and Flanders •…•…o leuie an army, with the which he would make hed against the French, which did

greatly molest his countrie of Luxembourg whether hee went; being in the chiefe [ A] Cittie, and hearing that there was a practise against his person, by some that were sus∣spected to haue had an intent to deliuer him vnto the French without any longer stay, he retired into Flanders, leauing his armie in the countrie of Luxembourg, to stop the course and spoiles of the French.

The Lord of Lalain Gouernour of Holland, &c. to discharge his dutie, began with the new Councell to moderate and pacifie the factions. For the effecting whereof, he * 1.19 went first to Horne, being accompanied by Nicholas van Adrichom Abbot of Egmont, whether he led all those of the Cabillautin faction that had beene expelled the towne, except Martin of Velaere, the Bayliffe who had resigned his place to the young Lord [ B] of Egmont. All these banished men being re-entred into the Towne, did promise and sweare neuer to pretend to any Magistracy, nor to any place of gouernment within the Towne, wherevpon they were admitted and receiued into fauour with the rest. The Gouernor did the like in the towne of Goude: but he could not preuaile so much with them of Dordrecht nor Leyden, where-vpon he returned to the Hage. At the same time they of Amersfort, chased all them of the Cabillautin faction out of their towne. Those of the Hoekin faction of the towne of Leyden, hauing obteined of the Prouin∣ciall councell, a sentence of re-establishment in the said towne, notwithstanding the which, they could not be admitted to enter: wherevpon these banished men resolued ioyntly together to surprize the Towne of Leyden, with some of their Partisans, being [ C] in all 135. hauing taken for their leaders and Captaines Reyer van Bronkhuysen a Gel∣drois, and Henry van Nyeuelt a Hollander: who found the meanes in the hardest time of winter, when the ditches were all frozen, to surprize the Towne by scaladoe, and tooke the chiefe of the Cabillautins prisoners, namely the Magistrate of the towne, in whose place they appointed sixe men, who during the troubles should haue the gouernment of the towne, to administer Iustice, with some Captaines and Cente∣niers for the gard thereof. The other townes of Holland, as Harlem, Delfe, and Amster∣dam, hearing that the Hoekin faction (the which two yeares before had beene expel∣led the towne of Leyden) had now seazed thereon, and that the Magistrate and the chiefe of the Cabillautin faction were prisoners, they sent•…•…some of the chiefe men [ D] among them to complaine vnto the Archduke their Prince; that a Captaine of the Gel∣drois, with many soldiers of Geldres, Vtrecht, and other strangers, with the banished men of Leyden had traiterously surprised the said towne, hauing resolued to doe the like vnto all the townes of Holland: being to be feared that in the end the Geldrois would cease vpon all Holland, if he did not preuent it. The Archduke hearing these news, sent the lord of Lalain Gouernor of the Country thether, with what men he could speedely gather together, to expell the said Bronckhuysen and all his adherents, out of the sayd Towne of Leyden, ioyning for an assistant Iohn van Ranst Marckgraue or Gouernour * 1.20 of Antwerp, with his companie. The aboue named Townes sent also some troupes vnder the command of Philip Bastard of Brabant, all which were lodged in Rotter∣dam, fearing the affronts of them of Dordrecht and Goude, of the Hoeckin faction. [ E] Before that the Gouernour went to besiege Leyden, hee sent conditions vnto them, which they found not tollerable, and therefore they sent vnto the Prince to make * 1.21 their complaint of the Magistrate that was prisoner. Notwithstanding all this, the Archduke commanded the Gouernour to besiege them, so as in the end, after many skirmishes, and taking of Castels on either side: the Leydois by the intercession of them of Dordrecht, Goude and Schoonhouen, were reconciled.

At the same time the young Lord of Egmont, remaining as Chastelaine or captaine in the Towne of Gorrichom, accompanied with some banished men of the Cabillautin faction, meaning to bee reuenged of an iniurie which the Bayliffe of Dordrecht had * 1.22 done him, found meanes to surprise the sayd Towne. In which surprize the Bourg∣maister [ F] and the Bayliffes Lieutenant were slaine, and about two hundred Bourgesses of the Hoeckin faction prisoners, among the which was the Escoutette or Bay∣liffe. This victory gaue courage and comfort to the Cabillautin faction, and daunted the Hoeckins and Geldrois, who afterwards were not so busie, hauing also lost the

Towne of Leederdam, which the Archduke gaue to Gasper of Culenbourg, in recom∣pence [ A] of his losses by his imprisonment in France, the which hee sold afterwardes to the Lord of Egmont.

During the time that the yong Prince of Gelders, sonne to Adolph, was brought vp in the house of Bourgongne, (as much to say as a prisoner)▪ the Duke of Cleues seazed vppon many townes in Gelders, for which cause the Geldrois made sharpe warre a∣gainst the Cleuois and Brabansons, & growing dayly more obstinate, they did •…•…strange and with-draw themselues wholy from the house of Bourgongne: whervpon the Arch∣duke resouled to make warre against them. Those of Numeghen, Thyel, and Bomel (hauing some intelligence thereof) went to him to Boisledu•…•…, where they submitted * 1.23 [ B] themselues vnto him, and acknowledged him for their Prince. Wherevpon he went to Numeghen, whither many Deputies of other townes came vnto him to doe the like. This done he went to Ruremont to bridle Venlo: but the Inhabitants did little regard it▪ being resolued to defend themselues. Whilest that the Archduke carryed himselfe in this sort in the Countrie of Gelders: Dauid of Bourgongne bishop of Vtrecht, be∣ing expelled the towne by the vicont of Montfort, made an enterprise with his Parti∣sans * 1.24 vpon the said towne: the which succeeding not happily, the Archduke hauing dis∣posed of his affaires in Gelders, came to Wyck-ter-duyrsted to him, where they had much conference: from thence the Archduke returned into Brabant, the Dutchesse his wife being ready to be brought in bed, & was deliuered of a sonne, whom the Duke of [ C] Brittanie christened, and named him Francis, by his owne name, but he liued not long.

If in Holland the factions of the Cabillaux and the Hoecks tormented one another, in Friseland the partialities of Vetcoopers and Scyringers did no lesse, the Countrey being so diuided there, as not onely the Nobilitie and townes made warre one against another with all violence: but also the villages, pesants & other priuate persons, which had any power or meanes: yea the Abbeis, Cloisters and Monestaries, as well with their Prouost Monkes as with their lay Fryers; whereof there followed great ruines, desolations and burning of villages, castels, and other possessions, as well Ecclesiasti∣call as Secular. All this time there was sharpe warre betwixt the Hollanders that suc∣cored the Bishop of Vtrecht, and them of the towne of Vtrecht and Amersfort: of whom Iohn vicont of Montfort and Reyer van Brouckheuysen were the chiefe, and [ D] the Lorde of Lalaine for the Hollanders: who once among the rest, were well * 1.25 beaten by them of Vtrecht, neere vnto the fort of Waert, which the Hollanders did besiege, lost their artillerie, and left the banners of their chiefe townes behinde them: the Lord of Lalain saued himselfe being much amazed in Schoonhouen: and those of Vtrecht returned victors with many prisoners into their Towne, who hauing after∣wardes surprized the Towne of Naerden in Holland, but seeing they could not keepe it, they spoyled it, and so left it. The Lord of Lalain sent the Markgraue of Ant∣werp thither, and little Salezard a Knight of Gasconie (whom the French King had dispoyled of his meanes, which made him to come and serue the Archduke, with a good troupe of braue souldiers Gascons) to lie in Garrison there, with a [ E] good number of horse and foote, who continually made roades euen to the euery gates of Vtrecht, and one day among the rest, went and charged the great Bourg of Emenesse, (which is a french league long) wher there were some of Vtrecht & Amers∣fort in Garrison: the which (notwithstanding any resistance) they forced, & slue all that could not flie, and saue themselues through the Marishes and Quagmires: and after they had spoiled it and laden themselues with the bootie, they set fire of it, and burnt it to the ground.

This warre betwixt the Diocesse of Vtrecht and the Hollanders, increasing and growing more violent by sundry wrongs, they did one vnto another: the Traiectins hauing no Protector, sent their Ambassadors to Iohn Duke of Cleues, beseeching * 1.26 [ F] him that he would bee their Protector, and to send them his brother Englebert of Cleues, to be his Lieutenant, and Generall there. The which the Duke accepted, and sent his brother, where hee was well receiued and lodged in the Bishoppes Pallace: whom the Taiectins did acknowledge for their Protector, making an oath of fealtie

vnto him, as is accustomed in the like cases. Afterwards the Hollanders defeated the [ A] Traiectins and slue 1000. vpon the place, pursuing them euen into their Ports, and if they had followed them close, and had not beene too busie in spoyling of the dead, they might haue entred pel mel with them, and wonne the Cittie.

In the yeare 1482. in Lent, the Lady Mary of Bourgongne, Archdutchesse of Au∣stria, * 1.27 Countesse of Holland, and Zeeland, Lady of Frisland, &c. wife to the Archduke Maximilian, being a hunting, mounted vpon an ambling Gelding, fell (some write for the feare which her horse had of a wilde Boare, which ranne betwixt his legges) wher∣with she was so bruzed in her body, as the 27. of Marche she dyed, to the great griefe of her husband, who loued her entirely: she was buried with a funerall pompe worthy of her greatnesse, in the Quier of Saint Donas Church at Bruges, after that shee had [ B] beene married foure yeares and a halfe, leauing one Sonne named Philip about three yeares old, and one Daughter but two yeares old, who by the treatie of peace was made sure to King Charles the eight, sonne to Lewis the 11. the French King. But this marriage being broken, she was married to the onely sonne of Dom Fernando of Arra∣gon, and of Isabella King and Queene of Castille, called also Dom Fernando, by whom she had one sonne, who dyed within the yeare with the father: afterwards shee married with Philebert the 8. Duke of Sauoy, who died after he had been seauen yeares married. The said Lady Mary of Bourgongne being dead, the Archduke her husband tooke vpon him the title of Tutor to her children, that with this quallitie he might preserue, main∣taine; * 1.28 and defend them against the French King, Lewis the eleuenth, who had done so [ C] much harme and wrong vnto their Mother after the death of Duke Charles her father. This qualitie of Tutor did not greatly please many of the Netherlanders, especially the Flemings. Those of Gaunt, Bruges, Fran•…•… and Ypre, (which make the foure members of Flanders,) appointed by their priuate authoritie certaine commissioners, to gouerne the countrie of Flanders ioyntly with the Archduke, vntill it were other∣wise ordered. By reason whereof the States were assembled in the cittie of Gaunt, where it was concluded that they should not receiue the said Gouernor, but for a certaine time limitted, vpon certaine conditions, and with an othe to keepe them: refusing to admit any particular Gouernours or Captaines, if they were not cho∣sen * 1.29 and placed by the Archduke and their commissioners ioyntly, for that (said they) [ D] the Archduke was yet young, and that such as were about him did gouerne him at their pleasures, and did with him what they pleased: also the money that was leuied of the people was ill gouerned: that Iustice was not duely executed: and that many oppressions, extorsions, and violences, were committed in the countrie with all im∣punitie. This new order set downe by the Flemmings, did much displease the Arch∣duke, who went to Bruges and to Ypre, but they would no more acknowledge him for their Prince, nor allowe of the Magistrates and Officers that were made by him. The Ganthois did banish Robert of Halewin great Bayliffe of Bruges, out of Flanders for fiftie yeares, and put many Gentlemen of good account from their places and Offices, so as in those times the Nobilitie was very much opprest i•…•… [ E] Flanders.

The Lord of Cordes Gouernour of Teroane for the French King, made ordinarie courses then into Flanders, and spoyling the countrie. For the preuenting whereof, these Comissioners appointed for the gouernement, gaue commission to Charles of Sauoy, and the Lords of Beuere and Merwede, to goe with some good troupes of men which the Ganthois did furnish. And at the same time the Bastard of Hennin had an incounter neere vnto Bethune against the French, whom hee put to route, and slue many of them. At the same time there were many shippes of warre put to * 1.30 Sea, both Flemings, Hollanders, Zelanders and Frisons, which came along the coast, so as the French durst not boldly put to Sea. The Seignior of Chanteraine going [ F] out of Saint Omer with his company to seeke some aduenture, mette a conuoy neere vnto Teroane, which carryed the Souldiers pay thether, the which hee defeated and carried the siluer and the spoile into Saint Omer. Whilest that matters were thus handled in Flanders, and vpon the frontires of Picardie and Arthois, the Archduke

was in Holland, where hee was acknowledged by the States of the Countrie, for * 1.31 [ A] Gardien to his sonne Philip of Austria, Duke of Bourgongne, being then but foure yeares olde; the like was done in Zeeland and West-friseland. But the Flemmings naturally inclined to innouations and mutinies, especially the Ganthois, did greatly crosse him.

The Factions of Schyeringers and Vetcoopers in Frizeland, were then as violent as euer (as those of the Hoecks and Cabillaux in Holland) the which were no sooner pacified and reconciled in one part of Friseland, but they kindled againe in another, and continued so long in that estate, before they were quite supprest that the countrie was made a prey to Strangers, and quite ruined, as we shall hereafter shew.

In the yeare 1482. the Duke of Cleues made a leuie of aboue 10000. men, horse [ B] and foote, the which he sent into the Diocesse of Vtretcht, to make warre against the Hollanders. The Traiectins and Cleuois ioyned together, making a great body of * 1.32 an armie, presumed they might conquer all Holland, and went to campe before Isel∣stein. On the other side the Lord of Lalain, Gouernor of Holland, with many Noble∣men went to field, with all the forces he could get, and camped iust by them, being re∣solued to charge them in their Trenches, and to raize the siege. Heerevpon the Cle∣uois mutining against the Traiectins fearing they should be surpized during their di∣uision, wherevppon they dislodged from thence, leauing a part of their Artillerie and carriages behinde them, which those of Iselsteyn tooke and carryed into their towne. The Hollanders not content with this, did runne ouer the Countrie of Vtrecht, and [ C] passing by Intfaes, they tooke the Castell of Wronesteyn, and a great Tower which they ruined. From thence they besieged tooke and raized the two Fortes of Vae•…•…t, vpon the riuer of Lecke, and brake the Scluses, by the which they passe from Vtrecht into that riuer, which done, winter approaching they retyred: the Traiectins making no shew to hinder them.

In Iune the same yeare, there arriued in Flanders a Herald from Lewis the 11. the French King, bringing a safe-conduit for 60. of the Neitherlanders, which should go & treat with him of a peace, the which were chosen by the 2. Estates, Secular & Clergie. This Treatie had bin begun in Nouember, the yeare before in the Cittie of Arras. Of the Archdukes Deputies were the States of Brabant, of Arthois, of Henault, and the [ D] foure members of Flanders, with the Kings Commissioners, who at this time was very sicke, seeking remedie both by phisicke, offrings, and pilgrimages, so fearefull was * 1.33 he of death. In the end a peace was concluded betwixt these Deputies, whereof a treatie was made, containing a hundred & one Articles. Among others: That the Dol∣phin of France should marry with the Lady Marguerite of Austria, daughter to the sayde Arch-duke Maximilian, and the deceased Lady Marie of Bourgongne, beeing about foure years old. With many other Articles, which for breuities sake we omit. The Deputies of the Neitherlands went to confirme them at Tours where the King was, who recey∣ued them courteously, ratified the peace, and confirmed the marriage of his sonne: and after that hee had honoured them with rich presents, hee thanked them and gaue [ E] them leaue to returne to their Prince. During the time of this Treatie at Arras, Philip of Creuecaeur, Lord of Cordes slept not, but went to besiege the towne of Aire in * 1.34 Arthois, betwixt Bethune and S. Omer; the which made some shew of resistance, but it was soone yeelded, or (to speake truely) sold, for the Captaine had 3000. crownes. The Inhabitants that would not stay, to the number of 500. retyred themselues to Be∣thune and S. Omer; being ill affected to the French.

A peace beeing concluded betwixt the Archduke and the French King, and the marriage agreed vppon betwixt the Dolphin his sonne and the Lady Marguerite the Archdukes daughter, about Easter in 1483. The Earle of Beauieu (afterwards Duke * 1.35 of Bourbon, the Kings sonne in lawe, came into Arthois to receiue her, where shee [ F] was deliuered vnto him, who led her to Paris, and from thence to Amboise to the King. There was great ioy of her comming, as a pledge and faithfull confirmati∣on of the peace: the which had beene proclaimed before in Holland, Zeeland and Friseland, to the great contentment of the people, who by that meanes recoue∣red

their trafficke of marchandise in France. And although that this peace and marri∣age [ A] had beene concluded for that good and quiet of both nations, yet some gaue bad impressions thereof to the Archduke, who seemed not much to regard it: saying that he had neuer giuen his consent to it: and therefore many that had delt in it were suspec∣ted, and not fauoured in Court: and some Captaines of the Netherlands practised to surprize some places in Arthois and Picardie vpon the French, whereby they might haue occasion to breake the peace.

The Archduke had in those times for the pleasure of Dauid of Bourgongne Bishop of Vtrecht, great warre against the Traiectins and Cleuois; hee besieged Vtrecht, * 1.36 battred it, and in the end (after some assaults) forced them to yeeld by composition, vpon condition (among others) that they should beate downe a part of their wall, [ B] and fill vp their ditche, by the which the Archduke might enter with his armie into the Towne, after that the souldiers of the garrison were retired. The which was per∣formed, and the Archduke entred in good order and triumphe, the 6. of September, pardoning the Inhabitants, and remitting both their liues and goods, the which hee did also to the Vicont of Montfort. Those of Amersfort hearing of the yeelding of Vtrecht, sent their Deputies to the Archduke, vnto whom they were reconciled, and to their Bishop, whom they conducted with a good conuoy to his Towne of V∣trecht, being glad to bee restored. The Archduke appointed the Lord of Iselsteyn Gouernor there for him, with 1000. men in garrison, at the charges of the Coun•…•…e of Holland. The Hollanders were resolued to keepe it, to serue them as a frontier * 1.37 [ C] and Bulwarke on that side, fortifying Saint Katherins Port towards Holland, and pla∣cing some men there in garrison. The 1•…•…. of October, the Archduke, hauing ordred all things in those quarters of Holland and Vtrecht, returned into Brabant: for that the Bishop of Cambray, the Prince of Orange, and the Lord of Croye were come the∣ther to aduertise him of the death of King Lewis the 11. who died the 13. of August the same yeare 1483. and of what was presently to be done. * 1.38

At the reception of the Princesse of Austria in the Court of France, the King desired that Prince Philip of Austria might be put in possession of the Estates and Seigneuries that were fallen vnto him by the death of the Dutchesse his Mother. Where-vpon those of Gaunt, Bruges, Franc, and Ipre, required the Archduke to come into Flan∣ders, [ D] to satisfie the Kings will touching these inheritances: but being then at Antwerp ready to goe and besiege Vtrecht, he referred it to his returne. This siege continued long, the Flemings boyling, (as they be in all their first motions very violent, yea with∣out discretion) tooke their young Prince, being then but fiue yeares old and two mo∣neths, and put him in possession of the sayd Countie, and of all the townes in the Pro∣uince; appointing for Tutors and Gardiens, the Earle of Romont, Adolph of Cleues * 1.39 Lord of Rauesteyn. Ioos of la Vere Lord of Groouelt, and Philip of Bourgongne Lord of Beueron. Ioos Lord of Lalain hauing beene slaine at the siege of Vtrecht, the Hol∣landers intreated the Archduke to giue them a Gouernour, who according to their last priuiledges, was borne in the Countrie. According to the which Iohn of Eg∣mont [ E] was appointed the Princes Lieutenant in Holland, Zeeland, and West-Friseland: who in the moneth of May following marryed Magdeline of Wardenburch, daughter to the Earle of Wardenburch a Germaine.

The Flemings hauing according to the will of the French King, put young Prince Philip of Austria in possession of his inheritance, without attending the Archduke his Father, and hauing appointed him those foure Tutors to gouerne both him and his * 1.40 Country, during his minoritie, did greatly discontent the Archduke there-with; who seeing himselfe depriued of his onely Sonne, and of the gouernment of Flan∣ders, held diuerse Councels with his most familiars, to know how hee might bring them vnto reason: where-vnto the Earle of Nassau, and the Lord of Goes∣beeke [ F] perswaded him most, with such as had beene expelled and banished out of Gaunt and Bruges. And withall there fell out a quarrell betwixt the Flemings, (espe∣cially them of Bruges) and the Townes of Antwerp and Berghen vppon Soom, by reason of their Fayres and Markets, the Brugeois complaining that their

towne lost their trade, by their meanes, wherevpon the Flemings built a fort vpon * 1.41 [ A] Flanders side at Cloppesdike, vpon the riuer of Escault, the which they did man with a good garrison and Artillerie, to keepe the shippes of Holland, Zeeland and the East∣countries from passing vp to Antwerp, and by that meanes to hinder the traffike of the sayd towne, spoyling oftentimes vnder this collour, good Marchants, and doing them great outrages. Those of Antwerp on the other side did furnish forth some fewe Shippes of warre, to bee a conuoie for merchants going vp and downe the Riuer, and to defend them from the pilferies of the Flemings, the which did the more incense * 1.42 the Archduke against the Brugeois: wherevpon hee makes an enterprise to surprise them, the which beeing discouered, the Brugeois stood so vpon their gard, as for that time hee could not effect any thing, and many Bourgeses of the sayd towne were [ B] committed to prison, beeing suspected to haue had intelligence with the Archduke whereof eight were beheaded and quartered, terming them traitors: the which did in∣cense the Archduke the more against them. In the same yeare after Easter, there came out of France Anthony of Bourgongne Earle of Steenberghen, bastard to the good Duke Philip of Bourgongne, a wise and an ancient knight, gouernor to Charles the 8. the French King, sent by the King and his councell, to deuise of the meanes to recon∣cile all controuersies betwixt the Archduke and the Flemings, but their spleenes were so great on either side, as hee preuailed nothing, either partie remayning obstinate in his opinions. A while after the Archduke seized of the towne of Deudermonde by surqrise; and then beganne sharpe warres betwixt the Archduke and the Fle∣mings, [ C] to the ruine of the countries of Flanders and Brabant. The Margraue of Ant∣werp entred with good troupes into the land of Waes (which is the fattest quarter of all Flanders) where he committed great spoiles and burnt the countrie. The Fle∣mings did no lesse in Brabant, euen vnto the gates of Brusselles, whereas the Arch∣duke then was. The lord of Rauestein did cunningly seize vpon Audenarde for the Archduke. A captaine of Boisleduc called Martin Swart, (a Shomaker by his trade, whome the Archduke for his prowes had made a knight) entred with his company in∣to * 1.43 Flanders, surprised the towne of Nienhouen, spoiled the French garrison that was in it, ransomed the towne, and they left it. They of Antwerp beseeged, battred and forced the fort of Cloppersdyke, nere vnto Saffringhen vpon the riuer of Escault, the [ D] which they raized.

Anthony of Bourgongne Earle of Seuenberghen contynuing still to mediate an ac∣cord betwixt the Archduke and the Flemings, vsed such good meanes with them of Bruges, as they were content to humble themselues vnto the Archduke, with whome hee reconciled them in such sort, as the 21. of Iulie hee entred the towne, beeing ac∣companied by the Earle of Nassau, and the greatest part of his armie: where hee pun∣nished some mutinous rebells, and renewed the lawe, the Magistrate and the Officers * 1.44 of the towne at his pleasure. The Ganthois hearing what the Brugeois had done, were by the intercession of the Earle of Steenbergeen reconciled in like sort, whether the Archduke went about fifteene daies after, with goodly troupes of horse and foote, [ E] for his safety, knowing with what kinde of people hee had to deale. The sayd Earle of Steenberghen came to meete him, bringing with him his Sonne, the young Prince Philip, whome hee had not seene of a long time, and was then very ioyfull to behold him. The Archduke entring into the towne, pardoned all that was past: yet at night some vnquiet mutiners stirred vp some of the Bourgeses against their Prince, so as the Archduke had beene in danger of his person, if his men had not speedily gone to armes, * 1.45 and chased away these rascalls, whereof manie were committed to prison and execu∣ted: Then had hee occasion to take from them their preuiledges and freedomes, the which hee cancelled and disanuilled, and tooke Prince Philip his Sonne, and carried him to Macklyn, to his grand-mother in lawe, the Douager of Bourgongne. Soone after [ F] there came to reconcile themselues vnto him Adolph of Cleues lord of Rauestein, the Earle of Romont, the lord of Vere and the lord of Baueren, who soone after married with the daughter of the sayd lord of Vere. About that time the Emperor Frederic came to Cologne, where hee staied eight daies, the Archduke Maximilian his Sonne

went to him to Aix, who had not seene him of a long time, and from thence they went * 1.46 togither about Lent to Cologne. All difficulties and quarrells pacified betwixt duke Iohn of Cleues and the Diocesse of Cologne in the which the Emperor had inuested Herman Landtgraue of Hessen, togither with the Duchie of Westphalen and the coun∣tie of Arensbourg. The Emperor, the Archduke his Sonne, and all the Princes that were with them parted on Saint Agathes day from Cologne, towardes Francfort to choose a King of the Romans, where the 16. of February by a common consent of all * 1.47 the Princes Electors, Maximilian of Austria was chosen and proclaimed King of Ro∣mains. And the Thursday after Easter following, they returned all to Aix, where he was crowned in our Ladies Church with all the accustomed Ceremonies: where as the sayd King did knight many Princes and Noblemen, among the which were Philippe of Bauaria Palatin of Rhine, Arnold duke of Saxony both Princes Electors, the duke * 1.48 Gaspar of Bauaria: William duke of Iuliers, William Lantgraue of Hessen. Albert, Mar∣quis of Baden, William Lord of Egmont and many others to the number of 200. The feast of his coronation beeing ended, the Princes retired euery one to his home: the Emperor into Austria and the King of Romains into Brabant. Before that the Arch∣duke went vnto the Emperor his Father, hee made Engelbert Earle of Nassau Gouer∣nor of all the Netherlands in his absence, by vertue of a commission giuen him at Boisleduc in that yeare 1485. whome wee will place for the first Gouernor made by * 1.49 the Prince.

ENGELBERT EARLE OF NASSAV, the first Gouernor, Lieutenant and Captaine gene∣rall for the Prince, in the Lowe Countries.

[illustration]

ENGELBERTVS COMES NASSAVIVS GVBERNAT: BELGII.

I did first Gouerne of the Nasouien bloud, True to my lord of these Low-countries good. Where Maximilian of the Romans King, Of Austria Duke, and the Archduke his son: Taking faire note of me, did forthwith bring Me vnto place and Eminence, but t'was done, With a prouiso, onely for a space: Through which occasion I did tame the rage, Of the tumultuous Brugeois, which to my Grace, Nassau our house at Court, can giue good gage.

IN the yeare 1491. Engelbert Earle of Nassau was by Maximilian the [ A] first King of Romains going into Hungary, made Gouernor of the County of Flanders, and the Baylewiks of Lille, Douay, Orchies and Saint Omer. And afterwards in the yeare 1501. the Archduke Philip going into Spaine, he was appointed by him gouernor generall of the Netherlands. All this while the factions of Vetcoopers and Schierin∣gers, raged in Friseland, one against an other. In the which the Monks and relligious men delt, with their thundring excomunications, among others Aggo Albert of Heenlon did excomunicat Iga Galama and his brethren, which was the cause of great mischiefe and ruine. For the sayd brethren of the faction of Vetcoopers, drewe * 1.50 vnto their succors Iohn of Egmont gouernor of Holland, who sent them strange soldi∣ars, [ B] with the which and some Gentlemen Frisons their Partisans, they went and be∣sieged the Abbey of Heenlon, which the Monkes had fortified: the which brought di∣struction to the sayd Abbey and to many Villages there abouts. These factions brought great miseries and calamities vnto Friseland, for the Vetcoopers allied themselues to the towne of Groninghen, and the Schyeringers called the duke of Saxony into their country, which caused the totall ruine of both parties as we will relate succinctly here∣after, during the gouernment of Albert and George dukes of Saxony. Soone after that Maximilian King of Romains was returned out of Germaine into the Netherlands, the Ganthois and Brugeois did mutine againe: And therefore the King had leauied 20000. horse and foote for his gard, the which being lodged and disperced in the the countrie, [ C] did much mischiefe to the poore countriemen, who seemed to bee worse intreated by * 1.51 them, then by their enemies: being all high Bourguignons or Hanniuers, besides the country was daily surcharged with new impositions, more then they could beare: al by the perswasion (sayd they) of Peter Lanchals knight, his treasorer, Baylife of Bruges, whome the Ganthois and Brugeois would not obey, wherevpon the King came in Fe∣bruary, withall his nobility into the towne of Bruges, leauing the horsemen of his gard without: reseruing some which he held by him with some Landtsknets: he made cer∣taine demands vnto the Magistrate which they would not accept. Hee being displeased at this refusall, by the aduice of the sayd Lanchals, marched in armes withall his traine vnto the market place. The sworne bands not knowing what this might pretend, doub∣ted [ D] some treasons and therefore a great number of the Bourgeses went to armes, to appose themselues against the King and his followers, so as they could not aduance. Some Noblemen of his councell perswaded him to retire to his Pallace the which hee did: and in this sort was kept vnder good gard by the inhabitans: who tooke some Noblemen and gentlemen of his houshold prisoners, yea they kept the King so straight∣ly in his Pallace, as he could neither write nor receiue any letters without their priui∣tie and consent. Peter Lanchals seeing this disorder, beeing well acquainted with the disposition of this people, went and hid himselfe. The companies which did hate him to the death, sought him in all places, but not finding him, they promised a great summe of money to him that should discouer him. In the meane time they put ma∣nie [ E] of those prisoners to death, terming them Traitors and rebells to the cittie. Af∣terwardes * 1.52 they made a third proclamation, by the which it was sayd, That if any one had concealed him till that time, in bringing him forth, they should bee pardoned, if not, all those that had so long kept and concealed him in their houses, should themselues and all their family bee hanged before their dores, the which did so terrefie them, as hee was discouered, and presently led vnto a scaffold that was made readie, whereas after they had tormented them strangely in the presence of all the people, they caused his head to be cut off.

The King of Romains beeing thus restrained like a very prisoner in the towne of Bruges: some townes of Flanders, as Alost, Deudermonde, Oudenarde, Hulst & others, [ F] insteed of liking, and approuing the folly of the Ganthois & Brugeois did them contra∣riwise much mischiefe, by spoyling and burning euen vnto their very Ports, making them to taste of the wrong they did vnto their Princesse father; holding him so trea∣cherously and presumptuosly prisoner. The which imprisonment was no sooner come

to the knowledge of the Emperour Frederic the Kings father, but hee made his moue [ A] to the Princes of the Empire, complaining of the presumption and treacherie of the Ganthois and Brugeois: requiring them that (all affaires and excuses set aside, (euery one would come with his forces according to his estate, to the Rendezuous that hee should assigne them: and so with their vntited forces marche towards Flanders, and deliuer the King his sonne. Many Princes, Earles, and Barons, came about mid-May: others sent their Lieutenants with forces; and so did the Imperiall townes. The Pope was also intreated to interpose his authoritie: wherein Herman of Hessen, Archbishop * 1.53 of Cologne, was imployed: to perswade them of Gaunt, Bruges and Ypre, by threats, and ecclesiasticall censures, to set at libertie the King, his Officers, and houshold ser∣uants, within a certaine time limited: or that otherwise hee would proceed against [ B] them by way of excommunication. These Flemings not so much for feare of the Popes thundring, as of the storme which approched by the Emperor, set the King at libertie, suffring him to goe where he pleased, yea they made meanes vnto him to par∣don them, and that hee would bee reconciled vnto the foure members of Flanders. Wherevnto the King did not refuse to giue eare. The which did much discontent the great Councell of Macklyn, and the Prouinces of Holland and Zeeland, who by the Emperors comming, (whom they did expect) would gladly haue seene these mu∣tinous Flemings punished. Notwithstanding some deputies of Brabant and Zeeland, assisted by Adolph of Cleues Lord of Rauesteyn, came to Bruges, to the States of Flan∣ders. * 1.54 Whereas matters were so handled, as it was concluded, that the King should bee [ C] contented for certaine thousands of Crownes, to renounce the gouernment of Flan∣ders; where there should bee appointed certaine Curators, vntill the Prince Philip were come to age. But the States of Brabant, Holland, Zeeland and West-Frisland, would not haue nor acknowledge in their Prouinces any other Curator or head, then the King of Romaines, father to their Prince: wherein they had reason. There were also in this conference many points agreed vpon, which seemed to be profitable for the country, the King and their Prince, according to the which the King was deliuered, but not his seruants. Yet hee pardoned them all, and tooke a solemne oath to entertaine this accord, for assurance whereof he left Philip of Cleues, sonne to the Lord of Ra∣uesteyn in hostage. In the meane time (the which was cause of great warre and mise∣ries [ D] which followed) the Archbishop of Cologne proceeding to the execution of his * 1.55 Commission (the Flemings hauing not inlarged the King by the day limitted) pro∣nounced the sentence of excommunication against the townes of Gaunt, Bruges and Ypre, the which made them odious to all the world, calling them excommunicated and damned persons, no man being willing to conuerse, nor to haue to doe with them. Yet afterwards by the intercession of the French king, soueraigne Lord of Flanders (held immediatly of the Crowne of France) they so purged themselues to the Pope, as he absolued them from the Archbishops cursse.

Whilest that matters were thus handled in Flanders, the Emperor Frederic aduan∣uanced still with his armie, and that of the Princes and Imperiall Townes; vntill hee [ E] came to Macklin, whereas Maximilian King of the Romaines his sonne, went to meete him, and to receiue him, being accompanied with the Princes, Barons, Noblemen, Knights, and chiefe Captaines of his traine, whom hauing thanked for the great paines they had taken to come and succour him, comming before the Emperor his father, he cast himselfe vpon his knees, beseeching him most humbly to pardon them, as hee had * 1.56 done them of Bruges: if it were but in respect of the oath which he had made, and the faith which hee had giuen them; wherevnto the Emperor would by no meanes yeeld: some Prelates perswading the King, that his oath did not binde him, to people that were excommunicated. The Ganthois knowing that the Emperour came in Armes against them, intreated Philip of Rauestein to be their generall, as it had beene agreed [ F] at the treatie of Bruges, the which he accepted. There were with him in the Citty of Gaunt the Earle of Vendosine, and many Noblemen & Captaines come out of France to succour them. (You may see how the French Kings councell, not-with-standing the peace, sought all meanes to annoy the King of the Romaines, and the estate of Prince

Philip his sonne.) The Lord of Rauesteyn being in field with his Ganthois, surprised [ A] by pollicie the Towne of Scluse in Flanders, which is the onely Sea Port, by the which the Brugeois haue accesse into the Brittish Seas. The Emperor and the Noblemen of Germanie, marched with their Armie, vntill they came about Gant and Bruges, spoi∣ling the champian country onely, without any other memorable exployt. They in∣countred some-times with the Flemings, but they neuer came vnto a battaile, neither did they take any Townes one from another. The Germaines thought once to sur∣prise Dam (where there is a stay of the Sea-water betwixt Scluse and Bruges) but their enterprise succeeding not, they were repulst with great losse, among others, a brother of the Marquis of Brandenbourgs was slaine.

The 21. of May thinking to do as much at Gaunt, many of their men being entred, [ B] marching in the street that was before them, thinking that they had wonne the towne, the Ganthois hauing suffered as many to enter as they thought good, and might easily maister, they cut downe the Port-cullis of the gate, where they were taken likewise in a trappe, and were all slaine or drowned. In the end the Emperor seeing that he should with great difficultie preuaile ouer these mightie Townes of Gant, Bruges and Ypre; his horsmen hauing ruined all the countrie of Flanders, and eaten all that was to bee found, so as there was nothing left: hauing done no memorable act worthy the wri∣ting, and the hard time of winter approching: the Germaines louing their Stoues too well, after that they had furnished the Townes of Alost, Oudenard, Deudermonde, Hulst, and other Townes with good garrisons, the Emperor retired into Germanie, [ C] leauing with the Archduke Maximilian his sonne, king of Romaines, Albert Duke of Saxonie, Landtgraue of Misnia: whom he made Gouernor of the Netherlands, to make warre as well against the Flemings, as the Frisons, as we will briefly shew.

ALBERT DVKE OF SAXONY, LAND•…•… graue of Misnia, second Gouernor, Lieutenant and Generall for the Prince in his Netherlands.

[illustration]

ALBERTVS DVX SAXONI•…•… GVBER•…•… BELGI•…•…

〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 the Flemings and the Frison race, The which the King of Rom•…•…ins had good cause Then to supplant, I had the Gouernors place, Being also Prince and head o're Saxon Lawes, But Freezlands gouernment hariditarie Was giuen then to me: he cruell foe•…•… At Groninghen reacht me a deadly blowe, My friends to Misnia-house my corps did carrie.

AFter the Emperors retreat, the Flemings by vertue of their trea∣tie [ A] of Bruges, drew vnto their party against Duke Albert, the * 1.57 townes of Brusselles, Lovuaine, Tillemont and other small towns of Brabant, who had their shares in this warre as also they of Arthois, Henanult and Namur did, by meanes of the French, who were allyed to the Flemings. All this faction was but a ruine and a generall distruction of al the Netherlands, one towne making warre against another: some towne was taken one day for one party, and recouered againe the next by the other. Du∣ring this warre the Flemings made themselues strong at sea, imploying many banished men of Hollande and other (that might not drinke of all waters) with the which they did [ B] much harme vnto the Hollanders, espetially to them of Leyden. With which Flemings Francis Brederod, brother to the Lord of Brederod did ioyne, with certen banished men of Rotterdam and of some other townes. This Gentleman was made one of their Cap∣taines at sea, to make warre against the Hollanders, who were his owne Countrymen, so as being imbarked in Flanders, he landed at Delfshauen, and so marched to Rotter∣dam, the which he surprised, (passing ouer to the ditch vpon the Ice) without striking stroake, which towne was at that time full of marchandise, the which they could not then ship, by reason of the great abondance, of Ice which floats in winter in that riuer vnto the sea. The flemings not being contented to set the fire of dessention, by their re∣bellion in their own contry, but they presently kindled it in Brabant and Holland sedu∣sing [ E] the goodsubiects of both contries, to ioyne with them in their villanies. * 1.58

In the yeare 1489. the King of Romains came into Holland, where he went through∣out all the townes, to shew them that by reason of the alterations in Flanders, they should bee carefull to stand vpon their gards; intreating them to continue in their ac∣customed loyalty, to the Prince his Sonne and to him, and toreceiue no strang forces: doing this, being in the towne of Harlem, their were other townes in Holland, which came to complaine of the Harlemois, which had beene the cause of great troubles, if the King had not wisely preuented it. Yet not with standing there was some warre by reason of the surprise of Rotterdam the which did much anoy their neighbors, hauing drawne the vicont of Montfort to their party, who also made violent warres for his * 1.59 [ C] part: vntil that in the end the 22. of Iune the seignior Francis of Brederode, Superinten∣dant in the towne of Rotterdam, began to treat with the Squier of the King of Ro∣maines, as in the end an Agreement was made by the which a Proclamation was made at the towne house, that whosoeuer would depart the towne with the seignior of Bre∣derode, they might freely doe it without any let, and in like sort all that would remaine might do it boldly without feare or serch. According to which agrement Francis of Brederode and the other Captaines with their soldiars, departed the towne, and the Squier entred with his men, but all this did not pacific the troubles in Holland, nor with the Vicont of Montfort.

In Nouember following Albert Duke of Saxony ariued in Holland, he came first to [ D] Leyden, and from thence to la Goud, to aduise of the meanes to treat an accord with them and with the Vicont of Montfort. For the effecting whereof there was an as∣sembly of the states in the saide towne of Leyden: But by reason of the Dukes sodaine departure, who went towards Brabant for matters of greater importance, which neere concerned him it remayned for a time in suspence, In the meane time the Vicont be∣ing at Worden continued his spoyles vpon the Hollanders. This cruell deuou∣ring •…•…arre of the flemings against the King of Romains, being thus strangely inflamed to the ruine and desolation of all the neighbour countries, in the end both parties * 1.60 yeelded to a peace submitting themselues to the arbitrement of the French King, (who should be sonne in law to the King of Romains) and to his councell: who (after manie conferencee and deliberations) gaue an arbitracie sentence, which was very benificiall [ F] to the King of Romaines, and preiudiciall to the Flemings, concluding to an accord and reconciliation, in the which Philip of Cloues was not comprehended, who kept at that time in the Castell of Scluse, but afterwards hee was receiued into grace. This

peace was proclaymed throughout all the Netherlands, to the incredible ioy of all the [ A] people, being tired with the fore-passed miseries. After-wards by reason of the abate∣ment of coines, (which during the warre had bin exceding heigh, in respect of that they had bin before) there was a mutiny in the Towne of Bruges, for the suppressing wherof, * 1.61 Engelbert of Nassau was sent, who (as wel for this cause, as for that they kept their Prince prisoner) did so pinch the towne, as they continued poore a long time after, and the Bru∣geois were constraind by the allowance of the King of Romaines, to build vnto the said earle of Nassau, that goodly house which the Princes of Orange, haue at this day in the towne of Bruges. Duke Albert of Saxony being returned out of Brabant into Holland, after the assembly of the estates held at Leyden, seeing that the Vicont of Montfort did not forbeare to do all the Iniuries he could vnto the Hollanders, it was resolued by the [ B] said duke, and by the townes of Holland to go & •…•…besiege him, appointing the Rendeuous * 1.62 for their army betwixt Worden and Montfort. And about the end of May in the yeare 1490. the said Duke, accompanied with Iohn of Egmond Gouernor of Holland, and of many other noblemen, went & planted his campe before the towne and castel of Mont∣fort * 1.63 the which he did batter furioufly, and ouerthrew the ports, towers, & walls, giuing many assaults the which were well defended, the besieged making many braue sallies, in which, and during the siege there died many of either side. So as in the end the Earle of Nassau & of Chimay arriuing in Holland preuailed so by their good meanes & perswa∣tions, with the Duke of Saxony, to auoid a greater effusion of blood as there was an ac∣cord made betwixt the Duke & the Hollanders of the one part, & the Vicont of Mont∣fort [ C] on the other, by the which the Vicont should restore to the Hollanders the towne * 1.64 and castle of Woerden, departing with his family & all that was in it, in regard whereof the Duke should raise his campe from before Montfort the which was performed of ei∣ther side. Then the Vicont tooke an oth of fealty to the King of Romains and to Prince Philip his sonne in the hands of duke Albert: so the said Nobleman was reconciled, and all the riuers, waies & passages made free, as before this last war. Francis of Brederode, hauing left the towne of Rotterdam, to the King of Romanes Squire; retired to S•…•…luse, to Philip of Cleues, to whom there ioyned many banished men of Holland and other places: the signior of Naeldwyk hauing paied his ransom to the Squier, was there also: whilest that the campe lay before Montfort, these two Noblemen of Brederode & Na∣eldw•…•…ke, [ D] (hauing 1800. men) imbarked at Scluse, and landed in the Iland of Walchren, where hauing made a great spoile they went towards Dordrecht, burnt certein mills at Suyndreckt, and one mill ioyning to the towne, and then thy returned to the Iland and towne of Goedereed, with an intention to spoile it. The Lord of Egmont Gouernor of Holland hauing news thereof at the campe at Monfort, parted secretly, with many gen∣tlemen and came to Dordrecht, from whence he sent for men out of Zeland, and from Bergeen vpon Som, with the which he did imbarke and pursued them of Scluse, hauing found them, he charged them resolutly; the fight was furious; at the first incounter the seignor of Brederode finding himselfe not strong inough to resist long, began to retire and presently went to land. The lord of Egmont pursuing him, there was a new fight, in [ E] the which Brederode was very sore wounded, & being taken prisoner, was carried vnto the ship and so conducted to Dordrecht, where he died soone after. The seignor of Na∣eldwick, seeing that all was lost, fled with his men towards Ziricxze frō whence he went safely to Scluse. At the same time the Bourgeses of Bruges did rise againe against their Superiors by reason of the base prises of mony, which they said were out of reason, and * 1.65 had not bin so agreed vpon by the States of the country. Besids in the payments which they made in France, Spaine, Portingall and England, coynes were at a higher rate then in the lowe contries: So as they feared that the trafficke of their towne would faile. On the other side, as they of Scluse did much harme, by their courses and roads, the duke of Saxony put a good garrison into the towne of Dam, who did no lesse in Flanders. In the [ F] meane time Gaunt, Y•…•…re and other townes were quiet, and did not much care for the coynes: and had rated them at their owne pleasure, euer a third part higher then in other prouinces, wheras the abatement of coines was strictly obserued: the which was the cause of great contention among all the Inhabitantes of the saied Countrie:

wherein the Artisan and the Merchant suffred much: as in deede euery one complay∣ned [ A] and not without cause, for the time was neuer so miserable as then. There was not a p•…•…nnie to bee earned, no mony to bee taken vp: euerie man keeping that which hee had in his cofer, vpon hope that it would rise: and the best marchandise of returne which marchant strangers made in Antwerp and Berghen vpon Soom, was mony, not caring to exchange or to buie any other commodities for theirs, seeing there was so great gaine vpon the peeces of gold and siluer: yet the Earle of Nassau wrought so with the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and the duke of Saxony, as that matter was pacified, and the coynes rated as at Gand, Ypre and other townes of Flanders, and after the same value as it went in the neigbour Prouinces of the Netherlands. But those of Scluse did not cease to robbe and spoile at sea, so as none could passe from the East countries [ B] into Spaine, nor goe into the East-countries without verie great daunger, which caused a great and generall dearth throughout all the Netherlands, especially of come.

At that time the French King made warre in Arthois, pretending that it had beene giuen him in marriage with the Ladie Marguerite, sister to Philip of Austria and daugh∣ter * 1.66 to the King of Romains. In the meane time pettie Salezart surprized the towne of Teroane, the which he kept a while for the Bourguignons partie. But as the Earle of Nassau and some other Noblemen went to beseege Bethune, the lord of Cordes, incountring them with all the forces of Piccardie, gaue them battaile, in the vil∣lage of Hinges, and had the victorie, whereas the Earle of Nassau and Charles of Eg∣mont [ E] duke of Geldres were taken: the Earle redeemed himselfe soone, and payed his * 1.67 ransome: but the duke was kept long as a prisoner with the French King. At this defeate the French recouered Teroane, the which they held since vnto the yeare 1554. the which the Emperor Charles the fift tooke by assault, and caused it bee razed, as it is to this day, the soyle remayning to the French. All this time Holland was much afficted by the extreame dearth, especially of corne: through the want of mo∣ney, by newe impositions and burthens, and aboue all, through the robberies and spoiles done both at sea and land by them of S•…•…e, hauing surprized the Ilandes of Tessell and Wyering, where they made their retreates robbing and spoyling the shippes comming out of Ostland. There was a great tumult twise in the towne of Alc∣mar, [ C] by the countrie-men, for the sayd impositions: the which they were forced to surcease for a time. There was a great assembly in the towne of Horne (the which the sayd peasants had seized vpon for their assurance) of all the Villages and Boroughs of the countries of Kennemerlandt, North-holland and Waterland, in the which they re∣solued ioyntly, rather to die all, euen to the last man, then to pay such exactions, seeing that the misery of the time would not beare it.

On the other side the Ganthois (hauing receiued some small affront from the King * 1.68 of Romains people) reuolted againe, and ioyned with them of Scluse. The first of Iulie they surprized the towne of Hulst, although there were a garrison. Then beganne all things to decline & go to ruine in Flanders. Many Ganthois that were well affected to * 1.69 [ D] the King of Romains, abandoned the towne betimes, of their owne free-will: manie were expelled and banished. The Flemings robbing and spoyling at sea, continued still and increased daylie: the nauigation into the west parts beeing in a manner defended, at the least not without daunger. The which increased the dearth in Holland, Zee∣land and Barbant, so as the common people did liue a vetie poore and languishing life. The Ganthois did not hold this towne of Hulst long: for the Earle of Nassau sent pettie Salezart his Lieutenant thether with his troupes, the which hee recouered by force, in the which many of the towne were slaine, among other captaine Witten∣horst, who hauing left the seruice of the King of Romains in Holland, retyred himselfe to S•…•…luse, from whence hee did afterwardes much mischiefe vnto the Hollanders. The [ F] Seignior of Naeldwyke being in the sayd towne of Hulst, notwithstanding any watch they layd for him both by sea and land, escaped in a disguised habit, and returned to Scluse, where bee beganne to make more violent warre against the Hollanders then euer. The captaines of West Flanders which held the King of Romains party, went to

beseege the towne of Dixmuyden (which the Ganthois had taken a little before) the * 1.70 [ A] which for want succors was forced to yeeld, to haue their liues & goods saued. Charles of Egmont duke of Gelders, sonne to Prince Adolph (who as we haue said, was slaine be∣fore Tourney, in seruice of the Ganthois) was yet prisoner at the French Kings court, going and comming vppon his faith, euer since that he was taken neere vnto Bethune, by the Lord of Cordes, with the Earle of Nassau: some of his friendes, (among the which was the Earle of Moeurs, and other Noble-men Geldrois) did worke his deliue∣rie for money, and conducted him with a goodly troupe of souldiers, French and Ger∣mans through the countrey of Leige, into his Dutchy of Gelders, where hee was wel∣come to all men, and acknowledged for their Duke and Earle of Zutphen. * 1.71 [ B]

The 30. of May 1492. the furie of the Pesants in Holland reuiued againe of those whom they called Kasenbroots-volck, that is to say, men of bread and cheese: as if one would say, poore men that sought for meate to eate, who went in great troupes before the towne of Harlem, where by the helpe of poore handy-crafts men they entred and spoiled all the rich men, beating and breaking downe doores, windowes, cofers and cubberts; tearing in peices papers, bonds and instruments, pulling of the seales, and carrying away what was fittest for them, and doing other villanies, which did nothing * 1.72 auayle them, yet could not be appeased. And not content heere-with, thinking to doe as much to Leyden, they aduanced euen to the gates, but they were chased away by the Canon, so as euery one was glad to get him to his home. [ C]

During these alterations, the Duke of Saxonie, sent men into Holland to subdue these Pesants. Those of Harlem, who were not guiltie of these troubles smarted not∣withstanding for it, by reason of the spoyles which the souldiers committed in those parts, euen at their gates. Soone after the Duke came in person into Holland, vnto whom the Magistrate sent to excuse himselfe of all that had past, fearing they should bee accused as if they had beene culpable: and in the meane time the troupes did the * 1.73 worst they could. Duke Abert of Saxony comming to Harlem, the Clergie & the magi∣strate went to meet him in forme of a procession, & presented the keies of the town vn∣to him, but the most mutinous fled away: being entred, he caused a gibbet & a scaffold to be set vp, to punish such as remayned: many good Bourgesses, which during the troubles had absented themselues, were called for. And although that the Magistrate [ D] and the chiefe of the Towne were not guilty of the breaking downe of the gate, and that those that were guiltie were fled, yet for that they had giuen a pasport to such as would depart, (he must needs finde some coulor, as strange Gouernors do common∣ly to intrapt them) the towne was taxed at 17000. of S. Andrewes florins, so as the In∣habitants were forced to bring their Plate and Iewels to the Towne-house, to furnish the summe, for that there was not so much coyned money in all the towne, it had been so exhauste by the warres and troubles past.

This Duke did also punish the Kennemers by fines and reparations: and not yet sa∣tisfied * 1.74 with them of Harlem, hee commanded their Banner to bee brought vnto his lodging, and the Charter of their Priuiledge, the which hee declared to be forfeited: [ E] causing a fort to be built to keepe them in awe. Those of the towne of Alcmar sent their deputies vnto him to craue pardon: they were receiued bringing their Banner, the which in like sort hee adiudged forfeited, and that they might neuer cary any more, for that they had serued in the last interprise vpon Leyden, condemning them to pay 6600. Florins for a fine. The Duke hauing punished these two townes, and reduced the Countrie to his will; hee created new Magistrates in Harlem, for that they had for∣feited their Priuiledges. The eight of Iune hee went from thence, carrying away all their artillerie, both great and small; for hee would not enter into the towne, before that all had beene brought into the Market-place before the Towne-house, and that the Bourgesses had brought in all their armes: but presently after his departure they [ F] fetcht them againe. From thence he went downe into Zeeland, & surpized Zericzee, where hee lodged all his armie meaning to fleece them as hee had done the rest•…•… for that during all these Flemmish warres, they had borne more affection to them, then to their Prince: A proud people, and trafficking dayly with them of Slcuse. There

he also built a Block-house in forme of a Cittadell, and taxed them at 3600. Florins of [ A] Germanie, wherewith hee pardoned them, which being done, pres•…•…ng to haue some good and assured intelligences vpon the towne of Gaunt, hee marched thether with∣all his army to surprise it: but beeing discouered, the Ganthois let goe their Scluses, and drowned the whole countrie, where hee should passe, so as hee could not approach any neerer, but was forced to retire. Those that were suspected to be assistants to the duke in this enterprise were taken and executed. Among others Coppen Gheel (other∣wise called Holl) one of their chiefe captaines, who had in a manner alone gouerned the whole towne, of whome it is at this daie spoken for a common prouerb, when as any one presumes ouer much. Thou shalt bee like Coppen Holl, that is to say, thou shalt loose thy head. [ B]

From thence the duke went before Scluse, the which hee beseeged straightly both by sea and land, during which seege there arriued many shippes in the Low-countries * 1.75 laden with corne, the which did abate the prices of all things, especially of bread, the sommer season beeing verie faire and temperate promising a plentifull and rich har∣uest, the like was neuer seene in the memorie of man. It seemed that with the season which had beene a long time troublesome, men would also growe more moderate and * 1.76 gentle, for in the moneth of Iuly, those of Gaunt sent their Deputies to Hulst, to duke Albert to be receiued into fauour, repairyng their faults past with a great sum of mo∣ney which they promised and paied: by meanes whereof all was pardoned, and their fore-passed rebellions forgotten. In the meane time the duke did furiously batter the [ E] towne and castell of Scluse, the besieged made many braue Sallies vpon his campe, bringing still away some prisoners: the Artillery of the castell was not idle, shooting through the shippes that did besiege them at sea, and through the Tentes and pauili∣ons that were at land, both partes remayning in this sort a long time. In the end the 10. of October an accord was made betwixt the duke and Philippe of Cleues Lord of Ra∣uestein. By the which it was sayd, that the soldiars that were in the great and little Castell of Scluse, should depart, that the towne and little Castell should bee open to his men. But the lord of Rauestein should remaine with his familie aboue in the great Castell, the which hee should keepe during his life, for the seruice of Prince Philip Archduke of Austria. [ C]

The King of Romains visiting the townes of Holland one after an other, beeing at Harlem, the fiue chiefe townes of the countrie, that is to say, Dordrecht, Leyden, Delf; Amsterdam and Goude, came with their complaints vnto him, for that the Harlemois during all the warres against the Flemings would neuer assist them, nor contribute any thing to the charges. But they so excused themselues, as hee remained satisfied, so as for a good summe of money which they did furnish, hee gaue them an Acte of exemption of his hand, for that which the other townes complained of them, who beeing discontented with this graunt, bare it patiently vntill that duke•…•… Albert came to Harlem, where they renewed their former complaints, but for that the duke had made an accord with them and with the towne of Alcmar, they preuailed no∣thing [ D] at that time. Yet for that they would not desist to molest the sayd towne of Harlem, seeking to wrest from them the summe of three score and ten thousand Florins. In the end this towne and the other fiue, submitted themselues to the arbi∣trement of certaine worthy men, promising vpon certaine pennalties, to performe what they should decree and set downe, which Arbitrators for all the pretensions of the demanders, did taxe the towne of Harlem at 20000. florines▪ to bee payd in three yeares, at three equall paiements. Wherevnto they yeelded although it were verie hard for all them to beare: and to great bitternesse in the rest to haue prest them so farre, besides all their former losses by their intestine and ciuill warres, and the tumults of the Kennemers. But this summe did little profit the rest. For the duke of Saxony did suck them in such sort, as Hollande did neuer [ F] suffer the like in the time of any of their Earles. Wherein hee tooke delight, to * 1.77 teach them not to bee so cruell and, bitter one against an other, nor to entertaine factions and partialities amongst them-selues, as they had donne manie yeares

vnder the titles of Hoecks & Cabillaux, the which it was impossible to roote out, but [ A] by reducing both Factions to extremitie. The like hee did vnder the authoritie of the King of Romaines in Freezland, to the Schieringers & Vetcoopers, factions that were as pernitious as those of Holland. The which after that they had wasted one an other, burnt, beaten downe, ruined and spoyled houses and Castells, yea whole Townes they were in the end ouerthrowne by the same Duke of Saxonie, and his successours for many yeares. But the said Duke made no great profit of all the gold and siluer hee had extorted generally from the Neitherlands, neither did hee purchase any lands or sieg∣neories therewith for his children, but wasted it wholy in those warres against the Fri∣sons and Groningeois, and in the end lost his owne life and his sonne Henryes, so as [ B] George his yongest sonne, was forced to abandon all, as wee shall shew in the following course of this Historie.

In the meane time there was great heart-burning in Freezeland, betwixt the No∣bles * 1.78 of both factions. Duke Albert to seeke some occasion of quarrell against them, (after he had ended the troubles of the Netherlanders and Kennemers) writ vnto them, commanding them to send him a certaine some of money, by way of loane, exaction, imposition, or how they pleased to call it. Wherevppon the Frisons, hauing confer∣red together what were best to be done, and how to answere their Duke: they writ vnto him resolutely; That he had no right nor authoritie ouer them, to make any such de∣mand, the which they were in no sort willing to grant him: and if any had otherwise infor∣med [ C] him they had abused him: Offering, that if it pleased him to come or to send his Depu∣ties to Staueren or to Workom, that they should finde them to conferre with them. And if it were found that the Emperor or the Earles of Holland, had euer had any such right and power as he pretended, that they would submit themselues, and do that which belonged to good sub∣iects and vassals.

About the end of Iaunary in the yeare 1493. the Germaine troupes of Duke Al∣bert, * 1.79 which was called Dye groote gaerde, (that is to say, the great rodde, or the great whippe.) entred into the countrie of Gelders, spoyling and destroying all where they past, specially at the Abbie of Marie-wert; then after they had burnt many villages, in the end of February they came before Vtrecht, lodging in the suburbes committing a [ D] 1000. insolencies, and keeping the gates so straightly besieged, as nothing could get in, nor out. The Lord of Iselstein had drawne them together to be reuenged of them of V∣trecht, who had taken from him the Fort of S. Katherins gate (whereof hee was Cap∣taine) and first executed, then quartered some of his men. The Traiectins seeing the great spoiles these Germaine souldiers made about this towne, and fearing some grea∣ter inconuenience (by the fauour of some friendes) they made an Accord for a good summe of money, with the Lord of Iselstein: vpon condition; That they should take downe the quarters and heades from the gates, of those that bad beene executed, and burie them in the Church-yarde. Wherevppon the horses retyred.

The Emperour Frederick the third, dyed at Vienna in Austria, the 3. of August, for * 1.80 that (as they said) he had eaten too many Melons, after that he had raigned 44. years, [ E] being 73. years old, he was buried in S. Steuens Church in the said Towne. To whom his sonne Maximilian King of the Romanes, Archduke of Austria, succeeded in the Empire: who was borne the 12. of March 1459. He had beene crowned King of the Romaines the sixt of Februarie 1486. by the consent of all the Princes Electors. About that time, and before the death of the Emperor Frederick, the Schyeringers and Vetcoopers in Friseland tormented one another dayly, the Groningeois being ioy∣ned * 1.81 to the Schyeringers, holding the towne of Leeuwarden, and all the Countrey of Ostergoe, which was the cause of great effusion of blood. So as Duke Albert seeing some occasion of quarrel against the Frisons, aduertised the Emperor Frederick, who being loath to attempt any thing rashly, sent Otto van Langen, one of his Counsell, to [ F] informe himselfe of all the estate of Friseland, and to pacifie the troubles and intes∣tine warres if it might be. The said Commissioner being come into Swoll in the coun∣trey of Ouerysel, sent for them of Groninghen and of Snecke to come vnto him, be∣ing then in warre one with another. But after that hee had heard all their grieuanc•…•…

and could not reconcile them, he returned backe to the Emperor. Afterwards the sieg∣nior [ A] Douwe Curate of Itens, being returned from the Emperors court, brought letters of Committimus to Herman Arch-bishop of Cologue, and to Henry bishop of Munster, to take information of the attemps of them of Groninghen, who De facto, (for so the Text said) had without the Emperours knowledge seazed vppon, and reduced vnder their obedience many townes and baylewicks (which they call Grittemes) in the coun∣trey of Freezland, to the preiudice and contempt of the imperiall Maiestie, and of the whole Empire. with other Letters of Inhibition to the Groningeois, not to attempt any thing further: but repaire all new attempts and innouations, restoring the sayde townes and bayle-wicks, vnto their first estate, notwithstanding any voluntary con∣sent: vppon paine of proscription by the Empire, and confiscation of all their goods; priuiledges and freedomes. The said Letter dated the 5. of Iuly. 1493. At Lins in Au∣stria, [ B] where intimated by an Vsher of the Imperiall chamber, to the Superintendents of the towne of Groninghen: who to purge themselues, and to procure a reuocation of the last Letters, sent their letters to the Emperour: but by reason of his death, they could not obtaine any thing: besides the Sneckois and others of the Schyringers factions, had their Agents in Court, who crost them all they could.

A while after the Emperor Maximilian the first of that name, sent the same Commi∣ssioner van Langen into Freezland, to reconcile them: who being come to the towne of Sneck, sent to the States of Oster-goe, Wester-goe, & to the seuen forrests, which are the three members of Freezland, giuing them an Assignation, to come by the first of [ C] Ianuary 1494. to the said town of Sneck, to heare the causes of his comming, & to vn∣derstand * 1.82 the tenor of his Commission; and that the 18. of the said moneth, hee went to Groninghen, to acquaint them with the Emperors pleasure, for the better execution whereof according to his Commission, he made a truce betwixt the Groningeois and the Frisons vnto the first day of May following, hoping in that time to finde some meanes to reconcile both parties: but hee found the Groningeois too wilfull and ob∣stinate, and therefore he returned into Friseland.

The States beeing assembled in the Emperours name, by the Commissioner Otto * 1.83 van Langen, the Prelates, Nobles, Townes and commonalties of Wester-goe, Oster-goe, and the seuen Forrests, that were not allyed to the Groningeois came thether. There in the presence of them all, the said Commissioner hauing showed his Commis∣sion, [ D] and declared his charge by mouth. Which was; To ratifie and confirme their anci∣ent Priuiledges in paying the arrerages of the annuall tribute due vnto the Empire. He did also counsell them, in the Emperors name, (according to their Priuiledges and ancient customes) To choose some one of their owne Nation, some worthy man indued with good parts, and well affected to the good of his Countrey, to bee their Potestate (as they had beene in olde time gouerned) who might bee carefull and vigilant to preserue their Liberties and Freedomes. Else the Emperour (without doubt) would himselfe make choise of one of these Noblemen. Of Albert Duke of Saxony, of Philip Lorde of Rauesteyn, or of the Earle of Em∣den. Wherefore he aduised them to follow his counsell, and; That they should doe well to choose one that were not partiall: amiable, courteous and tractable, well acquainted with the [ E] humors and disposition of men, and the estate of the Countrey. The States hauing heard this proposition, after some priuate conference among themselues, iudging that if they did it not, the Emperour might appoint one by his authoritie, the which would dero∣gate much from their Priuiledges: they resolued therein to follow the Emperors will, and the aduice of his Commissioner. Hauing therefore appointed certaine Prelates and a Notarie, to set downe their suffrages and voyces in the election, they went to choose one of the chiefe of their Nobilitie: in the end by the pluralitie of voyces, the office of Potestate was layd vpon Iuwde Roma van Baret, a Gentleman both vertuous and honourable, that was nothing partiall, nor factious, quiet and gentle, hauing mar∣ryed * 1.84 the sister of Iuwe Hero; and Iarich Hottinga, who were the chiefe of the faction of [ F] Schyeringers. So as Deka•…•…a was pleasing to all the assembly of States. The which did also wonderfully content the said Commissioner. Then the sayd States during the As∣sembly, made choise of 24. men to be Iudges and Assistants to the said Potestate, wher∣all

together, three or foure times in the yeare should treat of affaires concerning the [ A] good of their Common-weale. This new Potestate did present the Commissioner for a remembrance of his loue with two new peices of gold, the one of Harald Camego: in the yeare 794. and the other of Wibo Reynalda of the yeare 812. the which had bin in their time Potestates of Friseland. The siegneor Iuw Hottinga did also giue him two that were forged at Franyker, in the yeare 1419. by Sycko Syaera, which the Commissioner receiued thankfully, promising to giue them vnto the Emperour, the which he knew would be pleasing vnto him. This Election of a Potestate thus made in the Towne of Snecke, where did not assist the Siegneors Iuw Iongama of Bolswaert. Tyerck-walta, those of Calama of Roarda, of Herema, nor their alleyes: the Commis∣sioner [ B] thought it fit to make the like Assembly in the town of Bolswaert, that he might (by their approbation of the said Election) settle the whole Countrey in concord, loue and quiet, appointing them the fourteenth day following for that Assembly. At what time the Commissioner parted from Snecke, with the Nobles and Prelats that had bin at the first Assembly, and went toward Bolswaert, entring into the Towne, the children and Boyes in the street began to cry and sing: Heer Otto van Langen, is vohyer gevan∣ghen, morgen sal •…•…y hangen. That is to say; Otto of Langen is now a prisoner, and to mor∣row will be hanged. The Commissioner heard them and vnderstood them well, but dissembling it, he past on for that hee would not discontent any, hoping to doe some great good. Being come to the Franciscans, in the presence of I•…•…w Iangama, Tyarck-wal and * 1.85 [ C] other Gentlemen: the Commissioner made the like proposition vnto them, that he had done at Sneck, requesting them that they would approue and confirme the e∣lection of the said Potestate; or if they refused it, the Emperour would prouide in an other fashion. Whereupon Iuw Iangama answering in the name of all his Partisans sayd; That neither he nor any of his would heare speake of such a Potestate, vntill that the * 1.86 whole Countrey of Friseland were vnited into one body. And as for him that had bin chosen at Sneck, that they would neuer consent vnto it, for that he was allyed to the Family of Hot∣tinga, which had beenalwayes enemie vnto them: & therfore they would not haue any one that was allyed to that Family to be aduanced to any command, or to be in greater credit then them∣selues. Whereunto Iuw Hero and Iarich Hottinga brethren, hearing that for their cau∣ses their brother in law was reiected. Iuw speaking for the rest of his brethren, saide; [ D] That he see well that Iuw Iongama with his friends and Allyes, did little regard the good of their Countrie, nor the preseruation of their Priuiledges & Freedoms, but rather through am∣bition, their owne priuate profits, & to the suppression of their rights and ancient Statutes. Which words drew them on to proude & bitter termes: The common people of the partie of Iongama and Walta, (being stronger then the rest) would haue taken Armes a∣gainst the Nobles of the other partie; wherevppon some great inconuenience would haue growne, if the Commissioner had not cunningly pacified them•…•… intreating them to retyre for that time euery man to his lodging, to consider better thereof at lei∣sure: sommoning them to come thither the next day at two of the clocke in the after∣noone, and whosoeuer did faile to forfeit a quart of wine; the which pleased all the [ E] company, and so by that meanes they departed. The which the Commissioner did ve∣ry discretly to draw himselfe and the Nobles that were come with him out of danger, into the which they were fallen by this confused multitude of base people. That night he went with Peter Camstra and the Hottingas to lodge in the castle of Iongama, and the next day (early in the morning) they returned to Snecke, being assured that he should doe no good at Bolswaert, and that it was dangerous to stay there, it might bee with effusion of blood, the which he sought to auoyd, for he see in the rest nothing but ha∣tred and spleen.

The next day Iuw Iongama, Tyarck-walta, the Galamas and their Partisans, came at the appointed hower to the Fryers, where finding neither the Commissioner, nor the other [ F] Nobles, they were almost mad with spight, not knowing how to take it, exclaming a∣gainst the Hottingas and their Allyes. And so this Convocation proued •…•…lesse. The reason why Iongama the Galamas and their Partisans had shewed themselues so obsti∣nate, was; for that they relyed much vppon the Groningeois, who through their too

great pride and presumption made no accompt neither of the Commissioner, nor of [ A] any commandement from the Imperiall chamber, no not of the Emperour himselfe. Otto of Langen (the Emperors Commissioner) seeing that by their factions and bit∣ter partialities, and by the instigation of the Groningeois hee should profit nothing, departed from Sneck and went to Deuenter, whither hee sent againe for the parties, and them of Groninghen to come vnto him the 4. of February; but beeing there, they were so incensed one against another with such bitternesse, as they departed without doing any thing: and the said Commissioner tooke his way towardes the Emperour. Afterwards that which he had fore-told them came to passe: That if they would not con∣sent to the election of a Potestate, within a short time other strangers would come, and force them vnto obedience. The which happened, for they themselues digged a pi•…•…, into the [ B] which they fell. There were yet other Commissioners sent by the Emperour to them of Groningen, with Letters of Inhibition not to attempt any more, but to restore Friseland to her first rights and Priuiledges: but nothing auayled, for the partialities and Factions, as well of them that were allyed to the Groningeois as of the Schyeringers and Vetcoopers continued as violently as before, so as there fol∣lowed at di•…•…ers times, yea in one Family of the Iongamas, diuers factions and great ef∣fusion of blood. Those of Harinxima and Galama did no lesse one vnto another. The Townes, Abbaies and Monasteries did the like, calling in forces and in so great num∣bers to their succours, as they could not be freed of them, vntill they had payed them the last farthing, to the great oppression of the people. The which was no sooner dis∣mist [ C] and gone out of the Countrey, but Duke Albert of Saxony entertained them, and came into Friseland to make them to lay aside their factions, being forced there∣vnto by pouertie. And these were the fruits of their wilfull obstinacie.

PHILIP OF AVSTRIA THE 2. OF that name, the 34. Earle of Holland and Zeeland, Lord of Friseland: Duke of Bourgongne, &c Earle of Flanders, &c. Marquis of the holy Empire.

[illustration]

Philippus 2. Austrius.

My fat•…•…er with my goods gaue me a wife A pe•…•…rlesse Princesse of the Arrago•…•… blood, From her sixe children, Kings and Queenes tooke life, By 〈◊〉〈◊〉 tw•…•…e years Helland from danger stood: And by my wife I did inherite Spaine, But my death prou'd my wiues, who with griefe werryed, Wa•…•…ng •…•…y corpes in tears that stream'd amaine, My •…•…s at Burgos in a Tombe interred.

PHILIP the second of that name, Earle of Holland and Zeeland, Lord [ A] of Friseland, the onely sonne of the Archduke Maximilian of Au∣stria (afterwards Emperour) and of Mary Dutchesse of Bourgongne, daughter to Duke Charles the warlike, was borne in Bruges the 20. day of Iune in the yeare 1470. hee was foure yeere old when his mo∣ther dyed. Sence whose death the Archduke, king of Romaines, his father, in qualitie of Regent, Tutor or Curator, gouerned his wiues Inheritance with great troubles and vexation, by reason of the great factions and par∣tialities, which raigned then both in Holland and Flanders vnto the yeare 1494. that * 1.87 the King of Romanes by the death of the Emperour Frederick his father, was crow∣ned [ B] Emperor: Prince Philip his sonne being then 16. yeares old, was intituled, Arch∣duke * 1.88 of Austria, Duke of Bourgongne, Lothier, Brabant, Styria, Carinthia, Lembourg, Luxembourg and Gelders; Earle of Habsbourg, Flanders, Arthois, Bourgongne, Ferrette, and Kiburch; Palatin of Henault, Holland, Zeeland, Namur and Zuphen. Marquis of the Holy Empire and of Bourgau: Landtgraue of Elsaten, Lord of Win∣dismark, Portenau, Salines and Macklyn.

The 16. of March, the same yeare, the Emperor Maximilian marryed in the towne of Inspruch, the Lady Blanch Maria, daughter to Galeas Duke of Milan, and sister to * 1.89 Duke Iohn Galeas Maria. This marriage discontented some Princes of the Empire, and many of the Emperors friends, for that she was not of so noble a House as they desi∣red, [ C] for of the Viscontes side (who then gouerned at Milan) there was little Nobilitie, and of the Sforces side lesse. A while after he brought his wife into the Low-countries, being accompaned by many Princes of Germanie. The Archduke Philip his sonne, * 1.90 and the Lady Marguerite his sister (who had beene sent backe out of France, after the marriage of King Charles the 8. (to whom shee was promised) with the Dutchesse of Brittaine) went to meet them with the chiefe Nobilitie of the Neitherlands, at Maestricht, from thence they came to Louvain, whereas the Archduke was with great Ceremonies and pompe put into possession of the Dutchie of Brabant, and soone after in Antwerp of the Marquisate of the holy Empire. The 12. of December in the Towne of S. Gheertrudenbergh of the Earledome of Holland; and soone after at Romerswael of the Countie of Zeeland. From thence hee went into •…•…landers, Ar∣thois [ D] and Henault, where he receiued the like: whither the Deputies of euery Prouince came who did him homage, and tooke an oath of fealtie.

In the same moneth of December, Charles Duke of Gelders returned out of Lor∣raine, whither he was retyred for feare of the Emperor Maximilan, who then held al∣most all the Dutchy of Gelders: who by the intercession of the Empresse and his other good friends, was suffered to remaine in Brabant, and to dispute the right which hee pretended to the said dutchie, before the 4. Electors of the Rhine, which were, the Cont Palatin, Vicarie of the Empire, and the Archbishops of Mentz, Cologne and Treues, whereuppon a day was assigned in the Towne of Maestricht, where a sentence was gi∣uen by the said Princes: That Charles & his Predecessors from Duke Renold, in the yeare [ E] 1423. were fallen from the Dutchie: for that the sayd Duke Renold dying without heires * 1.91 male, the race of the Dukes of Gelder dyed with him. Besides that in fiftie yeeres his grandfa∣ther Arnold and his father Adolph had neglected to take vp the sayd Dutchie of the Empire and to doe their homage, and therefore being now returned againe to the Empire, he could no more pretende any interest vnto it, and that from hence-forth he should call himselfe Charles of Egmont, and not of Gelders. Notwithstanding this sentence, Charles remained in Gelders, and called himselfe Duke; all the Townes acknowledging him so, and loued him better then the Emperor, or the Archduke his sonne, who might pretend some interest vnto it, by the transport which Duke Arnold had made (excluding prince A∣dolph [ F] his sonne father to this Charles) to the Duke of Bourgongne, (as wee haue sayde before.) To which Charles the Geldrois enclined the more willingly, for that they de∣manded a Prince of the blood of their old Dukes, expelling the Emperors men out of their Limits: wherevppon the Germanes and Prince Philips forces went to besiege

Ruremond, but they redeemed themselues from this siege: from thence they went be∣fore [ A] Nymeghen, the which was well assaulted, and better defended by a good Garri∣son * 1.92 both of horse and foote, that was within it, the which did great spoile vnto the enemies campe, by many braue sallyes, so as in the end seeing they could preuaile no∣thing: being forced, they raised their campe, leauing part of their Attilerie, which they could not draw away in time. Soone after the Emperor returned into Germanie, to an imperiall dyet, which should be held at Wormes: leauing in the meane time in the Countrey of Gelders, the troupes of Duke Albert of Saxony, (the which were cal∣led the great scourge) robbing, burning and spoyling euery where as they went: ha∣uing seazed vpon Niekerke, which they fortified, seruing them as a retreate for their thefts and spoiles. Charles Duke of Gelders went and besieged them, and shot fire in∣to [ B] it, which burnt all their munition and vittails, so as after they had endured 3. assaults, they yeelded the place to haue their goods and liues saued, the which the Duke cau∣sed to be raized.

Whilest that the factions of the Scheringers and Vet-coopers in Friseland (after the reiection of their new chosen Potestate, according to the Emperors Commission) were in their greatest heat and furie: Goslic Iongama cousin to Iuw Iongama, and Hero * 1.93 Hottinga were in the Towne of Harlem in Holland with duke Albert of Saxony, to de∣mand succours, who gaue them good hope, when hee should see how the quarrell be∣twixt the Towne of Mastricht, and the Lord of Aremberg would be decided, keeping them with him sometime, and entertaining them with such shewes of loue and kind∣nesse [ C] as they promised him, that hauing Commission from the Emperour they would preuaile so with their friends and partizans, as hee should be receiued for Potestate or Gouernour of all Friseland, the which hee aspired vnto: so as the third of October the said Goslic Iongama and Hero Hottinga returned into Friseland, with 8. hundred soul∣diers with which duke Albert had furnished them, whereof Collonell Nythrad Fokx was chiefe commander: who notwithstanding all the opposition of the Groningeois, of them of Leiu-warden and of Bolswaert, and of all other Gentlemen and partisans Vetcoopers, they landed, and came to charge them with such furie (although the o∣ther were thrice as many in number) as they made them recoyle, leaue their Artil∣lerie, and retyre for their safetie to Lieu-warden. Therevppon Goslic Iongama, Hero [ D] Hottinga, with these forraigne forces and some gentlemen Schyeringers, went the 4. of October (by the breake of day) to assayle the towne of Bols•…•…aert. At the first the I•…•…habitants did valiantly resist them, but in the end they were forced, and the Towne taken, with the losse of twelue Bourgesses onely, and of many prisoners, among the which the chiefe were Iuw Iongama, Thyark Walta, and Sybrand Roorda, the chiefe of the Vetcoopers faction. Iongama made offer vnto the souldiers that had taken him of 600. * 1.94 Florins of gold to saue hislife, the which thinking to doe, they hid him in a poore mans house: but Goslic his cousin hauing discouered him, went thither, drew him forth, and slew him. He offered 200. florins of gold to the same souldiers, to haue Tyarck walta, but they seeing how he had murdered the other, deceiuing them of the ransome which they expected, they refused him, which done, the towne was abandoned to the spoyle. [ E] The Schyeringers tryumphing ouer the Veetcoopers their enmies, hauing recouered many places, desired to be discharged from the troupes of Golonell Foc•…•…s. For the ef∣fecting whereof, they charged the quarter of Wester-goe, with a certaine imposition, the which some payd willingly, others by constraint. They borrowed also the chalices and siluer vessell of the towne of Bolswaert, & of the Churches in villages thereabouts so as monie being found & the souldiers paid, Collonel Focks retyred with his men out of the countrey, leading with him Tyack Walta, and Sybrand Ro•…•…rda prisoners, chiefe of the faction of the Vetcoopers. In the year 1497. the Lord of Iselsteyn, in the name of * 1.95 the Archduke Philip Earle of Holland, was gone to make a roade into the Countrey of Gelders, about Tyel, where hee spoyled and burnt some Villages. The Geldrois [ F] went to Armes, especially the inhabitants of Nymeghen: where there was a great incounter, in the which by reason of the Ambushes which the said Lord had layed, there died many of either part, but most of those of Numeghen. In Autumne following

the Geldrois (to haue their reuenge) surprised the Towne and castle of Leederdam in [ A] the countrie of Arckell, two leagues from Gorrichom, from whence they greatly a∣uoyed them that held the Hollanders part. Albert Duke of Saxony posted thither, to suppresse them, putting good Garrisons into the townes of Henkelon and Aspren (the which with Leederdam make a Triangle, not aboue a quarter of a league one from the the other) and so coopt them vp, as of the one side they could neither go in nor out: so as in the end being reduced to extremitie, they were forced to yeeld vp vnto the Duke, to haue their liues and goods saued. A while afterward the Geldrois ouer-runne all the Countrey of Boisleduke from whence they brought great spoile, and many pri∣soners. Duke Albert meaning to doe as much in Gelders, cast a floating bridge ouer the Riuer of Meuze, whereas ten horse might passe in Front, and so they had their [ B] reuenge of the Geldrois. Hee tooke the Towne of Baten-bourch by Scalado, the Inhabitants seeing themselues so surprized fled into the castle, the which he besieged. * 1.96 Those within it defending themselues valiantly, were in the end forced to yeelde, af∣ter that their walles had been beaten downe, the which the Duke caused to be repay∣red, and placed a garrison there, wherewith he might anoy the Geldrois. Presently af∣ter there was a truce made betwixt the Arch-duke Philip, and the duke of Gelders.

Duke Albert of Saxony beeing at that time at Al•…•…mar in Holland, sent his Com∣missioners * 1.97 to Franicker in Friseland, to let the Frisons vnderstand that the Emperour Maximilian had giuen him the Gouernment hereditarie of all Friseland. The States of the countrie being assembled, hauing heard the charge of these Commissioners, and [ C] the tenor of the Imperiall Letters Pattents of the sayd prouision, would in no sort giue eare vnto it, nor receiue any Lord nor Prince, against their ancient liberties and freedomes. This report made vnto the Duke, he threatens to enter into their Coun∣trey with an armie, as Collonell Nythard Focks had done in his behalfe, the yeere be∣fore, being accompanied by Goslick Iongama, and Hero Hottinga, who had put the said hereditarie gouernment into his head: presuming to put him into peaceable possession thereof. For the effecting whereof they secretly laboured their friends, and the towns in Wester-goe, to make them yeeld vnto it: thinking it sufficient to cause him to be re∣ceiued in that quarter, whereof being assured, the doubted not of Oster-goe, and much lesse of the seuen Forests. But seeing that in priuate they profited little, they durst not [ D] moue it in publike: wherefore this acceptance remained for a time in suspence, the Duke sending no Troupes in his name, but did wonderfully afflict the Countrey vn∣derhand. He in the meane time made shew as if he knew not any thing, till in the end they were glad to seeke for succours from him, the which was the thing hee expected, as we shall presently shew.

But before we proceed, we will first relate for what cause the Emperor did aduance Duke Albert to the hereditarie gouernment of Friseland. You must vnderstand that Duke Albert was sonne to the Emperor Fredericks sister, who was father to Maximi∣lian, and so cousin Germaine to the said Emperor Maximilian, not that he was Duke of Saxony (for he was a yonger brother to Duke Arnold, Prince Elector and true duke [ E] of Saxonie) and for that he was knowne to be a great captaine, and well experienced both in warlike and politicke affayres. The Emperour Maximilian (when he was yet but King of Romaines, and Gardien to his sonne the Arch-duke Philip) made him his Lieutenant in the gouernment generall of the Neitherlands: where hee did many ex∣ployts of warre, with his Germaines that he had sent for out of his countrie of Misnia and other places By reason whereof there was so great summes of money due to him, his Collonels and Captaines for their entertainments, as for the assurance thereof, there were diuers castels put into his hand•…•…, as Vilvoerden in Brabant, Scluse in Flan∣ders, Woerden and H•…•…lem in Holland, Louvesteyn in the countrey of Arckell, Me∣demblick * 1.98 in west Friseland, & Ziriczee in Zeeland. The ingaging of all these castels, [ F] (by the which Duke Albert might keepe all these Prouinces subiect and in awe) did in the end trouble the States of the Neitherlands, who consulted how they might tetire them out of his hands finding none more expedient nor lesse chargeable then to trans∣port vnto him the hereditarie gouernment of Friseland, wherein they were much as∣sisted

by the comming of Otto van Langen out of Friseland, during the time that they [ A] treated with the duke, who giuing an account of his Commission, made knowne the great partialities, quarrels, factions, and ciuill warres that were generally ouer all the countrey of Friseland, from whence sprung great murthers, robbing, spoyling, bur∣ning, with the ruine & ouerthrow of towns, castels & countrie-houses, the which it was not possible to moderate nor pacifie, without vsing of some seuere meanes, proceeding from a high & soueraigne hand, so bitterly they were incensed one against another. And although said he, that he had aduised them to choose (according to their ancient Im∣periall priuiledges and customes) a Potestate that might gouerne them in peace: yet could they not agree, but fell to contention and quarrell, so as hee thought it fittest to come away without bidding them farewell, to auoyd the danger of his person, and of [ B] such as were in his companie, which affected the good and quiet of their Countrie. And therefore the Emperor with the Counsell of the Princes Electors, and the ad∣uice of the States of the Neitherlands, to force the Frisons vnto Peace & concord, see∣ing that no mediators could preuaile, was perswaded to giue them a Potestate or Go∣uernor, the which he would haue hereditarie; & held of the Empire; which the Frison fearing least by their diuisions, they should (in giuing themselues to some other neigh∣bour Prince, as to the King of Denmarke, or to the duke of Holsteyn) with-draw them∣selues from the obedience and soueraigntie of the Empire, appointing duke Albert for their hereditarie Gouernor, in consideration whereof hee restored all the castles and other places of the Netherlands which had been giuen him in pawne, except the [ C] castle of Medemblyke which he desired might be left him, to serue for a Rendezuous and easie passage to sayle into Friseland when he pleased. By vertue of this donation, duke Albert required to be receiued of the Frisons, for their Gouernor, or Potestate hereditarie, writing diuers letters vnto them, to draw them to consent therevnto by mildnesse, before that he would vse any force; to auoyd effusion of blood, and their greater ruine, making many faire promises to bee a good Prince vnto them. But they * 1.99 would by no meanes giue eare vnto it, alwayes relying vppon their Priuiledges and Freedomes, the which had been giuen vnto them by the ancient Romaine Emperors; and confirmed by Charlemaine and other Predecessors to the Emperor Maximilian, the which they might not breake; and therefore neither he, nor the Princes Electors, [ D] nor the Imperiall chamber, had any right to make such a donation, from the which they did appeale as voyd and vniust.

Duke Albert hauing vnderstood by the relation of the Commissioner van Langen, what the factions of the Schyringers and Vetcoopers in Friseland were, and with * 1.100 what violence and furie they did massacre and ruine one another: and those of the fa∣ction of the Schyeringers had giuen him an honorable reception, hee resolued to make vse of these partialities, and to shew more loue to the Schyeringers (whom hee had knowne better by the meanes of Goslick Iongama and Hero Hottinga, who came vn∣to him to Harlem, and who had perswaded him much vnto it) then vnto the Vetcoo∣pers, and therefore he began to shew them the least countenance hee could possibly. [ E] Sometimes when he came to thinke of the obstynacie of the Frisons, whereas so many Earles of Holland seeking to subdue them, had lost their liues: and how that many o∣ther great Princes, such as the King of Denmarke and others, which would haue van∣quished them, and had subdued them for a time, had beene chased away with shame and losse, hee did halfe repent him that hee had euer thought of it. Wherevppon Edsard Earle of Emden came to comfort and incourage him, promising all fa∣uour and succour to reduce them that were obstinate. The which fell out happily for Edsard to settle his new estate of the Earledome of East-Friselande, where Vlrick his father had been the first Earle, by vsurpation ouer many noble men and priuate gentle∣men of the sayd Countrie. On Saint Martins day, the Groningeois with those of Oster-goe and Wester-goe, held an Assembly of State at Donrip, whereas a truce was [ F] made vntil the 11. of Aprill. 1498. by the which they did swear to succor one another with all their powers to repulse the rule & command of strangers, as wel of the duke of Saxony, as of any other, that should seek to enter into their countrie by force of armes.

Notwithstanding the truce aboue mentioned betwixt the Frisons and Gro•…•…eois, [ A] after that the troupe of Landisknechts (whome they termed the great scuorge) had beene defeated by the duke of Geldres and the Bishoppe of Vtrecht, there was yet re∣mayning some 1500. such souldiars about Harderwyck, without any lord or maister yet they were countenanced and supported by the duke of Saxony, who would glad∣ly haue had them in Friseland. Some captaines pensioners to the duke, set on vnder∣•…•…and by him (to the end it should not seeme that hee would imploye these men with∣out occasion) did treat with Thyark Walta and other Vetcoopers bannished from Woorckum, and fled into the towne of Suolle, offring to restore and settle them with∣out any charge in Bolswaert, contenting, themselues onelie with the hazard of the pillage. This pleased Thyarck, who without any delaie came with these troupes into [ B] Friseland ouer the Ice: Euery man thinking they had beene Thyarcks followers, vn∣till that it appeared otherwise. But good God, what spoiles, what burning, what ru∣ines * 1.101 of houses and Castells, how many Gentlemen taken prisoners, what ransoming, what exactions oppressions and violences, did these strange souldiars commit, not in one quarter onelie, but ouer a Friseland? and yet in the meane time nothing could mol∣lefie the hearts of the factions, to reconcile themselues togither. If at any time they made some small truce or agreement, sodenly the ouer-weening pride of the one seeking to oppresse the other brake it, before they had seene or tasted the fruies thereof. In the ende Bocko Harincxima, Hero Hottinga, Iuw-decama, Edo Iongama, Epo •…•…elua Syurdt Beyma, with manie other Gentlemen and the townes of Sneck, Franyker, [ C] with the Baylewiks holding the partie of the Schyringers, seeing that the spoyles, which these strange souldiars, (which Thyarck Walta had brought in) had no ende in the quarter of Wester gooe, & that their neighbours of Oster-gooe & the seauen forests, did in no sort ayde them; they did certainely beleeue that all this was procured by Walta, and that they were his men: in which opinion they Groningeois did con∣firme them the more saying, that they had no feare that Walta would doe them any harme. After many conferences togither, as well in the townes of Franiker and Sneck as else where, to aduise what were most expedient and proffitable for them, in the ende they resolued, to send and intreat duke Albert to bee their Protector and defender: by whose meanes and power, they might once bee deliuered from these theeues and rob∣bers. [ D] And that vnder his protection the countrie of Wester-gooe might from thence forth liue in quiet and rest. This was the marke whereat the duke aymed: that hauing weakned one party, and so reduced it to his deuotion that hee might dispose of them at his pleasure: the other faction might with lesse difficultie be brought to reason, as he did. This resolution taken, those of Wester-gooe, sent the chiefe of their Nobility, to the duke of Saxony, being then at Medemblick, to offer him the countrie and their o∣bedience * 1.102 and to acknowledge him for their hereditary Lord, vpon the conditions that were set downe in the contract which had past betwixt him and them. The duke to take possession of that which was offred him, and which he had so much affected, sent the siegnior Willebrord of Schooneburch a knight, his councellor and treasorer gene∣rall, [ E] with an ample commission to treat with them; ioyning with him the Collonel Nythard Focx & Bernard Mets with their Regiments, to chase away those troupes which Thyarck Walta had brought in: with whome the sayd councellor and Collonel delt in such sort (for they were the duke their Maisters men) as they drewe them out of Bols∣weart: And after that the dukes commissionars had taken possession in his name of all the quarter of Wester-gooe, all these troupes went togither into Oster-gooe, & seized vpon the towne of Dockom, robbing and spoyling all the country.

The Groningeois felt of it likewise, who seeing that they meant to set vpon them, agreed in good time with the commissionars▪ It would be tedious to describe the war, miseries and desolation which happened in this country of Friseland, which wee leaue [ F] to our great Chronicle. For the duke hauing halfe done in Friseland, would besiege the towne of Groningen, for the which hee came with duke Henry his Sonne to Har∣linghen, * 1.103 and demanded the forth man ouer all the countre of Friseland, or the twelfth penny of all their goods and reuenues: in consideration whereof they should be free

from seruing him in the warre. This demand was afterwards the cause why the whole [ A] countrey reuolted from him. The same day that the Duke arriued at Harlengen, Col∣lonell Focks went with 350. men to meet with Edsard Earle of Emden, beeing in the Towne of Dam in the countrie of Groningen, & to receiue the said town of the Earle * 1.104 in duke Alberts name. The Groningeois, knowing well of what importance it was for them, and whereunto the duke pretended, which was to cut off the passage of the sea behinde them; they sent a thousand men, and taking him at an aduantage defeated him, where he was slaine, for that he refused to yeeld: his body was carryed into Gro∣ninghe and buried in the Franciscans Church. The Bishop of Vtrecht laboured to make an accord betwixt the duke and the Groningeois, but nothing succeeded; wher∣vpppon the duke and Cont Edsard went to Emden and from thence hee returned into his Countrie of Misnia, leauing duke Henry his sonne in Friseland for his Lieutenant, [ B] who held his court at Franicker, and there seated the Parliament of Friseland.

In the yeare 1500. Duke Henry Lieuetenant to his father in Friseland, seeking to exact too much vpon the Frisons, made them to rise in armes against him, & to besiege him in Franicker Duke Albert his father came posting out of Germanie, to the Earle of * 1.105 Emden with a new armie to vngage his sonne, and from thence hee went into Frise∣land, where he made such a pittifull spoile, as all both noble and base, rich and poore, Priestes, Monkes, Nunnes and Nou•…•…ces fled out of the Countrie, none remaining but the poore pesants of the seuen Forrests, who would see what the end might bee of all there miseries. Duke Henry would gladly they had ruined all Friseland, not being sa∣tisfied [ C] with the reuenge his father had taken. But the father with a better considerati∣on (being of a deeper iudgement then his sonne) would not consent vnto it. But writ his letters freely vnto all the Villages; That the Pesants should returne freely euery man * 1.106 to his house, and that for a certaine summe of money (which they should contribute euery one according to his habilitie) he would receiue them againe into fauour. Wherevppon they returned, redeeming themselues of the Duke; some Village at a 100. 200. 300. 400. 500. florins according to their wealth. Then commandement was giuen to bring all their Armes into the Cittadell of Lewarden, and aboue all for a reparation, they should come bare-headed and bare-footed, without girdles, to sue for pardon vppon their knees, and to promise all future obedience to him and his heires. This was in re∣gard of the countrey-men and pesants; as for the Nobilitie, gentrie and Church-men, [ D] they were forced to purchase letters of grace and pardon at a deere rate. Behold what miseries their factions caused, hauing nourished them so long among them, with so great obstinacie and rancour as some would rather haue lost their countrie, libertie, freedomes and Priuiledges, goods, •…•…insfolkes and friends, then to giue eare to any re∣conciliation, calling in a strange Prince, rough and austere, with two sonnes of the same humour: burning themselues to scald another. For without doubt if they had li∣ued vnited vnder one Potestate, as they had been wont in old time, and as the Empe∣rours Commissioner Otto van Langen had well aduised them, and that if they had chosen him, the Emperor would neuer haue beene moued to remedie their ciuill wars by a soueraigne authoritie. And there would not haue been any Prince so presumptu∣ous [ E] that would haue dared to trouble their quiet, much lesse to haue arrogated any right of superioritie or command ouer them. But this strange Prince being called in by themselues, hauing one partie which was the moitie of the countrie at his deuoti∣on, and many of the other partie shaken: it was easie for him to humble them, as Duke Albert of Saxony did, remaining by that meanes Lord of Friseland.

The Duke fore-seeing that if hee did not in like sort subiect the towne of Gronin∣gen and the countrie there abouts, he should neuer inioy Friseland quietly: hee went the last of Iuly 1500. to besiege it, he planted his Campe in Auwert, Seewert, and of the side of the Port of Bottoringhe, hee battered it furiously, as well the walles and Ramparts with his Cannon, as the houses in ruine with his great morters. The in ha∣bitants [ F] had a good garrison of souldiers, who made many braue sallies vpon his campe. One day as he himselfe was taking a marke with a Cannon, a shot of artillerie came from the towne, who although he were not toucht with the bollet; yet was hee sore

woūded with the splinters of the carriage & the gabions, & was carried to his lodging. [ A] In the meane season by reason of his wounds, at the intercession of the Bishop of Vt∣recht (whome they of Groningen had intreated) and of the Earle of Emden, after that he had besieged it six weekes; the plague also beeing very whot in his campe, and ha∣uing yet preuailed little, he made a suspension of armes, and raised his campe, and then caused him selfe to be transported to Emden, where he died the twelfth of September: * 1.107 hauing before his retreat from Groningen left Cont Hughe van Lynsenack, to bee his Lieutenant ouer all Friseland, during his absence and his Sonnes, giuing charge to Wil∣lebrord of Schoonenburch, to enter into Friseland with 2500 men, and to punnish the rebels which remained, reducing them vnder his obedience: who marched with his troupes vnto the seauen Forests and to Schellingwerff, who neuer vnto that time wold acknowledge duke Albert for their Lord, he camped in Oldebercoop, sending for [ B] them of Schellingwerf to come vnto him, who being loath to be ruined by their owne obstinacie, sent their deputies to reconcile them vnto the duke, and to acknowledge him for their Lord: wherevpon they were receiued, in paying three florins of gold vp∣on euery house for a reparation. Duke Henry of Saxony sent his Fathers bodie into his country of Misnia, and he himselfe went to Brusselles to his couzin the Archduke Phi∣lip, * 1.108 neuer returning more into Friseland: for that (as they sayd) being besieged in Fra∣nicker, hee had vowed vnto God, that if hee might get safely out, he would neuer re∣turne. So afterwards he resigned all his right to duke George his yonger brother. [ C]

GEORGE DVKE OF SAXONY GO∣uernor of the Netherlands, for the Archduke Phillip of Austria Prince and Lord of the said Countrie.

[illustration]

GEORGIVS DVX SAXONI•…•… GVBER BELGII,

〈1 line〉〈1 line〉, 〈1 line〉〈1 line〉; 〈1 line〉〈1 line〉 〈1 line〉〈1 line〉 The Groningers, and Frisons that to me He left the place and swaye, but their bold •…•…ight Driuing to danger and dispence: I f•…•…e •…•…o Emperor Charles surr•…•…ndred all my Right.

GEORGE duke of Saxony sonne to duke Albert hauing by the death [ A] of his Father, and the resignation of duke Henry his elder brother, ob∣tained the gouernment of the country of Friseland & Groningen, by the title of donation which the Emperor had made vnto duke Albert: had also since after the decease of the Archduke Philip of Austria, King of Castille by his wife, the gouernment of the Netherlands for a time, in the absence of the Emperor Maximilian, busied in the warres of Italie. He was great grand-father to Prince Mary of Nassau by the mothers side.

About that time the banished men of Friseland, which could obtaine no pardon from the dukes of Saxony father and sonne: hearing that about Harderwyke in Gel∣dres, there were certaine troupes of soldiars, that were not entertained by any: some [ B] gentlemen Frisons that were fled out of their country, went vnto them to drawe them vnto their seruice, the which (for money and faire promises) marched with them to∣wards Friseland. But as they opprest the poore countrymen to much, where they past; they began to rise vpon them, so as this troupe vanished and came to nothing.

Afterwards all these banished men, with one common consent, sent their deputies to Antwerp, to the Archduke Philip and to duke Henry of Saxony: for the Nobles there * 1.109 went Edo Iongama, Edo Gerbranda, Douwe Galama, Tyark Walta, Iuw Roorda, Ian Roorda, Rie∣nick Campstra, Ritsk Iuckama, Sasker Heringa, Wattie Harinxma, Douwe Hiddama, and Agge Lankama of Mackom, for the clergy, Hermā Pastor of Foswaert, Albert Pastor of Styens, Gello Pastor of Vollega, & some others of their Clergy. These deputies being in the pre∣sence [ C] of the Archduke Philip, and of duke Henry, deploring the miserable estate of their coūtry, made a long speech of the causes & motiues of the alteration which had happe∣ned, wherof insued the siege of Franicker, which had not bin, but through the excessiue and insupportable exactions and taxes, which were daily laied vpon them, without in∣termission, wherewith the country was not onelie exhausted of money, but made poore miserable and desolate: and all through the horse-leeches of gouernors and officers which the duke had placed there: the which thrust them into such dispaire, as the mise∣ries and calamities which followed, tooke their spring and beginning from thence. They therefore beseeched him, that it would please duke Henry of Saxony, in regard of a certaine summe of money (although by reason of the extorsions past it would bee [ D] heauy and burthensome) such as should bee agreed vpon, from that time forward to relinquish and giue ouer the siegnorie of the country of Friseland, the which had been alwaies wont to remaine free: or else to resigne it to the Archduke Philip his couzin, their neerest neighbour, either by sale, transport, or otherwise: to whome they would promise and sweare all fealty, gouerning them according to their ancient preuiledges, and preseruing them from all wrongs and oppressions of all other fortaine Princes, or enemies that would inuade them: as duke Albert had promised and sworne vnto them at his reception, the which his Lieutenants and officers had broken in sundry sorts, whereof all their miseries haue growne. Answere was made to this petition, that they would send some of them of qualitie and Iudgement: two of the quarter of Oster-gooe; two of * 1.110 [ E] Wester-gooe, and two of the seauen Forests; the which should goe into the sayd quarters, to vnderstand from the Inhabitants, whome they would more willingly obey, the Archduke Philip or the Duke of Saxony: and by what meanes for the greater good of the country, the might be treated of and accorded. According to the which, there were on the Suppli∣ants behalfe, deputed Edo Iongama, and Syurd Wybes for the quarter of Oster-gooe: Aggo Lanckam•…•… and Baldwin Lattiens for Wester-gooe: Syres Hyl•…•…ko and Vlbe Igles for the Seauen Forests. These sixe being arriued at Cuinder, sent vnto Cont Hughe of Linsenach, the duke of Saxonies lieutenant, to craue a Pasport at his handes, the which hee sent them, but in such obscure and doubtfull tearmes, as they durst not trust vnto it. For in truth this resignation of the siegneury of Friseland vnto the [ F] Archduke Philip, which was then in question, did nothing please the said Lieutenant, the councell, nor the Nobles of Friseland that were partisans, to the Saxons: where∣vpon they sent them this defectiue pasport, meaning to intrappe them. For contra∣riwise, insteed of giuing eare to this resignation, they forced all the countrie of

Frieseland, from Staueren vnto the riuer of Lauwers, to sweare vnto the dukes Henry [ A] and George of Saxony Brethren, sonnes to the deceased duke Albert, exacting vpon all the townes and villages of the country, a yeares contribution of aduance, except the Clergy whome they did free for that time. Moreouer they raised certaine newe Impostes vpon the Wine, Beere, and Cloth: Whereof they made an estate, the which they sent vnto these two dukes Brethren: that seeing the great reuenues, and the pro∣fit which did ariue yearely vnto them from those countries, they should bee the lesse in∣clined to resigne them. But it was not the profit of these Princes that did so much rule them, as their o•…•…ne priuate interest, without any respect to the publike good.

We haue sayd before that Ferdinand Prince or Infant of Castille the onelio sonne of the King Don Fernand of Arragon and of Queene Isabella, had married the Ladie [ B] Marguerite of Austria and sister to the Archduke Philip: which Prince died within a yeare after his marriage, leauing his wife with child, who was deliuered of a sonne, the which liued not long after: so as there was none neerer to succeed in the realmes of Castille, Arragon, Naples, Sicile and others, then the Lady Isabella, eldest daughter to the King Don Fernando, who was married to Don Emanuel King of Portugal, and then the Lady Iane wife to the Archduke Philip: the Lady Isabella Queene of Portugal died, leauing one only son, named Michel, who liued not long. Al which being dead: that is to say, the Prince Don Ferdinand, and his son, that was borne after his death, the Queene of Portugal & Prince Michel her son, there remained only to succeed in the said Realmes, the Lady Iane Archduchesse of Austria, duchesse of Bourgongne, mother to Charles & [ C] Ferdinand Emperors in their times. Wherfore the Archduke and his wife were aduised and councelled by the Bishop of Besanson, to go into Spaine, before that the King Don Ferdinando of Arragon, and Queene Isabella of Castille, father and mother * 1.111 to the sayd Ladie Iane Archduchesse should die, to prepare themselues to the sucession of the sayd Realmes: and to take their way through France. And the rather for that Lewis the twelfth the French King, & the duke of Bourbon Vncle to the Arch∣duke had a great desire to see him. Comming into France with a stately traine of Princes and Noblemen, as well Germains as Netherlanders, they were honorably re∣ceiued in all townes by the Kings commandement, with power to pardon prisoners for * 1.112 crimes. The King and Queene attended them at Blois, being accompanied by the Prin∣ces of the bloud, dukes, Earles, Barons, Cardinalls, Archbishops and Bishops, where [ D] they staied six daies, then hauing taken their leaues, they went on in their vo•…•…age, vntill they arriued in Spaine, where they were welcome to the King and Queene, who were ioyfull to see their daughter, and then their onely heire. The Archduke hauing staied sometime in Spaine, tooke his leaue of the King and Queene, to goe vnto the Emperor his father in Germany, and there take possession of his estates and siegneuries, for * 1.113 which cause the Emperor had sent for him. He returned as he went by France (leauing his wife in Spaine) where there fell out a quarrell in Court betwixt the French and the Spaniards, in the which the duke of Nemours was slaine, whereof the Arch∣duke purged himselfe vnto the King: yet hee was so terrified, as hee fell into so violent [ E] a feuer, as for a time they doubted of his health: yet through the care of the King and the duke of Bourbon, with the helpe of good Phisitions he was soone recouered, and so departed, taking his way towards Germanie, where the Princes attended him vpon the Rhine, who receiued him very honorably.

All this time the warre continued betwixt the duke of Saxony, by the conduct of Cont Hugh of Lynsenach, and the Groningeois, by many prises and reprises of either side, as of dam, of Delfziel and other places: The exiled Frisons were reconciled to the duke of Saxony, who chose rather to receiue them into grace, then to enter into con∣tention with the Archduke his couzin. In the yeare 1503. died that vertuous Prin∣cesse, the Ladie Maguerite of Yorke, duchesse Douager of Bourgongne, who was * 1.114 buried at the Franciscan friars in Macklyn: shee was wonderfully lamented of the [ F] poore, for her great almes deedes, and of all good and vertuous men: for she was a wise and vertuous Princesse, and had pacefied many quarrells, shee was sister to Edward the forth King of England.

The yeare 1502. and 1503. were spent without any warre in the Neitherlands, at the [ A] least that was memorable, by reason of the peace which was betwixt the said countries and the French, of the truce betwixt Gronninghen and the Duke of Saxony, and that the Frisons (without seeking any quarrels after their accustomed manner) had worke enough to repaire their Sea walles and bankes which the last violent tempests had broken and carried away.

In the same yeare 1503, the Lady Marguerite of Austria, sister to the Arch-duke * 1.115 Philip, widow to prince Don Fernando of Castile, married againe to Philibert the 8. duke of Sauoy; a valiant & vertuous Prince, full of such manly beautie, as he was called Phili∣bert the faire; he was also amiable and courteous to all men: he succeeded to his father Philip in the said Dutchie, and Principalitie of Piedmont in the yeare 1495. After that he had done many things worthy of memorie, he dyed, leauing no issue of his bo∣dy: [ B] & therefore Charles his brother succeeded him. The Lady Marguerite his widow, in testymonie of the loue she bore him (although shee were yong) would neuer marrie againe, but continued the rest of her life a widow, & was afterwards Gouernesse of the Low-countreys, for Prince Charles, sonne to the Arch-duke Philip of Austria, King of Castile, in the right of his wife, and her Nephew.

In the moneth of May 1504. the Lady Iane of Castile, Arch-dutchesse of Austria, * 1.116 returned out of Spaine, and came to the Arch-duke her husband, who receiued her with great ioy. Then the Archduke according vnto that which hee had promised the Emperor his father, being in Germanie, prepared to make hot warres against the [ C] duke of Gelders, to whom he sent a Herald to sommon him to yeeld him vp his Duth∣chie of Gelders, and Countie of Zutphen, else he did defie him and all his subiects and allyes, and denounced warre against them, with fire and sword. He made also a Proclamation throughout all his Prouinces, inhibitting all men to carrie any victu∣als or munition of warre into the countries of Gelders, Zutphen and Ouerissell, and he sent some shippes of warre into Zuyderzee, vnder the command of an Admirall who should gard those seas, that nothing might enter into the Riuer of Yssell, of Ee, and other channels; nor into the Hauens of Harderwyck and Elburch: then he sent all his armie to Boisle-duke, where hee was intreated by his Noble-men, and the Com∣manders of the armie, not to goe himselfe to field in person; and therefore hee gaue charge to the Lord of Vergy, a Bourguignon, to Cornellis of Berghen, lord of Seuen∣berghen, [ D] and to Floris of Iselsteyn, to march with the whole armie into the countrey of Gelders, where at the first they besieged the castle of Hameiden, the which they tooke, from thence they went before Midele, where the Bastard of Gelders was, the which after batterie and an assault giuen, was yeelded by accord; hee himselfe remai∣ning * 1.117 prisoner and was sent into Brabant. Then they tooke the castell of Trecele, and spoiled the Champion contrie; but winter approching they retyred againe to Bosle∣duke. The Geldrois (on the other side) lay not idle, making many roades into Bar∣bant and into other neere places, belonging to the enemie, from whence they also car∣ryed great spoile. In the same month duke George of Saxony, made his first entrie in∣to the countrey of Frise-land, hee arriued first at Harlingen, from thence hee came to Franiker to the castle of Syardama, where he caused all the States of Friseland to bee [ E] assembled, to whom there were certaine Articles propounded on the Dukes behalfe, * 1.118 the which he would haue entertained and kept by them. One among the rest was; That all Noble-men or Gentlemen that had held any Siegneories or other fees, should come and take them vp of him, as of their Soueraigne and absolute Prince. Whereunto the States would by no meanes yeeld, seeming vnto them neither iust nor reasonable, to subiect them∣selues vnto a thing whereof God and nature had made them in all ages free, to make themselues slaues, and to subiect them and their children for euer. The duke beeing fully instructed of the reasons of their deniall, fearing some greater inconuenience, [ F] gaue ouer that point, vpon condition, that they should pay him yearely the 21. penny * 1.119 of all their goods, rentes, and reuenues, inioying all the surplusage quietly without any further demaundes, and neuer to impose any further charges heerafter vppon them. The which was granted by a generall consent of all the Nobles and townes.

This Accord thus made and agreed vpon, hee also called together all the Clergie [ A] of the sayd Contrie to the towne of Franiker, to whome hee made the like demande of the 21. penn•…•…e. But as there was great disputing about it, the assembly brake vp, and would not yeelde to any thing. Yet the. 7. of Iuly they were sent for againe, wher after m•…•…ch co•…•…ention, in the end they yeelded, vpon condition, that it should bee paied by Chapt•…•…rs and Prebends where-vnto the goods which they held in propriety or by 〈◊〉〈◊〉, should not be bound. Euer since that Duke Albert tooke first possession of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Friseland, vnto the yeare. 1505. the contry had bin allwayes gouer∣ned * 1.120 by Licutenants vnder the authority of the Dukes of Saxony: but this yeare Duke George▪ c•…•…itted six worthy men, both in wealth, wisdome and experience, to the go∣uernment of affaiers: three Germains, William Tru•…•…xes and Syurdt Lutsing, Knights, with [ B] h•…•… Chancellor doctor of the lawes, the three other were Frisons, Bucho Pastor of Wyr∣dom, He•…•…el Martu•…•… and Francis Minnama▪ ouer whome Tru•…•…xes was superintendent; to whom the duke hauing giuen their comissions & instructions how they should gouerne thēselues, after that he had setled the court or Parlament of Frieseland at Leeuwarden, and built the Chance•…•…y before the Cittadel, the which he did furnish (as he did al other forts of the contry with good garisons, and sufficientmunition, he parted out of Frise∣land, and went to Emden where before that he returned into his country of Misnia, he made Edsard Earle of East Friseland, his Lieutenant and captaine General of his armie, when hee should begin warre against them of Groningen, which done hee retired. At that time the warre was very violent betwxt the Bourguignons and Geldrois wasting [ C] and spoiling one an other both by Sea and Land, at which time the Emperour Maxi∣milian sent the Earle of Anholt with a 1000. foote and 500. horse to succor the Arch∣duke Phillip his sonne against the Geldrois. who went to lodge in a cl•…•…ister of regular monks, neere vnto Bomell, the which hee fortified, from whence he did much anoy the Geldrois within the circuit of Tyel and Bomel by spoiles and ransomes, and among o∣thers he ruined the great village of Dryell. On the other side Robert of Aremberghe be∣ing in garrison at Naerden, as Gouernor of the contry of Goylandt, did no lesse vpon the Velawe and contry there abouts. To conclude all this warre was nothing but the ruine of the Contry-man and of some priuate Gentlemen.

In the yeare 1505. the truce betwixt the Duke of Saxony and the Groningeois ex∣pired and not being able to agree, the warre reuiued. The Regents (for so we will call, * 1.121 [ D] those sixe men which duke George had lef•…•… for the Gouernment of the Contry of Fres∣land, did presently put 400. men into the fort of Au•…•…ert: The Duke sent them also for a supply the seignior Vit van 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with some troopes, who did also lodge in Au∣wert. And then the Earle of Emden in the Dukes absence, tooke vpon him the charge of Gene•…•…all of all the army, and of the campe which he planted before Groningen, wil∣ling the Regents to send him 600. men well armed, wherein he was presently obeyed. He caused a fo•…•…t to be built vpon the territor•…•… o•…•… Ouerissell, to keepe all succors from entring into Groningen on that side, whereof the townes of the said Contrie of Oue∣rissel, which are of the D•…•…ocese of Vtrecht, complained vnto their Bishop, for otherwise they would willingl•…•… haue succored them: but the Bishop pacified them, and touching [ E] the succo•…•…s, he diuided the Townes, some desiring it, others not; so as in the meane time the fort was finished, the which was called W•…•…ert d•…•…n bras, wherby the Groningeois were frustrate of the succors which they expected from them of Oueryssell. The Em∣perour Maximili•…•… being then in the contry of Gelders, the towne of Groningen and the Townes of Ouerissel, sent their deputies vnto him, to make their complaints of the duke of Saxony, and of the Regents which hee had commited for the gouerment of Frisland, whervpon there was a day appointed in the towne of Hatem in Gelders whe∣ther came the sa•…•…d d•…•…puties on the one part, and the Ear•…•…e of Emden with some of the * 1.122 〈◊〉〈◊〉 on the other part. Euery one deliuered his reasons, which were well heard. B•…•…t the •…•…mperour fauoring the d•…•…ke more then the rest, the Groningeois and those of [ F] 〈◊〉〈◊〉 preuayled nothing. In the same yeare died the Lady Isabella Queene of Ca∣stil•…•…e * 1.123 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the King Don Fernando of Arragon, mother to the Lady Iane, Arch-du∣•…•…hesse of Austria, wife to the Archduke Phillip remayning their onely daughter: so as

now she was their onely heire, and succeeded in the realmes of Castille, Leon, Grana∣do. [ A] &c. Whereof she and her husband were crowned King and Queene in Brusselles, whither the Crowne was sent them out of Spaine.

Cont Englebert of Nassau had alwayes disswaded the Archduke from making of warre against the duke of Gelders▪ for being a wise Noble-man, and knowing where∣on he grounded his right, hee did fore-see what the issue would bee after his death. Some of the Archdukes counsell (newly King of Castile) perswaded him, that before hee went into▪ Spaine with his wife to take possession of her Kingdomes, he should conquer all the Dutchie of Gelders, and the Countie of Zutphen: where-vppon ha∣uing * 1.124 made a great preparation, he went and besieged Bommel, the which hee battered for a time, then hauing but two Forts to keepe them in, hee marched with his armie [ B] towards Arnhem, the chiefe Towne and Chancerie of the Dutchie; the which ha∣uing besieged long, and battered vntill it could endure no more, in the end it was yeel∣ded, paying to the souldiers to redeeme the assaults, 8000. Florins. That of Harder∣wyck (which is a sea Towne belonging to the duke of Gelders) yeelded in the like * 1.125 maner: then the Towne and castle of Hattem vppon the Riuer of Yssell, (where as the Earle of Suffolke, an English-man was taken.) Then the Townes of Elburch, Does∣burch, Dotecom, Grolle, Tyell, Bommel, Lochem, and other small townes yeelded. There was also many Gentle-men Geldrois, which tooke the Bourguinons partie, (for so the Archdukes men were called) Among others the siegnior of Bronckhorst, Wisch, Scheeren berghe, Otto Scenck of Wachtendonck, a braue knight, who did much anoy the Geldrois, with some others who went to serue the Archduke. The [ C] duke of Gelders affaires were then reduced to that estate, as if the Bourguignons had then pursued their victory, they had wholy conquered all the duke of Gelders country.

During the Earle of Emdens siege before Groninghen, there grewe some diuision betwixt him and the Germaine Collonels, and other chiefe Officers of the duke of * 1.126 Saxonies, wherewith the Earle was so discontented as without speaking of any word, hee retyred to Dam, the which his men held 3. leagues from Groninghen: which the Germaines did little regard, assuring themselues of the taking of Groninghen, which was then brought to extremitie, and could not long hold out, hauing beene besieged almost a whole yeare, so as they not onely had neede of victuals, but of all other pro∣uisions, and munitions for warre. Wherevpon the Groningeois, both gentlemen and [ D] Bourgesses assembled vppon the place, before the Counsell house to aduise of that which should be most expedient for them to doe, for the auoyding of the totall ruine of their Towne, and that they might not bee •…•…orced to yeelde vnto the mercie of the Germaines. In the ende it was resolued, to call Vytt van Draecksdor•…•…, one of the chiefe commanders of the duke of Saxonyes armie, next vnto the Farle of Emden, and to capitulate alone with him of their redition, hoping that in offering him that honour, (seeing that hee had the chiefe command ouer the Saxons and Ger∣maines) they should haue the better composition. But as this was thus decre•…•…d, and that they were ready to send their deputies to him to Auwert; Behold there came into the towne a Bourgeois and his wife (whilest the inhabitants were yet together) so vil∣lanosly [ E] entreated and dissigured, as all men had horrour to behold them; for beeing prisoners, and hauing no meanes to pay the ra•…•…some which they demanded, Collonell Vytt caused their noses and eares to be cut off, sending them back thus dissigured to the Towne, who by their •…•…ryes and lamentations did moue all the cittizens to pittie, and furie against Vytt, and all the Germaines, resoluing to set fire on the Towne, and con∣sume it to ashes, rather then to veeld to such tyrants: and so they entertained them∣selues in their pouertie for a while. But hearing afterwards of the dislike that was be∣twixt the Earle of Emden & Collonel Vytt, the•…•… writ secretly vnto the Earle, to know his minde; If he would not receiue them vnd•…•…r his hereditary protection, as wel for him as for * 1.127 his successors. These Letters did wonderfully please the Earle, who sent the Messenger [ F] backe with an answere as pleasing to them of the Towne: which was; That they should send their Deputies with full power and ample commission to treat with him. The which they did, vppon condition, that hee should leaue them in the same estate, and vnder

the same Priuiledges that he should find them at his entrie. The which the Earle pro∣mised, [ A] so as he might build a Cittadell there as great as hee pleased. The deputies of the Groningeois returned to the Towne, hauing made their report of that which they had treated, and concluded with the Earle of East-Friseland. The Magistrate and * 1.128 Counsell did presently remit the Impositions and Customes which they had taken be∣fore, that they might liue vnder the Earle in the like libertie. According to this Ac∣cord, the first of May the Earle entred into Groninghen with 2000. men, leauing a sufficient garrison in Dam, approching neere the high Bridge they went to meet him; the Priests and Moncks going in procession with their Crosses and Banners, receiuing him with great tryumph and state, and hauing brought him to the State-house, they tooke the oth and did him homage, acknowledging him for their Lord, Deliuerer and [ B] Protector. A strange alteration and sodaine change; the Groningeois neuer had a grea∣ter enemie then this Earle, yet suddenly they except of him for their Protector and defender: he whom a little before they so much blamed, cursed and detested, (as the man whom they held to be the onely cause of all their miseries) they now receiue him for their Prince; yea, the little children reioyced that they were not fallen into the Saxons hands, nor maister Vytts, singing in the streets; Heer vyt is Groningen quyt. Maister Vytt hath lost Groningen. Behold the fruits of this Collonels cruelty. But it is no new thing in the Germaines, no more then in the Spaniards to vse the like barbarous * 1.129 inhumanitie, if they doe but thinke that they haue vanquished their enemies. Soone after that the Earle was entred into the towne, he built a Cittadell on the South-side at [ C] Heere-Port, well slanked with great Bulwarks, deepe ditches, and goodly gates, both within and without the Towne.

These newes of the yeelding vp of Groningen into the Earle of West-Freezlands hand, beeing come into Misnia to duke Georges eares, he went vnto the Earle to know in whose name he had receiued the Towne of Groningen into his protection: where∣vnto he presently answered: That what hee had done, was in the name of the Empire, by reason of the controuersie that was betwixt the Duke of Saxony, and the high Diocesse of Vtrecht (which is the countrey of Oueryssel) for the iurisdiction of Groningen, which be∣ing decided, he would yeeld it to whom it should appertaine. And although the Dukes depu∣ties knew the contrarie, yet they tooke these excuses for payment, fearing to incense him more, and that he should draw in the other troupes, the which being ioyned vn∣to [ D] his, and with the helpe of the Frisons, hee might easily chase the Saxons out of all Friseland, and quite disposses the duke. The which had beene easie for him to doe, if he had then attempted it. Afterwards the Duke sent his Marshall into Friseland with a great summe of money to the Germaines Campe, lying yet about Groningen, to pay them, and to thanke them. The Collonells, Captaines and Gentle-men before their departure (hauing serued long there) would gladly haue seene the Towne, but the Earle would not suffer them. This Marshall and the Dukes counsell (to keep the Earle still in breath, and at the dukes deuotion) gaue him the title of Leiutenant and Gene∣rall in the dukes name, of the Towne and Countie of Groningen, with an honourable * 1.130 [ E] yeerely entertainment, taken out of the dukes cofers, with a promise, that when hee should be discharged thereof, to pay him 30000. florins of gold at one intire payment, with many other things which they granted vnto him. The Earle accepted of all by prouision, and made his profit thereof; knowing very well whereto they tended, the which notwithstanding he dissembled, seeming alwayes to bee at his seruice: and in this sort the state of Groningen was maintained vnto the yeare 1512. being doubtfull whither the Earle held it for himselfe, or for the duke of Saxony: vntill that some gen∣tlemen Frisons, who he disauowed, were for his sake beheaded in the Towne of Leeu∣warden. Yet notwithstanding the Frisons and Groningeois liued in peace, vnto the yeere 1514.

In the meane time the six Regents Saxons, during the hard frosts of winter, did still [ F] put garrisons into their Townes, fearing the Earles surprises, houlding still the two Forts which they had in the countrey of Groningen: that is Winsom and Werden∣brasse: the which they had continually well manned with good soldiars at the duke of

Saxonies deuotion. The duke had a conceit, that during his absence, the sixe Regents [ A] which he had appointed to gouerne Frisland, had but negligētly executed their charge, or otherwise through enuie and ielousie one of another, had neglected their duties, & that the gouernment of one alone with the counsell was more lawfull, more befitting, and of greater authoritie: where-vpon the Marshall of Saxonie, assembled the States of Friseland, in the Towne of Leuwarden, the 6. of Iuly, where the said 6. Regents were discharged, and in their place was instituted Count Henry of Stalburch, a wise * 1.131 and discreet noble man, and one that feared God, to be the Dukes Lieutenant generall throughout all Freezland. Which being done, the Marshall and the Earle went to Dam, whither they sent for the Commonalties of the countrey of Groninghen in the Dukes name, to take the othe of fealtie as his Vassals, but not any one appeared; desi∣ring rather to acknowledge the Earle of East-Friseland, who the same yeare caused [ B] money to be coyned in the towne of Groningen, with this Inscription Edsardus Comes & Senator Groningensis. In the yeares 1506. 1507. and 1508. there was no memorable thing done in Friseland that doth merit the writing.

After that the towne of Arnhem and other places of the Dutchie of Gelders and countie of Zutphen, were thus reduced (as we haue said) vnder the obedience of the Archduke, King of Castile: hee stayed some-time without the said towne of Arnhem in the castle of Roossendael. Thither came the bishop of Vtrecht, the vicont of Mont∣fort, and many other Noble-men, who laboured so vnto the King to reconcile the * 1.132 duke of Gelders as in the end he was sent for to come vnto him, being accompanied [ C] with some Noble-men. Comming before the King, hee kneeled downe: but the King tooke him vp presently with great courtesie, and so they went together into the ca∣stle, where as they remained some time. And as the King and many of his Princes and Noble-men were very desirous to goe into Spaine, it was concluded betwixt the King and the duke; That either of them should hold what they had in the Dutchie and coun∣tie of Zutphen: and that the Duke should accompanie the King in this voyage: but after∣wards the duke excused himselfe with a good and auailable reasons.

The King hauing recouered money, made his preparations with his wife to goe by sea (whereof William of Croy Lord of Cheurees had the charge: and before their * 1.133 departure was made Gouernour of all the Neitherlands in the Kings absence) and recommended his sonnes Charles and Ferdinand, to the Ladie Marguerite his sister, [ D] Douwager of Sauoy. The French King hearing that they tooke their way by Sea, and would not passe through France, he sent Philip of Cleues, Earle of Neuers and the bishop of Paris vnto them in Ambassage: requiring first; That the marriage which had beene concluded betwixt Prince Charles their sonne, and the Lady Claude of France, * 1.134 the Kings daughter, should bee diasnulled and made voyde, for that the Princes of the blood, and the Parliament did not thinke it conuenient. And for the second point; That the King of Castile should not attempt any thing vpon the Soueraigne iurisdiction of Flanders in ciuill causes, and in Arthois touching Appellations, both in Ciuill and Cryminall causes. The which was wholy granted. These Ambassadours dispatcht away, King Philip and Queene Iane of Castile his wife, accompanied with a [ E] goodly traine of Princes, Noble-men, Princesses and great Ladyes parted in the ende of the yeare 1505. from Antwerp, and came into Zee-land, where waying an∣chor at Arnmuyden, the day after tweft day 1506▪ they went to Sea with a rich and mightie Fleet of shippes: but they had not beene long at Sea before that there did * 1.135 rise a great tempest of winde, snowe, and such mists, as being long before they knew * 1.136 what course they went, they were hourely in great danger to perrish in the Sea. Euery man wondered that in the depth of winter, they would commit themselues to the danger and perrill of the Sea, GOD letting them for to vnderstand that the greatest Kings and Princes, are subiect vnto these dangers, as well as the poorest, [ F] Marryners: but he preserued them, and they put to land at Weymouth in the West part of England, all the rest of the fleet was so dispersed, as they knew not what was become of them, whereof some shippes were cast away. Henrie the seauenth King of * 1.137 England, hearing of their being in the Harbour, sent some of his Princes to receiue

them in his name, and to intreat them to come on land and refresh themselues: whe∣ther [ A] he himselfe went and entertained them very louingly, shewing them all the de∣lights hee could, and giuing them many goodly presents, to make them forget their troubles past at sea. At one time King Henry intreated King Philip, that he would deli∣uer him the Earle of Suffolk, who (as we haue sayd,) was taken with the bastard of Gel∣dres in the Castell of Hattem. King Philip after great importunity, vpon promise that King Henry should not touch his life, consented that the Earle of Suffolke should be brought into England: the which did much discontent many good men. He was kept in the Castell of Namur, from whence hee was brought and deliuered to the King of England, who caused him to be lodged in the Tower of London. Af•…•…er that King Phi∣lip and the Queene his wife had stayed for a faire season, from their landing which was in Ianuary, vnto the 24. of March, they put to sea, and hauing a prosperous winde, [ B] they arriued soone after at the Groyne, from whence they went to visit the r•…•…licks of Saint Iames in Compostella, going from thence towards Castille, where they were royally receiued by all the Princes and Noblemen of Spaine. The King of Castille had * 1.138 no sooner left the Netherlands, but the Geldrois went to horsbacke against the treaty made at Roosendael, falling vpon those townes and places, which by the sayd treaty remained to the King of Castille, among the rest, vpon Groll and Waganengen, the which they tooke: running from them into Holland and Brabant. The lord of Cheu∣res, hauing leauied an army, went and besieged the sayd towne of Wagenengen, but it was furnished with such good men, which made continuall sallies vpon his campe, [ C] as in the end, seeing that he preuailed nothing, he retired his army.

In August the same yeare 1506. there appered a Comete which did rise at the * 1.139 North-east, and did set in the North-west, drawing the taile (which was great and large in forme of a rod) towards the West, the which was seene eighteene daies togither. In the same moneth there was a poore woman in Holland, betwixt the villages of Beuer∣wic and Vyc vpon the sea, great with child and readie to bee deliuered. Fifteene daies before her lying downe the fruite that was in her won be, •…•…as heard almost continual∣ly to cry and lament. The which many worthy men, for a greater approbation of the * 1.140 truth went daylie to heare it, and since haue certified it. Whereof some learned men in Philosophy and the Mathematiks haue diuersly written, inferring that the crying of this child with the Comete did pronosticate the death of the •…•…ing of Castille P•…•…ince [ D] of the Netherlands, and the great miseries which haue since happened in Holland and other of the sayd Prouinces. The King and Queene of Castille, beeing arriued in Spaine, went from one Realme vnto an other and from o•…•…e cittie vnto an other, to take possession, according to the Preuiledges and customes of places. Although that the King Don Fernando of Arragon father to the Q•…•…eene offred to King Philip 500000. ducates a yeare, to remaine in the lowe countries, and not to come into Spaine, yet hee and his wife would goe, and themselues in person end the controuersie that was (by reason of the succession of the deceased Queene Isabella) betwixt them and the King Don Ferdinando their father. The which they did, and Philip in the right of his wife, was * 1.141 acknowledged King of Castille, Leon, Grenado &c. But he enioyed it not long, for the [ E] 27 of September in the same yeare 1506. he died sodenly in the citty of Bourgos, not without suspition of poison, being but 28. yeares old. He desired before his death that his heart might be carried and buried at Ierusalem, ioyning to that of the d•…•…ke of Bour∣gongnes his great grandfather, the which was done. His bowells were carried to Bru∣ges in Flanders, and his body was interred in a Couent of Chartreux Monks called Ames•…•…ur, vpon a mountaine, without the citty of Bourgos. The Lady Iane his widoe was with child of a daughter, whereof she was afterwards deliuered. The newes of the death of this Prince, caused great mourning and heauines throughout all the Nether∣lands, fearing other troubles and reuolts, by reason of the warre betwixt the duke of Geldres and them. Those which at that time pretended to knowe the affaires of [ F] State, sayd, that the marriage which the Archduke Philip made with the Lady Iane of Castille, was vnhappie for the Netherlands, not for the miseries which the Spa∣niards haue of late yeares brought in, and which the countries haue suffred (for they

could not fore-see these things so long before) but for the great charges wherwith they [ A] were burthened to enter into those realmes of Spaine, with a rich and stately pompe; the which he did by the councell of his wife, to impouerish the said countries. •…•…or be∣sides that which he solde, alienated and surcharged, yea ingaged his reuenues: this la∣die carried with her all the goodly Iewels, riche Tapistrie, massie plate both of golde and siluer, that great and famous Flower de Lys of Diamants, one of the nailes where∣with our Lord IESVS CHRIST (•…•…eredere fas•…•…est) was nailed vnto the crosse, and the great Besome of Flanders. To conclude, she left not any thing, causing all to be packt vp, all which was in those dayes esteemed at nine Millions of gold. After the death of * 1.142 •…•…ing Philip, all the Noblemen of the Netherlands were sent out of Spaine, neither were they very welcome there: so as the greatest part of these riche moueables, plate and [ B] Iewels, was stolne and lost, onely some little which Iohn Earle of Nassau Lord of Bre∣da, recouered with great diligence and care, and brought them with him into the Lowe-countries.

In the yeare 1507. the Dutchesse of Burbon Ante to the Duke of Gelders by the * 1.143 mothers side, sent (as it was reported) certaine troupes of Frenchmen vnto her Ne∣phew, * 1.144 the which being come to Ruremonde, the Duke lead them (being ioyned wi•…•…h his owne forces) to Tournhoult in Brabant, to spoile it: then hee went before Dyest, pretending to surprise it; but Cont Iohn of Nassau made such resistance as he got no∣thing but blower. From thence the Duke went to Tillemont, which he tooke by assault, where he lost a Germaine Earle, the which (hauing spoyled and taken many good pri∣soners) [ C] he abandoned, carrying all the bootie to Ruremonde, and putting his men into Garrisons. The Frenchmen passing by the countrie of Liege, to returne into France with their prey, being in the Forrest of Ardennes, lodge•…•… about Saint Hubert, and ma∣king good cheere vpon the poore country men, and (as they say) sleeping after the French fashion, some Namurois, Houilliers and Bocquillons, to the number of 600. men, vnder Iohn Despontin their Captaine, came early in a morning to wake them; they first slew their Sentinels and corps de garde, then entred into their quarter and surprized them in bed, whereof there were many slaine: who thought (but too late) to take armes; there were many prisoners, especially of Gentlemen; to conclude, all were de∣feated, and happy was he that loosing his horse, armes, and baggage, could sane him∣selfe [ D] on foote in the Forrest. So as these Namurois by this hard enterprise, wone much honor, and a riche spoile both of horses, armes, gold, siluer, plate, silkes and veluets, which the French had gotten in Brabant, cas•…•…ng vp all at once which they had gotten in the diuers towns which they had spoiled: Soone after the Geldrois burnt that good∣ly great village of Bodegraue, betwixt the townes of Woerden and Leyden in Holland. Iohn of Egmont Gouernour of Holland, to be reuenged of the Geldrois, we•…•… at the Hollanders charge and of them of Boisleduc, to besiege the strong pla•…•…e and Castell of Puydroyen, whereas then the Seignior of Seewint Marshall of Gelders did much harme vnto the Marchants, to whom the sayd Marshall was a capitall enemie. But the Duke of Gelders came himselfe in person, forcing the Lord of Egmont to dislodge. After the death of the King of Castile, the Emperour Maximilian tooke vpon him [ E] the gouernment of the Netherlands, as gardien to Charles and Ferdinand his Grand∣children: and by the meanes of the French King, and the King of Arragon, a peace was concluded at Cambray, betwixt the Emperour in qualitie of gardien, and the Duke of Gelders, the which was of no long continuance: the warre kindling againe soone after, by some occasions offred by the Lord of •…•…selsteyn.

Notes

• * 1.1

  His dispositi∣on and ver∣tues.
• * 1.2

  His wife and children.
• * 1.3

  The Arch-duke makes a generall As∣sembly at Bruges.
• * 1.4

  The Arch-duke made Knight of the golden Fl•…•…e.
• * 1.5

  1478. Philip of Au∣stria bo•…•…ne.
• * 1.6

  The Geldrois reuolt from the house of Bourgongne.
• * 1.7

  The Arch-duke mar∣ched into Gelderland.
• * 1.8

  1479. Cambray and Bohain surpri∣zed.
• * 1.9

  The battaile of Esguinegate.
• * 1.10

  The Arch-duke vvines the victory.
• * 1.11

  The Castell of Malonoy taken and the Captaine vvith 50. soldiars hanged.
• * 1.12

  Tournay ta∣ken by the Arch-duke.
• * 1.13

  The factions reuiue in Hol∣land.
• * 1.14

  The Lord of Vere put from his gouerment of Holland.
• * 1.15

  The Castell of Pyecke ta∣ken by assault.
• * 1.16

  A new Gouer∣nor to Holland
• * 1.17

  1480.
• * 1.18

  Wageningen taken.
• * 1.19

  The new Go∣uernor of •…•…ol∣land 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…o 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉
• * 1.20

  Leyden sur∣prised by the Hoeckins.
• * 1.21

  Leyden be∣sie•…•…d by the Gouernor.
• * 1.22

  Dordrecht surprized by the yong lord of Egmont.
• * 1.23

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 townes 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.24

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.25

  〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 bi∣•…•…op and the Towne of Vtrecht.
• * 1.26

  Thos•…•… of 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 the Duke of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to help 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.27

  1482. Death of the Lady Mary of Bourgongne, Contesse of Holland.
• * 1.28

  The Arch∣duke calles himselfe Tutor.
• * 1.29

  A new order set downe by the Flemings touching the gouernment.
• * 1.30

  Affronts do•…•… vnto the French.
• * 1.31

  The Arch∣duke acknow∣ledged in Holland, zee∣land and •…•…se∣land for Gar∣dien.
• * 1.32

  The Traie∣ctins besiege Iselstein.
• * 1.33

  A peace con∣cluded be∣tvv•…•…t the French, and the Bourguig∣nons.
• * 1.34

  Aire y•…•…led to the French.
• * 1.35

  1483. The Lady Marguerite of Austria deli∣•…•…ed to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.36

  Vtrecht taken by the Arch∣duke.
• * 1.37

  The Hollan∣ders put a gar∣rison in V∣trecht.
• * 1.38

  1483.
• * 1.39

  The Flemings put Philip of Austria in possession of the Earldome
• * 1.40

  The Arch∣duke depriued of the gouern∣ment of his Sonne and of Flanders.
• * 1.41

  A quarrell be∣twixt the Bu•…•…geois and them of Ant∣werp.
• * 1.42

  The outrag•…•… of the Bru∣geois.
• * 1.43

  Deudermond Audenarde and Nienho∣uen surprised for the Arch∣duke.
• * 1.44

  Bruges recon∣ciled to the Archduke and Gand.
• * 1.45

  A new tu∣mult in Gand.
• * 1.46

  The Emperor Frederic comes to Co∣logne.
• * 1.47

  Maximilian made King of the Romains.
• * 1.48

  New knghits made by the King of the Romains.
• * 1.49

  1485.
• * 1.50

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 deale 〈◊〉〈◊〉 factions.
• * 1.51

  The Gan∣thois and Brugeois mu∣tine againe.
• * 1.52

  The Siegnio Lanchals be∣headed.
• * 1.53

  The Emperor g•…•…es with an army •…•…gainst 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Flemings.
• * 1.54

  The Flemings accorded with the King of the Romains.
• * 1.55

  The •…•…mings are 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.56

  The Emperor •…•…kes the a•…•…ord made with the •…•…∣mings.
• * 1.57

  The Flemings al•…•…e th•…•…m selus with the Brabansones against the Duke of Saxony.
• * 1.58

  The King of the Romaines comes into Hollands.
• * 1.59

  Rotterdam yeelded to the King of Romaines.
• * 1.60

  A peace con∣cluded be∣twixt the King of Romaines and the Flem∣ings.
• * 1.61

  The Brugeois 〈◊〉〈◊〉 againe
• * 1.62

  Montfort be∣•…•… by the Duke of Sax∣ony.
• * 1.63

  1490.
• * 1.64

  An accord be∣twixt the duke o•…•… Saxony and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Vicont of Montfort.
• * 1.65

  〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 •…•…umult 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉.
• * 1.66

  The French King makes warre in Ar∣thois:
• * 1.67

  The battile of Hinges.
• * 1.68

  The Ganthois reuolt.
• * 1.69

  Hulst surprized by the Gan∣thois.
• * 1.70

  Dixmuyden taken from the Ganthois.
• * 1.71

  Charles duke of Gelders deliuered out of prison. 1492.
• * 1.72

  The furie of the Pesants at Harlem.
• * 1.73

  The Duke of Saxony comes into Holland.
• * 1.74

  He punished Harlem and Alcmar.
• * 1.75

  The duke be∣seeged Scluse.
• * 1.76

  Gand sub∣mits to the duke.
• * 1.77

  The duke ruins the fac∣tions in Hol∣land and zee∣land.
• * 1.78

  The Duke of Saxonie seeks an occasion to oppresse the F•…•…sons.
• * 1.79

  1493. The Dukes troupes spoile Gelders.
• * 1.80

  The Emperor Frederic dies.
• * 1.81

  The Emperor sends to paci∣fie the trou∣bles of Frise∣land.
• * 1.82

  The Gronin∣geois sent to the Emperor. The same Commissio∣ner sent into Friseland by the Emperor Maximilian.
• * 1.83

  1494. An Assembly of the States of Friseland.
• * 1.84

  A new Po∣testate cho∣sen in Frise∣land.
• * 1.85

  An Assembly at Bolswaert.
• * 1.86

  They refuse to allow of the new Po∣testate.
• * 1.87

  1494.
• * 1.88

  Philip of Au∣strias titles.
• * 1.89

  Maxim•…•…lians second mar∣riage.
• * 1.90

  The Arch∣duke Philip put in posses∣sion of the Netherland•…•….
• * 1.91

  A sentence giuen by 4. Electors, against Char•…•…es duke of Geld•…•…
• * 1.92

  〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 by the Archduke 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.93

  The f•…•…ctions o•…•… F•…•…seland de•…•…d suc∣•…•… of the Du•…•…e of Sax∣ony.
• * 1.94

  A crue•…•…l mur∣ther of a ki•…•…s∣man.
• * 1.95

  1497.
• * 1.96

  Baten-burch surpri•…•…d by Duke Albert.
• * 1.97

  The Duke of Saxony made here ditarie gouernot of F•…•…iseland.
• * 1.98

  Many 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ingaged to the Duke of Saxony for his ent•…•…∣taynment.
• * 1.99

  The Frisons refuse Duke Albert for their gouer∣nor.
• * 1.100

  The Duke will make vse of the •…•…cti∣ons 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…ise∣land.
• * 1.101

  The Vetcoo∣pers dravve strange 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…to Friseland.
• * 1.102

  They c•…•…l 〈◊〉〈◊〉 duke of Sax∣ony into F•…•…s∣land.
• * 1.103

  The duke makes an ex∣cessiue de∣mand.
• * 1.104

  •…•…nell 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 by the 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉.
• * 1.105

  The Duke ty∣•…•…s ouer the Frisons.
• * 1.106

  The fruites of their 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.107

  He dies at Emden.
• * 1.108

  Duke Henry leaues Frise∣land to his yonger bro∣ther.
• * 1.109

  The Frisons complaine to the Archduke Philip.
• * 1.110

  An answere to the Frisons.
• * 1.111

  The •…•…ch∣duke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 an•…•… his w•…•…e go•…•… into Sp•…•…ne.
• * 1.112

  They are ho•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 en∣ter 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by the French King
• * 1.113

  The Arch∣duke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in∣to Germany.
• * 1.114

  1503. D•…•…h •…•…o the D•…•…e Dou•…•…ger of Bourgongne.
• * 1.115

  Marguerite of Austria marred to the Duke of Sauoy.
• * 1.116

  1504. The warre reuiued be∣twixt the Archduke Philip and the duke of Gelders.
• * 1.117

  The exploi•…•… of both ar∣mies.
• * 1.118

  Duke George of Saxony co•…•…s into Friseland.
• * 1.119

  He makes a composition with the Fri∣sons.
• * 1.120

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 D•…•… of 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.121

  1505.
• * 1.122

  〈…〉〈…〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.123

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.124

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 b•…•…∣sieged by the Archduke.
• * 1.125

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 ta∣k•…•…n in 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.126

  Diuision in the Duke of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 campe before 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.127

  The Gr•…•…∣geois treate with the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of •…•…mden.
• * 1.128

  The E•…•… of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…de Pr•…•… of 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.129

  The Earle of Emden Builds acit∣tadel at Gro∣ninghen.
• * 1.130

  The Earle of Emden re∣ceiues enter∣tainment from the duke of Saxony.
• * 1.131

  The Earle of St•…•…lburche made the Dukes Lieu∣tenant in F•…•…eland.
• * 1.132

  The Duke of G•…•…ldres re∣concil•…•…d to the King of Castille.
• * 1.133

  The King and Queene of Cast•…•… g•…•…e into Spaine.
• * 1.134

  An 〈◊〉〈◊〉 frō the •…•…nch kin•…•… to the King of Ca∣•…•…ille.
• * 1.135

  1506.
• * 1.136

  The King & Queene of Castill in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at Sea go∣•…•… into •…•…aine.
• * 1.137

  They put to land in Eng∣land.
• * 1.138

  The duke of Gelders be∣gins wa•…•…re.
• * 1.139

  A Comete.
• * 1.140

  A childe in Holland cry∣ing in the mo∣thers be•…•…y.
• * 1.141

  Philip King o•…•… C•…•…stille dies sodenly.
• * 1.142

  The Earle of N•…•…u brings some •…•…vvels out of Spains
• * 1.143

  1507.
• * 1.144

  The Duke of Gelders 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into Brabant.