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.

The Argument of the seauenth Booke.

THE Emperor returnes into Germany and treates of religion, Herman Archbishoppe of Collogn•…•… seekes to reforme his diotese: the Pope and Emperor oppose themselues. The Protestants assemble at Francfort. The Emperor giues them good words whilest that hee prepar•…•… to armes. A conference of Diuines at Ratisbone. The Emperor and Pope make a league against the Protestants, who arme also, and make a league, printing their Iustifications and go to field: the Emperor banisheth the duke of Saxony and the Landt∣graue of Hessen, who defie him: the Emperor in danger at Inghelstade, whereas the Earle of Buren ioynes with him: the Protestantes army disbandes: Duke Maurice troubles the Duke of Saxonies state: the Duke of Wirtemberg and the Imperiall townes reconciled to the Emperor, who sends to succor Maurice. A battaile betwixt the Emperor and the duke of Saxony, whereas the Duke is taken prisoner. Sute to the Emperor for the Landtgraue of Hessen, who comes to make his peace, & is detayned prisoner. Magdebourg a Protest•…•…nt towne holds onely against the Emperor: Maurice made Elector: Prince Philip the Em∣perors sonne comes out of Spaine into the Netherlands. A bloudy Edict against the Protestants: the Emperor affects the Empire for Prince Philip his Sonne: which breeds a quarrell betwixt the Emperor, and his brother Ferdinand King of Hungary: the Protestants refuze to come to the councell of Trent. The constancie of them of Magdebourg, who are freed from siege: the Landtgraues restraint is preiu∣diciall to the Emperors affaires in Germany: Duke Maurice, takes armes against the Emperor: the French King comming with a great army to succor Maurice, takes Metz, •…•…houl and Verduen, Martin van Rossem makes warre in France: the Emperor flies hastely from Inspruch through the mountaines. An ass•…•…mbly at Passau to treat a peace. Albert of Brandebourg makes warre a part: the Emperors fruit∣lesse siege before Metz: the taking and razing of the towne of Teroane. A battaile betwixt duke Mau∣rice and Albert of Brandebourg: the siege and taking of Hesdin: the battaile of Talma. Philip King of Spaine marries Marie Queene of England: the French besiegeth Renty, the Emperor releeues it in per∣son. An Imperiall Diet at Ausbourg. A defeate of the Arreer-ban of the French: the Emperor re∣signes his countries to his sonne: the resolution of the Imperiall Dyet at Ausbourg. The Emperor re∣signes the Empire to his brother Ferdinand. His departure out of the Netherlands with his two Sisters.

THE 3. of Aprill the Emperor parted out of the Ne∣therlands to go to an Imperiall Diet which was to be * 1.1 held at Wormes, where he arriued the 16. of May. * 1.2 Being there, he writ to the King of Poland to incense him against the Protestants. The Pope was wonder∣fully desirous to haue warre attempted against them, and notwitstanding the councell which hee had pub∣lished, hee promised the Emperor 12000. foote and fiue hundred men at armes for that warre. In Ianuary 1546. the Protestants assembled at Franc∣fort, where as they consulted what was to bee done * 1.3 touching the coūcel of Trent, to continue the league * 1.4 for the charges of the warre against Henry of Brunswick, a great persecutor of the Pro∣testants. Not to abandon the Archbishop of Cologne. To sollicit the Emperor to giue

peace, vnto relligion: and to rule the Imperiall chamber. In this assembly the Am∣bassadors [ A] of Herman, Elector of Collogne made their complaints of the wrongs his Clergy did him, and of the commandements and Citations sent from the Emperour and Pope. In the meane time Frederic Count Pallatin, Prince Elector appointed Ministers and Preachers of the Gospell throughout all his countrie, suffring them to receiue the Sacrament of the Lords Supper in both kindes, and in the vulgar tongue, and that Preests might marry.

The Emperor beeing arriued at Wormes the sixteene of May, his councellors trea∣ted * 1.5 with the Protestants, touching the generall councell and other things, laboring to perswade them to yeeld to that which should be resolued on at Trent, and to come thether to propound their causes of recusation, to the which regard should bee had: whervnto they replied as before, so as after a long consultation, the affaires were refer∣red [ B] to Ianuary in the yeare 1546. And in the meane time the Emperour seeing that the Protestants were not willing to contribute to the warre against the Turke, if he did not grant their demaunds touching a free councell and the reformation of the Parliament of the Empire, he sent Gerard Veltwycke a learned man, and who spake many languages, to the Turke, to make a truce, desyring rather to make warre, against Christians, his owne subiects then against the Turke.

Some daies after it was bruted, that the Emperor made secret preparation to warre, and they could not coniecture that it was against any other then the Protestants, for hee was at peace with the French King, and was assured to haue a truce with the Turke. Wherevpon the Landtgraue of Hessen did write vnto Granuelle to preuent [ C] it. But Granuelle did what hee could to lull him a sleepe. And in the meane time there were flatterers which informed the Emperour that the Protestants had conspi∣red against him at Francfort: so as matters began then to growe more bitter, and in the * 1.6 meane time they sought to blinde the Protestants vntill the Emperour had his armie ready, to worke what hee pretended. Then began the councell of Trent, where the Pope did preside by his legats, the Emperor hauing vowed to make the decrees there∣of to be receiued by the point of the sword. Whereof the Landtgraue tould the Empe∣ror openly in the towne of Spier, and he sought to excuse himselfe, saying that hee de∣maunded nothing more then the quiet of Germany. In December during the diet of Ratis∣bone, [ D] the conference which had beene appointed betwixt the diuine of both religi∣ons, was begunne. Where there were learned men and of great authority of eyther * 1.7 side, for the Emperour were sent Peeter Maluenda a Spaniard, Euerard Billic a Carmelite, Iohn Hofmeister an Augustin Friar and Iohn Cocleus all foure diuines. George Loxan Gaspar Caltental, George Islinger, Bartlemew Latome Auditors, for the Protestants came Bueer, Brencius, George Maior, Erard Schnepf, diuins. Volrad Earle of Walder, Balthazar Gutling, Laurence Zoch a lawier and George Woltmer Auditors: Maurice Bishop of Eister and Frederic of Furstenberch, were aboue them all. There they disputed vpon the Articles of the confession of Ausbourg: The Emperour would haue all kept secret, and the Protestants would haue the contrary. So as after some conference, not able to agree; [ E] the assembly was dissolued: the which serued to no other end but to abuse the Pro∣testants with a shew of that which was not intended. The same yeare was published by the Emperor the sixt bloudie Edict against them of the religion in the Netherlands. At that time Adrian of Croy, Earle of Roeux, Maximilian of Bourgongne, Admirall of the sea, and Cornellis Schepper Seignior of Eyken, were appointed by Queene Mary, Gouernesse of the Netherlands, in the Emperors name, to build a fort or castell in the * 1.8 Iland of Walchren: and then was that mighty fort of Blau hoek made, which now they call the castell of Rameken in Zeebourg, the which was finished in March 1547.

During the conference at Ratisbone, it was generally spoken, that the Emperour, [ F] King Ferdinand his brother, and the Pope, made great preparations for warre: for at the same instant he sent the Cardinall of Trent in post to the Pope, with instructions to leauy men: and two daies after hee deliuered money to his Collonels and captaines. He had before sent to Maximilian Earle of Buren, to leauy all the horse and foote hee could in the Netherlands. Hee commanded Albert and Iohn of Brandenbourg, and

Wolfgang maister of the Germaine order, to inroule all the soldiars they could, [ A] for allthough that these two were Protestants, and Iohn of the same league; yet vppon the Emperours false pretexts, that they tooke not armes for relligion, but to punnish the rebellion of some, that put them-selues into his seruice. The Car∣dinall * 1.9 of Trent, beeing sent to the Pope, made a league betwixt them vppon cer∣taine conditions, binding them respectiuely for the managing of this warre. After this the Pope writte vnto the Swisses, iustifying the Emperor, and accusing the Protestants, against whome hee required their assistance. The Ambassadours of the Protestants being at this Assembly at Ratisbone, moued with this newes, as carefull of the quiet of Germany, they intreated the other States of the Empire, to bee ioynt sutors with them vnto the Emperour, not to attempt any warre, the which [ B] was not done, for those of Ments and Treues would not yeeld vnto it. The Landt∣graue who was carefull to discouer what was done, sent letters often to Ratisbone, by the which he did aduertise the said Ambassadours, of all that hee had vnderstood and what aduertisment he had receiued from diuers places: beeing of oppinion that they should retaine certaine men at armes, which they had leauied for feare of the warre, and that they should raise more. But his companions relyed vppon the Em∣perours demand, who made a shew of all mildnes and desier of peace; assuring them∣selues that they should haue no warres for that yeare. Notwithstanding for that the common brute was not in vaine seeing that the dromes sounded both in Germany and Italie, and the Spanish troops began to approche, the Protestant Princes be∣gan [ C] also to thinke of their affaiers, and went first to field with some troopes; intrea∣ting the Swisses not to giue passage to any strange soldiars through their Coun∣try: which happening that they would suffer their voluntary soldiars to come vnto their pay.

The Duke of Saxony and the Landtgraue writ vnto the Emperour, to iustifie their, * 1.10 innocency against all slanders: adding in the end of their letter these words. All the world knowes that lastly at Spyer, you were agreed with vs two, & fiue yeares before at Ratisbone: so as there is no reason to accuse vs of rebellion or any trespasse what∣soeuer: you may not forget the oth which you made vnto the Empire, when as you were chosen at Francfort; and how that you must proceed Iudicially and according [ D] to the lawes, when as any one is accused of the crymes where-with wee are now charged. To conclude if you bee resolued to pursue vs by armes, and not to giue Audience to our Iustifications, wee will recommend all vnto GOD: and when wee shall bee informed of the matters where-with wee are charged, wee hope to make such an Answer as all the world shall know we are wronged.

There-vppon the Emperour made a long declaration of his intention to the peace and quiet of Germany, but that hee was forced to vse his prerogatiue and autho∣ritie, against such as should oppose them-selues. Hee did also write vnto many * 1.11 Townes of the Protestant league, namely to Strausbourg, Nurembourg, Ausbourg and Vlme; where after that hee had blamed and disgraced the Protestants, hee [ E] concluded in these words.

Therefore I may no longer indure this; and if I would, I were no more to bee excused. To the end therefore that my dignity, the publicke peace, and right may bee maintained, and that the Empire and euery one of you may bee freed from danger, I haue resolued to punnish the perturbers of the com∣mon weale, and to restore Germany to her first Beauty and libertie. Whereof I thought to aduertise you, that you might not giue credit to them who it may bee, will report otherwise of our enterprise: for I may relligiously protest vnto you, that I haue no other Disseine then this. Hoping that you will not faile mee herein, to the end that their presumption may be bridled, and you recouer your ancient libertie: if you do it, you may be assured of my grace and fauour, as I will make knowne vnto you, [ F] if you send your Deputies vnto me to that end. &c. He writ to the Duke of Wirten∣berg,

a letter of the like tenor; and at the same instant the seignior of Granuelle & Na∣ues, his chiefe councellors called the Ambassadors of the townes that were at the Diet at Ratisbone, & conferred with them, giuing them to vnderstand that this war was not

prepared against the townes but (as it had beene before said) with many other sweete * 1.12 [ A] words. Those of Strausbourg answered amply to the said leters, shewing that the Pope and his people had imbarked the Emperor in this warre; beseeching him not to come to that extremity: but to make knowne, in Iustice, the wrongs which they pretended had beene done him, and to shew himselfe a father and protector of the country. But all these perswasions preuayled nothing; the irons were too whot. And withall Duke Maurice (an enemy to the Prince Elector of Saxony) had beene long in secret confe∣rence with the Emperor, who would not faile to serue him against the said Elector and the other Protestants, for the profit and aduancement which he expected, and which the Emperor had promised him if hee held his part: although that hee knew well that Maurice was of the Protestants relligion, as well as Albert and Iohn of Brandebourg. The Protestant townes and the Dukes of Wirtemberg, being aduertised by Granuell [ B] and Naues of the Emperors intention, did presently aduertise the Duke of Saxony and the Landtgraue of Hessen, (cheefe of the Protestants Vnion) of the Emperors desseins * 1.13 offring them al succors and fidelity, leuying presently, all the men they could, so as they were first in armes. The Prince Elector Palatin, demanded priuatly of the Emperor the cause of this warre, and against whome he intended it: Granuelle answered him in the Emperors name in the same substance as hee had done the Ambassadors of the townes. In the meane time the Prince of Saxony and the Landtgraue being assured of the Em∣perors resolution to make warre against them, and the preparations that were made, did spedely leuie men, and sent vnto their companions to doe the like, and not to suffer them-selues to be diuided by the cunning councells of some men: And after they were [ C] assembled to consult of their afaiers, they caused a booke to be Printed wherein they shewed by many reasons that the motiue of this warre was relligion, and that all the * 1.14 Emperors other pretexts to punish some rebells, was but to diuide the confede∣rats, and so to ruine them one after an other to settle the Popes doctrine. They also published an other Booke against Iohn of Brandenbourg who being of their League and confession had taken armes against them. And although the Emperor thought to surprise them, yet they vsed such dilligence, and found so many resolute men to carrie Armes in this warre, as the 16. of Iuly in the yeare 1546. the Landtgraue went to field with his army, and presently after began open warre betwixt them and the Emperor. [ D]

The 20. of Iuly the Emperor published his leters pattents, in the which after that he had made a long complaint against Iohn Frederic Prince Elector of Saxony and Phillip Landtgraue of Hessen, hee banisht them as periured, reb•…•…les, seditious, guilty of high * 1.15 treason both against GOD and man and perturbers of the publike quiet, meaning to punish them according to their deserts that hee might after-wards prouide for the af∣faiers of State and doe that which should belong vnto his duty, for bidding all men to succor them or to ioyne with them, vpon paine of forfeiture both of body and goods: dissoluing all Leagues and compositions, and absoluing the Nobility and subiects from the faith and oth which they ought vnto these Princes: to whom he gaue the publicke assurance if they did obey: adding that such as did refuse should be punished like vnto [ E] them. But the Protestants did shew that the Emperor had no quarrell to them but for their relligion: wherein hauing sought all meanes of accord, they were excusable, if to mainetaine the liberties of their consciences and the quiet of Germany, they defended themselues: being there-vnto aduised by the resolution both of Lawyers and Diuines. In the meane time the Protestants army aduanced and tooke the strong fort of Ere∣berce * 1.16 scituated vpon a mountaine, which stopt the passage from Trent for Italy to Enepont, and withall the towne of Fiesse belonging to the Bishop of Ausbourg, and passing on, they tooke Dilline and Donavert. The Emperor was then at Ratisbone, ill prepared to make head against them: Soe as if their affaiers had beene gouerned by one only commander, the Emperor had beene in great danger. The 7. of August in the [ F] towne of Macklin (which is one of the 17. Prouinces of the Netherlands whereas the Great councel or Parlament of the said countries did remaine) lightning fel among the gonpouder, which was in great quantity in a tower of the wal at the port which they cal * 1.17

Necbecspoel, the which at first ouerthrew both the Tower and the gate; then it tooke hold of the buildings both within and without the Towne, and aboue 500. paces [ A] round about, so as it ruined and defeated the whole Towne; the trees were pulled vp by the roots & burnt: the water in the towne ditches was drawne out, and the fishes cast farre out into the fields. There were about 150. burnt & slaine in this accident with the ruine of houses, besides those that were grieuously hurt and recouered, and such as died of their wounds, which were very many. Many came two, three, and foure daies after out of Caues, where they saued them-selues, others were smothered or dyed for honger. A great number of Cattell with the stables, was also consumed by this fier. The wall where the Tower stood was shaken aboue 200. paces long. The domage that was done by the fier could not be repaired in a long time.

Then grew the warres hotte in Germany betwixt the Protestants and the Emperour. [ B] To whome the Prince of Saxony, the Landtgraue of Hessen, and their companions, sent letters the XI. of August, by the which according to the vse and lawes of armes; they gaue him to vnderstand their resolutions, and after they had informed him of * 1.18 his duty, and how hee was bound to them and the Empire by his othe; and that it was for relligions cause that hee made this warre against them: they concluded with these

words. Matters standing in this sort, and seeing weare allied, to the end that it may be lawfull for vs to perseuer in this relligion (though some would surmize other causes of discontentment against vs) wee haue beene forced to put our selues in defence, the which wee may lawfully doe, both by the lawes of GOD and nature. And although that through thy pernicious desseines we are not in any sort bound vnto thee: and [ C] therfore was needles to let thee vnderstand our will, yet for the better assurance we renownce the faith and duty we owe thee; not to diminishe the honour and good of the Empire, but rather to preserue and maintaine it. Wee doe therefore protest this pub∣lickly, and according to the sollemne custome, being resolued to repell this warre attempted by thee and by thine Allyes

This letter was sent by a young Gentleman and a trumpet according to the custome, to the Emperours campe neere vnto Land shupt; but hee was so farre from receiuing it, as hee commanded them vppon paine of their heads to returne them backe againe to their people. Hee said moreouer that if hereafter any one came vnto him from * 1.19 them, in steed of a chaine of gold, hee would present him a halter: then hee gaue them the proclamation of their banishment, charging them expresly to deliuer it vnto their [ D] Lords: whereof hee likewise sent a coppy vnto Duke Maurice of Saxony, cousin to Iohn Frederick Prince Elector, perswading him to seaze vpon his country, before that an other layed hold of it. To the accusations and criminations contained in the said proclamation of banishment, the Protestant Princes published an ample answer in print, the contents whereof was that the intention of the Pope and Emperour was to roote out all them of the relligion, the which hee had declared vnto the French Kings Ambassadour (from whose mouth all was knowne) and vanquish Germany, as hee had long before disseigned &c. But from words and writings they fell to blowes. The two armies beeing neere one vnto the other, the Landtgraue was of an opinion to charge * 1.20 [ E] the Emperors campe before the arriuall of the Earle of Buren with his supplies; who brought with him 4000. horse & 10000. choyce men out of the Netherlands; but the destinies of these Princes would not suffer them to follow this good Councell: for the Emperor was nothing so strong as the Protestants; who seeing them so neere vnto him, and hauing endured a whole day the thundring of their cannon, shewed a gallant resolution, if they had come to assaile him: soone after the Earle of Buren arriued so * 1.21 as the Emperour hauing all his forces together, those of the Protestants began by little and little to disband: and in the meane time Duke Maurice (according to the Emperors aduise) molested the Prince Elector of Saxony in his Country. Where-vppon the Protestants armie being deuided, the Prince Elector went with his troopes against * 1.22 [ F] Maurice, and recouered all that he had taken from him.

The Emperour seeing the Protestants army thus dispearsed vppon no occasion, and that the Landtgraue was retyred to his owne home, he writte letters full of

threates to the duke of Wirtembourg, who sent to sue for pardon by his Ambassadors, [ A] and so in a manner, did all the Protestant townes, whome he did ransom for money and many peeces of Artillery. The warre beeing thus inflamed betwixt the two Noble couzins of Saxony, and the Emperor hearing in what estate duke Maurice was, hee sent Albert of Brandebourg vnto him with some troupes, who was taken at Rochlick and brought vnto the Prince Elector, and soone after the towne was also ta∣ken. Ferdinand the Emperors brother, King of Hungary & Bohemia, by the Lady Anne * 1.23 his wife, would haue forced the Bohemians to serue against the Prince Elector of Saxony, the which they refuzed to do, by reason of the old leagues betwixt the Saxons and Bohemians, and seeking to force them they rise in armes against him. The Pro∣testants had sent their Ambassadors to the French King and to the King of England, to shewe the equitie of their cause: and that they had taken armes against the Em∣peror, [ B] for the defence of their liues, goods, religion and the liberty of Germany, who hauing had audience of the French King, past into England whereas they found King Henry the eight verie sicke, so as hee died in the end of Ianuarie 1547. The French King had sent by these Ambassadors two hundred thousand crownes in lone to the Protestant Princes, to ayde them in this warre. And as the King of England died whilest the Ambassadors were there: so at their returne into France, they found King Francis extreamely sick, who died at Rambouillet. It was a happy chance for the Em∣perour (among many other good fortunes) that two so great and mighty Princes, which had the meanes, and (as manie thought) a desire to crosse the Emperor in his enterprises and high disseignes, died both in a manner at one time. [ C]

In the same yeare 1547. Adolph of Bourgongne Seignior of Chappelle and Wacke∣ne, * 1.24 Ierosme Sandelin Seignior of Herentont, Receiuor of Bewesterscheldt in Zeeland, * 1.25 and some priuate gentlemen, did recouer and wall in about Sheerenskerke and Hein∣kensandt in the country of Zuydbeuelandt (otherwise called the Ile of Ter-Goes) the old inclosure or Polder, (which is a land wonne from the sea) the which before the Inundation was vsually called Zeeshuys, so as it remayned a long time vnprofitable: but since that it was recouered they call it Cray, at this present a most fertill coun∣try, whereby those that haue thus defended it from the Sea with their bankes haue made great profit. The Emperor hauing an intent to ruine Iohn Frederick Prince Elector, past the riuer of Elbe with all speed, to fight with him on the other [ D] side, which done, the Prince hauing not all his armie in one bodie, as the Emperor had, was there forced to make head against him, and to giue him battaile, in the which the duke beeing verie greatly wounded in the cheeke, was ledde by the duke of Al∣ua (Lieutenant of the armie) to the Emperor. The duke Ernest of Brunswyck was taken with him. The Emperor and King Ferdinand vsed the Prince Elector very roughlie in wordes, giuing sentence of death against him, the which hee bare verie patiently but the Emperour durst not proceede to the execution thereof: yet hee propounded heauie and rigorous conditions vnto him: taking from him the greatest part of his Seigneuries, the which hee gaue to Maurice his couzine, with the dignity of the Electorship. [ E]

As for the Landtgraue of Hessen, vpon the assurances which the duke Maurice and * 1.26 the Marquis Albert of Brandenbourg his sonnes in lawe gaue him: he presented him∣selfe vpon his knees vnto the Emperor, crauing pardon for all that was past, wherevnto answere was made him in obscure tearmes, which did not shew an absolute pardon. Yet this Nobleman (thinking that all went well with him) thanked the Emperor, and for that he suffred him to kneele too long, he rose of himself. He was led to supper with the duke of Alua, when after supper thinking to retire with the two Noblemen his sons in lawe, he was stayed prisoner, the which ministred great matter of discontent, who (not-with-standing all the Protestation which duke Maurice and Brandebourg could make) was detained and put into the gard of Spaniardes. The two Noblemen * 1.27 [ F] charged the Emperour with his promise that hee would not keepe him in pryson, * 1.28 his aunswere was that hee had promised not to keepe him there in perpetuall pry∣son, wherevpon the Duke of Alua sayd vnto them, that if in steede of foureteene

daies the Emperor, should restraine him 14. yeares he should not breake his word: So [ A] the Landtgraue remained a prisoner being carried from place to place, alwayes garded by the Spaniards of whom he receued a thousand indignities, and he was not freed but by constraint, no more then the Duke of Saxony, which was the cause that the Empe∣ror was chased out of Germany, as we shall here-after shew.

The 23. of December in the said yeare 1548. died that valiant Captaine Maximilian of Egmont Earle of Buren, (after that he had arriued so happely to serue the Emperor * 1.29 in his warre of Germany) of an extraordinary death, for being fower daies before his death abandoned by all his Phisitions, who had foretold him the day of his death, ha∣uing called all his houshold seruants, and made them goodly exhortations, giuing to euery one some thing by his testament, he died speaking, and appareled in his chaier. Maximilian of Austria, eldest sonne to Ferdinand hauing married the Lady Mary, eldest [ B] daughter to the Emperor; Prince Phillip 21. years old, being sent for by his father, began * 1.30 his iorney to come into the Netherlands, leauing his cosin and Brother in law Maximi∣lian to be Gouernor of Spaine in his absence, and hauing set saile the 25. of Nouember with a goodly fleet of shippes and Galleis commanded by Andrew Doria, he landed at Genoa accompanied with many Princes of Spaine, among others by the Duke of Al∣ua and the Cardinall of Trent: from thence hee came to Milan and passing by Mantoua and Trent hee came to Ausbourg and Spyer, so crossing the Country of Luxembourg, hee arriued at the Emperor his fathers court at Bruslelles, Duke Maurice went to * 1.31 meet him intreating him to moue the Emperor for the Landtgraue of Hessen his Father in law, who was Prisoner, the which he did. It were tedious to make particular [ C] relation of his stately entery into Brusselles: whereas the Lady Elenor the French Queene and the Lady Mary Queene of Hongary his Aunts receiued him, and conduc∣ted him to the Emperor his father.

The fourth of Iuly the Emperor with his two sisters and the Prince his sonne, went to Louuaine, the most ancient and cheefe towne of the Duchy of Brabant to put his sonne (according to the ancient customes and preuiledges of that towne) in possession * 1.32 of the saide Duchy: and to take the oth required in that case: the which he did in the Emperors hands, as the like was done afterwards in the towne of Brusselles. The thir∣teene of the saide moneth it was done in Gand for the Country of Flanders: then in the citty of Arras for the Earledome of Arthois: and after that at Mons for the Con∣ty [ D] of Henault; from thence they went to Bins in the same country, whereas the Queene of Hongary did vsualy keepe her Court: where were great feasts, maskes, torneys and other sports, the which continued from the third of August 1549. Vntill Sep∣tember and then hee departed to goe to Antwerp, to take possession of the •…•…owne, and of the Marquisate of the Holie Empire: whereas there wanted no pompe at his reception.

The last of May, 1550. the Emperor parted from Bruselles with the Prince his sonne, * 1.33 to returne into Germany, to an Imperiall Diet which should be held at Ausbourg, lea∣ding the duke of Saxony prisoner with him, & leauing the Landtgraue in prison at Mac∣klin. The cheefe intent of his going was to labour to make his son Emperor after him as [ E] you shall heare. The 29. of Aprill this yeare, there was a most rigorous Edict published by the Emperor throughout al the Netherlands in the Dutch and French toungs, ten∣ding to bring in the Inquisition of Spaine and other extraordinary matters. After the * 1.34 publicatiō of this Edict many were much amazed, especially the marchants of Germa∣ny & England which did traficke ordinarily in those Prouinces especially at Antwerp, whose resolution was, that either they must moderate the said Edict, or else they would seeke some other abode: and many to auoyd the danger, had resolued to shut vp their shoppes, and to departe. The Senat of Antwerp, and especialy the Bourgeses, seeing the losse and preiudice that would come vnto them, were in great perplexity. And therefore when the Inquisitors were ariued, they opposed them-selues with all their * 1.35 [ F] power, and going to the Queene of Hongary their Gouernesse, they layed open vnto her the losse and preiudice that not onely they, but the whole countrie should receiue, if it were put in practise, for the tenor of the Inquisition, conteined an ample power

ouer all Iudges and Magistrates what-soeuer. Where-vppon she caused the execution [ A] thereof to be surceased in the said Towne, the which was done in consideration of forraine nations, which were strong and mighty there. The Queene went vppon this occasion to the Emperor her Brother into Germany, to moue him to moderate this Edict, that otherwise Andtwerp (which was a Towne of the greatest trade in the world and most frequented) would loose her trafficke and credit. Besides there would bee a generall sedition, if this Edict were put in execution. The Emperor in the end yeelded, but with great difficulty: and changing that which concerned marchants strangers, hee razed out the word Inquisition, so odious to all men, commanding that the rest should be obserued and entertained. In the meane time the Emperor did much afflict them of Magdebourg, by reason of their relligion, causing Duke [ B] Maurice of Saxony to besiege them. And for that the Princes of the Empire sought to make their peace, he prescribed them such hard conditions, as they would by * 1.36 no meanes yeeld vnto them: but maintained this siege valiantly, euen vnto the end being forced by a composition to suffer them in peace.

The Arch-duke Maximillian of Austria sonne to King Ferdinand, and sonne in law to the Emperour, being chosen in his absence King of Bohemia, came at that time out of Spaine to Ausbourg, being called by his father; who had then a great * 1.37 controuersie with the Emperor touching the succession of the Empire: for the deci∣ding whereof, they said the Emperor had caused his sister the Queene of Hongary to come, for the Emperor knowing that the vniting of Germany was necessary for the [ C] augmentation of his estate, desired to settle his sonne (who after him should rule and command ouer so great and diuers nations and countries) vppon so mighty and firme a support. Ferdinand who tended to the same end, was resolued not to suffer him∣selfe to bee frustrate of this goodly expectation, as well for him-selfe as for his chil∣dren. Prince Maximillian who was of a good disposition, well seene in diuers lan∣guages, but especially indued with a singular grace in his behauiour, was very plea∣sing vnto the people. The Princes and States on the other side, considered well, that this great aduancement of the King of Spaine would not bee very profitable for them; and although they shewed them-selues somewhat inclyning vnto the Emperor, yet all was but for feare, obseruing well his actions past, and the end wherevnto hee had alwaies tended, vnder a coullor of the Romish relligion which hee would so am∣plie [ D] maintaine: finally after that hee should haue wonne and supplanted (by the meanes of the Ciuill warre which hee nourished and entertained there) all the Princes and States of the one and the other relligion (the which hee had continnued more and more by his sonne) hee would make him-selfe and his successors absolute Monarcks; and all Germany slaues to his house. These considerations made the Princes and * 1.38 States to incline more touching the succession of the Empire to Ferdinand and to his sonne Maximillian, who had their portions and all their successions in Germany; then to the Emperor or to the Prince his sonne. And the rather for that they had obserued part of the humors of this Prince, beeing borne, nourished and brought vp in Spaine, and wholy possest by the Spaniards, and by the Bishoppe of Arras, sonne to Granuelle; [ E] whose carriage (beeing a high Bourguignon) did nothing please the Germaines. Bee∣sides this Prince beeing ill instructed, vnderstood no language but his naturall Spa∣nish. What was concluded wee shall hereafter see.

The Towne of Magdebourg freed from siege by a friendly composition with Duke Maurice hee beeing now receiued into the Towne, spake it openly, that it should cost him his life, or hee would set the Landtgraue his father in law at liberty. Hee had be∣fore sent his Ambassadors with the King of Denmarke and many Princes of Germany to the Emperor, for his deliuerance, beeing resolued vppon his deniall to attempt it by force, hee hauing already entred into some treaty with the French King. The seauenth [ F] of Iuly William of Nassau Prince of Orange married the daughter and onely heire of Maximillian of Egmont Earle of Buren, the onely heire of the house of Launoy: the * 1.39 marriage (which was the first which the said Prince had of foure) was celebrated in * 1.40 the Castell of Buren, by whome hee had Phillip of Nassau, now Prince of Orange

and the Lady Mary widow to Philip Earle of Hohenlo, brother and sister by fathers [ A] side to Count Maurice of Nassau, commanding at this day in Holland Zeeland &c.

This yeare the Emperor set a taxe of fiue florins throughout all the country of Liege, as a fee of the Empire vpon euery thousand florins value of Inheritance, to helpe to de∣fray the charges of the last warres of Germany. The Liegeois would haue opposed themselues and fallen to mutiny, but hauing sent their deputies to the Emperor, in the end they yeelded vpon certaine conditions. The Emperor at the same time did chase all the ministers out of Ausbourg, Iohn Frederic duke of Saxony, (although hee were a * 1.41 prisoner) did not forbeare to comfort them, and to assist them with money. Some of them retired into Suisserland, and some else where. The newes of this banishment of Ministers amazed many, for euery man feared that what had beene done there, would be also practised in other places, as it was afterwards, but for a short time in respect of [ B] Germany.

At such time as all were in these alterations, the French King (hearing that duke Maurice attempted warre against the Emperor) fell vpon 22. ships of Zeeland, bound for Spaine, being worth aboue 200000. florins, the which hee tooke and spoiled and then carried them into his hauens: wherevpon the 17. day of September in the same yeare 1551. the French Ambassador was sent away from Brusselles as an enemie, with all the French Nobility which had remained with the Lady Elenor, Queene Dowager of France, and warre was proclaimed the 21. of that month betwixt these two great Princes, both by land and sea. Many wondred how the King durst •…•…eaue the friendship of the Emperor, beeing then in so great prosperity, neither did the Emperor (as some [ C] sayd) expect it. In Ianuary 1552. the generall States of the Netherlands assembled in the towne of Bruges in Flanders, whereas the Queene of Hungary Gouernesse of the * 1.42 sayd countries, made a demand in the Emperors name, of an extraordinary aide or * 1.43 subuention of three Millions of gold: wherevnto the Flemings would in no sort yeeld, by reason of their small traffick: but they offred to entertaine so many men at armes, as should fall to their shares: wherewith the sayd Lady was not well satisfied. After∣wards the sayd estats assembled at Brusselles, where vpon certaine conditions they did grant 400000 florins.

Duke Maurice and the Marquis of Brandenbourg, sonnes in lawe to the Landtgraue of Hessen, sent their Ambassadors to the Emperor, accompanied with the letters of [ D] the King of Denmarke, of Ferdinand King of Romaines, of Albert duke of Bauaria; * 1.44 of the brethren of Lunebourg: of the Elector Frederic Palatin, of Wolfgang duke of Deux Ponts, of Iohn Marquis of Brandenbourg, of Ernest Marquis of Baden, of the dukes of Merklenbourg and of Christopher duke of Wirtemberg, to sue for the Landt∣graues deliuery: But it seemed the Emperour respected all these Princes little, refer∣ring the answere of their request to the comming of duke Maurice; who hee sayd should come to treate with him: William eldest sonne to the Landtgraue did impor∣tune him, and Maurice more, both he and the Marquis of Brandenbourg putting him in minde of their bond and promise, speaking somewhat bigge vnto him. In the meane time the horsemen that had lyen about Magdebourg and within it, wintred in Thu∣ringen [ E] and the neighbour country, where they did much harme, especially to the Clergy, and aboue all to the Archbishop of Mentz. Wherevpon hee and the other two of Collogne and Treues complayned to the Emperor, being resolued to forsake the councell. To whome hee gaue good words intreating them to stay: whether the duke of Wirtemberg, those of Strausbourg and other Protestants had sent their Am∣bassadors, and the duke Maurice did also send his: the which did much reioyce the sayd Archbishops, beleeuing that they had no more any cause to doubt of him. The chiefe differences of the Protestants Ambassadors, were vpon the safe conduit of their diuines, the which they were forced to alter three times, and vpon the other points which duke Maurice had propounded. These Ambassadors hauing receiued [ F] their safe conduits in such forme as they could obtaine them, sent them to their Prin∣ces and Magistrates.

Soone after many began to murmur that the councel should be prolonged, and that

Maurice beeing in league with the French, made his preparations to warre against the [ A] Emperor. This report increased daylie; and they sent messengers from Trent to the Emperor to know his pleasure: Afterwards an other came from the Emperor, but they vsed therein great discretion, to keep matters secret, least they should discon∣tent the Councell: vntill that the first of Aprill Duke Maurice and his companions, besieged the Towne of Ausbourg, the which three daies after was yeelded vnto him: Which was the cause of the dissipation of the Councell. Maurice writte letters (the * 1.45 which were afterwards printed) to the States of the Empire, setting downe many liuely reasons, which moued him to make warre against the Emperor, for the pre∣seruation of his relligion and the liberty of Germany, and withall for the deliuery of the Landtgraue his father in law. Hee did greatly taxe the Emperor, seeking to bring Germany into seruitude, vnder his Monarchy, as hee had already oppressed [ B] it by diuers exactions and suppressions of their priuilidges. Albert Marquis of Bran∣denbourg, published a writing almost of the same substance, complayning that the libertie of Germany was opprest, euen by them that were bound to defend and inlarge it &c. The French King did also publish letters, by the which hee shewed that hee had no other end but the libertie of Germany, and of all Christendome; complay∣ning of the wrongs which the Emperor did and had done to him and to his friends, in whose succors he had resolued to imploy all his forces in that warre, yea euen his owne person, without any respect to his owne priuate Interest, how great soeuer it might bee; But onely that Germany might bee restored, and Iohn Frederic Duke of Saxony, and the Landtgraue of Hessen deliuered &c. [ C]

These letters of the Princes and of the French King dispersed throughout Germany, gaue cause of hope to some, and to others of feare and care, William the Landtgraues sonne, hauing put his men to field, went and ioyned with Duke Maurice: Albert of Brandenbourg did also ioyne with them, with his horse and foote. In all places where they past they brought the Townes vnder their subiection, taking the Inha∣bitants into their safegard and protection, yet forcing them to furnish both mony and Artillery. The Princes did also send to them of high Germany, and especially to Nuremberg, that they should not faile to bee at Ausbourg, in the end of Aprill, and did also presse them of Vlme to enter into league with them. Whilst these things were doing in Germany, the French King marched with a goodly army, and tooke [ D] Toule and Verdun Imperiall Townes vppon the Frontiers of France: Then marching into Lorraine, vnder coullor of demanding passage, hee tooke Metz, a Towne of * 1.46 the Empire also; He thought to haue done as much to Strasbourg, a faire, great, rich and mighty Towne, but the Senat excused them-selues, and kept him from entring, furnishing some munition of corne, and oats for the Kings armie; Leauying fiue thousand men for the guard of the Towne, if happely they should offer to force them. The confederate princes came to Vlme, which refused to bee of their vnion; Beeing arriued there, they houered about the Towne: And for that the Inhabitants were so insolent to shoote at them, they demanded for reparation of this outrage * 1.47 three hundred thousand Crownes; The which beeing refused, they spoiled them [ E] all they could. From thence Duke Maurice went to Lints in Austria, to vnderstand from King Ferdinand the conditions of peace: For that Ferdinand desired greatly to pacefie things with the Emperors consent. After that hee had conferred with him, hee returned to the armie and the next day they marched towards the Alpes. Heere∣vppon the Iudges of the Imperiall Chamber fledde from Spyer: For it was against them that both the French King and the Princes were incensed, laying vppon them all the blame and cause o•…•… these troubles.

In the meane time the Queene of Hongary the Emperors sister, made an Assembly at Aix la Chappelle, vpon the Confines of the Duchie of Iuilliers, to make a League with them; The Prince of Cleues and Iuilliers excused himselfe by his Ambassadors: [ F] Adolph Bishop of Cologne came, and so did George of Austria Bishop of Liege. The French King being come to Weissenbourg, after that hee had left the territory of Strasbourg seeing that there was not any thing to bee gotten, the Ambassadors

of the Prince Elector Palatin, of the Archbishops of Mentz and Treues, and of the [ A] the dukes of Cleues and wirtemberg, which were assembled at Wormes, for the good of the Common-weale, went vnto the King, intreating him that hee would not wast and spoile the champion country, but take pittie of the poore commons and incline his heart to peace. Duke Maurice for his part did also write vnto the King, in the which was conteined what had beene treated at Lints with King Ferdinand, requiring the King (whome Maurice would haue comprehended in the treaty of peace) to declare with what conditions he would compound with the Emperour. The King found by these letters that they were weary of him in Germany, (and to say the truth, the Prin∣ces would not willingly haue seene him aduance) so as two daies after he retired with * 1.48 his army againe into Lorraine & so into France.

But before his departure he answered the ambassadors, saying that hee had obtained that for which hee came into Germany [ B] with his army; seeing that the Princes Prisoners should bee deliuered, which was the chiefe cause of the warre, and therefore he had wonne honor ynough. That if it euer chanced that Germany had neede of him, that hee would spare neither his labour, purse nor person: that hearing nowe that his enemies had assayled him within his Realme, hee would returne. As for that which they writ of the Emperor, and of a peace, he referred himselfe to them &c. with some other complements.

The King was no sooner gone out of France towardes Germany, but presently the Emperors armie of the Netherlandes, whereof Martin van Rossen was Commander, entred and burnt the frontiers of Champagne, and tooke Astenay a towne seated [ C] neere to the riuer of Meuze, of the Iurisdiction of Lorraine, whereon the French had but lately seized. Some say it was one of the causes that made the King retire with his army: the second was for that hee did not allowe of Duke Maurice his pro∣ceeding touching the peace: and the third was for that hee had beene deceiued of his expectation vpon the towne of Strasbourg, the which hee would willingly haue had as good cheape, as hee had gotten Metz, Toul and Verdun, but Strasbourg was too great a morcell, the which if hee had swalloed, the Germaines might at leysure haue repented that euer they had called him.

Beeing retired out of Germanie, hee beganne to march the two and twenty of May, so as hauing past the Riuer of Mosella, hee entred into Luxembourg where hee was∣ted, * 1.49 [ D] spoyled and burnt all, imitating (as hee sayd) Martin van Rossen, and recouered the towne of Astenay, the which hee found without garrison, the Borguignons and Rossen being retired vpon the first bruit of the Kings approch. Then he went with his armie before Danuilliers, the which was yeelded vnto him, and then Yuois, the strong∣est place of the country, Peeter Ernest Earle of Mansfieldt Gouernor of the countrie * 1.50 was in it, with the floure of all the the youth of Luxembourg, who were all taken by the French, and the towne spoyled through a mutiny among the soldiars, against the Kings will, as they sayd.

Duke Maurice after his returne from the treatie at Lints, to the Army of the con∣federate Princes, he beeing gone, King Ferdinand went presently to Inspruch to the Emperor his Brother, to let him vnderstand what had beene treated betwixt them. [ E] And that at Maurice his returne to the army hee marched with his companions to∣wards the Alpes: who being thrust on by du Fresne the French Kings Ambassador, they were resolued to charge those soldiars which the Emperor caused to be leuied in that quarter. The 18. of May approching to Fiesse, (which is a smal towne at the entry of the Alpes) they sent some troupes to discouer euen vnto the straights which the Emperors men held, whereof they tooke some prisoners, from whom they learned the estate of that quarter. The next day they aduanced with their foote, and onely two hundred men at armes, and tooke the way to Fiesse, nere vnto Rutte they came vnto the straight * 1.51 of the Mountaines, which some eight hundred of the Emperors men held with two [ F] field peeces, whom they assayled, won the passage, and chased the enemies, who flying away, strooke a feare into them that were nere vnto Rutte. The Princes followed them at the heeles, and so charged the rest, as they defeated them, where there were about a 1000. slaine and drowned. The next day they marched towards the fort of Ereberg,

where they happily tooke the fort vnder the Castell, and were maisters of the entries [ A] of the passage, and tooke the great Canon which was ready mounted. This done, they crept vp the mountaine the which was very steepe euen vnto the Castell (al∣though they played continually vpon them with their small shotte.) There were within it thirteene companies of foote, whereof nine captaines were taken, and three Germaines with one Italian escaped: there were about 3000. prisoners, and the Prin∣ces lost few of their men.

The 22. of May, two regiments were sent to Inspruck by the Alpes, which is but two dayes iourney from thence: all their Caualerie remained with one regiment about Fiesse and Rutte, to garde the passage; Maurice and the confederate Princes followed the next day, and ioyned with their foote neere vnto Zirle, which is but two [ B] leagues from Inspruck. The Emperor hearing newes that Eruberg was taken, depar∣ted hastily in the night (and with great confusion) from Inspruck, with his brother * 1.52 Ferdinand, who was arriued a little before to mediate a peace, and bending on the left hand by the mountaines, which lead to Trent, hee retired to Villac, a towne of Car∣niola, vpon the riuer of Draue. Hee had a little before set Iohn Frederick Duke of Saxonie at libertie, whome hee had kept fiue whole yeares languishing in prison, and carried him a long time vp and downe with him, as in triumphe; whom he freed, * 1.53 for feare his enemies should challenge it as a glory vnto them. The which the priso∣soner did also desire, to the end that Maurice might not vaunt that hee had beene the cause of his liberty. Beeing at libertie, hee did yet accompany the Emperour where∣soeuer he went. [ C]

Maurice being arriued at Inspruck, all the baggage that was found belonging to the Emperor, the Spaniards, or the Cardinall of Ausbourg, was spoiled, but they toucht nothing that belonged to King Ferdinand, or to the Inhabitants: and for that there remained but three dayes for the future treatie of the peace, as it had beene con∣cluded at Lints, Duke Maurice went from them to Passau: but the Princes his confe∣derates returned from whence they came, and came the twentie eight of May to Fiesse. The Duke being come to the assignation at Passau, to treate a peace the first of Iune, that which had beene begun at Lints was repeated, and all propounded and expounded more at large by Maurice. There were as mediators, King Ferdinand, Albert Duke of Bauaria, and the Bishops of Strasbourg and Eistede, with the Am∣bassadors [ D] of the Dukes of Cleues and Wirtemberg. Those for the Emperour came * 1.54 also. Before them all, Maurice made a long discourse and great complaints of mat∣ters that had past in the Emperours name, and of the bad gouernement of the com∣mon-weale: and among other things, that forraine souldiers had vaunted, that they had vanquished and subdued Germanie; the which they did assure themselues to ioyne vnto the Emperours inheritance (as it was his principall desseine) in building of cittadels in all the chiefe townes. That the Imperiall chamber was all gouerned, from the which they of the religion were excluded, and many other points which hee propounded, and required to be redrest: and that they should restore the Empire to her ancient dignitie; and that Strangers might not bee suffered to scorne or con∣temne [ E] them.

The Princes and Noblemen that were mediators, hauing conferred together, thought that his demands contained nothing but what was iust: yet to preserue the Emperors honour, and that he might bee the sooner perswaded, they were of opinion that many things which concerned the reformation of the State, might be reserued to an Imperiall dyet. During these conferences of peace, the other confederate Princes marched still on, especially the Marquis Albert of Brandenbourg, who made warre apart, the which hee sayd was in the French Kings name, against the Princes, Bi∣shops, * 1.55 and townes that were not of their league, spoyling and burning all that hee could not ransome at his pleasure, especially the towne of Nuremberg, where ha∣uing [ F] burnt about a hundred Villages of that iurisdiction, and some three-score faire farmes, with the Towne and Castell of Lichtenau, hee went and besieged Nurem∣berg, * 1.56 threatning it with extreame ruine: so as by the meanes of other Princes that

were intercessors for them, hee forced them to redeeme this siege, and to buy their [ A] peace, paying him a hundred thousand crownes, with sixe double Canons mounted, with all their furniture and prouision; and that they should fauour the confederate Princes, like to them of Ausbourg. From thence hee went before Vlme, where hee preuailed nothing, after that hee had wasted and spoiled the Country there-abouts. He entred also into the territories of Mentz and Treues, where he did all the harme he could. In the meane time Duke Maurice being returned to his confederates to Mer∣gentheim, declared vnto them what had beene done touching the peace: and that king Ferdinand was gone in all hast to the Emperor, and that hee thought he would soone send some councellors with a finall answer. But least in this doubtfull and vncertaine estate of their affaires, some inconuenience might happen vnto them, if they remained idle, they resolued to goe to Francfort, where there were 17. Euseignes of foote, and [ B] 1000. horse in garrison for the Emperor, vnder the command of Conrard van Hand•…•…∣steyn, the which might be very preiudiciall for the country of Hessen that lay neere it: * 1.57 wherevpon they went and camped before the towne the 17. of Iuly. During this siege George Duke of Mechelbourg, in league with Maurice (who had first made warre at Magdebourg) was slaine with a Canon. At the beginning when as they brought the siege before Francfort, the confederate Princes demanded of the prince Palatin a great number of Artillerie, the which hee refused once or twise, but seeing there was no meanes to auoyde it, and that they threatned to bring the whole armie, they gaue them eight of their biggest Canon, with all their furniture.

The Marquis Albert (who had ioyned with his confederates vpon the way) as they * 1.58 [ C] arriued before Francfort, left them at the siege, and marched towards the Rhine, whereas hee subiected Wormes and Spyer vnder his command, inioyning them to supply him both with money and Artillery. In all places where he came the Church∣men were fled, or had changed their habites to disguise them-selues; and as hee ap∣proched neere vnto Franconia, the Bishops and Prelates all fledde away. Hauing gotten these Townes, hee writte vnto the Senate of Strasbourg, commanding them that their Towne should bee alwayes open for him and his companions, and should receiue a garrison for them, when need required, whereof they excused themselues, beeing of the religion, and in league with the Princes. Albert beeing aduertised that Duke Maurice inclined vnto a peace, left a garrison at Spyer, and returned vn∣to [ D] Francfort with his troupes: Hee beeing come, hee hastened the siege, and plan∣ted his Campe on the other side of the riuer of Meyn in a place that was some-what high, where hee might play with his Canon at his pleasure. Hee tooke the treatie of peace in very ill part, and spake wonderfull ill of Maurice, refusing to bee com∣prehended therein.

The 15. of Iuly King Ferdinand sent to the Campe of the confederate Princes, bee∣ing before Francfort, Henry Vicont of Meissen, and Chancellor of Bohemia, who arri∣ued after Duke Maurice the 24. of the said moneth. After they had contended a little, the Chancellor terrifying him with Duke Iohn Frederick, whom the Emperour had set at libertie, and shewed vnto the Landtgraues sonne the condition of his Father, [ E] and the danger of all his prouince; in the end hee perswaded them vno peace, the which was concluded at Passau vppon certaine conditions. The chiefe Princes that * 1.59 were present, and the Ambassadors of them that were absent, signed this treatie, the originall whereof was dispatcht at Passau, which the Emperor himselfe signed. A peace beeing concluded, the French Ambassador retired. The King disliked of this composition; but hearing that the Landtgraue was in great danger if it were not concluded, hee yeelded, and sent backe the hostages and pledges (which the Protestant Princes had giuen him,) safe and sound into Germany.

The 13. of August Duke Maurice and the Landtgraues sonne parted from Francfort and tooke contrary wayes; the Landtgraues sonne toward Hessen, and Maurice led his [ F] armie to Donauvert, downe the riuer of Danowe, sending it into Hongary against the Turkes which came to assaile it, but the regiment of Ryffenberg past the riuer of Meyn, and ioyned with Albert of Brandebourg, which did much trouble the princes, fearing

least the Emperor should take some occasion thereby, not to release the Landtgraue. [ A] The Marquis Albert went still in his course after the conclusion of a peace, wherein he would not bee comprehended making warre apart, especially against the Bishoppe of Ments, Treues and Spyer, forcing the Inhabitants of these townes to sweare vnto him; and to furnish him with money. Throughout all their territories hee burnt Castells, Cloysters, and Temples, yea euen within the Townes. About the end of Iuly the Emperor came from Villac to Inspruch, and eight daies after, hee past by Bauaria, hauing with him some troopes of Germaines, Bohemians, Italians, and Spa∣niards, the which ariued at Genoa in the beginning of the said moneth, vnder the command of the Duke of Alua. The Arch-bishoppe of Ments after that he had runne * 1.60 vp and downe Suaube for some daies, being a fugitiue out of his countrie, hearing newes of the Emperor (who arriued at Ausbourg the twentith of August) hee went [ B] vnto him.

Phillip Landtgraue of Hessen beeing freed from prison, according to the Accord, and retiring home to his house, passing by Maestricht vppon the riuer of Meuze, hee was againe stayed by the Queene of Hongaries commandment, being there, and was againe giuen in guard to the Spaniards euen vnto them that had beene his keepers * 1.61 fiue yeares together. The cause was (which had troubled confederate Princes as wee haue said) for that Ryffenberch who had beene entertained by the Landtgraues sonne, had gon with all his men vnto Marquis Albert; whereby the Queene maintained that the peace was broken and that shee could not deliuer him, vntill shee vnderstood the Emperours pleasure. The same day that the Emperour parted from Ausbourg hee [ C] dismissed Iohn Frederic Duke of Saxony, with louing words, promising to remaine * 1.62 alwaies his friend. (after that hee had insulted ouer him; hee depriued him of his Electo∣rall dignity, and dispossest him of a good part of his Countrie) who parted the next day and retyred into his Country. The fourth of September the Landtgraue was ab∣solutly discharged, and within six daies after came vnto his house.

The Emperor hauing past the Countrie of Wirtenberg, marched towards Straus∣bourg, before the which he caused his army to passe ouer the riuer of Rhine; and hee * 1.63 him-selfe with a small traine entred into the Towne, the which hee had neuer seene, where hee was honourably and louingly receiued by the Senat. In the euening hee tooke the way of haguenau, and lay that night in the next village. Where as the army [ D] made an infinite spoile in few daies: whereof the Senat made their complaints vnto the Duke of Alua Lieutenant of the army, but it auaild them nothing. In the meane time the French fortified Metz and Nancy, vnder the commāde of the Duke of Guise drawing in all the corne and forrage of the Country: Iohn Marquis of Brandebourg, Alphonso Duke of Holsteyn, brother to the King of Denmarke, and Philibert Prince of Piedmont were in the Emperors armie. Those that were banished out of Germany * 1.64 by the Emperor refused the conditions of peace and remained in France. The Duchesse of Lorraine the Emperors Neece, beeing chased out of Lorraine by the French King, conferred with her vncle neere vnto Strasbourg, and then retired into the Netherlands. [ E]

The Emperor parting from Haguenau came to Metz, where hee planted his siege, the two twenty day of October. Many Councellors of the law and Bourgeses departed * 1.65 with leaue of the French, whereof some retired into Lorraine, and others to Stras∣bourg. * 1.66 The twenty eight of August those of the Towne of Brussels, and of the seauen villages neerest about it, made a muster in armes without the Towne, on a goodly great plaine, vppon the way by Elsene vnder six Captaines of three diuers quarters, from thence they marched in Battel vnto the Towne, entring by the port of Cou∣wenbourg, with thirteene field peeces in the midst of them, with their Gunners and Pioners: passing before the Court, they were viewed by the Queene of Hongary Gouernesse of the Netherlands, beeing aboue seauen thousand choise men (for if [ F] they had mustred all that could haue borne armes vnder sixty and eighteene they should haue found aboue twenty thousand) it was a kinde of a petty Camp, the which the Queene had caused to bee made to see what men shee might gather together

to defend the towne of Brussels, if happily (the which she feared) the French should [ A] enter through Henault into Brabant. Albert of Brandebourg was then vpon the frontires of Lorraine with fiftye companies of foote, and great troopes of horse, neere vnto Mussipont. And for that hee had some difference with the French King, * 1.67 touching the entertainement for his seruice, both for that which was past, and that which was to come, hee was by the meanes of some reconciled to the Emperor, who forgaue him all his faults, forbidding any to call him into question, for the warres past. The which being vnderstood by the French, the Earle of Aumale brother to the Duke of Guise, (whom the King had sent into Lorraine with great troupes of horse,) hauing by secret practises debauched and with-drawne the regiment of Ryf∣•…•…enberg, and thinking to beate Albert, was himselfe beaten, wounded, and taken pri∣soner, [ B] the which happened the fourth of Nouember. After this victorie the Marquis Albert came to the Emperors campe before Metz, with Aumale his prisoner, and camped vpon Mosella, then hauing caused his prisoner to bee drest, hee sent him into Germany to be well garded.

The Emperor came from Thionuille to his campe before Metz t•…•…e twenty of No∣uember, then they battered the towne furiously with forty Canons, the report where∣of * 1.68 was heard eighteene leagues off. The besieged made many gallant sallies, especially vpon Albert of Brandenbourgs Campe, whome they hated most: and once among the rest, when as the Earles of Egmont, Aremberg, and other Noblemen of the Netherlands were at supper with him, in the which Lichtenberg his Lieutenant was [ C] very sore wounded. The Princes and greatest Noblemen carried earth to repaire * 1.69 their breaches, so as the besiegers were no lesse amazed to see their diligence a•…•…d labour, then their valour. The Winter was very sharpe and full of Snowe: and al∣though the Emperor had a goodly Armie, yet hee neuer gaue any assault, but busi∣ed himselfe onely about vndermining of the towne, wherein hee preuailed little, both by reason of the bad and vnseasonable wether which did hinder them, as also for that the besieged were aduertised thereof, and did countermine. The Towne was valiantly defended by choise Captaines, Princes, and others of great houses, and all vnder the command of the Duke of Guise.

The Emperor seeing his armie ouer-toyled, and to disband and diminish dayly, through hunger, colde, nakednesse, and want of all things: some Italians retiring into [ D] the Towne to the Duke of Guise, being prest by necessitie, about the end of De∣cember * 1.70 hee retired his Canon, resoluing to make an honourable retreate, wherein he•…•… imployed Cont Egmont to discouer and assure the wayes: and the first of Ianuary the Emperor came to Thionuille▪ leauing all the charge to dispose of the retreate of * 1.71 the Armie, vnto the Duke of Alua his Lieutenant▪ the which he performed with great dishonor and shame, for so great a Captaine as hee would seeme to bee. Making the sayd retreate with the Earle of Aremberg; their reere-ward was charged by the Vi∣dame of Chartres; who defeated a Cornet of light horse, burnt a good quantitie of poulder, and tooke more prisoners then hee desired, so weake and languishing were [ E] the poore souldiers, as they could not make any defence. Then was it generally spo∣ken, that the Duke of Alua had beene the cause, why the Emperor had not taken Metz, for that hee would neuer hazard his Spaniards to giue a generall assault, not∣withstanding that there were a sufficient breach made; whereat they could not haue lost so many men, as there dyed afterwards through colde, plague, and pouertie: for which cause the Emperour was forced with shame to raise his Campe, hauing lost so many men, spent so much money, and blemished so much his reputation and credit.

The Emperor hauing stayed some time at Thionuille, arriued the sixt of February at Brussells. Many would not beleeue that hee was yet liuing; wherefore hee was [ F] wonderfully welcome, and very honourably and gratiously receiued, especially by * 1.72 his two Sisters, the Queenes of France and Hongary. The people in generall were wonderfull ioyfull of his comming, euerie one desiring to see him often, for that

they could scarce beleeue that he was yet lyuing, hee was growne so pale and leane with continuall sicknesse. There was a subsedie graunted him by the States [ A] of sixe hundred thousand florins, during his aboade in the sayd towne there fell out a great tumult betwixt the Spaniards and the Watermen, in the which there were two Spaniards slaine: two daies after they beganne againe, where there was a maker * 1.73 of Tapistrie slaine. Wherevpon the Officer of the towne tooke foure Spaniardes prisoners. The Magistrates complained vnto Prince Phillip the Emperors sonne of the disorder of the Spaniards, falling ten or twelue vpon one man to kill him, the Prince gaue them leaue to apprehend them and to doe Iustice. And whereas one of the chiefe Authors was fled into Saint Nicholas Church, they went and appre∣hended him in the Quier neere to the great Altar. The Spaniards did runne the∣ther in armes, meaning to rescue him▪ among the which there were some of their com∣manders [ B] that would haue insulted ouer the Iustice: but the Seignior of Molembais arriued with his halbardiers, who made them retire, for otherwise it had gone hard, with them. If they had not supprest their Insolencie in this manner, no Burgeses of Brusselles nor any one borne in the countrie, durst to haue walked in the streetes, if they had not beene the stronger, and there had beene continually great fighting with them: but the Spaniards doe so much feare la Horca, that is the gallowes, as this commandement restrained them.

In the •…•…end of the Spring, the Lord of Bignicourt, of the house of Montmorency, by the Emperors commandement did inuest Teroane, lying in the midest of Arthois: * 1.74 for the defence whereof the French King sent the Lords of Esse and Montmorency, [ C] with their companies of men at armes and many other Noblemen, and Gentlemen. Adrien of Croy Earle of Roeux lord Steward of the Emperours house, was generall of the army, the towne was furiously battered and they endured 3. charges at an assault, where there was great losse on eyther side, but of the French there were diuers of ac∣count slaine. In the end by sappe they ouerthrew a Bulwarke, which filled vp the ditch: which the Lord of Montmorency and the rest of the captaines seeing, demanded to ca∣pitulate. But whilest they parled with Count Bossu, who succeeded the Earle of Roeux, beeing dead during the siege, the Germaines and Bourguignons gaue a furious assault on an other side, and carried it by force, killing all they incountred. Onely the Spa∣niardes (who loue money) saued the liues of many Gentlemen to haue their ransomes. [ D] The most cruell and pittilesse were the Germaines and Landtfknechts reuenge; that during the siege they had set a sheepe to feede vpon the rampart, who as his kinde is, fell a bleating, Met, Met, putting the Emperours men in minde of Metz; where they had lost so many. The Lord of Montmorency being wounded was taken prisoner, with the Lords of Attigny, Loches, Varennes, Fauernon, Montenay, la Barre and many o∣thers, who beeing put in a safe place, the towne was all fiered and blowne vp with powlder: so as in the end it was quite raized and ouerthrowne, nothing remay∣ning but one suburbe of the Iurisdiction of Arthois, the circuit of the ground where the towne stood belonging to the Bishoppe of Bologne, the which hee farmes out for pasture. [ E]

Albert Marquis of Brandenbourg continued warre still against the Bishops, hauing * 1.75 spoyled the lands of Henry duke of Brunswick, hee went into the territory of Minde. Duke Maurice fearing that he would march into the country of Hessen to assayle Fran∣conia againe, he went from Northuse to Emb•…•… to be before him, and hauing gathered togither his troupes, he sent to defie him by a gentleman, wherof followed a most gr•…•…∣uous and bloudie battaile. Both armies beeing neere vnto Saxony, the ninth of Iuly, Albert hauing past the riuer of Wexen, they ioyned Battaile with all their forces, and great fury and choller of eyther side: there was a bloudie fight which continued many houres, in the which duke Maurice who was the stronger in horse, had the victorie but it cost him his life, for hee was shot through the bodie, whereof [ F] hee died two daies after. Albert saued himselfe in Honobrie, there were about foure thousand men slaine vpon the place, most of them horsemen, with a great

number of prisoners, Henry of Brunswick lost two Sonnes Charles and Phillip, Duke [ A] Maurice was not then much aboue 32. yeares old. He died without any sonnes, leauing two onely daughters. Duke Augustus his brother succeeded him in all his estates and electorall dignity.

The Prince of Piedmont Generall of the Emperors army in the place of the Earle of Roeux went after the ruine of Teroane to beseege Hesdin, whether the French King had sent a good number of his cheefe commanders: as the duke of Bouillon Gouernor * 1.76 of Normandy and Mareshall of France, Duke Horatio Farneze, the Earle of Villars, the marquis of Nesle, the Viscontes of Turene and Martigues, the Lord of Reoux and many other Gentlemen and Captaines which had beene beseeged within Mets, and, two thousand soldiars horse and foote. The towne was furiously battered and [ B] in the end taken by assault, where all the said French Noblemen were taken prisoners except Duke Horatio, who was carried away with a Cannon, and some gentlemen about him. The towne was raized like to Teroane: The French King assembling his Army about Amiens and Picqueny, the nineteene of August some Noblemen of the Netherlands, among others were the Prince of Espynoy, the Duke of Arschot, the Earle of Egmont, the Earle of Bossu and others made a roade into Picardy to disco∣uer * 1.77 the Kings campe, without anyfootemen, but only their bands of ordinance, ad∣uancing vntill they came before Amiens, vnto the forward of the French, who hauing intelligence of their comming, layd an Ambuscado of foote, and char∣ged them with their horse, who making their retreat, still fighting for the space [ C] of a League, the Prince of Espynoy was slaine and the Duke of Arscot taken pri∣soner, and the rest put to flight, with the losse of about sixe hundred men and aboue three hundred prisoners. This defeat was called the Incounter of Talma, The Prince * 1.78 of Espynoy was carried to Bethune and intered in the Gloister of the Anonciadoe, founded by the house of Melun of the which he was. The Duke of Arschot being prisoner in the Castell of Bois de Vincennes, escaped with the helpe of a poore Preest, and a couerer of slate, by the vent or socket of a priuy, without paying any ransome.

The Magistrate of Brusselles made a stately banket to the Emperor and the two Queene•…•… of France and Hongary his two Sisters, whether were inuited Cardinal Poole an English man, and the Cardinall of Bourgos a Spaniard, the Prince of Piedmont, and [ D] many other Princes; marching to the state house where the Banket was prepared, there fell great contention for the precedence and place of honor betwixt the Ambassadors of England and Portugall, either of them striuing for the place, the which grew almost to a tumult, which Queene Mary the Gouernesse espying, being come into the great Market shee commanded them both to retyer, and soe neither of them was at the banket.

In the Spring the French King made three Armies against the Emperor, the first in Vermandois vnder the Prince of la Roch sur yone. The second towards Crecy led * 1.79 by the Constable, and the third was commanded by the Duke of Neuers. The first [ E] Army entred into Arthois, spoyling and burning without all mercy. The Duke of * 1.80 Neuers army entred the Ardennes, tooke the Castel of Orchimont, by composition & burnt a great number of Villages, and forced the garrison of the Castell of Fontaines to yeeld vpon composition: then he entred into the Country of Liege, hauing ope∣ned and assured the passage of the riuer of Meuze, by the taking of strong places and forts along the riuer of either side. The Constables army beseeged Mariembourg, the which was yeelded and he fortefied it with the Towne of Rocroy: comming out of the Ardennes those of Dinant, were somoned to declare if they wold not perseuer in neu∣trality: whervnto they made a proud answer, shooting at the Duke of Neuers herald and trompet who tooke the Castell of Agimont and the towne of Bouuines by force, [ F] where almost all the Inhabitants were slaine or executed, for that they would defend a pal•…•…rie weake place against a royall armie. Dynant after some resistance yeelded; the Inhabitants had their lyues saued, the towne was not burnt like vnto Bouuines▪ but wholy spoyled: there was a cruell Combate of the French against the Germaines,

who would haue rauished certaine women and maides taken in a Church, the [ A] which the King did pacefie; The Castells was yeelded some fewe dayes after by composition.

During these executions in the Countries of Liege, Namur and Henault; the Prince of Roch-Sur-Yone, defeated two companies of Bourguignion horse in * 1.81 Arthois, and sent the Cornets vnto the King, who hearing that the Prince of P•…•…ed∣mont gathered together his army, with a resolution to fight if the French did ad∣uance; Hee past the riuer of Sambre, beeing followed by the Duke of Neuers, and entring into the Country of Henault, hee spoiled, wasted and burnt all where he came, some troops ranne to the ports of Niuelle, which is the first Towne of Bra∣bant, where they sette them on fire, and burnt all the villages round about, car∣rying [ B] away great spoiles. The army marched afterwards to Bins a Towne in He∣nault, leauing behinde it nothing but fier, smoake, ashes and miserie in the Coun∣try. The French beeing camped beefore Bins, kindled greater fiers then before, burning all the Castells and houses of pleasure in the Country. The stately house of Mariemont belonging to the Queene of Hongary was not forgotten. Bins beeing assailed the two and twentith of Iuly, was yeelded to the Kings mercy the which * 1.82 hee caused to bee burnt in reuenge of the ruine of Folambray, and of the Townes and villages of Picardie, which the Emperors army burnt. They also fired Ba•…•…ais and the Castell of Roeux. The army parting from thence, went and lay betwixt Mons in Henault, Landrecy, Auesmes, Quesnoy, and Valenciennes and Cam∣bray: The Prince of Piedmont did all hee could to haue his reuenge of so great a [ C] losse; But hee could not effect any thing, the French King beeing so strong and so well ledde: Who in the end went and planted their Campe before the Castell of Renty▪ in the midst of Arthois; The which hee batterd furiously day and night with∣out cease, hauing discharged eight thousand Canon shot.

Those within it (whereof the Seignior of Brias was Gouernor) answered them with the like; The King hauing battred downe almost all the Towers, caused them to bee summoned to yeeld, but they made no answer but with their shotte. The Emperor had sent to them to bee of good courage; and to hold out but three daies longer, * 1.83 within the which time hee would come in person to releeue them and to raise the siege: Wherein hee failed not, for comming with his army which was very faire [ D] and great, hee camped within a quarter of a League of the French, to see if hee might draw them to fight: But they kept them-selues quiet, and fortified more within their trenches: The two armies lying thus neere together, and prouoking one an other by diuers skirmishes, the French knowing that a gentle retreat, would be more safe for them, before the passage were stopt, they departed secretly in the night, without sound of any Trumpet or Drumme, leauing their chiefest Artillery behinde them.

The Emperour hearing of their flight pursued them with his Light horsmen, and charged their reer-ward, beating them euen vnto the gates of Monstreuill; whereas * 1.84 they saued them-selues. Then the Emperour entred into Renty and thanked the [ E] Gouernor, Captaines and soldiars that had so valiantly defended the place: for hee saw well in what danger they had beene through the furious battery of the ennemy. There were siue companies in the place; the Emperor made the fiue Captaines Kinghts, giuing vnto the soldiars (as hee had promised them) three monethes pay extraordinary, and all they that were banished, or charged with murthers or other crymes, had their pardons. The Emperor hauing the yeare before razed the Towne and Castell of Hesdin, hauing obserued a place fitte to bee fortified a League from thence, more towards France; hee resolued to build a new fort and a Towne there, and for that he would not be hindred in the xecution of this enterprise he entertained his armie, the the which in Nouember burnt all the country about Amiens, so as all the burthen of [ F] the warre fell vppon the poore Country-men. After that hee retayned but two re∣giments, dismissing the rest of his Armie, and so he parted from Arras to come to

Brusselles. And in the end of October hee caused King Philip his Sonne to bee put [ A] in possession of the duchie of Milan by deputies, the accustomed ceremonies therein obserued.

This yeare in August was a furious fight at sea, betwixt two and twenty Merchants ships of Holland, Zeeland and Westfriseland, which came out of Spaine, laden with * 1.85 sundry sorts of Merchandise, and nineteene French ships of warre and sixe carauells, appointed with Artillery, souldiars and marriners for the purpose, which attended for them, and seeing them come vpon the coast of England, neere Douer, they be∣gan to assaile them, and the others to defend themselues. The French who were better manned, made hast to boord them, to auoide the furie of the Hollanders Or∣dinance: and in the ende they grapeled, fifteene French shippes to fifteene others, thinking to vanquish them by force and the numbers of their men; but those Hollan∣ders [ B] shippes that were free, shot continually at the French. There was a fearefull fight, for though the Dutch had fewer men, yet their shippes were greater and higher, and they knewe better howe to handle their Ordinance. The fight continu∣ed so long, that the French growing weary, demaunded a truce, but the noyse, cryes, and thunder of the O•…•…dinance and small shot, was so great as they could not bee heard, and therefore they aduised for their surest remedie, (thinking that the Hol∣landers would let them goe) to set fire of their owne sayles, but the euent was not so as they looked for or expected. But as these shippes could not so easilie vngraple themselues, and the winde dryuing the fire from the sayles to the ships, they fell all on fire, so as they were forced to leaue the fight to quench the fire. But some were fie∣red [ C] in such sort, as there was no meanes to saue them, the men casting them selues in∣to the sea to auoyde the flames, without respect to what shippes they went, were they friendes or enemies, seeking onelie to saue themselues in the first shippe they could get into, which proued a strange victory vnto the French; for there were so manie Frenchmen got into the Hollanders shippes before they perceiued it, as after some small fight, they mastred them and tooke both men and shippes. The end of this furious battaile (which had lasted sixe houres) was, there were sixe French shippes, burnt, and one sunke; and of the Hollanders and others sixe were burnt and fiue were taken by the French, with manie prisoners. The number of the dead was different, for the French lost aboue a thousand men and the others about three [ D] thousand men.

The seauenth of May Anthony Perronet Bishop of Arras was sent by the the Em∣peror to Graueling to conferre about a treatie of peace with the French King. They * 1.86 met on both sides in a great plaine betwixt Ardres, Calais and Graueling, vnder pa∣uilions, * 1.87 where there was a great circuit compassed in with cloath, in the which they assembled. The deputies had about it, euery one his quarter apart, and the English Cardinall assisted as mediator or vmpier betwixt them. The demandes of either side were so excessiue, as they could not agree; and so the assemblie proued fruite∣lesse. The ninth of the same month newes came to the Emperor of the death of the Lady Iane, Queene of Castille, his mother, at whose funeralls (which should bee made [ E] at Brusselles) King Philip would bee present, and therefore they were deferred vntill * 1.88 his comming. On Whitsonday died that great captaine Martin van Rossen Seignior of Puydroyen, who in his life time had serued many maisters: the duke Charles of Geldres, William duke of Cleues, the French King and the Emperor. The fifteene of Iuly the French passing the fronters, came to victuall, Mariembourg, without any cartes, but with horses laden onelie: and at their returne thinking to surprize all the souldiars that were in the new fort, whereof William of Nassau Prince of Orange was Generall, beeing discouered, there was a very hot skirmish, the which continued from noone vntill night, wherein there died many on eyther side. [ F]

A while after the Seignior of Aussimont Gouernor of Bapaulmes (the terror of the French) hearing that some garrisons of Picardie, ioyned with fifteene hundred horse of the Arrierban of France which they call the companies of the Nobles, and foure hundred foote, did roade vp and downe the countrie of Arthois, hauing spoyled

the suburbes of Lilliers and the burrow of Saint Venant, he went and charged them in [ A] their returne, being Laden with spoyles and hauing defeated them in an instant, made them abandon their pray, la Iaille their leader was hurt and a boue fiue hundred taken prisoners with him, some escaped, and the rest were slaine vpon the place where of the Arthesiens made a Iest saying. That the Bourguognons tooke the Nobles of France with∣out waying them; where-vpon it was called the Incounter of the Nobles. The eight of September King Phillip came after his marriage with Queene Mary, out of England to Brusselles, accompanied with Emanuell Philibert Duke of Sauoy and fower or fiue English Noblemen, Knights of the garter, and the sixteen of the said moneth the funeralles of the Emperors Mother were celebrated with great pompe and state. In October there was order giuen by the Emperor and Gouernesse, vpon the complaint of the Bourgéses of Brusselles, to the Alcaide Captain of the Court; to the steuard [ B] of the houshould, to the Amptman and to the Magistrate of Brusselles to deuise some meanes to discharge the great and excessiue debts which the Spaniards, as well Cour∣tiars as soldiars did owe throughout all the towne of Brusselles, as well to Inkeepers as to Marchants, to the end their might bee no tumult at their retreat seeing that the Bourgeses stood in some feare that they would goe away without paying them, where∣by some should bee much impourished, and others vtterly ruined, and therefore they must preuent an imminent danger before it falles. About the end of October, the Emperor sent his letters to the States and townes of the Netherlands, to assem∣ble * 1.89 in the towne of Brusselles and there to heare matters that should bee propounded vnto them in his behalfe: to which end there came into the saide towne, many gen∣tlemen, [ C] Prelats, deputies and orators of townes to be at the assembly which should bee the twenty fiue of Nouember. At what time there came to court Maximilian King of Bohemia, Sonne to King Ferdinand, and William Duke of Cleues his brother in law: to whome the Emperor before his departure gaue three goodly horses out of his Quiry.

The two and twenty of Nouember in the after noone the Emperor had sent for * 1.90 all the Knights of the Order of the goulden fleece, to come to Court, in whose pre∣sence,

hauing King Phillip his Sonne by him hee pulled the Coller of the said order of the fleece from his owne necke, and put it about the King his Sonnes, saying. See my Sonne I doe now make you head and soueraigne of the Noble order of the golden [ D] fleece: keepe it and maintaine it in the like dignity and honor that I, my father and all my Prodecessors haue kept and maintained it. GOD giue you the grace withall hap∣pinesse and increase, the which hee spake with teares in his eyes. Then turning to all the Knights of the order, hee said; Princepe hijo. Prince my Sonne, doe you see all * 1.91 these Noblemen here present. These are the cheefe and most faithfull seruants that I haue had, which haue beene the proppe and support of mine Empire, and by them haue I vanquished and ouergone so many perrilles and dangers, for which respect I haue alwaies loued them entierly, If you doe the like I assuer my selfe they will carry you the like affection and obedience, and will neuer abandon you at any need. But if you intreat them otherwise, they wil be the cause of the losse and ruine of your estate [ E] wherefore loue and honor them.

This was done in the great Hall of the Pallace at Brusselles which was furnished and hanged with ancient Tapistrie of the house of Bourgongne, conteyning the Institution of the order of the golden fleece, made in silke, gold and siluer, the which the Netherlands had in former times giuen vnto the Duke of Bourgongne. At the end of the Hall was a rich royall throne, with a low chaier with a backe and a cuission of cloth of gold where the Emperor was set and a skreene behind him before the fire. The 25. of that month, being the day of the Assig∣nation, all the deputies of the states and townes of the Netherlands came to Court * 1.92 euery one armed withful power & authority as they had bin commanded to appeere, except they of the towne of Louuaine, who answered that they were not bound to go [ F] to any place, to receiue and giue possession to a Duke of Brabant, but that according to their ancient preuiledges, (which they had held aboue 500. yeares,) the future duke must first come to the towne of Louuaine and there take his oth, then be receued there

which priuiledge they would mainteine should bee entertained and kept. Notwith∣standing [ A] after many perswasions they appeared with the rest vpon protestation, and preseruation of their rights. The States, that is to say, the Dukes, Princes, Earles, Barons, Nobles, Prelates, and Deputies of Townes, being assembled in the said great * 1.93 hall of the Pallace; the Queene caused all Spaniards, as well Officers as others, of what qualitie soeuer, to depart, so as there remained not any one, but those that had to doe, and were called to this sollemne Acte. The Emperor leaning vpon the prince of Oran∣ges shoulder, king Philip going on the side of him, all the Princes of the order marching before him. Being set downe in his seat, King Philip did sit on his right hand, foure or fiue foote behinde him, and Queene Mary the Gouernesse on the left hand: then did the Princes, Noblemen, Prelates, and other deputies of States sit downe, euery one [ B] according to his degree. First they of Brabant, & so all the rest, euery one in his ranke. This done, the first vsher of his Maiesties councell, called all the States one by one in order, whom hee demanded if they had sufficient procurations, where-vnto was an∣swered by the councellors or •…•…rators of euery one with a lowd voice, and a great reue∣rence, that I. Where-vpon Philibert of Brussels, Orator to the Emperor, made a long * 1.94 oration in the French tongue, in the name of his Imperiall Maiesty, as followeth.

My Maisters, besides that the Emperor our Soueraigne Lord and gracious Prince, hath by his letters sent for you this day, whereby you may partly gesse, to what end this assembly doth tend: yet his Imperiall maiesty hath cōmanded me to say vnto you; That hauing had the charge and gouernment of these countries many yeares, the which fell [ C] vnto him by inheritance in his tender age: since which time he hath constantly perse∣uered to maintaine the publick quiet as much as he could possibly. Towards whom he hath made many painfull and dangerous voyages, abandoning his other countries and realmes. And as well absent as present, hath alwaies endeuored and beene carefull to haue you gouerned in all good order and iustice, entertainment of your rights and pri∣uiledges, and all other things wher-vnto a good and louing prince is bound, according vnto the fatherly affection which he hath alwaies shewed you, the which he did inhe∣rit with the p•…•…trimonie of his predecessors, following therein the path which they had made him, in the loue and affection which you haue alwaies borne him, the which hee hath made manifest by so many toiles and labours, to ente•…•…taine you still in your duties, [ D] that he hath not spared the hazard of his owne person; the which hee holds well im∣ploid, hauing done it for such faithfull, dutifull, a•…•…d obedient subiects, as hee knoweth you to be; wherein he would desire to continue the remainder of his life, if he could possibly any longer beare the toiles and troubles which he hath past. And although his heart and will be still good, yet age and the weaknesse of his person, (broken with fore∣passed toiles) exceeds and maisters his good desires. By reason whereof; & considering the estate wherevnto you see his person now reduced, hee is resolued to abandon this burthen, and seeking some rest, to commit another in his place that may continue as he hath begone. And as it is now twelue yeares past, that his realmes of Spaine haue not seene him, and that they haue greatly desired his comming; whom he could not as yet [ E] so much gratifie as to visit them; that now hee desired to settle his affaires, and to pro∣uide for his health, the which begins greatly to decay by reason of this cold climate, the ayre of Spaine being much more agreeable and healthfull for him: and therefore hee is resolued (with the helpe of GOD) to passe this next Winter into these coun∣tries, as well as he may. And to substitute his deere sonne his onely heire, and your Lord and lawfull Prince: for that in truth it would trouble him much, that after his retreate & in his absence (by reason of the tediousnesse of the way, and length of time spent in occurrents, to receiue aduises and commandements from Spaine) these coun∣tries for want of preuoyance, should fall into some bad inconuenience. One thing there is that comforts him in this his departure from you: That hee leaues you vnder [ F] the gouernment of the King our Lord here present, his onely sonne and naturall heire, whom you haue accepted, and also giuen your oth, who is of ripe yeares, and allied the second time vnto the Queene of England (the which is an alliance very profitable for these countries) besides that hee hath long had the gouernment of many realmes and

prouinces: wherefore he is the more capable of this charge, with the good helpe, counsell, [ A] and support of you my masters, his faithfull vassals and subiects, who may supply the place of his imperiall Maiestie, giuing thankes vnto God, who hath giuen him meanes so to prouide, and to preuent the inconueniences, which might otherwise haue happened to one that had beene young of yeares, and not capable of so great a gouernment; knowing the king not onely sufficient, but also endued with a desire and affection to maintaine you, and to employ himselfe for the good of these countries, whom hee hath resolued to inuest in all his prouin∣ces and realmes, one after another, as he hath, not long since, begun, that by little and little he may inure himselfe to bea•…•…e this burthen; the which he shall doe more easily; than if at one instant so great a cha•…•…ge should fall vpon him, before that he had beene acquainted with it. According to this d•…•…rmination, his imperiall Maiestie trusting, that for these reasons you [ B] will like thereof, and that for the loue of him, you will willingly accept in his place the King, our Lord and Prince; his Maiestie doth now with ioy giue ouer these countries, resigning them generally into the hands of the king his sonne: leauing vnto him from this day forward the full and absolute possession thereof, as hereafter by his death should lawfully fall vnto him by succession, to administer, rule, and gouerne, as his owne proper and patrimoniall inheri∣tance; entreating you •…•…arnestly to receiue him willingly and cheerefully. And according thereunto, he doth quit, free, and absolue you of your oath of fealtie and homage, which heretofore you haue made vnto his imperiall Maiestie, that you may take the same vnto the king at the reception of your estates and offices, holding him hereafter for your prince and so∣ueraigne lord. His imperiall Maiestie doth also entreat you most louingly to take in good part [ C] the loue and affection, which by the effects he hath shewed you, hauing omitted no trauell nor care, belonging to his dutie, with the good aduice and assistance of those that haue beene seruiceable vnto him, and namely of my lady the queene his sister, who hath employed all her studie and paines therein, and vnder-gone many a long and painfull iourney, being sorry that he could not assist them as he desired; confessing, that hee hath had good and loyall subiects, who for their parts haue giuen him all faithfull assistance, and dutifull obedience. His im∣periall Maiestie doth also thanke you for the succours which you haue giuen him in all his great and weightie affaires, as with your good counsels and meanes, hauing supplyed him at sundry times with many and great summes of money: the which with those of his other Prouinces and Realmes (which haue beene very great) you know haue beene employed [ D] for the good and preseruation of these countries: being exceeding sorry, that after so great toyle, trauell, and charge, hee hath not the meanes to free you from this warre: neyther are you ignorant of his endeauors therein, wherewith the queene his sister hath acquainted you in the last assembly, and what hath past at the ouertures of peace, and vpon what tearmes the French were resolued: notwithstanding, he hopeth, that God (who is a iust and righteous Iudge) will one day giue him meanes to bring them vnto reason: And that the king our prince will seeke all meanes to defend and maintaine you: hoping, that you will al•…•…o ay de him, as you haue euer done his imperiall Maiestie vnto this day: seeing that all tendeth to your preseruation, to repell the danger, and to repaire the mischiefe which warre may breed. His imperiall Maiestie entreateth you, that you will shew your selues somewhat [ E] bountifull in your owne affaires and need: as for him, he will giue him meanes to entertaine him honestly in his estate, and to be able to arme against his enemies, how great and migh∣tie soeuer they be: by whom (through want of succour and helpe) you may fall into great disasters, the which by your good assistance may be auoided, hee helping you therein all that he can. Moreouer, his Maiestie cannot otherwise doe, but before his departure, for your owne good and honour, admonish and recommend the holy seruice of God vnto you, vnder the obedience and reuerence due to our Mother, the holy Church; and to keepe and entertaine inuiolably the Edicts thereupon made by his imperiall Maiestie: it is the point which he doth commaund and especially recommend vnto the king, that hee may haue an especiall regard and care thereon: whereunto bee you also the more enclined, by [ F] the example of others that haue made the way: to the end, that doing your best endea∣uours towards him, he may striue to doe you good, and deliuer you from the oppression of your enemies. That you also beare all honor and reuerence vnto Iustice, that for want thereof

humane societie and the common profit be not lost; but that thereby you may liue in peace [ G] and concord, with a carefull regard, that the countries be no otherwise seperated nor diuided, than the members from the body, euery one helping and succouring one another, according to his office and function: by which vnion, not only the enemie shall be kept from annoying you, but you shall liue together ioyfully in rest & tranquilitie; experience hauing taught how well these countries could defend themselues vnto this day against all them that would offer them violence. Finally, he recommends vnto you the honor, respect, reuerence and obedience which you owe vnto the king our soueraigne prince, and so to carry your selues towards him as you haue done hitherto to his imperiall Maiestie, his affection to you being as sincere as can be desired, giuing him occasion to continue so still, and that he may bee a mild and gentle prince to you, seeing that in viewing his life past, we may iudge of his inclination; to whom [ H] God giue his grace, and fortifie him, for the encrease of his estate, and your defence and pre∣seruation.

This speech being ended, the Emperor began to speake, as if he would confirme that which the Orator of Brussels had said: whereupon the king rose, & stood neere his father (who spake French) the better to vnderstand what he would verbally declare.

The Emperor then said, That he had forty yeares since in the same place been emancipated * 1.95 by the Emperour Maximilian his grandfather, and put in possession of those countries:

since which time, he had run through many fortunes, and endured great trauell, as well in Spaine, to embrace the affaires of queene Iane his mother, and the gouernment of her kingdomes, as of other Estates: and as the said Emperor Maximilian died soone after, foreseeing the dissenti∣on [ I] that might ensue, if the Empire should fall into some rigorous strangers hand, desiting the quiet and prosperitie of those countries, he procured the imperiall dignitie, whereunto by the grace of God he attained. He shewed also how many troublesome, long, painefull, and dan∣gerous voiages he had made, in passing and repassing the sea, as well into Spaine as into Italy, to the great perill of his person; and namely in the voyages of Barbarie, to Tunis and Alger. He shewed also into what danger he had willingly thrust himselfe, passing through Fraunce, to preuent the inconueniences and troubles that were like to grow in the Netherlands; the which he had alwayes in singular recommendation. And as they had alwayes beene to him, and he had found them his good subiects, seruants, and faithfull vassals: so he entreated them to be the like vnto his sonne, into whose hands (considering his age and weakenesse) hee re∣signed [ K] all those countries. In speaking those words, hee shewed such passion, as that sighes

interrupted his speech, the teares trickling downe his cheekes, the which were accompani∣ed with the like by some others:

then hauing a little taken breath, hee tooke his spectacles, and looking vpon a little remembrance which hee had in his hand, hee said: That his sight and memorie were not so good as they had beene, and that he felt himselfe to decline and to grow weake hourely, vnable to endure the trauell that was requisite for the preseruation of the countrey, and of them all; the which did moue him chiefely to returne into Spaine, and not to prolong his life; the which he referred into the hands of God. In the end, he entrea∣ted them to continue in the Christian Religion, as they had done vntill then, and likewise to obserue Iustice, remaining friends, and vnited together: Whereunto God the Father, the [ L] Sonne and the holy Ghost giue you his grace.

These words of the Emperor did moue the hearts of many noblemen, which loued him; who seeing him in this anguish of mind, tooke pitie of him, that being so mighty a Monarch, hee could not shew the sincere affection which hee bare vnto his subiects, but by effusion of teares. After these words, king Philip went to his seat, and sat him downe. Then stood vp do∣ctor Mars, an eloquent Orator of the towne of Antuerpe, chosen to that end by the deputies of the States; who hauing made a great reuerence to the Emperor, King, and both Queenes, he made answer in the name of them all to the speech which the Counsellor of Brussels had made in the Emperors name, and to that which his imperiall Maiestie had deliuered with his owne mouth, saying as followeth: [ M]

Most mightie Emperour, we know that your imperiall Maiesty hath so many yeares ruled * 1.96 and gouerned this Estate carefully and religiously, with the great and infinite toyles which your imperiall Maiesty hath endured in many accidents, as well in the countries & realmes of

your obedience, as others, as by your Orator and your owne discourse hath beene related: [ A] and how great, weightie, and vrgent affaires your Maiestie hath had in what place soeuer, yet the loue and fatherly affection which you haue alwaies borne to these your countries of inhe∣ritance, and to the subiects thereof, hath beene such, as you haue neuer failed to giue them suc∣cours and comfort in time and season: the which duly and exactly considered, we find, that your Maiesty is wel and wisely aduised, as proceeding from a good zeale and affection to that you haue now propounded. Wherefore the nobles, prelates, and deputies of the towne here present, representing all the States in generall of these Netherlands (although it bee a sword which wounds them vnto the heart, to heare of your Maiesties departure, yet desiring to con∣forme themselues in all things to your good will and pleasure) doe first humbly and heartely thanke your imperiall Maiestie for the great honour, bounty, succours, and defence, which by [ B] the approued rule and gouernment of your imperiall Maiestie they haue heretofore felt and tasted, euery one being ready by the vertue and full power giuen him by his commission, to consent irreuocably and with all obedience to the said cession, transport, or resignation made by your imperiall Maiestie, in such forme and manner as by right is requisite, of all these Ne∣therlands, to the behoofe and profit of my lord the king here present, whom from henceforth we doe aduow and acknowledge as our naturall prince and lord, the lawfull sonne and onely heire of your imperiall Maiestie, being ready to renew the oth which heretofore in the yeare 1549 we made vnto him, with all other necessarie duties vsuall in the like case, giuing immor∣tall thankes vnto God for this great fauour which he hath done vnto your imperiall Maiestie and to vs, to haue giuen you such a sonne, the sole and only heire of so many kingdomes and prouinces, whilest you are yet in good health; whom wee receiue generally and cheerefully, [ C] acknowledging him for our prince and soueraigne lord of all these countries, giuing and sub∣mitting all our persons and goods vnder his royall protection, and fatherly care; promising to obey him in all equitie, and to bee seruiceable vnto him for euer: praying the Almightie God to maintaine him with all prosperity a long and a happy life, in the possession of so many kingdomes and seigniories; and to graunt vnto his imperiall Maiesty his holy, long, and per∣durable blessings, and after this life eternall rest: The which God the Father, the Sonne, and the holy Ghost graunt you. Amen.

The next day about nine of the clocke in the morning, the deputies of the dutchie of Bra∣bant * 1.97 were sent for, to come to Court: whereas king Philip before them of Antuerpe, Brus∣sels and Boisleduc, together with the small townes and botoughes, hauing the priuiledge of [ D] towns, made and renewed the oath which he had taken at his ioyfull entrie the eight of Iuly, in the yeare 1549, To keepe them, maintaine them, and preserue them in their ancient rights, priuiledges, and customes, without breaking them, or suffering them to be broken in any sort or manner. Whereupon the deputies of the three chiefe townes of the said dutchie of Bra∣bant, that is to say, Antuerpe, Brussels, and Boisleduc (seeing that Louaine would not appeare as we haue said but by protestation) did also take the oath of fealtie and homage vnto him, acknowledging him for their lord and duke of Brabant, with the solemnities and ceremo∣nies vsuall in the like case, wishing him much happinesse, encrease of his estates, and long life. [ E]

About that time ended the imperiall Diet held at Ausbourg, whereas king Ferdinand did * 1.98 preside in the Emperours name: in the which after long strife and debate, there was conclu∣ded, That neither the Emperour, king Ferdinand, nor the other princes and states should doe wrong to any of the Empire in what sort soeuer, by reason of the confession of Ausbourg; that from thence forwards they should not force by edicts or other meanes, the allies of this con∣fession to abandon their religion, but should suffer them to enioy it freely, with their goods, tributes, rights, and possessions, with many other priuiledges graunted in fauour of the religi∣on. Some moneths after, there were bruites giuen out of enterprises and practises made by the Pope and his adherents against the allies of the confession of Ausbourg. It was thought that the Pope was wonderfully discontented with this decree made at Ausbourg, by the which they did leaue the religion in peace and libertie, and that he did sollicite the Emperour [ F] to disanull it. Moreouer, vnder colour of going to the baths at Aix, the Archbishops and Ele∣ctors of Ments, Treues and Cologne met together, the which was not without some cause, but it proued nothing; and the Cardinall of Ausbourg published a writing, to excuse the em∣perour

and himselfe also, as if he had beene the conductor and manager of such practises: so [ G] Germanie began to breath after so many stormes, and the Emperor hauing (as we haue said) giuen ouer the affaires of the Netherlands, & of his realmes, to leaue them to the charge of his sonne king Philip, resigned also the Roman Empire into the Electors hands, by an embassage, hauing held it seuen and thirtie yeares.

The sixteenth of Ianuary 1556 were celebrated in Brussels the funerals of the king of Por∣tugals brother; and the next day king Philip, accompanied w•…•…th a great number of the nobili∣tie, * 1.99 departed from Brussels to goe to Antuerpe, to hold the feast and Chapter of the golden Fleece, whereof his father had lately made him chiefe.

King Philip following the counsell of his father, and sollicited by Mary queene of England his wife, enclined vnto peace: for the effecting whereof, after many iourneyes, a truce was * 1.100 made the fifteenth of February for fiue yeres. The earle of Lalain went to Blois to see the king [ H] sweare it, and the Admirall of Chastillon came to Brussels to the Emperour and king Philip to the same effect: but it could not last long; for both the one and the other had sought nothing but cauilling, as it appeared presently, the most cunning thinking to deceiue his companion 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whereupon the French (who are more stirring) began first, for that the Admirall of Fraunce thought by subtiltie to surprise Downy by Arthois: the which succeeding not, the warre con∣tinued as before, vntill that a peace was concluded by the mariage of king Philip and the duke of Sauoy, as we shall see hereafter.

After that the Emperour had resigned all his Netherlands vnto king Philip his sonne, and that he had setled a good order, and disposed of all his affaires in the Netherlands, being desi∣rous to free himselfe from all temporall cares, and to spend the remainder of his dayes in rest [ I] and quietnesse, applying himselfe wholly to the seruice of God, he resolued to retire himselfe with his two sisters, the lady Elenor, queene of Fraunce, and the lady Mary, queene of Hun∣garie, into Spaine: but before his departure he would also dispose of the affaires and state of the Empire, the which he would yeeld and resigne vnto his brother Ferdinand king of Ro∣manes: whereupon he writ his letters to the princes Electors, and to the States of the Em∣pire, as followeth:

Charles by the grace of God Emperour of Romanes, alwaies Augustus, king of Castile &c. * 1.101 To all Princes Electors of the holy Empire, Princes as well Ecclesiasticall as temporall, Pre∣lates, Earles, Barons, Knights, Nobles, Captaines, Prouosts, Iudges, Iustices, Bourgmasters, [ K] Bourgesses, Comminalties, and other subiects of the Empire, of what estate, qualitie, or con∣dition soeuer they be, to whom these letters shall come, health and peace: Most famous and most reuerent, our well beloued cosins, most noble, worthy, reuerent, and faithfull friends: being moued by many pregnant and iust reasons, especially finding our selues surcharged with the heauie burthen of old age, and with continuall infirmities, the which haue by little and little disabled vs, and depriued vs of all strength requisite for the managing of affaires: ha∣uing long since resolued to resigne all our realmes of Spaine, to the famous prince our sonne, king of England: hauing taken leaue of our court here, wee are readie to imbarke, attending onely the first prosperous wind, that it shall please God to send: By reason whereof, seeing that through my absence and departure, the rule and gouernement of the holy empire, doth [ L] of right belong vnto our deere and well beloued brother, Ferdinand king of Romanes, of Hungarie, and Bohemia, as our lawfull successour in the said qualitie of king of Romanes, the which gouernement he hath often many yeares since diligently deserued in our absence, sup∣porting the burthen with a brotherly loue and charitie, and discharging himselfe of this charge: To the end therefore, that the Christian commonweale, especially of the holy em∣pire, during out absence, should not fall into some daungerous inconuenience; and that the king of Romanes, our brother, may manage the affaires with greater authoritie, wee haue aduised and resolued, that hee in qualitie of king of Romanes, hath absolute and irreuo∣cable power, to treat, negotiat, and commaund, in all things that hee shall find requisit and necessarie, for the greatnesse, prosperitie, and increase of the empire, as absolutely, as wee our [ M] selues, being emperour of Romanes may doe. True it is, that we were resolued to assist in per∣son, at the imperiall diet at Ratisbone, there with your aduice to haue conducted the affairs of the empire, to some desired end, and to haue resigned the gouernment of the said empire, into the hands of the king of Romans, to haue substituted him in our place, & to haue recōmended

vnto you the honour, respect and obedience, which in this qualitie you should be bound vn∣to [ A] him: but our indisposition, apparent to all men, could not endure so long and tedious a iourney by land; and the rather, for that wee thought it conuenient to haue respect vnto the season of the yeare, fir for our voyage. Wherefore seeing that we haue not appeared at this im∣periall Diet, as we would willingly, yet being come vnto the effects of our desires and resolu∣tions, wee haue thought good by these presents to acquaint you and all others with our con∣ceptions: enioyning and expressely commaunding you hereby, of our absolute power and imperiall authoritie, that you shew vnto your king of Romanes, vpon paine of our indignati∣on, all loyaltie and obedience, honouring and respecting him in all his commaundements, de∣crees and actions, without any contradiction, with all dutie, as you would doe vnto vs, if wee were there in person: for such is our pleasure and last will. Giuen at Zuytbourg in Zeeland, [ B] vnder our seale the seuenth of September 1556. and of our Empire the 36.

This done, the fleet being ready in Zeeland, he tooke his leaue of king Philip his sonne, and giuing him his last blessing, hee imbraced him and bad him farewell, as hee did all the princes * 1.102 and noblemen: then he imbarked with the two queenes his sisters, and sayled towards Spain, where they arriued in a short time, hauing a prosperous wind. Hauing rested some dayes in the citie of Valladolit, he made choice for his retreat of a Monasterie of S. Ierosme the Hermit, situated in Estremadura, not farre from Placence, an vnfrequented place, and fit to meditate on heauenly things, being retired from all wordly cogitations: whither he caused himselfe to be conducted, to passe the rest of his daies there, which were not aboue two yeares, spending his time in holy and godly workes, and giuing himselfe wholly to a contemplatiue life. And [ C] for that he would bee the better able to spend his time in prayers and the seruice of God, hee would haue his sisters liue from him at Valladolit, that they might not trouble him: he reser∣ued but 100000 crownes a yeare to himselfe, whereof he imployed only 4000 for his diet and entertainment, the rest he appointed to marry yong maids, to relieue widowes and orphanes, and for other workes of charitie, as befits a good and Christian prince.

Notes

• * 1.1

  1545.
• * 1.2

  A Diet held at Wormes.
• * 1.3

  1546.
• * 1.4

  The Prote∣stants assem∣ble at Franc∣fort.
• * 1.5

  The Emperor arriues at Wormes.
• * 1.6

  The Emperor seekes to a∣buse the Pro∣testants whilst that he pre∣pares to armes.
• * 1.7

  A conference of diuin•…•…s at Ratisbone.
• * 1.8

  The castell of Ramekens built.
• * 1.9

  A 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be∣tw•…•…t the Em∣peror and the Po•…•…e ag•…•…st relligion.
• * 1.10

  The Duke of Saxony and Landtgraue write vnto the Emperor.
• * 1.11

  The Emperor writes to the Protestant townes.
• * 1.12

  The answer of th•…•…m of Strausbourg to the Emperors letter.
• * 1.13

  The Duke of Wittemberg and the towne army.
• * 1.14

  A booke of the Protestants Iustifications.
• * 1.15

  The Emperor banisheth the Duke of Sax∣ony •…•…d the Landtgraue.
• * 1.16

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 taken by the Protestants
• * 1.17

  Ma•…•…klin burn•…•… by lightning.
• * 1.18

  The Pro∣testant Prin∣ces defie the Emperor.
• * 1.19

  The Emperor r•…•…useth to re∣ceiue a letter.
• * 1.20

  The two ar∣m•…•… neere one to an other.
• * 1.21

  The •…•…aile of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 enjoynes with th•…•… Emperor.
• * 1.22

  〈◊◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊◊〉.
• * 1.23

  A bert of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Brandebourg taken prisoner by the Prince Elector.
• * 1.24

  1547.
• * 1.25

  Countr•…•…s re∣couered from the sea in zee∣land.
• * 1.26

  The Landt∣graue submits himselfe vnto the Emperor.
• * 1.27

  1548.
• * 1.28

  The Lan•…•…∣graue put in prison contra∣ry to promise.
• * 1.29

  The death of the Earle of Buren.
• * 1.30

  Prince phillip comes out of Spaine into the Nether∣lands.
• * 1.31

  He arriued the 1. of Aprill, 1549. at Brusselles.
• * 1.32

  The Prince takes possessi∣on of the Duchie of Brabant.
• * 1.33

  The Emperor returnes into Germanyto •…•…ke the Em∣pier for his Sonne.
• * 1.34

  A bloody Edict against them of the relligion.
• * 1.35

  They murmu•…•… at Antwerp against it.
• * 1.36

  Magdebourg valiantly de∣fended.
• * 1.37

  A controuer∣sie betwixt the two bretheren for the Em∣pire.
• * 1.38

  Why the Prin∣ces of the Em∣pire preferred Ferdinand be∣fore Prince Phillip.
• * 1.39

  1551
• * 1.40

  The Prince of Orange first marriage.
• * 1.41

  The Ministers chased away by the •…•…mpe ror.
• * 1.42

  1552.
• * 1.43

  An assembly of the states of o•…•… the Ne∣l•…•…nds.
• * 1.44

  Many Princes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for the Landt graues liberty.
• * 1.45

  Ausbourg vvon by Du•…•… Maurice.
• * 1.46

  The French takes Metz. Toule and V•…•…rdun.
• * 1.47

  Duke Mau∣ric•…•… confe•…•…rs with King Ferdinand touching a Peace.
• * 1.48

  The French King retiers into Germa∣ny.
• * 1.49

  The French King in Lux∣embourg.
• * 1.50

  Count Mans∣field prisoner.
• * 1.51

  The Princes vvinne the straights of the Alpes.
• * 1.52

  The Emperor flies from In∣spruch in hast.
• * 1.53

  The duke of Saxony set at liberty.
• * 1.54

  Duke Maurice his complaint
• * 1.55

  Albert of Brandenbourg makes war•…•… apart.
• * 1.56

  Nuremberg compoun•…•… vvith him.
• * 1.57

  Francfort be∣sieged by the Princes.
• * 1.58

  The bishops, Prelats and P•…•…ests, •…•…he before Albert.
• * 1.59

  A p•…•…ace con∣cluded betwixt the Emperor & the Princes.
• * 1.60

  The Emp•…•…or comes to Aus∣bourg
• * 1.61

  The Landt∣graue deliue∣red and sta•…•…ed againe.
• * 1.62

  The Duke of Saxony t•…•…kes his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of of the Empe∣ror.
• * 1.63

  The Emperor 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…o Strasbou•…•…g.
• * 1.64

  Shee was daughter to Christierne King of Den∣marke.
• * 1.65

  1552
• * 1.66

  Metz besie∣ged.
• * 1.67

  Albert of Brandebourg reconciled to the Emperor.
• * 1.68

  A furio•…•… bat∣•…•…y at M•…•….
• * 1.69

  M•…•… valiantly d•…•…nded.
• * 1.70

  The Emperor 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his siege fro•…•… M•…•….
• * 1.71

  1553.
• * 1.72

  The Emperor 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to B•…•…ssels.
• * 1.73

  A •…•…umult at Brusselles a∣gainst the Spa∣niards.
• * 1.74

  Teroan take•…•… and razed.
• * 1.75

  Duke Mau∣rice defies Al∣bert of Brande∣bourg.
• * 1.76

  Hesdin taken by the Empe∣ror and 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.77

  The Incoun ter of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Prince of Espynoy was slaine.
• * 1.78

  The Duke of Arschot a prisoner 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…h.
• * 1.79

  1554.
• * 1.80

  Th•…•… French ar•…•…es against the Emperor.
• * 1.81

  Defe•…•… of som•…•… Bour∣guignons by the French.
• * 1.82

  The Kings reuenge •…•…or the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…∣cardy.
• * 1.83

  Renty be∣sieged by the French King.
• * 1.84

  Renty relee∣ued by the Emperor.
• * 1.85

  A furious fight at s•…•…a betwixt the Fr•…•…nch, Hol∣landers and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…landers.
• * 1.86

  1555
• * 1.87

  An assembly to treateat of a p•…•…ace.
• * 1.88

  The death of the Empe∣rors mother.
• * 1.89

  The Emperor makes an As∣sembly of the stats to resigne the Nether∣lands.
• * 1.90

  The Emperor leaues the col∣lor of his order to his sonne.
• * 1.91

  The Empe∣rors exhor∣ta•…•…ion to his sonne.
• * 1.92

  An exception of them of Louuaine vpon thier preuiledges.
• * 1.93

  A so•…•…lemne act of th•…•… Em perors resig∣nation.
• * 1.94

  An Oration to the states in th•…•… Emperors name.
• * 1.95

  The emperors •…•…ch vnto the St•…•…tes.
• * 1.96

  The answer of t•…•… •…•…s of the Nether∣lands to the Emperor.
• * 1.97

  King Philip takes the oath as duke of Brabant.
• * 1.98

  A resolution of the imperi∣all Diet held at Ausbourg.
• * 1.99

  1556
• * 1.100

  A truce be∣twixt the French & the Bourguignons of small con∣tinuance.
• * 1.101

  The Emperors letter to the princes •…•…le∣ctors.
• * 1.102

  The Em•…•…erors departure out of the Nether∣lands.