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.

[illustration]

LVDOVICVS REQVESEN. MAGN. COMEN▪ REG. CAST. R. M. CON. GVB. ETCAP. GEN. BEL.

DOM LEWIS DE REQVESENS, GREAT Commander of Castile, Gouernor, Lieutenant, and Cap∣taine generall for the King in the Netherlands.

My predecessors course, that me the way had led I held, and in his gouernment I was established: Where while I rul'd I did the Kings nauy behold Orethrowne and vanquisht, and their great pride controld. My actions to my Prince did little good prooure, And at my hands the States did none or little hurt endure. My death (by Spaniards mutinie) to them did guie A great meanes to helpe themselues, and their estates relieue. (Book 10)

The Argument of the tenth booke.

THe great Commander by the calling home of the Duke of Alua being entred into the gouern∣ment of the Netherlands, and continuing the Dukes first course; the towne of Middelbourg being reduced to extreme necessity and famine, he sent a fleete by sea to succor it, the which he see defeated before his owne eyes, whereof followed the yeelding of Middelbourg, the which Collonel Mondragon deliuered vp to the Prince of Orange. Cont Lodowic the Princes bro∣ther came to succor the Netherlands with an Army; the Spaniards leauing the seege of Ley∣den go to meet him, they defeat him, and he is slaine with Cont Henry his Brother and Duke Christopher. A mutiny of the Spaniards in Antwerp called Fuora villiacos. The Spaniards after the defeat of Cont Lodo∣uic take their lodging againe before Leyden, which had bene long blockt vp, there are faire wars betwixt the Prince and the Commander, who proclaimes a generall pardon, and seemes to desire a peace. A Petition made there-vpon to the king of Spaine. By the Princes aduise the States resolue to drowne the country to succor Leyden, the which they doe, and in the end the Towne is deliuered by the Prince through the dround Land, after that the Towne had endured much miserie the Spaniards being mutined, take Francisco valdes their Generall prisoner, and faile to surprise Vtrecht. The Commander making a shew to desire peace, resolues to wa•…•…re, and Oudwater is beseeged and in the end yeelded with many other townes to the Spaniard. The seege of Bomell, which the Spaniard wins deerly. The seege of Ziricxe. The States consult vpon their preser∣nation, and send to demand succors in England. The death of the great Commander to whome the Councell of state for the King of Spaine succeeds in the Gouernment. The Spaniards mutiny, hauing fayled to sur∣prise Brusselles, they fall vpon Alost, they are proclamed, all the country is in armes against them. The Councell of state is seaz•…•…d on by the states of Brabant, who write vnto the other prouinces to ioyne with them to chase the spaniards out of the Country. The death of the Emperor Maximilian, the Sack of Antwerp•…•…: The com∣ming of Don Iohn of Austria. All the Prouinces of the Netherlands vnited at the pacification of Gand, after which the Castle is beseeged and yeelded to the states, with many other townes, the Spaniards depart out of the Castell of Antwerp, the which is put into the states hands. Don Iohn is receiued for Gouernor, who seekes occasion to renew the warre against the Prince of Orange he goes to Namur, complaines of the states, they sue vnto him, he discouers himselfe, and they growe Iealous of him. Many Castels razed in the Netherlands, as harbours for Spanish tirants. Don Iohn proclaimed an ennemy to the country. The Arch-duke Mathias (the Emperors Brother) called for Gouernor. The states, and Don Iohn in armes. Iealousie disperceth the cheefe of the states, whereby their armie was defeated by Don Iohn, who recouered manie townes: the states raise a new armie and calin the Duke of Aniou to succor them. Duke Casimire comes also, but to small purpose. Arthois and Henault begin to fall from the generall vnion of the Netherlands: troubles in Arras, the death of Don Iohn of Austria.

DOn Lewis of Requesens being entred into the gouernment of the Ne∣therlands, by the Duke of Aluas retreat, thought to succor Middel∣bourg, the which endured much pouerty and misery, as well by famine as otherwise; besides a great nomber of Bourgers retiring them-selues by boat were daily taken, and many which came flying to Flessingue and la Vere, onely to haue a mouthfull of bread, where after they had fed them, they sent them backe: who not suffered to enter into Middelbourg, for that they hed fled out of it died in the fields (or at the Towne gates) many soldiars comming to yeeld them-selues through famine were entertayned, for that they had need of them. There were letters of the 10. of Ianuary, 1574. written in cipher by Mondragon surprised; * 1.1 by the which hee did aduertise him that he could not hold out aboue the 15. or 16. of the moneth; there were others intercepted written vpon the backe of a Pasport, the which was red holding it before the fire, by the which he intreated the great Comman∣der to aduertise him speedely, if hee had any hope to succor him. The 14. day of the moneth they of Middelbourg ruined the fort which they had with-out the towne to∣wards Flessingue, for that many soldiars which were put there in gard fled to the Protestants. The 19. of the moneth Hans Cocq a marriner passed with a barke from Antwerp to Middelbourg, bringing letters from Don Lewis, containing hope of succors which made the souldiars beseeged resolue, to attend yet some daies, or else they had bene ready to parle. The next day Cocq returned to Don Lewis, to informe him into what extremity the Townes of Middelbourg and Arnemuyden were brought. And that

day a ship comming from Danswic meaning to go to Scluse, hauing the wind contrary [ A] fell for Flessingue, thinking (as the brute was then in England that Middelbourg was yeelded vnto the Prince) to sell his Marchandise there to good proffit. This ship hauing passed the hauen of Flessingue, was called to by the ships of war of the Protestants neere vnto Rameken, to cast anchor, the which he did, else he had entred into Middelbourg, and by that meanes the Beseeged had bene vitteled beyond all hope, for in the said ship there were 14 lasts of wheat, 7. of Rie, halfe a last of herring, with some Beere and other comodities. The 23 of the moneth, the Commander don Lewis sent Instructions to Iu∣lien * 1.2 Romero, what hee should do in the Conduct of his army for the vitteling of M•…•…ddel∣bourg, the which fell into the Zeelanders hands.

The tenor whereof was as followeth, An Instruction of that which Iulian Romero the Maister of the campe is to doe with the [ B] army which he hath in charge, conducting it from Berghes to succor the Ile of Walchrē: By reason of his sodaine departure, he must follow the order which is giuen him by these presents, which is, to conforme himselfe to the voyage which the Chastelaine Sanchio d' Auila shall make, who parts this day from the port of Antwerp with his Army, and shall goe on without stopping of any tyde, vntill he descouers the Ile of Walchren. And the other army which goes vnder the command of the Maister of the campe must doe the like that both the armies shewing them-selues an one instant to the ennemies, they may the more easely effect that which they desire, and concurre to that end with the saide Chastelaine. That which they pretend cheefely to effect with this army: is, to put all the boats laden with vittells into Middelbourg, that no one may miscary, and in these boats [ C] shalbe diuided the soldiars that goe to supply Mondragons Regiment. And wee beleeue that for the due execution thereof, the saide master of •…•…he campe hath already giuen couenient order, appointing a place whether the said boats landed with vittells should goe, in respect of the other ships of the army; and that he hath already named the per∣son that shall haue speciall charge of those barkes laden with vittells, and hath appointed him what to doe, and in what sort he should put them into Middelbourg. It is certenly beleeued, that the enemie hearing of the good order of this army, will not attend them, and that they shall not fight, especially if they see them saile with that care and circum∣spection that is requisite. But if it hapned otherwise, and that they should oppose their army to ours, to stop the passage of sucours, in that case they must fight, and striue to defeat them, and to open the passage to put in the said succors, which done it shalbe at [ D] their choise to execute that which is to be done after-wards, according to occasion, & the state wherein the two armies shalbe, and it seemes to be the more safe to ioyne with that of Sanchio d' Auila, and to treat together what is to be done, as well for the pour∣suing of the ennemies army and the whole defeating thereof, as for the attempting of any other enterprise vpon the Ile of Walchren, or in that of Zirecxe, seeing they haue bin aduertised of that which may be done vpon the one and the other, and that all haue good knowledge thereof. The succors being set downe, there is no certaine rule can be giuen, for that which is to be done, for that all doth then depend vpon the estate where∣in they shall be found: wherefore it is referred wholy to them to treat and resolue with Sanchio d' Auila, who hath great knowledg and experience in those quarters, GOD giuing [ E] such a victory as the ennemies armie may be defeated, or the chanells abandoned, so as there may be meanes to passe, it shall bee fit to put into Middelbourg all the graine and vittles of Ter-Goes, so as the Inhabitants of Middelbourg may finde meate for their money: whereof the said maister of the campe and Chastelaine may giue the charge vnto Captaine Isidore Pachieco, that hee may shew what diligence hee can therein: And the like shall bee done for the corne that is at Scluse, the which being put by the Gouernor of the place into boats, shall bee also conducted vnto Middelbourg. There shall bee also giuen vnto Romero with this present Instruction, a letter which I writ vnto Collonell Mondragon, that after the saide succors shall bee sent vnto him; [ F] time and oportunity permitting, it shalbe good to conferre with him, and to know what he thinks fittest to attempt or to doe after the said succors: who hauing also many ex∣pert marriners in those chanells he may giue them some that they may saile the more safely, the which they shall doe together, or either of them apart. After the saide

succors giuen, the which will be presently knowne throughout all the Ilands of Zeland, [ A] it may happen (as we are aduertised from diuerse parts) that some Townes will desire to yeeld to his Maiesties seruice, wherof there was a pattent giuen vnto them to receiue them, and to pardon that was past. Hauing care to that which shall be needfull for these townes that shall so yeeld. When the two armies shall ioyne with the said succors, the said Maister of the Campe and Castelain, shall gouerne the whole armie ioyntly toge∣ther, holding good correspondencie, as the case shall require, bee it in sailing together, or a part, as they shall thinke it most conuenient. To the end that Sanchio d' Auila may vnderstand what order is giuen vnto the maister of the campe, the like instruction hath bin sent vnto him, to execute for his part that which doth concerne him, as well in sai∣ling with the army which he conducts, omitting not any one point, & discouering him∣selfe [ B] at the same time vnto the enemies; as in fighting and striuing to defeate them, and the two armies shall ioyntly pursue together, what shall be fit to be attempted, accord∣ing vnto that which hath bin before declared. Being carefull to aduertise me particular∣ly of all that shall happen, to the end I may prouide for things as shall be most conueni∣ent. Made at Antwerpe the 23. of Ianuary 1574. Signed Don Lewis of Requesens: and vnderneath, Domingo Camillo.

The 24. of Ianuary parted from Antwerp that great sea-fleet which the commander had prepared from his first arriuall for the victualing of Middelbourg, which he assured himselfe to do in despight of all the forces of Zeland, & of all other Protestants, whom he would see fight with his owne eyes. At the departure of this Armadoe, one of the [ C] chiefe ships belonging vnto Giles Hofman of Antwerp, did run on ground and was lost: in an other ship a peece breaking 30. men were slaine, & the ship lost. The same day two Sea-captaines of Flessingue, men of great experience, lying at anchor before Arnemu∣yden, went forth to refresh themselues at Flessingue; and comming vpon the •…•…ike, for that the winde and tide was against them, they were taken by the garrison of Arnemuy∣den, one of them hauing first thrust one of the soldiers thorow with his sword that tooke them. During all this time, from the last of October 1573. the towne of Leyden was besieged a far of by the Spaniards, of whom the besieged by their sallies and skir∣mishes * 1.3 did some times get; for they were not so straightly besieged, but they might issue forth and feed their cattell in the meadowes about the towne: the Spaniard en∣deuouring onely (seeing that by assault they could not gaine much) to famish them in [ D] time, and to force them to yeeld. The last of December the besieged sent some Barkes into the sea of Harlem, to seeke their fortunes, the which they found, bringing backe some boates laden with victuals, the which was solde in the towne for eight thou∣sand Florins, and some good prisoners which payed two or three thousand Florins a peece. The 20. of Ianuary following they of Leyden made a sally by land vpon the * 1.4 way to the Hage, along the riuer, where they met with a conuoy of ten Lasts of Beere, 20000. loaues (euery one waighing eight pounds) and a great quantitie of Butter and Cheese, the which came from Amsterdam, and was going to the Hage, where they had likewise some Spanish prisoners: this was a great releefe and refreshing to the besieged, and did greatly disapoint the Spaniards, dispersed betwixt Delf, Rotterdam, Goude and [ E] Vlaerdingen, and the more, for that they of Delf had drowned all the country about: yet soone after the Spaniards retired some-what from the towne, to go to the succor of Mondragon (after the yeelding vp of the towne of Middelbourg) and of Sanchio d' Auila, who were gone to incounter the army which Cont Lodouic of Nassau brother to the Prince of Orange brought to succor the Hollanders: but let vs returne to the fleete of Antwerp. The 27. of Ianuary sixe small Barkes appeared about Ter-Neuse, betwixt the * 1.5 Hont & the Dullard, so as the Zelanders thinking that all the fleet would follow, made themselues ready to receiue them. But they retired the same day, & were not seene vntil the next day, appearing only to discouer the countenance of the Protestants, the which [ F] was happy for the Zelanders, & since they haue attributed it to the prouidence of God; for if the whole fleete had then followed, they might easily haue past through the Ze∣landers, & entred into the chanell of Middelbourg, for that the Zelanders were not yet ready: not for want of time, but through negligence, notwithstanding any admonitions

of the Prince, not caring to prepare themselues, vntil they see the enemy, the which they [ A] did hauing discouered those 6. sailes. That day the Spaniards meaning to shoot of their ordināce for the Cōmanders comming to Berghen, who would be a spectator of the de∣feate of his army, fire fell in the poulder of one of his ships, where there were 60. Spanish soldiars all which were burnt but six. The 29. 14. or 15. saile of the fleete of Antwerp shewed themselues vpon the Honte and aproached within a league of Flessingue. The Protestants of Zeland seeing them come made towards them, and after the spending of some great shot, forced thē to retire, without losse of either side. And the same day about two of the clock in the afternoone, the signior of Boysot Admirall of the Protestants, went with his army to assaile the Spaniards at Romerswael, the cōbate continued about two houers with such fury of their great shot, as it seemed that heauen and earth should [ B] come togither, and smoake. In this conflict the Admirall and Viceadmirall of Antwerp were taken, the Admiral of Berghen, with 7. of their chiefe ships, and one burnt. All the * 1.6 soldiars and marriners that were found in them, were either slaine or cast into the sea, to the number of 6. or 700. men. The Zeelanders tooke 30. goodly brasse peeces, and many of Iron. The other Spanish fleet presented themselues the same day before Flessingue, but the tide failing them and the winde being contrary, after that they had skirmished a little with the Zeelanders, they retired and cast anchor. Sanchio d' Auila commanded this fleet, & Iulian Romero the other that was defeated before Berghen nere to Romerswael. Al that had any charge in the Protestants Admiral were hurt with the smal shot or with the splinters that were made by the enemies canō: for that the signior of Boyset had for∣bidden [ C] them to shoote vntil they were very nere: and then hauing discharged al his or∣dinance he sodenly grapled, where he was in great danger, if he had not bin speedily se∣conded by a flieboat of Enchuysen, which made the Spaniards to faint, so as the Prote∣stants did soone master the ships whervnto they were grapled, killling and casting ouer∣board al that they found armed. The Admiral Boysot was brought the next day to Fles∣singue being shot with an harguebuze in at the cheek, which past out on the other side, * 1.7 & so lost an eye: captaine Eloys ancient hauing receiued many wounds, died the next day in Flessingue. Captaine Schot with the wodden-leg, lost an arme, so did captaine Valentin. The reason why the Zelanders went first to charge the enemy, was: for that the Admiral had receiued letters from the Prince of Orange, comanding him to send 4. ships of war [ D] out of his fleet, the better to resist thē that came from Antwerp: who considered that he might in no sort gainsay the Princes cōmandment, yet he could not do it without weak∣ning his forces and dangering his army: for the auoyding wherof to satisfie the Prince, he thought it better to assaile the enemy with all his forces vnited, hoping to vanquish them, and then send him those ships, rather then attend to be assailed, their forces being diminished, to which resolution a prosperous wind did much incourage thē. The great Cōmander was vpon the dike of Berghen during al the fight; & insteed of an assured vic∣tory * 1.8 which he promised to himself, he see his men so miserably intreated, that some were brought back to Antwerp without heads, & some without armes and legs. His greatest comfort was to exclame and curse, somtimes blaming one, sometimes an other. To con∣clude [ E] it was so great a desolation for the Spaniards at the returne of their fleet to Ant∣werp, that comming nere the wharfe, the captaines for spight shot of the Ordinance a∣mong them that came to the waters side to see their returne; with the which Gabriel Cité Attorney general of Arthois had both his thighes carried away, wherof he died soone after. Iulien Romero saued himselfe in a boate, some say by swimming. As for the army * 1.9 which Sanchio d' Auila cōmanded, lying at Anchor before Flessingue, he seeing ten ships come from the victorious fleet of the Protestants (which had fought before Berghen, and ioyne with the other shippes of Zeeland) hee presently wayed Anchor and fled towards Antwerp. They of Middelbourg on the 30. of Ianuary, in the morning, hung a saile out of their steeple, which continued there 2. houres: and the 3. of february captaine [ F] Strenchant went out of the towne, carrying letters of credit to the Cōmander, with in∣structions to hasten the Spanish fleet, to let him vnderstād how long they could yet hold * 1.10 out, & what hope of succors there were. But that night he was takē, with 4 mariners & a boy, and led to the Prince: seeing themselues cast vpon the sand, and the Zelanders ap∣proch, captaine▪ Strenchant tied his letters to a peece of lead, and cast them into the sea:

but they that tooke him perceiuing it, staied till the sea was spent, and then found the [ A] packet vpon the sand, which contained that which followeth, besides the letter of credit.

The instructiō of Strenchant, to informe the great Commanders excellency of 4 points. Afire shalbe made euery night vpon the tower of Middelbourg, frō 10. of the clock vnto a 11. signifying that Middelbourg & Arnemuyden, hold yet for his Maiesty, the which shal begin on Monday next, & in case they shall desist from doing it, it shall not be then needful to send any army to succor them, but to recouer the Island. The 2. point is the weaknes of the soldiers, whereof there dies euery day aboue 20. and the smal hope the haue, seeing the army returned: saying they had rather be cut in peeces at some exploite then to eate bread made of Linseed, for that they hold themselues assured to die after it, and yet they haue not sufficient of that but for ten or twelue daies. They 3. was, that they [ B] should not faile to come by Sonday, or Monday at the farthest, and in case the army could not come by that time, to make a desperate attempt, and hazard some boats laden with corne. And the forth was, that if the Island were lost for want of succors, to know his excellencies pleasure what they should do with the Marchandise and other goods; for to sinke them that the enemy should haue no proffit thereby, it were also necessary that the men were drowned which were against reason: you must with all speed send by the next army, the coppie of this your instruction, and your selfe write vnto his excelen∣cie, what you haue in charge, in case you cannot goe to him in person, for the hastie de∣parture of the army: to tel him that the boates which are in this passage, are not arriued, & that they stand in great feare of our army, and that they haue brought many dead and [ C] wounded to Flessingue: Moreouer that the Collonel wundred, how they of Flessingue could haue the instruction which his excellency had giuen to Iulien Romero. At the end

of the said instruction were written the signes that shold be made in the Ile of Ter-goes, as soone as the army and the succors should be out of Antwerp, and as it did aduance or retire. So that the collonell Mondragon, gouernor of Middelbourg and all the Spa∣niards, promised vnto themselues assured succors and a certaine victory, being ignorant of all that had past. The 5. of February they of Flessingue gaue aduertisment to their ships of war, that were in gard about the Island of Walchren, that collonel Mondragon was resolued to abandon the towne and to saue himselfe, to the end they should keepe good gard, promising two hundred crownes to any one that could take and bring the [ D] said Mondragon prisoner, and a hundred crownes to him that should bring Hans-Cocq. The thirteene of the month captaine Strenchant who had beene taken the third day after that he had bin carried towards Antwerp, to shew him that the Spanish fleete was * 1.11 retired, hee was sent home, in exchange of Euert and Marin, two sea captaines taken by them of Arnemuyden, as we haue said. And the said Strenchant had charge to say to thē of Middelbourg, that the Prince gaue them yet 4. daies respight to determine of their cōpotision 2. daies after the Prince receiued letters frō Mondragon, by the which he de∣clared what captaine Strenchant had deliuered vnto the captaines of his regimēt, by the Princes cōmandment: & that they were resolued to demand a pasport of him, for one that Mondragon wold send to the great Cōmander, touching the yelding vp of the town. [ E] And in the meane time if the Prince would depute any, he would also send to begin the treaty, attending the returne of the messenger, which should be within 4 or 5 daies: wherevnto the Prince answered the next day morning, that what he demanded was not vsual in matters of war, nor fit, but might turne to a Iest: touching the sending of depu∣ties, he might vnderstand his intention by the relatiō of captaine Strenchant, yet for the explanatiō of his minde, he wold send the next day to Rammekins, if he might be aduer∣tised that night that he wold send any of his part, without any longer delay, for that the Prince was prest to depart for some vrgent occasions, which Mondragon should after∣wards vnderstand: the same day at night the Prince receiued an answere frō Mondragon, * 1.12 who demanded a safe conduit for them that he should send, who should vnderstand the [ F] Princes pleasure by his deputies, & the conditions of the accord, & make relation therof to Mondragon: who hauing had his aduice & others therin, should returne to Rammeken, with the deputies of the towne of Middelbourg. On the 17. day the Prince sent him a pasport for 8. or 10. persons, aduertising him that his deputies should be at Rammeken

by noone to acquaint them with his intentiō. And to preuent all incōueniences for [ A] that the marriners & others were not aduertised of this treatie, hee would send ten or twelue soldiars to the head of Middelbourg, who should serue as an Escort & safe∣gard for his Deputies. The same daie in the morning a commission was giuen vnto the Seignior of Boisot, Ianuis & van Dorp, Gouernors of Flessingue Lauere, & Ziriczee, & to the Seignior Bonchard, to authorize them in their charges of Deputies, with in∣structiō of the articles which they should propoūd. And so they parted towards Ram∣mekē before noone, where they met with some sent from the spaniards, & the towne of Middelbourg, where after two daies parle, they concluded vpon the articles which fol∣low. As Christopher of Mondragon Knight, Seignior of Remerchicourt, & Colonel of are∣gimēt * 1.13

of Wallons, being at this presēt within the townes of Middelbourg & Arnemuy∣den, [ B] had vpon the relatiō which Captaine Strenchant had made vnto him comming out of prison, required by his letters of the 16. of this presēt moneth, of the high & migh∣ty Prince of Orange Earle of Nassau, to send certaine deputies to the castell of Rame∣ken to treat with thē of his partie, touching the yeelding vp of those Townes. Where∣vnto his Excellency yeelding, his deputies had propounded a certaine capitulation to them that had beene sent by the said Seignior Mondragon, by meanes whereof their yeelding was acceptable, whereof report being made of either part, and the conditions debated betwixt the Deputies, in the end they haue concluded according to their co∣missions and authoritie, as followeth. First that the said Seignior of Mondragon, aban∣doning * 1.14 the townes of Middelbourg and Arnemuyden, without any demolition or de∣facing [ C] of the present fortifications: leauing all the artillery, munition, ships, goods and marchandise that bee there at this present: shall depart with his Regiment of foot, (ex∣cept those that will remaine and serue his Excellency) out of the Ile of Walchren, with their armes, ensignes, & baggage, iustly belonging to him and his companies, with∣out coulloring other mens goods in any sort whatsoeuer. And who-soeuer shall carry away more the•…•… his owne, shallbee punnished at his Excellencies discretion. The said Seignior of Mondragon shall promise vpon his faith, to yeeld himselfe into his Excel∣lencies hands, if within two moneths next insuing, hee shall not cause to be deliuered out of prison, & sent safely into Holland or Zeeland, to some place that is vnder his Ex∣cellencies command, Phillip of Marnix Seignior of Mont S. Aldegond, Captaine Iacob [ D] Symonsz: An Italien prisoner at the Hage called Cittadelle, the Lieutenant of Willeken van Augren and Captaine Petani. And if the said Mondragon refuseth to make this pro∣mise, then three Captains, as many Lieutenants, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Sargents & Corporalls of his Regiment, shall remaine prisoners of war to his Excellency, vntill the aboue-named be fully deliuered. All vittelers and gunners shall in like sort depart, with his comissaries, Manriques, Ioan-Lopez and Iames padilla, with their seruants, bookes & baggage, and so shall all Priests and Monks do, with their ornaments onely. His Excellency shall giue order that departing out of the Iland with their goods, they shallbe imbarked & trans∣ported vnto Flanders side with all safety. The said Deputies promising vpon their faith and honor to cause this present treaty to bee ratified and accomplished by the said [ E] Prince & Collonel Mondragon respectiuely in due forme. And for the better assurance and accomplishment thereof, sufficient hostages shallbe giuen of either side. And so it was made and concluded in the castell of Rammeken the 18. day of February. 1574. sig∣ned by the Captains de Hen, Gilles de Vilain, Anthony of Grenet, Iunius of Ionghe, Charles of Boisot, Aernt van Dorp, & Francis Bonchard. Then followed: we William by the grace of God Prince of Orange, Earle of Nassau of the one part &c. and I Christopher of Mondragō Knight, Seignior of Remerchicourt, of Luz, Insanille &c. of the other part, hauing seene and red, that which was done, capitulated and concluded with our con∣sents, in the aboue recited treaty, ratifying and confirming it, we haue promised and do promise by these presents, in the word of a Prince and faith of a gentleman, respectiue∣ly, [ F] to follow and accomplish and cause to bee accomplished the contents thereof in all poynts, without any contradiction whatsoeuer. In witnes whereof wee haue signed it with our hands and sealed it with our seales. The 18. of February 1572. William of Nassau. Mondragon. According to this accord, hostages were giuen of either part, and

on the 22. day Collonell Mondragon and his regiment, leauing the towne to the Prince [ A] of Orange, imbarked, & were carried to Ter-neuse in Flanders, from whence the Princes his hostages were sent back in the same ships: & those of the Spaniards parted the next day; and so this towne, after that it had endured so much pouerty, famine & misery, and suffered so much by the garrison which it had vnder this Spanish gouernor, and before vnder the Scignior of Beauuoir (who intreated them little better for the space of halfe a yeare) notwithstanding all the attempts of the Duke of Alua, & the great cōmander, as we haue seene, was in the end yeelded to the Prince of Orange; into the which he en∣tred to giue God thankes the 23. of February 1574. After which time the Prince suffred the Englishmen to trafficke by the riuer of Escaut vp to Antwerp, the which was inter∣dicted before, by reason of the siege at Middelbourg, and of all this warre at sea. [ B]

In the meane time the rest of the Spaniards were at their ease in Holland, besieging * 1.15 of the towne of Leyden, keeping themselues far off from blowes, & yet they did annoy them much, for that nothing could enter but by stealth & with great danger. The prince of Orange seeking all meanes to make them dislodge from thence, caused Cont Lodouic of Nassau his brother to go to horseback, who had reserued himselfe since the siege of Mons for some occasion. It is true that the succour and armie which hee should bring was generally for the deliuery of Holland and Zeland, and their associates, hauing bin leuied to that end before the siege of Leyden: but now they marched so fitly, (be∣ing accompanied by duke Christopher sonne to the Prince elector Palatin, the said Cont Lodouic and Cont Henry his brother) as the Spaniards had a whot alarum, abandoning [ C] Leyden & all that they had held in the country about: for that by the losse of Middle∣bourg, Arnemuyden and Rammeken, and by the two victories which the Protestants of Zeland had gotten at sea, their affaires had not bin very safe, if this new army of high * 1.16 Dutch, had ioyned with that of the Prince of Orange, with whom many came to ioyne by reason of the happy successe in Zeeland, the which they found by experience in the towne of Nymegen. To keepe this Germaine army from entring into the country, the Commander sent Sanchio d'Auila, who came to Maestricht the 4. of March; being there, * 1.17 he sent to discouer these Noblemens campe, and busied in making a muster and view of their men, & seeing that their forces encreased daily, he would gladly haue giuen them battell, if he had bin strong enough, but he durst not do it, vntill the comming of Collo∣nell [ D] Mondragon with the rest of his regiment, being newly gouernor of Middlebourg. * 1.18 These Noblemen hearing that the Spaniards were daily fortified, raised their campe, & went to lodge by Faulquemont. Sanchio d'Auila followed them, which made the Earle to draw most of his army into the towne; and seeing that he should hardly passe the riuer of Meuse there he marched away, making shew as if he would retire with his forces in∣to Germany: d'Auila (doubting that the Earle would seeke some other passage) did also rise (his troopes with those of Mondragon being about fiue thousand) & retired, setting good gards along the riuer of Meuse: and at that time hee was aduertised that they of Nymegen had intelligence with those Noblemen, & that they would yeeld vnto Cont Lodouic, and so get a passage there: for the preuenting whereof d'Auila sent a garrison [ E] presently into the towne; which done, pursuing the Protestants army, who camped at Mockem, a commodious place: d'Auila seeing that he could easily charge them, marcht with all speed towards Graue a towne of Brabant, where hauing made a bridge vpon Boates, he past the Meuse and with all his forces went to charge them. The two armies incountred vpon the heath of Mockem (which they call Mocker Heyde). The Protestants Landtsknechts, when they should fight, began (according to their cursed custome) to cry ghelt, ghelt, & refused to fight: yet these Noblemen seeing them-selues prest by the * 1.19 Spaniards, were forced to make it good; but in the end all their resistance preuailed no∣thing, but being abandoned by their greatest forces, they were quite defeated, and all there slaine, where there died aboue 2000. of their men, 21. Ensignes, and some guidons [ F] were carried to Brussels: as for the bodies of these Noblemen, they were long ere they could be found, & in the beginning it was not known whether they were aliue or dead. Those that saued themselues in this retreat, tooke the Castell of Carpen by Cologne, which they held some-time for the Prince of Orange. This happened the 14. of Aprill.

The Spaniards hauing gotten this honorable victory at Monckerheyd by vrinnen∣ghen, [ A] presently called for mony, which Sancio D'auilla (if they won that victory) pro∣mised to giue thē, but no money being ready, they began to mutine, & draue their cap∣tains from them, and rent their ensignes, resoluing alltogether to go to Antwerp, wher∣of Frederick Perenot, Baron of Champigni, Gouernor of Antwerp, being aduertised, vp∣on the 19. of April, began to make prouisiō to defend the towne, & hauing there 4. com∣panies of Wallons of his owne regiment, 24. companies of duchmen, in whome there was no great trust to bee reposed, for that they seemed to pretend to haue many moneths pay due vnto them, hee caused the harguebusiers of the towne to bee armed, aduertising the great Commander thereof, beeing then at Brussels, desiring aid for the defence of the towne, if they in the Castell should let the mutinous spaniards enter into [ B] the same, as it was to be presumed, for that they likewise were vnpaid, and seemed to be ouer much addicted to ioyne with them, for which he gaue the Gouernor councell to alter the garrison of the Castell, or else to permit him to fortifie the towne against the Castell, and the hole that still lay open betweene the towne and it, for that Sancio D'auilla the captaine of the Castell seemed to bee ill affected against the towne. At the first the great Commander seemed not to beleeue it, but at the last vppon the 24. of A∣prill hee came himselfe to Antwerp, where Champigni gaue him councell to enter and to take the Castell into his owne custody, saying, that both the seruice of the King, & the safety of the towne required it. But the Commāder thought, by meanes of that mutiny to force them of Brabant to yeald to contribution, for that they had seemed to [ C] delay it, finding it a dangerous matter, to in-sconce and fortifie the towne against the Castell, saying, that it became not a gouernor to shew the way how the Castell should bee made vnprofitable, and that hee would take care for that himselfe, and that hee thought the spaniards would haue more respect vnto him, then to mutine in his pre∣sence, with such like speeches. Wherevppon he sent Sancio D'auilla to pacifie them with faire words, but he could not be heard, compelling him, as he said to lead them till they came hard by the castell of Antwerp, where they arriued the 26. of Aprill, about ele∣uen * 1.20 of the clocke at noone, as Champigni was in the Towne-house, to make a motion in the Commāders behalfe, for 400000. guilders to be lent him. This cōming of the spani∣ards before the towne being heard, he caused his soldiars to be armed, and to go towards [ D] the castell, to keep the spaniards from entring, aduertising the commander thereof, who asked of some of them of the castell, why they shotte at them? Where-vpon Cham∣pigni presently caused his captaines Deuers and stereke to shoot at 30. or 40. Spaniards * 1.21 that were already come to the hole (which as then lay open betweene the towne and the castell) where-with the Gouernor him-selfe came presently thether: and finding that they began to shoot, hee commanded them to abstaine, willing Champigni him∣self, with all his wallons and duchmen to leaue the place and giue over, thereby to shun an vprore, which by that meanes might happen in the towne. Which Champigni thought very strange, but for that the Gouernor generall commanded him so to do, he might not refuse it. In the meane time some spaniards entred into the ditches, and [ E] breaking downe some of the earthen wall, filled the ditch, and came in at the hole, whereas the walls of the towne were not ioined close vnto the castell, without any re∣spect of the Gouernors presēce, who thereat seemed to be moued, & excusing himselfe, made shewe as if hee were displeased before Chiapini Vitelly: where-vppon Champigni thought it best for him to retire into the new towne, and there to fortifie and in-sconse himselfe, with the sailes of the Kings nauie by Sea that as then lay there, the which hee did. The spaniards beeing entred, put them-selues in battaile, in the playne betweene * 1.22 the towne and the castell, setting watch at euery place that entred into the same; The commanders willing them not to come any neerer then S. Georges Church-yard, if they had any thing to say: but they perceiuing nothing but words, and no deeds to [ F] come from him: they cryed out Dineros y Wallones fuora, that is, money, and out with the wallons, meane time the townse-men were in great feare, to bee all murthered and spoiled of their goods, many Burgers flying out of the same. And for that this was so notable a mutiny, and that many others were made by the spaniards in the Netherlands.

I thought it good to set downe this one at large, for an example of al the rest, that men [ A] may see their disordred proceedings.

The mutinous Spaniards, (beeing about 3000. strong) finding they could get no money from the Commander, made no long delay, but presently marching in order of battaile, entred into the towne, as farre as the meer-bridge with great noise of drums, shooting of their peeces, and crying out Dineros, Wallones fuora, fuora Villiacos. That all the towne runge thereof, the Gouernor Mounsire Champigni (to whom they had the greatest quarrell) had gotten into the new towne, and kept in the Easterlings house, cau∣fing part of his houshold stuffe to bee carried thether, yet they toke much thereof from him, breaking downe his house, windoes, dores, and glasse, calling him, Ladron, Villiaco, and towards euening when they began to be hungry, they left the bridge, and went into the market place, and there seazed both of it and of the Towne-house, placing [ B] soldiars to gard them, the rest going ten twelue or twenty in a company togither, entred into the best houses thereabouts, where they thought to finde most store of victu∣als, no•…•… one being placed there, nor yet respecting any person. Where they caused them-selues to bee intreated, with the best victuals that could bee gotten, and all the night long ceased not to make a great noise with drummes, and shooting of their peeces, crying and hallowing like a company of mad diuills, round about the streets. beating open the dores as if they would haue murthred, and ransacked all the towne: which strooke such a horrible terror into the peoples heads, both men and women, that none of them durst take any rest; by reason whereof, many women great with childe, fell in labor and lost their children, & many dyed thereof, for which cause, thenext day in the [ C] morning when the gates were open, many men, women, and chi•…•…dren, forsaking all they had, went to of the towne. At euening, the Spaniards hauing cho•…•…sen an Electo, whom they lodged in the towne-house, sounding all their drums, they made a proclamation, in the name of Los Signores Soldados, that the Gouernor with his Wallon soldiars, should leaue the towne within twenty fourehoures after, vpon paine to be driuen out by force, and therewith sent a messenger expresly to aduertise the gouernor therof, be∣ing in the Easterlings house: but he made answer that he would not do it, but if the Go∣uernor generall would comand him, he would prepare himselfe there-vnto: & for that cause vpon the 27. of April he sent for all his soldiars, fortifying all the bridges & entries into the new towne, with carts, wagons, and wool-sacks, holding their ships of war with [ D] their peeces charged, ready prepared on the other side, and so sought to defend himselfe being assisted by Hamsted the Vize-admiral, & his sailors, that sought nothing else, with certaine Wallons, but only to fight, being sufficiently assured of the Burgers ayd. In the meane time Chiapini Vitelli, Mondragon and others, went from the one to the other, to pacifie them, but all in vaine, all the Spaniards crying, Wallones fuora, fuora Villiacos, so that at the last the Cōmander to bring them to some better passe, cōmanded Champigni with his Wallons to go out of the towne, which he presently did, & so went to Eeckerē and Wilnerdouck, where-vpon the mutinous Spaniards placed a gard at euery gate, & tooke the keyes from the Magistrats, still making a great noise and crying about the towne, thereby to hasten the Burgers, to gather & bring in money to pay them, who as [ E] thē were assembled in the towne-house about the same. At which time a spanish Iesuite * 1.23 of great estimation amongst them, would haue preached vnto them in the market place, to shew them of their insolent behauiour, & to tell them what a nomber of women they had caused to miscarry being with childe, whereof hee said they were the murtherers. But they asked him if he had any mony: and so with noise of drums, made him hold his peace, & leaue his exhortation. Meane time the richest of the Burgers were sent for to the towne-house, who were rated euery one according to his ability, towards the pai∣ment of the soldiars, which done the Electo was willed to appoint a place for them to muster in, & that the next day they should be paid. The Commāder giuing them to vn∣derstand [ F] that their insolencies tended to the deminishing of the kings honor & repu∣tatiō, willing them not to make such a noise in the night-time as they had done. Where∣vnto they made answer, that in asking of their pay, they did nothing but was right & reason so to do, and that being paid, they would be ready to do any seruice whatso-euer, promising not to make any more such noise by night in the towne as they had done.

The 29, of Aprill, they being al sent for to come vnto the market place, their Electo, [ A] (being a very wise and well spoken man, and yet but a common soldier) founding be∣fore the towne house, made an oration vnto them: shewing what burthen and charge they had put the Bourgers vnto, being not content with that, which was set before thē to eate and drinke, saying that they ought to behaue themselues honestly and ciuilly. Where∣with they all cried, that iustice should be done vpon all such disordered persons, and that they should passe through the pikes, shewing themselues, that they should chuse two deputies out of euery company to speake with the Marquis Chiappini vitelli, and to shew their minde vnto him by writing, which they did, saying that they desired to be payd euery penny that was behinde vnpaide vnto them, as well for the dead as for the lyuing. The Marquis Chiappini vitelli offered them ten monthes pay in ready money, & fiue months [ B] in wool, linnen, and silkes, and for the rest, that they should haue the marchants billes of Antwerp, to bee payd at two paiements: which the deputies refused, saying that they would make report thereof vnto the seignores Soldados, for which cause they were once a∣gaine assembled in the market place and then the Electo leaning ouer the railes, shewed * 1.24 them what the Marquis had offered them, wherewith they made a monsterous noyse, crying out and saying, todo, todo, dineros Y non palabras, that is, all, all money and no words. The Electo hauing gotten them to be silent, once againe spake vnto them, and sharpe∣ly

reprouing them sayd, That they were all rebells vnto the King, and that they had all deserued to die. First for that they had taken Antwerp one of the Kings townes, not as friends, but like enemies, breaking their walles and fortifications. Secondly, for that [ C] they had driuen the gouernor and the garrison out of the towne, that were placed ther∣in by his Maiesty, besides many other rebellious actions, which his Maiesty could not well leaue vnpunnished, all which their insolency notwithstanding, the Magistrates of the towne humbling themselues before them, made them that offer, which they ought willingly to accept, and vpon their knees to giue God thankes for the grace and fauour shewed vnto them, saying further, that if they seemed to bee so obstinate that they would not accept thereof, that they might assure themselues, that being found guiltie of rebellion, as they were, they should be punnished for the same as iustice required: pro∣testing from that time forward for his part not to be their Electo any longer, where vn∣to they had forcibly compelled him: keeping him pirsoner to that end in the towne∣house, [ D] saying that he would not be saued to be the head of their rebellion, nor yet speake in the fauour and behalfe of such mutinous fellowes, and that if they would not dis∣charge him of the place, he praied them presently to shoote him into the body with a bullet, protesting to the death that hee would no more bee their Electo. But all this would not helpe, so that with the great noyse made, they would not suffer him to bee

heard speake any more crying todo, todo, todo, contynuing still in that manner vntill it was night, and that they were weary with crying, but when night came they began a∣gaine to runne vp and downe the streetes, like diuells, knocking and thundering at the gates, dores, and windowes, and pulling all the bel-ropes of the houses in peeces, shoo∣ting in at the windowes, causing great feare, and offring as much dispight vnto the [ E] Burgers as they could, still crying, fuora fuora, villiacos, driuing and compelling their companions (that hipocritically seemed not to bee of these disordered company) to do as they did, euery one making shew as if he were compelled thereunto by the strongest part of them, that in time to come, one might not bee accounted to be in greater fault then they other, euery one pretending to be constrained therevnto, against his will, and when the saw any one amongst them whome they suspected to bee vnwilling to doe as they did. They forced them with blowes to call, cry, and speake as they did, and so made it one generall offence.

The 29. of April, the great or cōmon counsel of Antwerp being assembled to take order about the same, the Commander asked the towne 400. thousand guilders, in ready mo∣ney, [ F] saying that he would furnish the rest, causing all his plate & iewels to bee brought from Brussels, which he offered to lay to pawne for money: and to pacifie the Spa∣niards, the Burgers were forced to make readie that money, euery man agreeing what he would giue, that so they might bee ridde of such companions, which were

esteemed to cost the Bourgers aboue sixe thousand gilders euery day, for they would [ A] drinke nothing but wine, and must haue fresh meate both night and noone, wherein no man went free, neither Bishop, Marquis, Burge-maister, spirituall nor temporall per∣sons, they seeking the greatest houses, and the best cheere. It was thought that if they should be paid the 36. months that was due vnto them, it would haue amounted vnto aboue ten hundreth thousand gilders.

The 30. of Aprill, a drum was sounded to gather the soldiars together: where the Eletto once againe began to speake vnto them, who leaning ouer the railes before the towne-house and taking a letter out of his bosome, (sent vnto him by the soldiars) con∣taining the contents of their demand, with great threatnings: and withall letting him know, that if he spake so much in fauour of the townes-men, and not for them, that they [ B] would cast him headlong out of the window; where-vnto hee made them a modest an∣swer, but how cunningly and pertinently soeuer he spake vnto them, all would not pre∣uaile, they still crying Dineros, todo, that is mony and all. At the last the Captaine of the Castell Sanchio d'auilla leaning out at the towne-house window, praied them to accept the fiue moneths pay, in wooll, linnen and silke, which they had most need of, at such price as it was sold within the towne in euery shop, and the rest in money, wherevnto they began some-what to hearken, but not all of them, and began to perswade one the other to consent therevnto, by reason of other words vsed vnto them by Sanchio d'auilla and their Eletto, and when the Eletto said vnto them, That if they would behaue them∣selues like Spaniards & good subiects to the King, they ought to accept the offer made [ C] vnto them, asking them if there must be so many words vsed to shew them that it is the Kings pleasure to bestow that liberality vpon them in their needs, that had intertained them so long, and made so much account of them, trusting onely in them, with many such like words. Wherevpon at the last, they cryed all with one consent, that so they would: saying, that they did not accept the same, for that they had need of any wooll, linnen, or silkes, but onely to doe the King a friendship, and to shew their liberality to∣wards him, and yet many of them murmured thereat, and so that was agreed vpon. Presently ther-vpon •…•…ather Fregose a Spanish Iesuite, stood vp vpon a chest by the ship, hard by the towne-house, to preach vnto them, shewing them their insolent behauiour, and what shame and infamie they had brought vpon the name of the Spaniards, by [ D] vsing such rigorous dealings; praying and exhorting all to be confessed, and to receiue the Sacrament before they went out of the towne, and to bee content with that which the Burgers gaue them to eate. After that they caused a drum to be sounded, that euery one of them should be bilited by the Friars, and appointed where he should lodge; and by that meanes they were some-what pacified, perceiuing preparation of money to be made, and the pay of wooll, &c. beginning to be paid. But vpon the eight of May, the great Commander gaue them to vnderstand, that the promise made of the paiment in wooll, &c. must be some what moderated till a conuenient time; where-with they were once againe so moued, as they began after their wonted manner, to runne vp and downe the towne, crying, whoping, and hallowing like mad men; causing open proclamation [ E] to be made round about the towne, that all commanders of the warres and other offi∣cers, should go out of the towne within two houres after, vpon paine to passe through the Pikes, fearing least they should perswade the common-soldiers to the same, and amongst the rest, they were much offended with Iulian Romero, who with ten or twelue captaines and officers more being lodged by the Burse in the house of Iaques Hoffenagle, they went to fetch out of his house to murther them, with great noyse and cry, shoo∣ting at the gate: wherevpon Iulian Romero fearing to bee spoiled by them, fled and hid himselfe in the top of the house, but at the last their furie being some-what past ouer, they let him ride out of the towne without eating, and all the rest with him, their Ensigne-bearers onely staying by them to make vp their accounts, and so they past [ F] that day: but at night againe they began to bee as farre out of quiet, because the sol∣diers of the Castle likewise sought to mutinie, forcing Sanchio d'Auilla the captaine thereof to leaue it, and to deliuer them the Keyes of the castle, which hee refused to doe, saying, that hee would dye before hee granted therevnto, in regarde that he had

sworne to hold and keepe the same vntill he dyed: and amongst them they did choose [ A] an Eletto, and a Sergeant Maior, as they in the towne had done. In the morning, Chi∣appini Vitelli went to the Castle to take order therein, and being vpon the bridge, hee called their Eletto to speake with him, and hee went in, leauing the Eletto vpon the bridge, where he was sodenly stabbed by an Ensigne bearer called Saluaterra, and his body presently cast into the ditch, the like also was done vnto the Sergeant Maior, by which meanes the rest acknowledging their faults, Chiappini Vitelli came out againe, and so the mutinie in the castell was appeased, for which Saluaterra was forced to flie, vpon whose horse were imbrodered these words Castigador de los Flamingos, that is, the corrector or punisher of the Flemings.

After that vpon the eleuenth of May, when the paiment of the fiue moneths in [ B] cloath, &c. was made: the Commander sent a Printed declaration vnto the Souldiers, to shew them, that he knew not how to deuise to pay them all their due, because they were the meanes of hindering their owne payment, keeping the towne from traffick∣ing and negotiating amongst them-selues, friendly intreating them to content them∣selues with eight or ten moneths pay, in regarde that hee was to vse much money, to pay the eight thousand horsemen, conducted by Ericke Duke of Brunswicke, that were already to come into the countrey, as also for the two or three regiments of Switzers and other Souldiers comming out of Italy. In some sort threatning them, seeking if hee could to breed a diuision amongst them-selues. But there-with being once againe mooued, they made rather worse and greater noyse all the night long [ C] then they had done before, and got one of their Captaines called Franciso de Bobadille amongst them, whom they vsed in most vile manner, commanding likewise that Salua∣terra who had slaine the Eletto of the Castell should bee deliuered vnto them. And at midnight they assembled all in the Market place, hauing first driuen one another out of their lodgings, and there with one common consent, discharged their first Eletto of his place, as suspected by them, and chose an other, who at the last had the bastinado for his labour.

Being day, they made an Altar of Chests before the towne-house, where they had a Maffe song, which done, they all tooke their oathes to bee true and faithfull vnto their Eletto, and that they would not bee satisfied but with their full paye; and to [ D] keepe watche, as also to hinder and with-stand all strife and contention amongst them-selues, which they swore with great ceremonies and solemnities, and caused the same to be written and set vpon the towne-house, with-all setting vp a paire of gal∣lowes, to punish all the euery amongst them: and one being taken, that in the night be∣fore had stolne a paire of sheetes, the Eletto after the Masse was done, asked the Soul∣diers what they would haue done with him? where-vpon they all cried, that he should be hanged vp, and that was their manner of iudgement: but the Eletto made answer, that hee thought the crime to bee too small for him to loose his life for such a thing, saying, that the strappado with a corde was punishment inough; where-with they cryed, that it should bee done. For which Iustice vsed amongst them, the Burgers with [ E] one consent gaue them great thankes, for that during all that time none of them could * 1.25 bee accused of theft, the which was strange, and that no such acte was committed in such a great tumult. After this they were pacified with money, and otherwise, and at last contented. The Burgers were constrained (besides the charges they were at in feeding them, all the while they lay in the towne,) to prouide foure hundred thousand guilders, and the commander the rest: at which time, vpon Whitsonday they being all brauely apparrelled in Silkes, Veluet, and Gold-lace, like great Lords, and chiefe com∣manders, they gotte a generall pardon of the great Commander, for all that had pas∣sed, which was assured vnto them at a solemne Masse sayd in the great church, as also with great feast and triumphe made by them in his honour vpon the Meere bridge: [ F] and so was their mutinie appeased without punishment: but the Eletto and his coun∣sell were afterward (when time serued) well found out and seuerely punished for their labours: that done they were commanded to depart the towne, and to go into Holland to besiege Leyden.

They had caused all the ships of warre that were in garde before the towne, to re∣tire, [ A] and sent them before Liloo. The Zeelanders hauing notice thereof, and discoue∣ring these ships lying at Anchor on a Whitsonday, set vpon them, tooke fifteene, sunke * 1.26 fiue, and burnt three: the fifteene were carried in the Commanders sight into Zeland, whilest that the Spaniards plunged in all delights and voluptuousnesse, did dominere in the towne of Antwerpe: in which ships the Zeelanders found a hundred and two peeces of brasse ordinance, besides those of yron: the Commander who was called Hemsted was taken prisoner. After that the Spaniards were retired from Leyden, to go fight with these three Noblemen at Mocken, the towne was not victualed in the meane time, nor furnished with things necessary, as it was fit, notwithstanding the good opor∣tunity and meanes which they had. But God doth some-times wonders worthy of his greatnesse, as he would haue it appeare in the deliuery of this towne, by meanes farre [ B] from the thought of man, being iealous of the trust and confidence which many did put in Cont Lodouic and in his armie, for the preseruation of the country. The Prince had done his endeauor to haue it victualed, and did constantly beleeue that it had beene so * 1.27 for a long time: as they that had the charge, and vpon whom he relyed, did assure him. But the Spaniards knowing the contrary, returned to their old lodgings, blocking vp the towne neerer then before, in building of other new forts. The which was done vn∣der the charge and command of Francisco Valdes a Spaniard, with the regiments of the holy league, and of Lombardie, some regiments of Wallons and high Dutch, and 300. horse, being in all about 7000. men, where-with all the fortes about Leyden being fur∣nished, [ C] he put some companies into the Hage, Mazelandt, & other villages about Delf, as if they would also besiege it at the same instant. In the meane time the body of the Spanish armie, was about Bommel, Gorrichom, and Louuesteyn, intending to besiege or batter one of these places, which the Prince did not greatly respect, hauing alwayes meanes to dislodge them from Bommel or Gorrichom, if they would attempt it: the * 1.28 which they did not, seeing them well furnished of all things necessary to attend them, as all good townes of warre ought to bee. The Spaniards holding this summer well spent, to haue with little resistance wonne Vandrichom and Lierdam, the first be∣longing * 1.29 to the Earles of Horne, the which they burnt and destroyed, into the which the Prince had sent fiue companies to keepe them play, being returned from the inso∣lencies which they had committed at Antwerp. For being come thether, matters [ D] succeeded according to the Princes desire, for thether they brought the canon and battered it, vntill they were ready to giue an assault: but the Prince being loth to loose so many men in a Pyes nest, sent them word that they should retire: the which they could not doe for want of Boates, but the Spaniards entered time enough, to cut in peeces about one hundred and fiftie that were appointed to make the retreate. And as they would breath themselues after a great iourney, they rested there a good space, vntill they went to besiege Leerdam, a little towne belonging to the Earle of Buren, the which hauing endured some two hundred canon shotte, yeelded vpon composition. [ E]

After these two petty exploits, the Spaniards thinking they should get little to attempt any good towne of warre, they did forbeare, putting all their hope in the sea * 1.30 armie, which they attended from Spaine. And they began to build two fortes, one vpon either bancke of the riuer of Meuse, beneath Gorrichom, to stoppe the passage of the riuer, making an accoumpt by one meanes to bridle foure places: Bomell, (about the which they had left some forces) Buren, Gorrichom and Louuestein, if they might cut off the passage of the riuer of Meuse to those places. And in very trueth they made many a shotte with their Ordinance, at the Boates which past and repast too and fro, some-times killing or hurting some one, but yet they did not much hinder the Nauigation. [ F]

The great Commander had then three seuerall desseignes in hand at one instant: * 1.31 the one to shut vp the riuer of Meuse, the other to winne Leyden by famine, and the third to get West-Frislandt and Water-landt by force. But his men were so

courteously entertained, as hee lost not many lesse then two thousand men in that [ A] quarter of West Triselandt, about Assendelf, Wormer, Ryp, Graft, Purmerehde, Vl∣pendam, and all that watrie and marishe countrey, where as the Peasants made sharpe warres against them with their boates, and certaine aduenturing Souldiers (whom they call Fribooters) who carrying a harguebuze in a scarse, and a long halfe Pike, leaped ouer broad Ditches, cutting off the Spaniards way where-so-euer they turned, beeing not able to escape from them by any meanes, so as besides them that were slaine and drowned, there were two hundred and nintie brought priso∣ners to Horne.

Some other Spaniards had at the same time a desseine by practise and intelligence * 1.32 vpon the towne of Delfe (where-as at that time the Seignior of Poyet, the Princes [ B] Lieutenant commanded) the which did not succeed according to their mindes, for that it was too soone discouered (as they said.) But to say the trueth, if they had en∣tred they had beene taken, the which they had done, if the Key of the gate which was appointed to bee opened, could haue beene at the instant found. And so seeing they had not the entrie ready as they expected, they suspected that the practise was disco∣uered, (and yet there was not any shew nor noyse in the towne) and so retired. If this had succeeded, those of Delfe had taken the cheefe commanders of all their forces, especially of the Spaniards. At that time the Commander receiued a generall par∣don * 1.33 from the King, giuen at Madrill the eight of Marche, the which at his best com∣moditie hee caused to bee proclaimed in the townes of Brusselles and Antwerpe, [ C] with great ceremonies and state. This pardon was for all them of the Netherlands that had offended, as well for the publicke preaching, as the carrying of armes, break∣ing of Images, thefts, sacke of Churches, Monasteries, or other offences, against the King or the Romish Church, in what manner soeuer: out of which pardon were ex∣cluded the Prince of Orange, and some others whom the King had particularly excep∣ted; restoring all others that were capable of the sayd pardon to their goods, name and credit, of what quality and condition soeuer they were, hauing no need to sue for any other letters of grace, but this generall pardon. And such as would enioye it, be∣fore they entred into the possession of their goods, being yet in being and in the Kings power, should bee bound to produce letters of abiuration of their errors, and of [ D] their submission and promise of obedience to the Romish Church. Many durst not trust vnto it, no more then vnto the Duke of Aluaes pardon: yet some trusted vnto it and spedde well, yet many were freed from prison, who if it had bin in the Duke of Aluaes time (according to his rigour) had lost their liues.

In the meane time Leyden was brought to great extremitie, there being no meanes left to releeue them, but by some extraordinary and vnexpected accident: so as the Spaniards did assure themselues of the Towne: yet knowing that the Prince was a man who would not omitte any thing, that might serue for the succour and preserua∣tion of such a Towne, and that hee wanted no inuention, practising the meanes which had beene often vsed in the time of troubles, both in France and the Netherlands, not [ E] onely to circumuent the simple, but euen the most sufficient, vnder a glorious shew of peace (the superficies whereof at the first sight is pleasing) gaue it out, that they * 1.34 did wonderfully affect and desire it, and that it was the Kings pleasure. For proofe whereof, and to sound the Prince of Oranges minde, they sent vpon his simple pas∣port, and with-out hostages, two men that were not very opposite to the Protestants religion: the one was Iohn of Matenesse Seignior of Riuiere, and the Aduocate Tres∣lon, who obteyned this pasport of the Prince, vnder collour to follow some priuate businesse of their owne, as they sayd: but it was most to conferre with some of the States of Holland. They were some time at Rotterdam, where as the Prince was then also, going vp and downe with all liberty, which many did not like of. But the Prince [ F] would haue the world know, that he held not the peoples wills in subiection: who con∣trariwise was not so voide of iudgement, but hee vnderstood well the consequence thereof, and sayd openly that this warre was their peace, and the peace which was

propounded would be a fatall and deadly warre, the which notwithstanding they de∣tested: [ A] desiring only you should haue holy and healthfull conditions, as wel for the soule as the body. The Prince suffred them to speake freely to whome they pleased They that had sent them to entertaine both the Prince and the States in this opinion of peace, meaning to put all their deuises in practise, vnder collour of talking of the exchange of prisoners of either side, and namely of Cont Bossu, they resolued •…•…o send vpon good hos∣tages (that is to say of the Signior of Carnesse and of doctor Iunius gouernor of la Vere) the Signior of Saint Aldegonde who they knew to be wel beloued of the Prince, giuing him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 on Ferdinando Launoy Earle of la Roche a high Bourguignon (Gouernor of Hol∣land in the absence of Cont Bossu that was prisoner at Horne) and the Signior of Cham∣paigne, brother to the Cardinal Granuelle, with certain Instructions to treat of a peace [ B] with the Commanders good liking and consent, which gentlemen making a wonderfull demonstration of the desire they had to see an assured peace, they did sweare vnto him that they which were of the country, would doe their best endeauors to aduance it: thinking (as they said) that there was no better meanes to induce the Prince, then in sending the said Signior of S^t. Aldegond: who being come to Rotterdam, and this trea∣ty of peace ready to begin, there appeered some difficulties, about the order and * 1.35 meanes to proceed which had bene propounded, the which was not likt of by the great Commander, vnder collour that the Kings authority should be thereby somewhat ble∣mished, who thought it more fitting that the townes of Holland and Zeeland should first addresse themselues vnto the king by way of petition, to the end that the effect of the ac∣cord [ C] that might ensue, might be attributed to the kings bounty, rather thē to any confe∣rence. And therfore they did greatly presse the Signior of Saint Aldegond to perswade the States therevnto. Before vpon the conference which Matenesse and Treslon had had with the States at Rotterdam, there was a writing giuen vnto them at their retreat by

the States, in forme as followeth. Vpon that which hath bin propounded to the States of Holland and Zeeland, touching the troubles and present warre, and for the quieting thereof by a firme peace, for the good of the country and of his Maiesties subiects, the States protest that they neuer intended to take armes against his maiestie. But that in discharge of the bond and duties of their charge, and to maintaine his reputation and dignity, together with the sworne priuileges, rights, laudable customes, and liberty [ D] of his countries and subiects, haue beene forced to oppose, themselues with armes a∣gainst the tiranous and violent command of the Duke of Alua and other strangers his adherents: who by vniust exactions and oppressions of his subiects, haue troubled the publike quiet, seeking by all insolent meanes to become maisters of his Maiesties coun∣tries, and to reduce them to perpetuall slauery, to the great preiudice of his Maiesties seruice, as it hath beene often heretofore made knowne and protested by the saide Estates. So as they meane not now to capitulate of any pacification with his Maiestie, whom they haue alwaies sought to obey and serue with all humility, as their naturall Lord and Prince, which makes them humbly to beseech him that it would please his Maiesty as a good father, to looke vpon the pouerties and afflictions of his contries with [ E] a louing and tender eye, and thereby draw them to vnion, peace and trafficke, as well to augment his estate as the prosperity of his subiects. The which without doubt can neuer be effected, so long as strangers shal vse their force and tirany: who make a greater beni∣fit by troubles and disorders, then when the country is orderly gouerned, regarding only their owne profit, which hath bin the cause of all these warres. And therfore that it would please his maiesty to cal away those strangers, & afterwards by a free conference with the aduice of the general estates of the country duly assembled, set such an order, as his maiesties subiects may be hereafter assured from all dangers and inconueniences that might happen; And for that the contynuance of this warre (to speake truly) can produce nothing but a depopulation and total ruine of his Maiesties countries, and the [ F] rather for that it is manifest that the inhabitants thereof do giue them selues daiely to the exercise of Armes, forgetting and neglecting their trades and traffick of Marchan∣dise, being an vsuall thing for men to giue them-selues to all the licentiousues which war

brings with it. So as by this meanes a dangerous and preiudiciall decay is to bee fea∣red, [ A] of all trafficke, negotiation, marchandise and nauigation, redounding to the ruine of his Maiesties seruice. The sayd Estates doe also beseech, that regard may bee had heerevnto, to the end that as well Holland and Zeeland, as the other neighbour Prouinces might by his Maiesties authoritie, bee discharged of either side from the oppression of these strange souldiars, and that presently by way of proui∣sion all acts of hostilitie may cease. So as the Comerce and conuersation of the inha∣bitants bread in your Maiesties countries, may be hereafter restored with al security, and the one reconciled with the other. Wherefore the States do trust that the great Com∣manders excellency, and all other his Maiesties saithfull vassalls, will put to their help∣ing hands, (as they doe intreate them with all reuerence and humility) and doe all the [ B] good offices of loyall and faithfull subiects.

This answere made by the States did not please them that had sent the signior of Matenesse and Treslon, the which doth well appeere by a letter which the Lord of Cha•…•…paigny writ vnto Saint Aldegonde, beeing, yet with the Prince and States, dated the 2•…•…. of Iuly: where hee saith amongst other pointes, speaking of this an∣swere

(which hee confesseth to haue receiued) these words following. But that which * 1.36 they haue brought is farre from the present affaires. For neither the title which they take in this writing can bee vsurped by them, nor the reasons which they giue for their distraction, doe concurre with his Maiesties reputation: notwithstanding that they say, that their intention was to maintaine his greatnesse, the which hath no ground. [ C] And as for the meanes which the propound, they are not accompanied with the respect which I did hope for: For it seemes by their writing, that the townes which are distracted from his Maiesties obedience, carrie themselues towards him, as good and faithfull subiects doe to their Soueraigne Prince. Therefore you must bring other matter &c. These letters beeing imparted to the States, that they might

not commit any thing that might bee demanded of them with reason, and to shewe that they did seriously demand a good peace, that might bee firme and permanent, they would not shewe themselues vnwilling to propound their greeuances and de∣mandes by petition, directed vnto the King, the which was deliuered to Saint Alde∣gonde returning to Vtrecht to prison, who deliuered it to the Lord of Champagny, to [ D] present it vnto the great Commander, whereof the tenor was.

To the King.

MOst humblie shewing: the Nobles, Knights and townes of Holland and Zeeland. That they haue euer like good and faithfull vassalls and subiects, in all things as well to your Maiestie, as to your Pre∣decessors * 2.1 of famous memorie, yeelded all humble obedience dutie and seruice whensoeuer, for the preseruation of your Maiesties [ E] greatnesse and State, their obedience and humble seruice hath beene required. So as they haue no doubt, but your Maiesties loue towardes them, hath beene thereby greatly augmented, to preserue and maintaine them in their rightes and liberties, with peace and tranquilitie, vnder Iustice and order. And although the Duke of Alua carrying himselfe for Gouernor in your Maiesties place, should haue behaued himselfe accordingly; yet contrariwise vnder the title of his go∣uernment, hee hath vsed such Iniustice and violence to your Maiesties coun•…•…rie and subiects, aswell Ecclesiasticall as Secular, Noble and vnnoble, as the Petitio∣ners for the preseruation of their preuiledges, rightes and auncient lawdable cus∣tomes and liberties, haue beene, (to their great greefe) fo•…•…ced, to oppose them∣selues, [ F] with an armie, against the proud commande, and violent manner of go∣uernment of the sayd Duke, and his adherents, that were strangers: seeking to trouble the publike quiet by Innouations, strange exactions, and the generall

oppression of your maiesties subiects: Hauing no other designe, but to subiect the sayd [ A] countries & the inhabitants to their appetites and insolencies, to impouerish them, and bring them into seruitude, to the great preiudice of your Maiesties seruice, greatnes & reuenues, whereon your suppliants haue heretofore made complaint & protested open∣ly; as also the States of other countries haue respectiuely done the like diuers times But yet notwithstanding, the Duke of Alua persisting still in his bad resolution: your Ma∣iesties said countries and the inhabitants, haue not onely beene drawne into great al∣terations, troubles and calamities of warre, but also the neighbour Nations and kingdomes, haue growne to hate and to abhorre this ouerweeni•…•…g pride of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 strangers, enemies of the publike quiet of the sayd Countries, with a d•…•…sion a•…•…d losse of all traffick, trades, negotiation, and of their prosperity. And as the sayd Pe∣titioners haue neuer sought, nor doe not at this present seeke any thing, but to ad∣uance [ B] and by all meanes possible to procure the generall good of all the country for your Maiesties seruice, as it belongs to loyall subiects, they beseech your Maiesty with∣all humility, that you would bee pleased, as a kinde father to regard with a pittifull eye, the present estate of the Netherlands, so lamentable and miserable, and to restore them to a vnion, comerce and quietnesse: wherby your Maiesties greatnesse may increase, and the prosperity of the inhabitants growe and florish for your seruice. And as it can by no meanes be effected, so long as strange nations shall exercise their rule and tiranie ouer the sayd countries, for that their profit and aduantage consists chiefely in their trouble and confusion, and not in any good order and pollitike gouernment: they being by na∣ture [ C] (as daily experience doth teach) more giuen to their priuate appetites, then to the generall good of the country, wherevnto they are strangers, which hath beene the motiue of troubles and present warre. That therefore it would please your Maiesty to commande the sayd strangers to retire out of the country, and by the free conference and aduise of the generall Estates lawfully assembled, setle such good order and pollicy, as your Maiesties sayd countries and subiects, may be hereafter maintained in vnion and assured peace: all dangers, inconueniences and troubles being auoided. Considering also that by the long continuance of this present warre (to speake freely) there can no o∣ther thing be hoped for, but the spoile and totall ruine of your Maiesties countries and Prouinces. And the rather, for that the inhabitants do giue themselues more and more to armes, forgetting and neglecting their accustomed trades and negotiation: as men [ D] are by nature inclined to all the licentiousnesse and excesse which warre doth common∣ly bring: that by the long vse of armes, the bitternesse and hatred of your Maiesties sub∣iects increasing more and more one against an other, it is to be feared there will insue a dangerous and preiudiciall decrease and decay of all trafficke, negotiation, marchandise and nauigation; whereby your Maiesties seruice may be greatly interessed. They do al∣so most humbly beseech your Maiesty that you will be pleased to haue regard herevnto with all clemency and fauour; to the end that as well Holland and Zeeland, as all o∣ther the neighbour Prouinces, beeing by your Maiesties authority, freed of either side, from the oppression, at the least of strange soldiars, and withall that (by way of proui∣sion) al Acts of hostilitie may cease. So as the Comerce and conuersation of the inhabi∣tants [ E] and those that are borne in your Maiesties countries, may be againe restored with∣all securitie; and that they being reconciled one vnto an other, may be the better resto∣red to their ancient possessions and residences; wherein your Maiesties suppliants will not for their points, omit any good office and dutie that shall belong to good and faith∣full subiects. &c.

If the writing carried by the signior of Matenesse and Treslon, had not much plea∣sed them that were dealers about the peace, for the Spaniard; this petition liked them much lesse. The which the Lord of Champaigny shewed plainely by his let∣ter * 2.2 of the thirteene of August vnto Doctor Iunius Gouernor of La Vere, at his re∣turne [ F] from hostage, hauing beene in Vtrecht, for the signior of Saint Aldegonde: which Petition Champaigny debates in all points: the which (for the reasons which he specefies) he saies he durst not present, sending it backe to Iunius: which letter the Doctor answered, and for that the answere is succinct, and as were an abridgment

of that which was donne by way of discourse, more particularly, I would not o∣mit [ A] it.

My Lord, I haue lately receiued a letter from you, dated the thirteene of August, * 2.3 with the petition which Monsier Aldegondé had brought vnto you to Montfort, from the States and townes of Holland and Zeeland: the which I haue not failed to impart presently vnto them, and to deliuer into their hands: whereat they haue beene won∣derfully amazed, being not able, to comprehend the reasons contained in your letter to be sufficient to mooue you to reiect and send backe their petition in this manner, which happily might haue serued for a greater good: And therefore seeing themselues intrea∣ted in this sort, not as the Kings subiects and vassalls (as they haue alwaies carried themselues, where there hath bin question of his Maiesties honor, state and greatnesse) [ B] but rather as the most insidell Turkes and Iewes, that are in the world, yea as sworne e∣nemies to his Maiesty: they haue there by concluded, that they are not to hope for any more good of them that thus seeke to abuse the kings name to their ruine. And therfore they haue resolued to imploy all their meanes, to prouide hereafter for their safeties, against the barbarous crueltie and tiranie of those which couer their priuate passions, vnder the cloake and name of his royall Maiestie. Protesting that (seeing their peti∣tions can haue no accesse to his Maiesties eares, and that they haue debarred them the meanes, which by the lawes of God and nature are granted euen to the most fellonious traitors, and disloyall rebells that are or euer were in the world) they are forced by such vnreasonable iniustice and tyranie, to seeke such meanes as it shall please God to [ C] put into their hands. Intreating you that you wil be a witnesse to all the world, that they haue presented the sayd petition, and haue thereby discharged their duties, and therefore wheresoeuer it shal be brought in question, that you will excuse and iustifie them. And to the end your LL. may know the causes and grounds of their complaints and greefes, and why they finde themselues so much wronged by the sending backe thereof. I did then thinke it good, by way of discourse, to collect the chiefe points of their complaints vnto your letter, the which I had alreadie sent vnto you; had I not still staied for your man, who should come for mine answere: by whome I would not faile to send it vnto you. Desiryng you to consider well of the reasons and grounds produced by them vpon your letter, the which are ioyned herevnto, hauing no [ D] intent that this my writing (which proceedes from mine owne particular, for the zeale which I haue to the quiet of the countrie, and loue to your Lordship) should in any sort preiudice the sayd Estates and townes, or their said resolution. I will referre my selfe to the sayd discours, the tediousnesse whereof you shall excuse, and im∣pute it to my disability, or to the difficultie of affaires whereof it treates. And so I re∣commend me humbly &c.

Signed I. Iunius.

This discourse whereof mention is made in this letter, being verie tedious, wee haue thought good to omit, and the rather for that wee haue not heard that Champaigny or any other hath replied vnto it. And so these practises of peace vanished to smoake, [ E] for both the Prince and the States did constantly beleeue, that it was onelie to cir∣cumuent them, to make them carelesse and to loose time, whilest they made their preparations. Afterwards the Prince of Orange propounded certaine points, vnto the States concerning their affaires. And first that the towne of Leyden was in * 2.4 great daunger to bee lost, by a fault of verie great consequence; and that hee did see well that by the losse thereof manie other good townes would bee shaken and in dan∣ger: finally that it would cause a great alteration in their affaires, wherefore they should resolue to prouide for it speedely: seeing no other meanes but to cut the dikes, and raise all the Scluses, to drowne the countrie; yet before they did it, they should set before their eyes the ruine of the Champian countrie, and other losses which [ F] would follow, to the end they should not afterwardes reproch it vnto him, if it succee∣ded ill. But they mooued with charitie and a mutuall bond, which all they townes had one with an other, by oth and contracts, by the which they had sollemnely pro∣mised and sworne to succor one an other euen vnto the last gaspe, not sparing any

thing, or hauing regard to any publike or priuate commoditie: they made answere [ A] vnto the Prince, that hee should aduise what might bee donne to succor and deli∣uer the towne of Leyden: and that they would omit nothing for the effecting there∣of: saying, that they had rather haue a countrie that were spoiled, then a countrie that * 2.5 were lost, that they would rather see their houses heaped one vpon an other, then the Spaniards should enioye them. And were it not for the succor of Leyden, yet they would doe it, to chase the Spaniard out of the countrie. God knowes how this free and voluntarie offer of the States did mooue the Princes heart, who was wonderful∣ly perplexed, as well to see this towne in danger to bee lost through the negligence of some, (for the which a Prince of the Empire and two of his Bretheren had lost them∣selues to saue it once: and yet the oportunitie which they had bought with the price of their deerest bloud was to no effect) as for that hee did foresee, that the blame [ B] should bee laied vpon him by them that did not knowe that hee commanded not ab∣solutely. But seeing them so well affected, hee made them resolue to drawe the water into the countrie by the aboue mentioned meanes. The which was speedely exe∣cuted. So as the Prince hauing made passage for the water, and seeing in what abun∣dance it entred into the countrie in seauen or eight daies, they were all perswaded that this aduice would take good effect: although that euen then many did maintaine that the water would neuer come within a league of the towne of Leyden. But let vs speake somewhat of the Spaniard, howe hee behaued himselfe at the seege of that towne. [ C]

The Spaniards after their returne from their victorie, hauing taken vp their olde lodging at Leyderdorp, whereof three companies went to Zosterwoude, where they intrencht themselues, and a part at Leysdsendam, which is the Scluse of Leyden, where there had beene a fort, which after their departure the Protestants of Holland had neglected to ruine, and to breake the Scluse. Captaine Nicholas Ruyckhauer beeing in garrison at the Hage, heard of the Spaniards returne so late, as hee could hardly retire his men: yet hee entertained the skirmish so long * 2.6 with the Spaniards, as the inhabitants had meanes for to saue all the best part of their goods. Francisco Valdes Lieutenant of this campe had brought with him a part of the troupes of Vtrecht, the which hee sent before the fort, which the Protestants held at the Scluse of Goude and Alphen: and the other part which came from [ D] Harlem, was led by Noortwic and Walkenbourg, whereas the Protestants had two verie strong Forts, either of them manned with fiue Companies of English, of the which Edward Chester was Collonel. This Regiment endured the first charge of the Spaniards. The Fort at the Scluse of Goude, was first of all most furiously as∣saulted, and then they were often-times repulst and put back againe by the English, ouer whome Captaine Gainsford, a true souldiar, commanded. But as the Spanish horse had no meanes nor way to enter into Holland but by these Fortes, they did so pre•…•… forward with cudgells and swords vpon the foote-men that did assaile it, as the English were forced to quit the place: the which had not beene so soone, if those which were at Alphen (which is but halfe a league off,) had defended themselues [ E] as valiantly as these, who hauing left their fort, thinking to goe and succor them of * 2.7 Alphen, they found it also wonne and gotten from them, and so both the one and the other were defeated and cut all in peeces, the which hapned the seauenteenth of Maie.

Those of Vtrecht ranne thether and razed these forts and that which was at Ley∣derdorp. Francis de Valdes, with an other troupe which came to Nortwick, went to a great forte that was vnfinished, which the other fiue companies of English did hold in the village of Valchenbourg, the which they abandoned before they had seene any enemy; although the day before they had required some horse from them of [ F] Leyden, to discouer the enemie, which they had not yet donne. Hauing left this fort, they retired neere vnto Waldnighe, where they did skirmish for a time with the Spaniards: which the Bourgers might-see from their walls, but yet they could not see of either side any one fall nor hurt, although the skirmish were very whot; which

made them of the towne to doubt the worst. After this skirmish, the English appro∣ched [ A] neerer vnto the towne ditches: betwixt the Bourgers trenches at the bridge of Boschuysen and the towne. Then Collonel Chester entred with some of his men into the towne, and gaue a signe vnto the Bourgers that if it hapned he were forced by the Spa∣niards that he would make his retreat by the port of the Hage, the which the Bourgers agreed vnto, and that the enemie approchin g, (against whome they should continue the skirmish) they should make them a signe, which was, that when they should take downe the coulors that should be vppon the port, they should open them-selues and re∣tyre on the one side, that their canon from their rampar might passe through the Spa∣nish squadrons: this condition did nothing please the English, as it appeered sone after. * 2.8 For as soone as they were gone out of their trenches, where-into they were retired at [ B] the bridge of Boschuysen, they marched with their coulors flying directly towards the Spaniards, to whome (vppon a certaine othe taken by them) they went and trecherous∣ly yeelded, and were receiued with certaine ceremonies: but they did not fore-see that which should befall them. For as soone as they were receiued, they made them put out their matches being constrained by the Spanish Caualary, that was at Woorschote; which some officers and others, as well English as Flemings perceiuing, to the nomber of thirty two, they retired vnder the Counterscharp of the towne, where afterwards they suffred them to enter. The rest were led to Harlem, being stript of their best ap∣parell, some to serue for Pioners, and such as could escape retired into England, not da∣ring to shew them-selues in Holland. [ C]

The Spaniards knowing well that they got little in battering of Leyden, and that the battery which they had made at Harlem against a bare wall, had bene a great charge vnto them, with losse of men, they brought no artillery to batter it, assuring them-selues * 2.9 that in the end they should famish it. And in the meane time to make it shorter, they spared nothing that might auaile them, by goodly promises, or practises, to induce the besieged to yeeld; and to acknowledge the King. Wherein they imployed many of these Bourgers and others that were of their partie, who wanted no letters of aduice: to whome they of the towne would neuer make any other answer, but by a letter, in the which there was nothing written but this latin verse.

Fistula dulce canit volucrem, dum decipit Auceps. * 2.10 [ D]

And seeing that they preuailed nothing with all their letters and perswasions: (the which did animate and incourage the Bourgers the more) they ment to shut them vp more straightly, building forts vppon all the passages, both great and small.

Some Bourgers which by the sodaine siege of this towne had bene excluded, with the Prince of Oranges leaue and the assistance of the Magistrate of Goude, did laid thirty barks with wheat and rye, the which two peasants and a Balyfe of a village, had promi∣sed to conduct by a couert way to Copier-ka, the which they peeced, and there they at∣tended them to guide them vnto the towne. These barks furnished with good marri∣ners, hauing euery one two hargubusiers, aduanced to Copier-ka, which they found pierst, but no peasant to guide them: yet they past on, and in steed of taking the left hand, [ E] they past on the right, and so wandred vp and downe vntill the breake of day. And thin∣king their peasant had betraid them (who tired with toyling, slept not farre from the place) they returned to Goude without any exploit. Those of Leyden aduertised of this enterprise, attended them with great deuotion and sent their aduenturing barks to second them: the which was not without some profit, for being come neere vnto Hey∣mansbrugge, they met with two ships of Conuoy of the Spaniards, which they set vp∣on, slue all the men, and put into their barks all the munition of warre, victualls, artil∣lerie, silkes, gold and siluer-lace, poulder and a great number of boullets. Of the two * 2.11 ships, one was burnt and the other sunke. The Spaniards being at Leyderdorp, thought to take these barkes in their returne, and to reskue the bootie; but the besieged putting [ F] themselues in armes (attending their men) gaue so hot an alarme to the Spaniard, as du∣ring the skirmish they past without danger, and hindred the Spaniards from ca•…•…rying away of some boates, as they pretended. These barkes brought with them one Peter Quaetgelaet, who was taken in the sayd shippes, and as a Traitor executed and

quartered, and his quarters set vpon the towne gates. The signior Thierry of Bronck∣horst [ A] was in the Princes name appointed as gouernor and superintendant in the towne. He with the Lawiers and the chiefe of the towne, considering that this siege would be long (the enemy hauing an intent to famish them) set an order vpon the vic∣tualls * 2.12 in Iune, to make them last as long as it was possible; and hauing •…•…aken a viewe of the corne, there was found but a 100. and ten lasts, and foureteene thousand mouthes in the towne to feede therewith. The first two monthes euery one was stinted at halfe a pound of bread by the day, the which a laborer would haue eaten at his break∣fast. The Spaniards finding that the besieged drewe manie commodities and re∣freshings from their Kitchin gardins without the towne, the which they had so∣wed * 2.13 in the beginning of the springe, the seauenteene and eighteene of Iuly they built [ B] a fort not farre from Rhynsbourg gate, at the end of the Causey, to cut off their pas∣sage to these gardins. The which the signior of Bronckhorst and the councell see∣ing, they promised an honest recompence to them that should first seize vpon this fort. The which they did the sayd eighteene day with such courage, as they chased away all their enemies with great losse and confusion. The same moneth the Go∣uernor and councell, did coyne money of paper or cardes, of foureteene, and eight * 2.14 and twentie stiuers the peece, where there was of the one side grauen. Hac liberta∣tis ergo. And of the other. Nummus obsessoe vrbis Lugdunensis, sub gubernatione il∣lustrissimi Principis Auraici cusus, and of them of foureteene Stiuers. Lugdunum Ba∣•…•…auorum. [ C]

The towne was then besieged more straightly then before, a certaine Spanish cap∣taine called Carion had intrenched himselfe at Waldinge, whereby hee did verie much mischiefe to the besieged, for the auoyding whereof, it was resolued to sallie forth vpon him and his men, in the manner that followeth. That Gerard Vander * 2.15 Laen should goe forth with a galley well appointed with Men, Artillerie and Muskers. Iohn van Duyuenworde captaine of the aduenturers or forlorne Hope, some beeing armed with harguebuzes and some with halfe pikes, should sallie forth at the Vlyer∣gate. Adrien Schot with his companie, by the port of Rhynsbourg should seize vp∣on the way to Poelbrug: the companies of Iohn Vanderdoors, and the signior of Noortvic with Mees Hauicx, should set vpon the fort at the bridge of Boschuysen, [ D] in that quarter which they call the Sandt, and they should haue with them good store of Pioners. This enterprise thus layed, and a reward promised for them that should first enter into the enemies forts, and for euery Spaniards head; a warning beeing giuen by fire, they issued forth of the towne, and did all at one instant assaile the enemie, with very great furie and fearefull cries, especially the signior of Noort∣uic named Ianus Dousa (a Gentleman of great learning, as his writings doe witnesse) and Mees Havicx with their companies. The Spaniards beeing but threescore * 2.16 men, defended themselues verie valiantly with their musket-shot. But the besie∣ged (although they were Bourgers) without any feare of their shot, ranne despe∣rately to the foote of the trenches, from whence they cast balles of wild-fire, stones [ E] and such other things vpon the Spaniards vntill that with their halfe pikes they * 2.17 had forced these trenches, where they slue, burnt and buried aliue in the ruines of the fort (which the souldiars ruined and spoiled as much as they could) all the Spaniards that were within it, not taking any one to mercie, although they cried out for mercy.

The signall of fire had giuen the alarme throughout all the Spanish campe. Those of Lammen came to succor Vaddinghen, and so did they of Leyderdorp, Voors∣chote and Vassenare, which are all villages within a League of the Towne, where the Caualerie laie, who came running in all hast, but they gained nothing but mus∣ket-shot, so as they were forced to retyer with shame and some losse of men. And [ F] as it was not the intent of the besieged to hold this fort, but onelie to ruine it, and to shewe that although they had no soldiars in the towne, yet that necessitie, vse and expe∣rience, had taught their Burgers to become good soldiars, after that they had labored two houres to ruine the fort as much as they could, seeing the enemies approch with

a great supply; they retired with good order into the towne, hauing in these skir∣mishes [ A] slaine aboue a hundred Spaniards and Italiens, The Bourgers inured them∣selues so to these skirmishes, as they were at it euery day to saue their cattell (which they fed yet in the pastures without the towne) being six or seauen hundred, so as in the end they were faine to defend them at the sound of the Bell. And it was a strange thing, that as often as the Spaniards came to take them, they neuer carried any more away then one calfe. And the kine were so accustomed vnto it, as seeing the Spaniards come, they ran towards the towne, and stood vpon the counterscarfe of the ditch, as in a place of safety.

Here-vpon whilst that through the pulling vp of the scluses and the breaking of the dikes in diuers places, the water did rise in the country: the Prince fell so extreamly * 2.18 [ B] sicke, as there was nothing in him but signes of death: the which did much trouble them all, but yet notwith-standing they continued the course of their affaires, and the water did still run on the other side; the Spaniards did greatly presse them of Leyden to yeeld, giuing them to vnder-stand that the Prince was dead: it was also to be feared that bread fayling them, the people would force the Magistrats. Yet they shewed such con∣stancie * 2.19 and resolution to keepe their faith giuen vnto the States, as they would neuer enter into any parle with the enemie. In the meane time there were many sent from them vnto the Prince and States to hasten the succors, the which was promised, if it pleased God to send them water inough. Here-vpon the Spaniards writte vnto them many letters full of goodly promises and cruell threats, still assuring them that the [ C] Prince was dead. The besieged sent for the foure men, as well to see if the Prince were yet liuing, as to let the States vnder-stand that they could h•…•…ld out no longer: yet they would striue to keepe it a moneth (which should fall out on the twenty of September) if they would assure them of their succors: if not that they should dispence and free them of their faith and oth that they might resolue what were fittest for them. The States let their messengers see all their preparatiues; the holes of the dikes that were broken, and the aboundance of water which entred into the country, the which gaue them great satisfaction: & made them resolue, that if they did indeuour to succor them, they would also striue and attend all extremities: The which did so reioyce the Prince, (whose sicknes proceeded onely of griefe and the care he had of them) as it did not a [ D] little help in his recouery. A few daies before, being somewhat amended, he began to appoynt men to prepare the boats and munition, deuising how to dispose of his enter∣prise, and to prouide soldiars and marriners in such nombers as should be needfull. For the effecting whereof (being well aduertised that the Spanish fleete, which the Spani∣ards so deuoutly attended came not) knowing that this enterprise by water for the suc∣couring of Leyden, depended much vppon an Admirall, hee caused the Seignior Lewis of Boysot to come out of Zeeland with about forty Captains both for Sea and land, and * 2.20 some 800. marriners, & good store of Artillerie fit for such flat boats, as were fittest for the execution of this desseine. The water in the meane time did so get of the country, as it forced the Spaniards to abandon some of their villages. During the which, the [ E] Prince being at Rotterdam, and beginning to recouer him-selfe, he sent the Collonel la Garde, and the Councellor Wasteel to Delfe, to see how much the water was risen on the side of Delflant; for you must vnder-stand that the three Iurisdictions: which is * 2.21 that of Rhinlant which is vnder Leyden; of Delflant which is vnder Delf, and of Schye∣landt which is vnder Rotterdam, are diuided by a dike called Landt-scheydinghe, that is to say seperation of the country, which makes a triangle, like vnto three lines which part from one center. The water entred into Delflant, by a hole made neere vnto Rotterdam, and by the scluses of Rotterdam and Delfhauen: Entring into Schyelandt by a breach of the dike made in the riuer of Issell, neere vnto Capelle: and in the riuer of Meuz neere vnto Issellmonde: so as it remained onely to know what height it was of [ F] either side, to cut the said Landt-scheydinghe, and to giue it passage into Rhinlandt, the which is a higher country then the other two: Whilst that the Seignior of la Garde & Wasteel went on the side of Delflandt, the Admirall went into Schyelant, where hauing found the water high inough, for that the breach neere vnto Rotterdam had bene made

long after that of Issell. Hauing made report vnto the Prince, it was resolued to stay [ A] some few daies, vntill the water were risen higher. The Prince hauing giuen the com∣mand of the shipping to the Admirall, and of the men of warre to the Seignior of La Gard, and put into their hands all the charge of the armie and of the enterprise, he com∣manded them (whilst that all the preparatiues of boats and munition were well dispo∣sed to go with some three hundred and fifty shot, and a good number of pioners to cut Landt-scheydinghe on the side of Delflandt, about a certaine place which had beene markt before: for there the water was deepest; the which they did, as they had proiected: comming thether an houre before day, they went to land, beginning to intrenche them∣selues in two seuerall places, distant foure or fiue harguebuze shot one from an other, the which in truth was too much; but they flanked the approches through the fauor of their ships of warre: and were once resolued to haue drawne them neerer togither, [ B] yet they continued so that they might haue the more space to make many breaches in Landt-scheydinghe, the which being done gaue great contentment to the two Com∣manders, seeing with what force and aboundance the water entred into Rhinlandt. The Spaniards hauing the Alarme, and seeing them, failed not to go and discouer them within an houre after their arriuall; they of the side of Leydtsendam, went with horse and foote, whereas they got nothing.

Those of Sootermeere came with the Spanish foote onely, who began a skirmish, the which continued long, in the end hauing some supplies, they made a shewe as if they * 2.22 would march directly to the Protestants trenches, as it were to draw them forth, for the which they had no great reason, for the Protestants were fauoured by their boats, who [ C] were not idle with their Ordinance, although they were too much scatred one from an other, for so small a number, being betwixt the Spanish forces which they had of either side of them: for at their trenche at that time there were not aboue six score Frenchmen: yet if the Spaniards (who seemed to be aboue a hundred and fifty) had aduanced a little farther, the Seignior of La Gard (who was there) had resolued to meete them halfe way: the which he held to bee necessary at their first arriuall, as well to keepe his soldy∣ars in heart at the beginning, as to suppresse the Spaniards a little, and with a good and resolute countenance to take from them the desire and hope which they might haue to hinder the Protestants disseine: Besides, if they had made them with their bra∣uery imbarke againe, it would haue bene heard to haue drawne their men forward: and [ D] more-ouer hauing so few men, hee must either hazard them or make a dishonorable retreat. But the Spaniards (who might haue fortified them-selues with what men they pleased, contenting them-selues with the skirmish, the which continued not much lesse then fiue houres) retired hauing lost ten or twelue of their men, besides the hurt. The Protestants retired also, hauing one soldiar and a marriner only hurt, laboring after that time at the breach of the dike.

From that time the Admirall Boysot, made shew (as he hath alwaies done in the like occasions) of a great desire to fight, and to passe on: yet going to councell with the Seignior of La Gard & the Captaines; it was not held expedient to attempt any more with so few men, beeing thought a matter of no small importance, to haue gotten the [ E] possession of Landt-scheydinghe so good cheap; beyond the which all they of the country assured the prince, that there was no dike nor dificulty vnto Leyden: but they were false aduertisments, and therein the Prince was much abused, as it appeared after∣wards; but God did so assist them, as trying all that was possible by little & little, without any precipitation, they got vnto the place which they desired, with as littelosse as euer was seene for so great an enterprise: victualling Leyden in view of a royall Army, consisting of so many nations which hold them selues to be valiant; for in truth the Spa∣nish nation as well as the Wallon hath alwaies beene warlike, among other warre∣like Nations. [ F]

The Protestants consisting of Netherlanders, French, Wallons, English, Scottish, & Germaines, seeing their entrie reasonable good, were of opinion to aduertise the Prince. Besides they thought it best not to retire from thence but to cause the whole * 2.23 army to aduance, & the victuals that were appointed for the towne, to the end that if they

found any passage, they might loose no oportunitie. The which the Prince allowed [ A] of: sending vnto them presently foure companies of Wallons for supplies, and the rest of the French companies. This being concluded, they went to descouer a way called the Groenwech, by the which they must past, taking that course, they did see certaine Spaniards walking, but they knewe not whether they were lodged there or not: but they were soone satisfied, for they tooke a peasant who informed them of many things which they desired to vnderstand. The Spaniard did see them and beheld them, which made them suspect that hee would lodge there: but hee did not any thing there, but burne two or three houses in the night. Hauing sent the daie following to disco∣uer if they were there or not: the signior of La Gard went by the breake of day and lodged there, with about foure hundred harguebuziers French, and two hundred [ B] Wallons, who was in no sort hindred by the Spaniard, beeing vpon an other way, a good Musket shot from thence. The Protestants trenches were easie to make, for the way was cut in many places, so as the Spaniard could not come vnto them but by wa∣ter in small boates. And to assure them the more, the Admirall Boysot caused the ships of warre to come of either side, to flanke the trenches, beeing distant one from an o∣ther about a harguebuze shot: beeing there they must passe on, wherein there was no small difficultie: for they knew well that all the Spanish forces were there, and in the villages of Soetermeer and Wilsueen, which they had vpon their flanke, not aboue halfe a league off. They might see them fortefie vpon a bridge, and in houses that were of either side, from whence they might annoye them. The signior of La Gard•…•… cau∣sed [ C] many shot to bee made at them from their shippes of warre, the which might some∣what trouble them, but not force them to leaue their worke. And for that the Spa∣niards did imagine that the Protestants ment to passe that way, they caused certaine field peeces to be brought, with the which they shot often, but hurt not any one.

Heerevpon the signior of La Garde went to the Prince to Delf, to informe him of all things, and to deliuer his opinion, which was not without many difficulties, for that they * 2.24 could not iudge of that which the eye could not see, by reason that the water couered * 2.25 all the chanells, so as they were verie hard to finde. Wherevpon hauing vnderstood his pleasure, hee returned the next day to the armie, carrying with him foure demie can∣nons in flat bottome boates which did not drawe aboue two foote of water, and some [ D] lesse. At his returne to the Admirall, beeing assembled togither with the captaines, to consult what was to bee donne; they resolued to leaue a good gard in the trenches of Landt-Scheydinghe, and some shippes of warre by them, and with the rest of the ar∣my they should make their approches by night to batter them at the breake of day, and withall to assaile them: the which they could not doe so earely, for that they were in combred with a multitude of boates, which they must drawe into these chanells: but about eight of the clocke in the morning they gaue the Spaniards a salue with these foure demie cannons, and some three-score other peeces which they had in their * 2.26 boates in diuers other chanells. This batterie continued long, some shooting at the Bridge, others at the houses, which they thought to make them abandon, but the Spa∣niards [ E] made no shew thereof.

In the meane time the Protestants labored to approch to land, and to force them, but they found that their chanells went not so farre, but ended within harguebuze shot, the which could not bee discouered, for that they had gone but in small boates, and by reason that the Inondation couered all, they could not iudge that there was lesse water at one end then at an other, whereby they were much abused. To remedie the which, they made their pioners to labour, and to open them some passage, but it was not possi∣ble, for a day would haue spent before they could haue done it in all places, and in the meane time the Spaniards should haue had leysure so to fortefie themselues, as all the Protestants attempts had beene but vaine, and their time lost, which did import them [ F] most of all. In the end seeing that the day would bee spent and nothing effected; and that in the meane time the Spaniards would haue anoyed them much with their field peeces and their musket shot, (the which notwithstanding they did not, it may bee for want of poulder) the signior of La Garde, retired vnto his trenches, and the Admirall

went at large with his boats. This was the seauenteenth of September. [ A]

Without doubt God did wonderfully fauor the Protestants, in that they could not passe for want of water, being very likely that of all that had landed, not any one had * 2.27 escaped, for that they must haue thrust them-selues among houses which did flanke one an other, being rampared fifteene foote thicke, besides other small trenches which they had before and a good parapet all along the dike, full of harguebuziers which at∣tended them with great deuotion: The which the Protestants could not well discouer by reason of the reedes and oziers. And it is wonderfull there were no more slaine, being within fifty paces of them, but in my opinion I haue told the cause. It is true that this retreat was not without some losse, which hapned by a great mischance: for the Captaines Catteuille & Durant, hauing planted them-selues behind a heape of turffs [ B] with some thirty shotte, from whence they had much annoyed the Spaniards in the morning, meaning to retire and hauing but one little boate, with the which they had past thether, at their returne too many thrusting into the boate, they ouerturned it, so * 2.28 as Catteuille, and Gailleresse Lieutenant to Durant were drowned, with ten or twelue soldiars.

At their returne the Admirall and La Garde hauing intreated Seignior Vander-Aa, to go & make report vnto the Prince of all that which hee had seene, and of their opini∣ons consulting vppon all difficulties, and propounding whether it were expedient to seeke some other passage, and to go & batter the fort of Leydstchen-dam, and assault it, & thereby seeke to enter into Vliet (for it had bene to the like effect as the passage of [ C] the bridge, vnlesse that by this they had entred into the lake of Soetermeer which had beene very auaileable for the boats, and by the other they must alwaies keepe in chanells) the Councellor Wasteele (who slept neither night nor day to aduance this busmes) came to tell the chiefe of the Protestants that being aduertised of an other passage, by some that knew the Country very well, hee would not faile to make search * 2.29 thereof: and that hee had found that by Schyelandt, it should bee easie to enter into Rhinlandt, hauing not so many waies nor dikes as where they were, and that there were passages ynough, where they should not want any water; the which the Seignior of La Garde resolued to view with two or three small boats: But considering afterwards that they must make a great circuit, and that happely it should bee necessary to lodge [ D] there, if they found any thing that was fit & conuenient: they thought it more expediēt that hee and the Admirall should go togither with eight galliots and some foure∣score harguebuziers, halfe French and halfe Wallons: Where they found more water then the way which they had gone before, for they past ouer the Landtschey∣dinghe, and had no need to make any breach. From thence searching the Landt∣scheydinghe from Scheylandt to Rhynlandt, they were guided vnto Scluses by the which they must passe, from whence the Spaniards had dislodged a day or two before, hauing no conceit that the Protestants would take that course, seeing them lodged on the other side, as if they ment to continue it.

It seemes that in all this action GOD did guide the Protestants: for neither they [ E] nor their guides did know whether there were any enymies in that quarter: and with∣out doubt if any house vppon the Scluse had beene fortified with a guard, they must haue returned without doing any thing. But finding so good an opportunity, they would not loose it, but breaking the Scluse to make a passage, and leauing two boats in guard there, they entred into Rhinlandt In the meane time beeing so neere the vil∣lage of Soetermeer, it was to bee feared that the Spaniards had some watch in the * 2.30 steeple, which might discouer them, for they did it but by stelth, and a good way from their army: And if the Spaniards had had an Alarme, they might easily haue preuented this disseine, beeing so few men: yea it was to bee feared that they should haue beene shutte vp in these chanells, yet beeing resolued to passe as farre as they [ F] might, finding water ynough, they came vnto a way which is called Seeswaertswech, going from Soetermeer to Benthuysen, distant halfe a league one from an other. The Spaniards were lodged in these two villages, who were ill aduertised of the protestants comming, that before they had any alarme, they were lodged and had intrenchd them∣selues,

setting threescore Pioners to worke, which they had brought with them, to * 2.31 [ A] make a breach where neede should require: being very glad to see, the water visibly to rise on the other side; goodly great chanells, and the meadoes all ouerflowne: wherevpon they resolued that the Admirall should remaine there in gard with his galliottes, and if the Spaniard came with great troupes to force their trenches, the har∣guebuziers which defended the approches of these two villages, should imbarke again as well as they could, but the Protestants made their trenches so strong without any alarum, as two thousand men could not haue forced them.

There remained with the Admirall, Citailelle Lieutenant to the signior of Noyelles, Collonel of the Wallons, captaine Derriere and some others, which lay all in the tren∣ches. And it was also concluded that the signior of La Garde should returne, to cause [ B] all the army to march. The which hee did, after that hee had made a gallant retreate at Cronwech, where as the Spaniards if they had aduanced but with fiftie shot, might haue donne him an affront: for La Garde after that hee had drawne all forth, re∣mained behinde with fiue and twenty harguebuziersl, to free a certaine boate of Delf called the Arke of Noe, the which beeing heauie and vneasie to mannage in these chanells, did verie much trouble them, beeing laden with Artillerie, in the which there was but one onelie Marriner to gouerne and guide it, the charge ha∣uing beene giuen to rascalls, who in the night slipt away, and without the dilligence of captaine Cornellis Classz, Vice Admirall of Flessingue, who came to retire it, it was condemned to bee burnt: this disturbance continued at the least three houres. [ C] Some of the Protestants Gallies were alreadie aduanced towards the Admirall: in the end their retreate beeing well made, they marched with all the rest of the armie, the Victualls, Artillerie and Munition, except some sixe small boates, which were left behinde to garde that great Barke of Delf, and fiftie Germaine souldiars in it. The Spaniards were much amazed at this vnexpected approch, the which gaue them so hot an alarume, as they sodenly quit these villages to the Protestants; that is * 2.32 to say, Benthuysen the first daie the Protestants arriued there (whether the Admirall sent Ciuitelle with some shot) and the next daie at night Soetermeer. The whole ar∣mie beeing come to the Admirall, and hauing good passages to this way, (you must imagine that all the waies of the countrie, are like to little Dikes or Causies, betwixt [ D] the waters, for there are of both sides chanells and deepe ditches,) hee past the same night with twentie boates to the other side in a goodly chanell: and in the morning hee went on before, beeing concluded among them to discouer some houses held by the Spaniards, and to seize of them, or to burne them as they should finde it most conuenient. The signior of La Garde (who remained behinde to imbarke and to passe with those that were appointed) seeing the Admirall so farre aduanced, and the circuits they must make by the chanells, and manie houses about them, hearing no newes of them, was much perplexed: for hee knewe not what hee might incoun∣ter in front or in flanke: alledging to some of his followers that hee had beene at the taking of one of the French Kings royall galleies, in the riuer of Charente, which [ E] was much broader then any of these chanells, and that by footemen onelie, without any boate. Calling which to minde hee stoode in doubt, whether they might with reason ingage themselues so farre in these chanells: for they did alwaies thinke, that they should floate through all the countrie as through a sea, and therefore hee thought it verie dangerous: but hee was not informed that neere vnto those houses (which they went to discouer) there was a little Lake, called Noorda, where their Shippes might lie safely. One of the houses aboue mentioned (beeing betwixt this Lake and Soeterwoude) was full of Spaniards, who fortified there, manie shewing themselues a long a trench, and discharging their small shot against the Admirall, who answered them with his great ordinance. There did the Protestants finde againe, [ F] that God did assist them in their enterprise, for the place was so commodious for them, as if they had held Soetermeer, their retreate was assured without any dan∣ger, otherwise they had beene ingaged, and in danger to receiue an affront, if the Spaniards had donne their duties. Seeing this Lake of Noorda verie conuenient,

they resolued not to leaue it, that the Collonel la Gard and the vice-Admirall should [ A] returne to Segwearswech, to cause all the Army to march and to passe the great Ordi∣nance * 2.33 meaning to batter this house, and to take it from the Spaniards, and moreouer to giue order for their passage and to assuer their retreat, for which cause they had conclu∣ded to gard the village of Benthuysen, and the trenches which they had first made vpon the way: yet Collonel la Gard hauing beene vpon the place, as well to view it, as to cause Citadelle to march with his Wallons (whereof there ariued three or fower com∣paines more) And hauing certen aduertisment that the Spaniards had left Soetermeere, he tooke a new resolution with Citadelle, abandoning Benthuysen (although it were rea∣sonablie * 2.34 well fortefied) for they had no neede of it being sufficient for them to gard Soetermeer: to which place la Gard sent Captaine Cret of the contry of Orange, to com∣mande [ B] there with his companies, one of Wallons, and an other of high Dutch.

One thing had much abused the Spaniards, and taken from them all Iudgement of the Protestants dessein hauing left six boats at their first lodging of Landtschedingh be∣ing doubtfull what to conceaue of it. The Protestants went earely in the morning into Noorda with all the rest of their forces, where they found that the Spaniards had the night before abandoned their fort. Being in the lake they must of necessity attende the will of GOD: for it was impossible to passe on without morewater, the which entred dayly by the breaches: Then came the Seignior of Noyelles vnto them with some companies of his Regiment where as they spent some daies without any great exploit. In the meane time the beseeged of Leyden were wonderfully prest both by [ C] famine, and the importunity of their enemies, yea by some of their friends that were in the Spaniards Campe who made them beleeue that they had defeated all the Pro∣testants * 2.35 army and the succors which they attended: Franci•…•…co valdes did some times write very kindly vnto them, and sometimes roughly, The Earle of Roch who termed himselfe Gouernor of Holland, writ vnto them from Vtrecht by a Trompet, with other letters signed by ten Bourgers of Leyden: wherevnto the beseeged answered and de∣manded a pasport for their deputies, that they might enter into conference: but all they did was onely to haue the better meanes to send their messengers vnto the Prince. The Commanders of the army had often newes from them, for there were many that intreated to bee sent, but there was not any one that could bee intreated, or [ D] would returne to acquaint them of the Towne of the estate of their apparent succors: yet it was a great contentment to the States, the Prince and the whole army to heare their resolution, hauing vpon the last somons made that braue answer. That as long * 2.36 as they had one hand to eate and an other to fight they would neuer yeeld. During the seege many vnacquainted with warlike affaires had vsed foolish and in supportable speeches, for they blamed all the world in that they did not proceede in this exployte, the which was impossible. As for the Commanders they were much greeued yet they lost no oportunity, for day and night, they labored to descouer some passage, but all was in vaine where vpon they intreated the Prince that it would please him to come in person, and see their procedings, as well for his owne content, as to stoppe all slan∣derous [ E] tongs, the which he did. In whose presence they discoursed of al the meanes that might aduance the enterprise. In the end they resolued to go and lodge the night follow∣ing * 2.37 (being the twenty three, of September) with two hundred harguebuziers vpon a way or dike called Stompischwech, notwithstanding all apparent difficulties: but it was to content some of the country who did wonderfully vrge it. The Prince after he had visited his army, spake vnto the commanders and captaines, exhorting euerie one to do his best endeuor in so comendable and important an enterprise, promising to gratefie and reward euerie man in time and place. Hauing set good order for all things to the end that if the Spaniard made any great resistance in the passage, nothing might be wanting that might hinder the execution, he returned to Delfe, leauing euery man [ F] well resolued. But to returne to our speech of Stompischwech, this enterprise could not be so speedely effected, for that the Protestants had not time to prepare what was needfull: wherevpon they refered it to the day following, making their account to lodge there, if it were possible an hower or two before the breake of daie; for the which

they caused many gabions to bee made, that they might bee the sooner in defence, for [ A] they must lodge betwixt two Corps de Garde, not aboue a musket shot one distant * 2.38 from an other. The Admirall would goe himselfe: they put certaine harguebuz∣iers in two Galleots, and the rest in other small boates: there were a hundred French should land vpon the right hand, and a hundred Wallons on the left: and some cap∣taines, to haue a care of the placing of the Gabions, and to set the Pioners to worke: finally all things were so well ordred and disposed as they would not faile in the ex∣ecution, if it were possible: for all the importance of the Action consisted in making of a passage to Leyden, escaping at vnawares by some places, and making their way by force in others. This last meanes had alwaies seemed (as indeede it was) verie difficult, yea altogither impossible, without sufficient water, that they might fleete [ B] euerie where, and therefore it behooued them to seeke some expedient. For they did see that after that they entred into Noorda, the water had rysen but three or foure inches in eight daies, all which a North-west winde had taken away in eight and fortie houres, and brought the water to the same heigth it was the day of their ar∣riuall: the which did much perplexe them, not that they doubted but in time they * 2.39 should haue water sufficient: but they feared that they of the Towne were reduced to that extremitie, as they should bee forced to yeeld, not able to attend the euent of so vncertaine a thing, which depended vpon the winde, for in truth to attend the increase of waters that might ryse by the tides, were a vaine thing, for that the bosome or circumference of the countrie which receiued the water, was to great and spacious, [ C] to be sodenly filled, and therefore it depended vpon the meere grace and assistance of God, who holds the windes in his hand: and a winde would giue them a greater in∣crease in three daies then the tides in three weekes.

Thus the Protestants discoursed what was with them, and what against them, and did finde that of necessity they must direct their passage betwixt Soeterwoude, the castell of Swyetten and Leyderdorp, as the Spaniards did rightly conceiue, and there attended them: for they must passe betwixt them within a musket shot of both sides. And more∣ouer there was a way going for Soeterwoude to the castell of Swyetten neere vnto Lyderdorp, along the which the Spaniards kept great gard, as well on the land, as in boats or the chanells which are of either side of the way, which made the passage some [ D] what difficult; for they must dislodge them, and foritfie there, to fauor and couer their Pioners, which were to make a breach there, and the soldiars that were to land them. In the meane time many of the country disputed and maintained, that their best course was to go and win Stompiswech, murmuring that matters were so much delaied: not weighing the difficulties, as if warre were as easie to manage as to diuise. To content these people the Protestants would trie this passage by the Lake of Soetermeer, accor∣ding to the order that was mentioned: but it was in vaine, for they were al night seeking * 2.40 of a passage, euen vnto this way, the which they could not possibly find, for the chanells dceiued them, as those of Cromwech had in like manner donne; and without doubt they had beene well beaten there, the Spaniards hauing manie Corps de Garde very [ E] nere one vnto an other: but for want of chanells they were forced to returne to their first determination.

The beseeged on the other side were wonderfully importuned by their enemies; Don Fernando of Launoy Earle of Roche, promised them all good vsage: and Francisco Valdes on the other side threatned to hang them; if they did not yeelde to his mercie and discretion. But all this did nothing amaze them that were well affected to the cause: although they did see some ill enclyned, which cryed out openly that they must yeelde, three hundred and more of them assembling togither about the Towne∣house, * 2.41 crying out of the Magistrates that they would ruine the towne, and that it was a follie to attend any succors, neither could they nor would they any longer [ F] endure that famine; thrust on or rather fauored therein by more then three partes of the Magistrates, which was a wonderfull thing; yet the better part of the Burguers being the stronger, they did still breake and disapoint these factions and monopoles; being resolued to attend all extremities, choosing rather to trust in the mercies of God,

then in that of the Spaniards. An other time some of the inhabitants came vnto Peter [ A] Adriansz Bourguemaster, laying before him the miseries which they endured, and the great famine there was, making great complaints accompanied with threats: to whom he answered in few words. You see my Brethren, and fellow Bourguers that I haue made an oth the which I hope by the grace of God to keepe inuiolably. If my death may any way auaile * 2.42 you, for I must once die, neither doe I care whether I die by your hands or by mine enemies (for my case goes right) take my bodie, teare it in peeces and diuide it among you, as farre as it will goe, I am content. The Burguers were so da•…•…ted with this answere, as they retired with∣out any more words. The Maiestrates aduertized the Admirall Boysot of their ex∣tremity, wherein notwithstanding they sayd they were well resolued to continue: the which did wonderfully satisfie the Commanders of the Protestants army: for seeing [ B] the water, and iudging their estate to be more desperate then they made shewe of, they knew not what to thinke. The messengers were sent back, but seeing themselues disco∣uered vpon the way by a Spanish Sentinell, they were soterefied as they would no more returne: wher-with the Commanders were much troubled, seeing they had no meanes to send them any newes, whereby they should greatly haue comforted them, and made them continue constant in their resolution.

The next day there came two other Messengers, who shewed by their good sto∣makes and their great feeding, what bad cheere they kept in the towne. These men brought fiue or sixe cople of Pigeons in a cage, with letters confirming the former, in∣treating them not to loose any occasion, assuring the chiefe of the army still of their [ C] courage and resolution. The which came very happelie, for sodenly one of the Pige∣ons was dispacht with a little letter, who fayled not to goe vnto his Pigeon house, whereof the Protestants were assured by a signe which they of the towne gaue them, * 2.43 who (although their succors were within halfe a league of them, and might easily see the towne, yet the Townsemen could not see them, by reason that the trees which grew there abouts, being higher then the masts of their boates, tooke away the know∣ledge of them) but they vnderstood well by the daily shooting of the great ordinance that they could not be far off. In the meane time, whilest that the Protestants were rea∣die to force a new Chanell with their Pioners, to goe vnto that way betwixt the castell of Swietten and Soeterwoude (for they did assure them that beyond it the water was * 2.44 [ D] deeper) and that there was no more difficulty vnto the towne. Behold a great South-west winde which they might truely say came from the grace of God (for it was vpon the extremity of their affaires) with so great a spring tide, as in eight and fortie houres the water was risen aboue halfe a foote. Wherevpon the Commanders of the Protes∣tants army resolued to imbrace this occasion, disposing the order of their battaile, & what course they should obserue in the way, and where they should land to cut the pas∣sage, al along the which the Spaniards kept great gard in their boats. It seemed that the Pro•…•…estants should finde great difficulty in the enterprise, the enemy being lodged there with greater forces then in any other place: hauing besides foure or fiue great Galleys at Leyderdorpe vpon the Rhine. The Commanders were also aduertised that the Spani∣ards [ E] had many flat bottomed boats like vnto theirs, but they were wel assured that they wanted marriners & men to row. To conclude, for that they would haue the fauor of the night, the Spaniards seeing them when they should aduance towards them, and that they must passe within musket-shot of their lodging, who (whilest they staied to make this passage,) might indomage them with their great ordinance: notwithstanding all these difficulties, the Protestants were resolued and ready, the first of October at night, and marched about eleauen of the clock in this order.

The Admirall with halfe the boates of warre went vpon the left hand towards Soe∣terwoude: the Vice-admiral with the other moity tooke the right hand towards the cas∣tell of Swietten, being a good musket-shot one from an other, and betwixt both was the [ F] signior of La Garde, with the lesser boats full of soldiars, to land vpon the way, being fol∣lowed by the Pioners and Gabions: and lastly came the boats laden with Victualls and munition. The Spaniards which were in their boats, seeing them come directly towards them, left them, being aboue forty, as well appointed as the Protestants, but for their

ordinance, for there was but one of them that had any. Some of them thought to * 2.45 [ A] haue set a good countenance of it, but they did not any thing, but onely gaue the a∣larume.

Collonell La Garde was aduanced a little in a small boate with two owers, to giue order for this landing, to plant the gabions and to set the pioners to worke, for hee did imagine, the Spaniards would not so easily haue left it; being thus aduanced in this little skiffe hee landed first, and at the same instant, Ot•…•…ran, Bouchard and other cap∣taines on the left hand: Grenu and La Derriere landed on the right, with the soldiars that were appointed for that enterprise, whereas the Pioners were presently set to worke and the gabions planted. The Spaniards had begunne to plant many trees there and peeces of wood a crosse, to make a palissadoe from one village to an other, but they [ B] had no leysure to finish it, and besides it was thought that the water rysing had much hindred them in their worke: for the Protestants found some places vpon the dike, whereas the water was a foote and a halfe deepe, so they needed not to cut it aboute a * 2.46 foote deeper, for that their boats drew no more water. This was finished in two or three places an houre before day, and yet the Spaniard neuer sallied forth to hinder their worke: neither was the ordinance of the Protestants ships (who lay before their lodg∣ing) idle all this time, for they shot all night into the villages through their corpes De Garde, and at all other places, whereas they could discouer either fire or light. The Spaniards plaied sometimes on them, but coldly, with a bastard, and an other smalpeece, and likewise with their small shot. [ C]

The passage being opened, the Admirall who was landed to aduance the worke, im∣barked againe, and past of the one side, and the Viceadmirall of the other, according to * 2.47 the order aboue mentioned, and the boates with victualls and munition betwixt both. They were not farre past but they wanted water, for the great boates did in a manner touch the ground, so as they must make a vertue of necessity: wherein, doubtlesse the Zeelanders shewed their valour, going most of them into the water to keepe their boates a floate, as if they would haue carried them vpon their shoulders. After they had labored a little to passe, they entred into a faire great chanell called Meerburch, vpon the which there were certaine Spanish boates towards Soeterwoude, the which the sol∣diars abandoned to saue themselues: but they could not runne so swiftly but some of [ D] them were taken prisoners; wherein their great feare and amazement was easie to bee noted, for they suffred themselues to bee taken by marriners who had no armes, beeing but two or three in euery skiffe, in one of the which the signior of La Garde was, who was much greeued that hee had not brought some douzaine shot with them: for hee might easily haue taken two good big boates full of Spaniards well apparelled, hauing all cloakes, and without any harguebuzes, carrying the countenances of men of com∣mande for the most part, doubting at the first whether they were there to discouer, or to stay at a bridge, neere vnto the which they were, called Papenbrughe, betwixt the fort of Lemmen and Soeterwoude, to stop the passage towards Papenmeer, or whether it were to retire themselues; whereof La Garde was presently satisfied by their apparent [ E] flight, retyring by the way of Voorschote. The way they tooke was al couered with wa∣ter, so as they were forced to go softly, being in danger of drowning: whereof they pre∣sently aduertised the Admirall, and of the disorder wherein they seemed to bee in∣treating * 2.48 him to commande some boates to aduance vnto this bridge, the which hee himselfe did, after that hee had with much paine and difficultie entred into this great chanell of Meerbruch. Beeing at the bridge, hee caused it presently to bee broken to passe the boates into the lake, and to pursue their enem•…•…es, the which hee did so fitly, as there were many of them cut off, as well with the ordinance, as the small shot, and by them that leaped into the water after them and slue them with their dag∣gers. The which was chiefely done by them of Flessingue who were so incensed against [ F] the Spaniards, as a marriner hauing opened the bellie of one, pulled out his heart, and hauing set his teeth into it, hee threwe it to the ground; the next day the same heart was brought into Leyden, in the which were seene the impression of the teeth. Others that could saue themselues retyring towards Stomwyckswech, were in

no lesse disorder, for that the boats which the Protestants had left vppon the lake of [ A] Noorda, with three companies of foot, pursued them so hotly on that side, as there was neuer seene a greater amazement: Besides they left their artillerie, and cast their armes into the water: many were drowned of them-selues, for that they knew not * 2.49 whether they went, by reason of the Inondation; finding great and deepe ditches in the drowned lands, where they were presently swalloed vp. Two things did help to amaze the Spaniards in Soeterwoude: the one was, that the Protestants comming to Meer∣bruche, went and fired some houses in the village, with a generall alarme, the other was that the great Ordinance which they had left vnder the charge of Phillip Asseliers Comissary, being vppon Noorda, neuer ceased to play vpon them on that side, the which did strike a great terror into the Spaniards. [ B]

This was the very iudgment of God, to abate their proud presumption, for there was * 2.50 neuer seene a more dishonorable & shamefull rout, hauing lost aboue a hundred boats, great and small, wherewith they had made an account to fight with the whole armie of the Prince and States. Those that saued them-selues towards the Voorschote, staied at a fort which they had made at the house of Iacob Claes, vppon the great cha∣nell which goes from Leyden to Delf, called the Vliet in the which they had a Culue∣rin, and an other peece or two with the which they began to shoot, but did no harme. At the first they might see them of the fort of Lemmen amazed and wauering, and if the Protestants had gone directly thether, it is thought they would haue abandoned it: But it was not possible to effect so many things at an instant. It was also a matter of no small importance, to seeke to force a mighty strong fort well furnished with artil∣lerie [ C] by a narrow chanell, whereas but one boat could enter in front, for there was not any meanes to approche neere vnto it, but by one chanell, for that from the said lake vnto the towne, the country is higher then any part where they had yet past, so as the least of their boats could not float there, wherefore they resolued to rest satisfied with that which God had giuen them at that time, and to giue order that all things might bee ready with the great Ordinance, the which was sent for to batter it at the breake of day, and to trie to force it if the Spaniards would attend an assault. This fort was not much aboue a canon shot from the towne, of the euent whereof we will pre∣sently relate. [ D]

In the meane time besides the plague and other diseases which grew through po∣uerty and famine, there was a diuision in the Towne, which grew by the ill affected Bourgers, who neither could nor would suffer any longer: for in seauen weeks they * 2.51 had eate no bread, nor drunke any thing but water. In the richest houses horse-flesh was as delicate as a partridge, doggs and cats roasted was wonderfully pleasing vnto the taste: it were vnpossible to expresse the diuersitie of pottages that were made: some did eate vine leaues with salt, others made diuers sauces with the leaues of leeks, & the roots & stalks of coleworts, min•…•…'d cabbage was an ordinary meat. The Gentlewo∣men * 2.52 did eate their little dogs wherewith they were wont to play. If any beast were kild, the poore boyes were there gaping like vnto hungry doggs, to see if any little morcell would fall, the which they gathred vp and deuoured rawe: the skinnes of dryed [ E] sooles, and bones which had beene gnawne by the dogges, were gathred vp in the streetes and of the dunghills. A woman beeing in childbed had but a quarter of a pound of bisket allowed her by the day: and women with childe were so samished, as the fruits of their wombes were so weakned, as they had no force to come into the world: Some children crying for bread, dyed in their mothers armes: some men scarce able to creepe to the gard, at their returne home, found their wiues and children dead either of famine or pestilence, if ten entred into gard, there returned but six or seauen, and in the end but three, the rest beeing dead in the place▪ To conclude the miserie was so great as it could not possible bee any greater: For there * 2.53 [ F] dyed within the Towne during the siege, of pouertie, famine, plague, and other bad and miserable diseases, about the number of six thousand persons men women and children.

Their succors being so neere vnto them, one of the Bourguemaisters beeing vppon

the rampar, said vnto thepeople that were about him. Behold my friendes behinde yonder [ A] Fort is now our bread, what thinke you, shall wee leaue it there? Wee will rather go and pull downe this Fort with our nayles, then loose it so. You may imagine what content∣ment these poore famished forlorne creatures had to see their succors so neere them. But all was not yet done; for the Spaniards were betwixt the towne and their succors, the which was not without some difficultie, seeing the doubtfull euents of warre: and if it hapned that they should not force this fort of Lemmen, all that they had formerly done was in vaine: or else they must haue staied a moneth longer, vntill the waters had bene higher, which the besieged could not indure. Where-vppon the Captaines went to Councel and resolued (seeing there was no other expedient) to lodge one night vpon the way which goes from the said fort of Lemmen to Leyderdorpe, betwixt the which [ B] there is a good quarter of a league distance, presuming that from thence they should let slippe what victuals they would into Leyden with small boats, (leauing the greater at Palpen-meer and Meerbrunche) and that this meanes should bee safe and without danger, neither of reputation, nor of losse, the which had not beene, if they had beene constrained to attempt Lemmen by force, which seemed in shew stronger then it was, * 2.54 holding it to be of canon proofe, & was scituated in a plaine champian where there were no chanells but were stopt, beeing distant a quarter of a league from the towne. The water which goes to Delfe passeth byas-wise neere vnto the one side, on the other side there is a chanell by the which they enter into the Rhine, and on the third quarter that which goes to Soeterwoud, the rest was very easie to intrenche, for there were trees [ C] ynoughe: the rampars of this fort were reasonable large, but not so strong as to resist the canon, it was well fortified with a good palisado, gabions, artillery and men. There∣fore to speake according to humaine sence, if the Spaniards had defended it well, the Protestants could not haue past without very great losse, for they must haue come with∣in a harguebuze shot and lesse.

The approche being viewed, the chanells vnstopt, and the Admirall hauing sent the second of October at night, Captaine Grenu, Asseliers and Henry, to see where they * 2.55 might best plant their batterie, it was now time to go: for the spaniards that remained in the fort had no intent to do any better then those of Soeterwoude and others had done: they onely made a little shew to retire their ordinance, the which notwithstanding they [ D] did not, for they did abandon it the same night with the fort, in the which there was a Demie canon, carrying a bullet of twenty four pound waight, and some other peeces, which they had put in a flatte bottomed boat, the which they sunke, or else it sunke of it selfe. And so the Spaniards gaue way vnto the Protestants, leauing them a free passage vnto the towne: The which by this meanes was deliuered from great calamity.

In the morning it was not knowne, neither within the towne nor without, that the Spaniards were retired out of this fort of Lemmen, and as they had heard all the night from the rampar of the towne a great noise before this fort, out of the which a boy had markt many to go forth with their matches light, but none to returne into it, which [ E] made him iudge that the Spaniards might be dislodged: hauing made report thereof, he vnder-tooke for two crownes to go & see what they did, hoping that if he were taken to saue him-selfe, in saying that famine had forst him to come forth. This boy being come to the fort and finding no creature, he made a signe to them of the towne with his hat to approche: at the beginning the besieged doubged least the Spaniards had caused him to do it to intrappe them; but being better satisfied, they sent Captaine Gerrard vander Loen with his aduenturers, who receiued first with great ioy the gallyes which the Admirall had sent before to vnderstand the truth of this retreat, for that hee did not lightly beleeue the first report

In this deliuery, and in euery particular of the enterprise, doubtlesse all must bee at∣tributed * 2.56 [ F] to the meere prouidence of GOD, neither can man challenge any glory therein. For without a miracle all the indeauours of the Protestants had beene as winde. But GOD who is allwaies good, would not giue waie to the cruelties where-with the Spaniards threatned this Towne, withall the insolencies whereof they

make profession in the taking of townes (although they bee by composition) without [ A] any respect of humanitie or honesty, whereof wee haue related so many pittifull ex∣amples in the pretedent booke. And thereis not any man but will confesse with mee (although I should bee called a hundred times partiall, the which I am not, but onely abhorring all inhumanitie) if it bee not some Atheist or Epicure, who maintaine that all things come by chance, that this deliuery is a worke which belongs onely vnto GOD. For if the Spaniards had battered the towne but with foure canons onely, * 2.57 they had carried it, the people being so weakened with famine, as they cou•…•…d not en∣dure any longer: besides a part of them were ill affected, and very many of their best men were dead of the plague. And for an other testimonie that it was GOD onely that wrought: the towne was no sooner deliuered, but the winde which was South-west, [ B] and had driuen the water out of the Sea into the countrie, turned to North-east, and did driue it backe againe into the Sea, as if the South-west winde had not blowne those three dayes, but to that effect: wherefore they might well say, that both the windes and the sea had fought for the towne of Leyden. And as for the resoluti∣on of the States of Holland to drowne the countrie and to doe that which they and the Prince, together with all the Commanders, Captaines and Soldiers of the armie shewed in this sea-course, together with the constancie and resolution of the besieged to defend themselues, notwithstanding so many miseries which they suffered, and so many promises and threates which were made vnto them, all which in like sort procee∣ded from a diuine instinct. [ C]

I may not forget here, that the same night the Spaniards abandoned the forte of Lemmen, a peece of the Towne wall fell downe, betwixt the Cowe-gate and the * 2.58 Tower of Bourgongne, about sixe score yeards long, the which with the ruine made a great breache: which aduantage if the Spaniards had had two or three dayes before, when as they thought (vpon the assurance of one Beginne, that there was no garde on that side) to take it by scaladoe: without doubt they had not mist of it, and they would haue held the falling of this wall for as great a miracle, as the besieged haue held their deliuerance. But GOD put so strange a terror and amazement into the Spaniards, as not onely those that were to make head against the Protestants, but also those that were two good leagues off retired, abandoning in foure and twenty houres, aboue twenty fortes, great and small, with good artillerie. GOD hauing by this meanes [ D] wrought two great effects; the deliuerance of a towne of so great importance, and the shamefull and preiudiciall route of the Spaniards, who were thrice stronger then the Protestants: who were not in all, soldiers and Marriners aboue two thousand and fiue hundred men.

The passages being thus freed and open in all places, the Seignior Lewis of Boisot * 2.59 Admirall, entered with the Vant-garde of the armie into the Towne of Leyden about eight of the clocke in the morning. GOD knowes with what ioye they recei∣ued him. The Admirall of Ziricxzee was with the Reer-ward: there was no heart so stonie, but was mooued to see these poore famished creatures, deuoure bread and rawe Herrings which the Admirals men cast them out of their Barkes, as they came [ E] in, as if they should not haue had time enough to fill their bellies: whereof some that eate too greedily and without measure, fell sicke, and some dyed, the meate beeing too strong for their weake stomacks, that were not able to digest it. The Admirall be∣ing landed, hee went presently to the Church with his men, the Magistrates, and the Bourgers, to giue GOD thankes for this their fase deliuerie, and for their happy and good successe.

The Prince of Orange being then at Delfe, was the same day (which was the third of October) aduertised of this successe, being at the sermon, which being ended hee * 2.60 sent the letter to the Minister, to read it publikely in the assembly of the French. And [ F] from thence hee went vnto the Church with an infinite number of people, to giue GOD thankes, with incredible ioy and gladnesse, the which they did witnesse by the ringing of their Bells, shooting off their ordinance, and bone-fiers in euery streete. And the Prince was the more filled with ioye, for that about an houre or two before,

he had receiued other letters from the Admirall, by the which hee gaue them to vnder∣stand, [ A] that it was not possible for them to passe farther, the Spaniards being at Lem∣men, and that he must attend more water. In all this enterprise the Protestants lost not forty men; but the Spaniards had aboue a thousand slaine and drowned. Francisco Val∣des * 2.61 commander of the Spanish army, in his retreate from Leyderdorpe, left in his lodg∣ing a Plat of the towne of Leyden, the siege, the channels, and the forts which he had about it, and vnderneath was written; Vale Ciuitas, valete Castelli paria, quia relicti estis propter aquam, & non per vim inimicorum, that is to say; Farewell cittie, farewell little castels, whom the wators, and not the enemies force hath made vs to abandon.

The next day being the 4. of October, the Prince came to Leyden, the Admirall ha∣uing sent him foure gallies for his conuoy. Being arriued there, after that he had thank∣ed * 2.62 [ B] both the Bourgers for their fidelitie and constancie, and the commanders and soldi∣ers for their good endeauors: he prouided for all things necessary, and setled a good order for all future accidents, creating new Magistrates, shewing the chiefe of the towne what •…•…ischiefe had happened by their negligence and slacknesse, in prouiding for their affaires: hauing beene once deliuered at so deere a rate, and with the liues of * 2.63 a Prince of the Empire, and of two of the Princes bretheren, and yet they had no fee∣ling of their owne carelesnesse: and then the loue and fidelity of the States towards them, who had not spared the value of aboue a Million of gold to succor them, doing that which neuer had beene done since the country was dykt: the which he laid before them, that they might be here-after more prouident and wise, and haue the more feel∣ing [ C] of libertie, in regarde of miserable slauery, wherein they might haue fallen, and should neuer haue beene able to redeeme themselues at any rate, if they had fallen into the Spaniards hands. Besides all the victuals that were brought by these succors into Leyden, the Prince and his councell appointed, that through-out all the neighbour townes they should make a generall collection of almes of bread, butter, cheese, larde, * 2.64 pouldred flesh and siluer, to releeue the poore of the towne of Leyden, who had no meanes to buy, and had not earned any thing of a long time: the which was deuided among them, to helpe to comfort them and to strengthen their debilitie•…•…, where-vnto long famine had reduced them. The which did not onely releeue the poore, and ease the rich, but caused a strict bond of loue and friendship betwixt this towne and the rest.

The 8. of October the Prince went towards Kage (which is a small Iland and a good [ D] village in the middest of the sea of Harlem) which he appointed to be fortified and well garded, as the Key of the sea of Harlem. And the ninth day hee went to the Scluse of Goude, where in like fort hee caused a mighty strong fort to be built. And as through the Princes sicknesse being at Rotterdam, the Spaniards had still beleeued that he was dead, and that the Protestants had made this enterprise vnder his name: when as Iulien Romero sent back the Seignior of Saint Aldegonde (who had continued a yeare in pri∣son) he caused two Spaniards to accompany him, who knew the prince very well, to make a true report vnto him if hee were yet liuing: the prince talked with them, and hauing vsed some speeches, and dispacht their pasport, he sent them away within two [ E] houres after.

Those of Leyden being loth to shew them-selues vnthankfull to the Admirall Boisot, for his care and paines taken for their releefe; they presented him with a goodly chaine * 2.65 of gold, and a great Medaile (making mention of their deliuerance) hanging at the said chaine. The like did the States, Nobility, and townes of Holland, hauing inuited him to a banquet, where they presented him with a richer chaine. Ianus Douza Seignior of Noort•…•…ic, a gentleman of an ancient house, and at that time Super-intendent of the towne of Leyden, hath written a learned Poem and likewise made a discourse in Lattin prose, of the siege, succours, and victualing of the said towne, & of the Spaniards flight▪ During the siege before Leyden, the great Commander had certaine troupes lodged [ F] about Bomel, Gorcom, and Louestein, to make some attempt: but all places were so * 2.66 well fortified with good garrisons, and Collonell Balfour lying there-abouts' with sea∣uen companies of Scots to crosse their desseignes, by cutting off ditches and other stra∣tagems, so as they could not effect any thing: where-vpon the Spaniards went and

battred Worcum, lying right ouer against Gorcum vpon the Meuse in the which there [ A] were fiue companies of souldiars, who in the end receiued commandement, that if the towne were not defensible, they should quit it, as they did but after three assaults sus∣tained, and the losse of 150. men.

Chiapin vitelli likewise with his Companies of high Dutch, & certen Spaniards, and 12. peeeces of Ordinance beseeged Leerdam, a small towne belonging to the Earle of Buren, and batred it there, being within it two companies of soldiars, who after eleuen * 2.67 howers battry, (the Tower of the Castell beeing beaten downe) yeelded it vp in the be∣ginning of Iuly, departing with their armes. And not long after the Spaniards had an enterprise vpon the towne of Delft, the which was to be managed by an Ancient, who was a Wallon, thinking by some intelligence with the Townesmen to get into it, but [ B] this Wallon, being faithfull to the towne and seruing in the same, sought by that meanes to intrappe the enemy, hauing to that end made a secret mine by the water gate, with an intent to blow it vp at the entry of the Spaniards, but the drawe-bridge being not very easie to fall downe, and the Spaniards hearing a noyse, and seeing some women at the windoes, they grew iealous, and there-with retired, being in all three thousand horse and foote, at whome those of Delft made certen great shot, but in vaine. Soone after the Spaniards retreat from before Leyden, Francisco valdes Generall at that seege, being * 2.68 retired to the Hage, cursing still and lamenting his misfortune, fell into such disgrace and contempt with his soldiers, as they presumed to taxe him and to obiect vnto him that he had had intelligence with them of Leyden, reproching him that he had receiued two tonnes of gold not to batter it, the which was notoriously false. These obiections [ C] and crymes, with the want of many monthes pay (which they complained were due vnto them) made them to mutine, and to take him prisoner choosing an Electo among themselues, to gouerne the whole Regiment: they forced him to write vnto the great Commander, that within ten daies he should send their pay, else they would depart from thence and seeke it else where. The ten daies being expired (which was about a moneth after the deliuery of Leyden,) they retired frō Maeslandt-Sluys, Leyschen-dam * 2.69 Vordschoten, Valkenburg and other places, in great troupes, both of horse and foote, to the nomber of seauen thousand men, and so they left that quarter of South-Holland, marching towards Harlem and Amsterdam, where they found all the gares shut against them; from thence they marcht towards Vtrecht where they thought to get their pay, [ D] or in spoiling of the towne to pay themselues. Thus was Holland deliuered at this time from the Spanish forces, none remaining in Holland but Wallons. They came the seauenth of December before Vtrecht, which they thought to surprize. The Seignior of Hierges and Floyon (sonnes to the Lord of Barlamont) and Francesco valdes (who * 2.70 had escaped before out of their hands) proclaimed them mutines and Rebells vnto the King, giuing leaue vnto the Bourguers (who needed no great prouocation) to kill them where they could. The Spaniards hauing fayled of their surprize, sought to fier the port of Weert with poulder, straw and pitch: the Bourguers perceiuing it, sallied out vpon them, and slue some fifty. The eighteenth of the moneth passing along the towne ditches with their Electo, called Ioan Bianco, they came on the side of Saint Catherins [ E] gate, a little before day (whereas they went vp to the rampar by scaladoe) and slew some of the townesmen, their Electo hauing sworne to enter or to die in the place. But the Inhabitants running thether in great nombers, resisted them so corragiously, as they made them quit the rampar with great losse, and among others of their Electo: the Bourguers being so eager in the slaughter of them, as those of the castell were forced to shoot at them, to make them cease, where there died aboue a hundred Spaniards. The great Commander finding that since his comming to the gouernment, all that he had deseigned went crossly and against the haire, both by sea and land, after the losse of * 2.71 Middlebourg and of so many shipps, the disgrace and affront receiued at Leyden, and * 2.72 [ F] the discontentment and mutiny of his troupes: hee thought to try the ford an other way, seeing that by warre he preuailed nothing. He sought means to reuiue the treatie of peace and to bring it againe in question, the which had bin talked of betwixt some priuat persons, as Noir-carmes, Champaigni and others in Iuly before, as wee haue said:

And calling to minde the petition presented them by the Nobilitie and townes of [ A] Holland and Zeeland, tending to an accord, hee obtained leaue and authority from the King, to enter into conference in a certaine place appointed to that end, the which was named at Breda, a towne belonging to the Prince of Orange, and then held by the Spa∣niards. Whether (the great furtherer and louer of peace, the Emperor Maximilian, who neuer ceased, with all carefulnesse to solicite the King therein) sent Gunter Earle of Swartzenburgh, and the Earle of Hohenlo, both brothers in law, to bee mediators * 2.73 therein, who road too and fro betweene both parties, and brought it to such passe, as in the beginning of March, the great Commander, gouernor generall, sent vnto Breda for commissioners the Earle of Roche, of the house of Launoy. The Baron de Rasingen, gouernor of Ryssell, Donway, and Orchie: Arnolt Sasbout, chancellor of Geldre, Charles [ B] Suys President of Holland, who had fled from thence, and doctor Elbertus Leoninus. For the Prince of Orange, knights of the order, Noblemen, Gentlemen, and townes of Hol∣land, * 2.74 Zeeland, and their associates; as Bommell and Bueren (vpon hostages deliuered for them at Dort, as Montdragon, Iulian Romero, Don Michael de Alentaer, Don Guilliaume de Saint Clement, and Don Michael de Couille) there came Arent van Dorp, Charles Boysot gouernor of •…•…ushing, Philip de Marnix Saint Aldegonde, William van Zuylen, Van Niuelt Scout of Dort, Iacob van Der-does, Iohn Iunius de Yonghen gouernor of Camphere, Adrian van Der-myte, and Paulus Buys aduocate of Holland.

The second of March 1575. they being all assembled, and as it seemed well inclined to a pea•…•…e, they of Holland spake touching their former request presented, requesting the [ C] with-drawing of strangers, and assembling of the generall States, where-vpon it was asked them in the Kings behalfe, who they vnderstood to be strangers, and who they called the generall States? They answered, that all those were strangers that were not borne in the seuenteene Prouinces, and that they vnderstood the generall States to be, such a meeting of the States, as was assembled in the time of the Emperor Charles the fifth, when he resigned the Netherlands vnto his sonne King Philip. After that vpon the 14. of March, the depu∣ties for the King both by word of mouth and writing, shewed and deliuered vnto the deputies of Holland, &c. that they thought it very hard, that the Spanish soldiers, being the Kings subiects as well as they, and which had done him and his predecessors so great seruice in the Netherlands, should be esteemed strangers. Neuer-the-lesse peace being [ D] once agreed vpon, his Maiesties meaning was not to keepe the Spaniards any longer in the Netherlands then neede should require, and that therefore it was not conuenient that his Maiestie should bee constrained there-vnto, for that so it might tend vnto the impairing of his honor, which they all had protested especially to regarde.

Touching the assembling of the generall Estates, that his Maiestie was well content, all things being pacified, being required there-vnto, to be counselled and assisted by his estates, in things belonging vnto and concerning the country, wherein they are vsually * 2.75 to be conferred with-all, without making them acquainted with such things as belong vnto his soueraignty, and the good pleasure, will, and disposition of his Maiesty, where∣in his Maiestie or his gouernor were to vse the counsell and aduise of his counsell ap∣pointed [ E] to that end and purpose, as of prouinciall councels, and the lawes of the coun∣try, as need required: and for that the assembling of the Estates could not be done with∣out great trouble and vncertainty, asking long time, and not vntill a peace were made, therfore the King offered, (that peace might the better be procured) vnto them of Hol∣land and Zeeland, the restitution of all their priuiledges, lawes, rights, and customes, as they were before the troubles, (if any thing were altered,) as also that all things what∣soeuer had hapned during the troubles, should be forgiuen and forgotten: and that all the sentences of banishments, confiscations of mens goods, and other things, should be voide and dissanulled. That the goods that had beene taken from each other on both sides, should bee restored vnto the owners thereof, in such estate as they then should [ F] bee found to be. That which had beene taken and carried away, should so remaine, although it were yet in the parties hands: that all prisoners both of the one and the other side, should be freely set at liberty, without any ransome, both the Earle of Bossu, and all others, what-so-euer they were: and that those that had paide ransome should

haue no restitution, alwaies prouided that the said Prince of Orange, Knights of * 2.76 [ A] the order, Noblemen, Gentlemen, and townes should deliuer all the said countries, townes, castles, and forts, together with the shippes, and artillery, and al other things whatsoeuer into his Maiesties hands, and that all they that during the warls had ceazed vpon any goods, houses or rents belonging to the Spirituality, or other persons, should peaceably restore them againe vnto the owners, with-out any fraud. That his ma∣iesties intent was, that the Catholike Romish Religion should be generally obser∣ued in all places of his Maiesties dominions, and peaceably and freely permitted, with-out any opposition or contradiction, in such manner as when his Maiestie was instauled and by oath inuested in the Netherlands, and as the States thereof at that time, and long since, protested to liue and die therein, and that all those that [ B] would not liue as they had done hearetofore, in the Catholike Religion, his Maiestie was content for that time onely that they should depart out of the land, and sell all the goods and liuings they had within a certaine time prefixed, and yet during that time should not haue any exercise thereof: for assurance whereof, (although his Maiesties word, with letters of ratification ought to bee sufficient for them) yet if they were not content there-with, hee was pleased that they should set downe and show what further security they would demand in that behalfe, that it might bee considered of.

The twentith of March the deputies for Holland. &c. made answer here-vnto by writing, signed by the Prince of Orange, the Earle of Culenborgh, Otto van Eg∣mont, [ C] and others, being assembled with the deputies of Holland, Zeeland and their * 2.77 associates, after the manner of the estates, first persisting in the contents of their first petition touching the with-drawing of all strangers, in regard of their cruell and insolent gouernment, who in regard of their seruice had beene well recompenced, and were become rich, for that the like with-drawing of the Spaniards, and for lesse cause had beene sought by them of Gaunt in the yeare 1559. and accor∣dingly graunted: they denied not but the Spaniards were subiects to the King of Spaine, but not of the duke of Brabant, Earle of Flanders, Holland, &c. nor yet of any of the seauen-teene Prouinces against the which they had shewed them-selues to bee to much vnnaturall, who euen at their first comming into the land, held the Ne∣therlands [ D] to bee heretickes, and rebels, without any exception, as it appered by the spanish bookes, made and put in Print by licence and priuiledg from his Ma∣iestie, as also by letters and instructions sent from the great Commander, and of one Iohn de Sousa written vnto his Maiestie, in the which hee bouldly maintained, that the Netherlands, and all the goods and lands of the inhabitants thereof, were giuen by his Maiesty vnto them: vnder pretence thereof, vsing all kinds of force, •…•…iolences, vnnaturall actions shamefull to bee heard or spoken of, as the townes of * 2.78 Gaunt, Doornick, Antwrep, Meechelen, Liere, Hertzhogenbosk, Deuenter, Vtrecht, Rotterdam, and other places (where they lad lodged) could beare witnes, so that as then, the prophesie by their fore-fathers so offten fore-tolde was found to bee true, that [ E] the Netherlands should complaine and repent the time that euer they were alied to Spaine.

Therefore to seeke to suffer such Spaniardes (which all the townes and Vilages in the Netherlands sought to keepe out) to remaine in the land, was nothing else, but the onely way, to cause his Maiesties to loose the hearts and good willes of his subiects, with-out the which no Lord nor Prince can raigne, but with greart greefe and care, taking away the reciprocall and mutuall loues that should bee betweene the Prince and his subiects, which they hoped to be farre from his Maiestie thoughts, as be∣ing a thing much against his dignity & reputation, as also contrary to his nature. Touch∣ing the seruice that the Spaniards had done vnto his Maiestie, and his fore-fathers for [ F] the defence of the Netherlands, and the honor of his Maiestie, and his said countries▪ it would bee found to haue beene more hurtfull then profitable to the same, and no∣thing comparable vnto the faithfull seruices don for the aduancement, honor▪

and reputation of his Maiestie by the naturall vassales and subiects of the Netherlands, [ A] who were forced to sustaine the long and burthen-some warres against France, there by to maintaine the Spaniards in Mylan, Naples, and elssewhere, as also that then the Lords, Gentlemen and others of the Netherlands had spent both their liues and goods to get his Maiesties great victories at Saint Quintines, before Graueling and in other places where they had ayded his maiestie: as also the Emperor Charles in many places, as before Argile in Africa, in Italy, and else where out of the Netherlands, and yet would not the Spaniards in the yeare, 1520. indure any command of the Netherlanders in Spaine, although they behaued them-selues with all ciuility, and farre other-wise then the Spaniards haue done in the Netherlands.

That those of Holland and Zeeland, were forced to helpe them-selues against [ B] the Spaniards with strang soldiers, as French-men, English-men, Scottes, and Dutch-men, but yet had not giuen them any authority ouer the country, and yet that amongst them the Dutch-men ought not to bee accounted for strangers: The said Netherlands beinge alwaies accounted Earledomes and prouinces of the Empire not-with-standing, they were well content, and ready to cause the said seuerall na∣tions to depart out of the country, when-soeuer they should haue no cause to vse them any more. And whereas it was said that his Maiestie, would hold the Spaniards in the Netherlands no longer then necessity required, without further compulsion, so would they humbly Intreat his Maiestie to doe the same, willingly seeking all meanes to moue his Maiestie therevnto. [ C]

Thouching the assembling of the Generall estates, which his Maiestie seemed as then to put of, vntill all things weere pacified and ended, and that they would li∣mite and appoint them vnto certaine orders and lawes, they were of opinion that the generall estates, would not assemble and meete together to that end, nor in the quality and forme as the writing sent declared and appointed, as long as the Spani∣ards bore armes or were in gouernment with-in the Netherlands, for that it apeared there-by, that they sought to bind and restraine the assembly of the estates with their powers and offices to certaine limites, and strict rules, which should extend as wide and as farre as the common causes of the country required, they knowing best what belonged there-vnto, and that therefore they could not other-wise coniecture by [ D] the said writing, but that couertly they sought to lessen and diminish the priueledges, authorities and credits of the said countries and of the estates of the same, and not to vse the same in any other causes, but onely to get them to consent vnto any taxes or subsedies to bee paid by the said Netherlands; and if they refused to compell them there-vnto by force, and to bring them vnder the supple obedience, and absolute command of his Maiestie, according to the aduise and writing of Don Francisco de Alua, that once wrot out of France vnto the Duches of Parma, Regent of the Ne∣therlands, that the noble men of the same must bee destroyed, and the States thereof impouerished, as the Duke of Alua had allready begunne, and as it yet seemed to bee put in-practise, by the meanes and prouocation, of those that were in the gouern∣ment, [ E] fearing that by the assembling of the States, there bad gouernment, ambition, and couetousnes, would bee discouered, and punished, pretending the highnes, soueraignity, and reputation of the King, and yet all depending vpon the wel-fare of the Country. That the other articles might with certaine annotations in the Mar∣gent passe wel inough, therby to prouide to a pacification, but touching the restrictions, and conditions thereafter ensewing, as of deliuering ouer the prouinces, townes, and forts of Holland & Zeland, together with the ships, artilery, and other things, it apeared that they sought to circumuent them as it is said to be done in the fable of the wars be∣tweene the Wolues & the Sheepe: after the Sheepe, had deliuered the dogs (that were their protection & defence) vnto the wolues, That the Prince of Orange and the estates [ F] of Holland and Zeeland, were wrongfully holden and accounted for rebells, and open enemies to his maiesty, which they could by no meanes vnderstand, to bee so, for that they had not in the least point once sought to deminish ot detract any thing from his Maiesties highnesse and authority in any sort what so-euer, but rather for

his maiesties profit and the preseruation and defence of the land, and the townes there [ A] of, to gether with their houses liues and goods, wiues and children, from the tirany of the Duke of Alua, and his adherents, with great labour and toyle had vsed all the meanes they could, to driue their aduerse party from thence, whereof they had alwaies made declaration, that they neuer ment or intended to beare armes against his maiesty, nor by the same sought to refuse obedience or to alienate them-selues from the same, but with all duty to continew in his maiesties grace and fauour with other Prouinces vnited vnto them, as they did before, hauing beene free from any meaning or intent, to take away the goods of their aduersaries either spirituall or temporall, as in the said conditions were inserted, in such sort, that they could not thereby perceaue any good opinion to bee conceaued of them, and the rather, for that by the other conditions of holding and maintaining the Romish Catholik [ B] religion, or els to depart the land, it appeared that their religion was accounted he∣resie, and consequently they them-selues to bee heretikes, although no other reli∣gion was vsed there amongst them, then onely the catholike and apostolike religion, agreeing with the holy scriptures, wherein they onely trusted and had settled their consciences, onely disalowing and banishing, open and great abuses and disorders vsed in the church, vnpleasing to God, thereby to giue that vnto God that was Gods, and vnto the King, that which belonged vnto him.

And therefore withall reuerence and humility they said, that they could by no meanes be perswaded to accept and allowe of the said articles as they were propounded, cal∣ing to minde the example of the Earles of Egmont and Horne, as also of the Baron of [ C] Montigny, and others, with seuerall breakings of securities, promises, and assu∣rances: that also it was not conuenient that so great a nomber as were inclined to the reformed religion should depart out of the land, and forsake their natiue country: and that in truth it was a much more harder condition, that so great a nomber of the Kings Maiesties faithfull subiects, to their great losse, should bee forced to sell away their goods (which they could not doe but to their exceeding great hinderance although they found marchants and buyers great store) and bee compelled to dweld and wander like banished men in other countryes, rather then they would send three or foure thousand Spaniards, (that had made sufficient gaine and prey of the coun∣try) home againe: whereas the departure of the subiects out of the Netherlands, [ D] would not onely cause a great depopulation of the country but a decay of all kindes of trades, trafickes, handy-workes, occupations, and sea-faringe, wherein the whole wel-faire of the Netherlands consisted: for that it was •…•…anyfestly knowne that the sending away of the people at other times, by meanes of the rigorous proclamati∣ons and terrible executions of the same, the industrious handi-crafts, that were in the land were by that meanes caried into other countries, to the vnspeakeable decay, and hinderance of his maiesties rents and reuenewes, and from thence by the condition propounded of selling their goods, (for that time onely) they vn∣derstood, that the proclamations and the inquisition, touching religion, should againe bee put in practise, which euery man so much abhorred, that those that [ E] should remaine in the country, were likely to fall into a new trouble and dissen∣tion, and that at the last, a great peece of his maiesties crowne would bee torne in peeces; desiring with all humility that their declaration and aduise might bee taken in good part, as proceeding from a good deuotion vnto his maiestie, * 2.79 and the countries wel-faire, beseeching GOD, that it would please him of his infi∣nite mercy to inspire his maiestie, and the Lords that were comissioners, with other counsell, knowledge, and aduise.

Vpon this declaration, the Kings Deputies vpon the first of Aprill made a re∣plication, in writing, wherein they seemed to blame the said declaration to be too sharpe and bitter against those with whome they ought to liue in peace and a∣mity, [ F] and that the King was content according to their desires, to cause the Spaniards and others to depart out of the land, when all controuersies should bee ended and appeased, so as they of Holland and Zeeland would doe the like, blaming

them like-wise that they should account Holland and Zeeland to bee Earledomes [ A] belonging vnto the Empire, excusing the great Commander, and not beleeuing that he would write any such ma•…•…ter, as they had charged him with all. Th•…•… assembling of he generall estates they agreed vnto, peace being made, being the second point of their request: Touching the deliuering ouer of the townes, places, forts, shippes, and artillery, they wondred to what end they alledged the fable of the wolues and the sheepe, whereas it was not sought or desired, otherwise then with proffer of good and sufficient caution, wherof they not once made any mention, offering, besides the Kings word, (which in reason should be sufficient) to make them al due & conuenient satisfac∣tion that they could demand: as also that the States of the prouince, each one in particu∣lar should haue the said declaration and the Kings promises to bee set downe vnder his [ B] great Seales, and (if need were) to be confermed by the Emperors Maiesty and by other Lords and Princes of the blood.

Touching the religion, his Maiesties meaning was not to yeeld in any thing there∣vnto, but that such as would depart the land should haue six moneths time granted vnto them for their departure, and in the meane time should behaue them-selues modestly, without any scandale: and as for the selling of their lands and goods, to aduance them to the highest rate and most aduantage: and they should haue 8 or 10. yeares time for the sale thereof; so as they suffered them in the meane time to bee vsed and held by Romish Catholikes; that the departure of the people out of the land, was a greefe vnto the King, but seeing they would not conforme them-selues, to liue as other men did, it was their owne and not the Kings fault, and whereas the departure out of [ C] the land was limited vnto them for that time onely, they said it was done for that there was no reason to alter the religion at euery time, and thereby to procure and raise con∣fusion and scandale among the common people; and might likewise tend to a disgrace of Iustice and the Kings prerogatiue. That his Maiestie doubted not, that if the strange preachers, and consistories, with some other priuate persons, who by meanes of the troubles (vnder pretence of complayning for losse of their priueledges) had brought in diuers Inouations, would alter their opinions or were once gon out of the Netherlands, that the common people being better informed in all things, would be contented to liue in peace, and obey his Maiesties will and pleasure, who onely sought to defend and keepe them from all inconueniences, and perticularly from the * 2.80 [ D] inquisition, which his Maiesti pretended not to bring into the Netherlands. Vpon this replication the deputies for the Prince, and the estates of Holland and Zeeland, vpon the fourth of Aprill, desired a monethes libertie to make there report, in re∣gard that they seemed to charge and laie all the burthen vpon certaine perticuler persons and strangers, and that therefore they would fetch lawfull and authenticall testimonialls of their authorities; desiring withall a passport for certaine of their Ambassadors, which they ment to send, with the Earle of Swartzenburgh (who as then was vpon his departure) vnto the Emperor, and that in the meane time the hos∣tages might also returne againe.

The Earle of Swartezenburg likewise vpon the sixt of Aprill wrot vnto the great [ E] Commander to Brussels, saying that hee had commission from the Emperors Maiestie, to bring certaine Ambasadors with him from the estates of Holland and Zeeland, that his Maiestie might bee fully informed of the cause, for the better furtherance of a peace to bee made with the King of Spaine, promising and giuing his word, that the said Ambasadors should not in their said lourney vse any secret or vnlawfull procee∣dings. * 2.81

The liberty of a monethes time sought by the deputies of the estates, was partlie graunted vnto them, but the Pasport required for the Ambassadors was by the Commander vtterl•…•… denied. Vppon the sixt of Aprill, the Earle of Swartzen∣burgh, tooke his leaue of the deputies on both sides assembled in Breda, shewing them what labour and trouble •…•…e had had, both by intercession vnto the great Commander [ F] the Kings gouernor Generall, and with the Prince of Orange, and the estates of Hol∣land and Zeeland, to extinguish and quench the secret hatred, and burning fier of

enuy, that flamed in their hearts: and that although as then there was little effected,

for that the differēce of religion much hindered their proceedings, yet he was not alto∣gither [ A] out of hope, neither wished he, that therefore the matter should be neglected and not goe forward, but rather gaue counsell that both partes should cease from armes & that the truce should be made betweene thē for sixe moneths, and for that the reformed religion was so deeply grounded in the hearts of the one party, that it could not so so∣denly be rooted out, he thought it good, that during the time of the truce, they of Hol∣land and Zeeland might freely vse the excercise of their religion, and not to deny the said truce, for religion sake. The condition of the said truce on both sides he referred vnto the discretio as of the parties, desiring them to take his meaning in good part, as fore-seeing the generall ruine, and destruction of the Netherlands, if the cessation and laying aside of armes were not granted, that so their hearts might be vnited togither, [ B] and thereby a peace procured, it being other-wise to be feared, that the Netherlands being diuided, might so fall into the hands of other Princes, the which in regard of the great affectiō, he bare vnto the Kings prosperous & happy proceedings, he would glad∣ly seeke to hinder and preuent, & to that end desired an answer from the Commander within two dayes after, earnestly desiring them not to take his departure in euill part, it being apparant and sufficiently knowne with what labor and cost hee had perfor∣med that charge: and that yet (with great greefe) hee had heard, that hee had reaped and gotten the euill will and disliking of diuers great Lords for that cause onely, and was had in suspition, and that therefore he thought it necessary for him to returne backe againe vnto the Emperor, and to discharge him-selfe of his ambassage, not doub∣ting, [ C] but that his Maiestie (if the truce were once agreed vppon,) would vse all the meanes and wayes he could to procure a firme and an assured peace, and that so the Netherlands might bee kept and maintained in obedience vnder the King, wherein he himselfe will neither spare his labour, nor his meanes, for the good of his Maiestie and his subiects of the Netherlands.

To this oration made by the Earle of Swaertzenbrugh touching his departure, the great Commander made answer vppon the eight of Aprill, giuing him great thankes

for his labor and paines, which hee knew the Kings Maiestie would take •…•…n good part. But touching the truce he said his Maiestie would not agree therevnto, for certaine reasons, and that hee saw no cause why hee should desist from his disseins, but was [ D] content that there should bee a truce concluded for two monthes, so that in the meane time the excercise of the reformed religion, might cease both in Holland and Zeeland, and they that vsed the same to go into some other place: and that hee thought it not a thing pertinent vnto his office and charge, to grant pasports vnto the Kings rebells, to passe through his country, whereas they had meanes ynough to go otherwaies. In his voyage to the Emperor hee wished him all good successe, giuing him great thankes for his paines taken therein, in the Kings behalfe. The like answer was made him by the Deputies as then in Breda, & so the Earle of Swaertzenburgh, took

his leaue and departed.

Vppon the last of Maie, the Deputies mette againe at Breda, where-in the behalfe of [ E] the Prince of Orange, and the States of Holland and Zeeland &c. Vppon the last of * 2.82

Iune there was a wrighting presented by them, wherein they said, that they liked well of the offer made, of holding and obseruing of their priuiledges, for the profit of the Netherlands, but that they could not perceiue how that would or might be in any sort beneficiall for them, when as they by the articles propounded must leaue and for sake

the country. Moreouer for-that they perceiued (speaking freely) that it was not as yet conuenient for them to forsake their natiue country, as also the reformed religion, they humbly besought his Maiestie, that it would please him with a fauourable coun∣tenance to behold and regard the great zeale, and holy intents of his obedient subiects and in the matter of conscience (whereof account is onely to bee made vnto GOD [ F] him-selfe) to with-hold and cease the fier and sword, where-with his subiects, and members of all the Netherlands, vntill that time had beene persecuted, and most grieuously tormented with vnspeakeable vilde cruelties brought vnto their ends and vtter destruction: they for their partes promising in all worldly causes to bee

obedient vnto his Maiestie and to serue him as faithfully as euer any of his subiects in [ A] times past had done.

For the securities proferred (said they) many pitifull examples do sufficiently shew how they may be estemed by al the world, especialy, if the townes, castles, shippes, and artilery were deliuered ouer, before the Spaniards and other strangers were gon out of the Netherlands, and that the estates generall should haue taken good order for al inconueniences: therefore to avoyd al difficulties, and so to proceed to the beginning of a good security, they knew no better way, then that according to the contents of there request presented in writing, the strangers should be sent out of the contry, which might the rather be don without cause of suspition, for that the Prince, & States of Hol∣land, & Zeeland had not any manner of dislike nor quarell, with the rest of the other Pro∣uinces, [ B] but held and esteemed them as their good friends, allies, & neighboures, offering to standvnto all reasonable security that there should be no new matter deuised, nor vn∣lawfull act attempted by them▪ during the time graunted for their departure out of the country, vntil such time as the general estates might assemble to gether, to consult about a good order to be taken in al causes of policy, & good gouernment. Further, (although their offer aforesaid was sufficient) yet would they in the aboundance of their true intents and desires of peace, offer more, that it might appeare both before GOD and the world that they nether desired nor yet sought their owne welfare and ease, no•…•… yet pretended any other thing then the welfare and common good of the country. That al∣though those amongst them, that had settled their consciences in the true apostolike [ C] religion, had rather loose both their liues and goods, then they would in any wise de∣ny the same, or once do otherwise then it requireth. They are neuer-the-lesse content, (so his maiestie will desist from denying their request touching their religion) that not onely that, but the point of security, and all other causes, difficulties, and differences, should be determined and ended, by the lawfull assembly of the generall estates of the Netherlands.

And for as much, as that by withdrawing away of all strangers out of the country, all troubles and Insolencies would cease, and all the Prouinces without doubt would be fermly vnited together, they offered to stand vnto all reasonable condition of security, whereby on both sides they might liue in perfect peace, betweene the departing and with-drawing of the strangers out of all the Prouinces, and the assembling of the [ D] generall estates. Where-vnto they desired and praied that they might haue an vn•…•…ai∣ned, and a Catholike answeare, with an absolute yea, or nay, vnto every perticu∣lar point of there request. While this treaty of peace continewed, the Commander generall assembled his counsell of estate, priuy counsell, and tresorers, with certaine of the principale Lords of the state and other councelors of good estates and quality, to heare their opinions touching the peace as then in question, and the answeares made therevnto, by the deputies of the Prince of Orange, and his adherents, who after long conference, gaue there aduice, saying, that the most assured way was to maintaine the Catholike Romish religion, and the Catholike persons in Holland. &c. as also for [ E] the better securing of the Kings inheritances vnto him selfe, for that the Prince had giuen forth that he knew those that had a good will to take the same into their handes, * 2.83 saying further, that seeing the point of sending out of strangers was agreed vpon, that it ought to be effected vpon good security, the King hauing naturall Netherland Ca∣tholike Souldiars inough, whereof the experience was euidently to be seene, in the time of the regent the Duches of Parma, that had pacefied all the controuersies in the country with the subiects of the same, which as then were well trusted before the comming of the Duke of Alua, and now are in a manner distrusted: when as their loy∣altie was once againe tried, in the yeare 1568. when the Prince of Orange entred with an army into the country, and they kept him out, they likewise found it expedient [ F] that the generall estates should bee assembled, where unto they submitted them∣selues, and likewise esteemed it not to be so hard a matter, to permit and graunt them freedom of conscience, without scandale and exercise thereof, as also to stay and dwell within the Countrie, as other forraine marchants both Dutch-men and

Englishmen of contrary Religion did, for that in the meane time, GOD might [ A] so worke in their hearts by good sermons and instructions as they would be conuerted, and that in all places the catholike religion might be erected and giue good examples of honest life and conuersation; vsing many such like arguments, with allegation of diuers old customes and examples, but this would not bee liked of by the counsell in Spaine who had an other desseine, intending an absolute conquest: which not-with-standing it is said that the great commander himselfe, did often complaine of in his death bed, and after that the Spaniards themselues. These articles being in this sort set downe in the name of the King, yet could not the Prince of Orange beleeue that it was the Kings meaning to send the Spaniards out of the Netherlands, and for that cause desired to see the Kings owne hand and seale vnto the same, which was shewed him by the Ba∣ron [ B] de Rassinghen, who for security thereof kept the same against the Commanders will, who imagined, that the offers that were made would not haue bin so well accepted, and for that cause would haue it proceed no further, saying, that the King was no mar∣chant or would bee constrained vnto any thing, and that hee liberally offered and pre∣sented such conditions, which they should haue accepted of when they had time and place, and so seeking all delaies, hee caused his deputies to make answeare, that hee would send all the proceedings of that peace into Spaine, and attended an answere * 2.84 from thence, asking foure moneths time for the same, where-vpon the deputies of Holland. &c. vpon the foureteene of Iuly, for there farwell made a declaration in wri∣ting, the contents whereof were to shew how little the Kings deputies were alwaies [ C] afected to deale vprightly, in the contracts of peace, and that therefore they for there discharges, both before GOD and the world, would make it knowne vnto them and euery man, how they for there parts, had alwaies fought and labored to haue an end of the warres: and so breefely declared from the beginning to the ending what had past, from the first request sent vnto the King by meanes of Monsier Champigny vntill there last declaration, which offers they said, without all exceptions to be reasonable▪ as to desire all security to be made, to bee in peace and quietnes during the with-draw∣ing of the Spaniards and other strangers, vntill such time, as that the generall estates being assembled, might end all controuersies, to whome (from that time) they were content to refere all other questions, not only both touching the vse of there religion, [ D] and their departure out of the countrie, but of all others things that concerned them: wondring, that after so many delaies, in steed of giuing a pertinent and sufficient answeare, they deliuered a captious and double answere in writing, seeking thereby to make there plaine and vpright Protestations and alegations to seeme obscure and impertinent, and that being further vrged, first by word of mouth, and after that by writing to show that they had no commission either to accept or refuse their offers, and in a case so cleare, manifest and reasonable, to aske a delay of foure monthes, and yet not-with-standing, from the beginning of the treaty of peace, they had bragged, that they had full power and authority from the King to deale therein: and by that doble and desembling kind of dealing they sought no other then by such offers, vaine hopes, [ E] and profers of peace, to abuse, deceaue and make the estates and common people of the land carelesse of them selues and their preseruation: that so they might the more easely surprise and bring them into perpetuall slauerie; knowing that they of Brabant and Flanders, with the rest of the prouinces (in regard of this treaty, and during the same, as also in hope of a short time of truce) had rather indure all kind of burthens, then once seeme to refuse it: as also, that during these delayes, no open, nor secret enterprises were by them omitted, thereby to ouerthrowe and ruine the country: and that the Prince and the estates and townes afore said, vnderstood and perceaued that their new desired delayes tended to no other end: and that for the reasons afore said, they for there parts by that treaty sought no peace, but rather there [ F] ruine and vtter destruction, and consequently all treaty of peace to be by them vtterly reiected, and that in regard thereof, the Prince and the States and townes of Holland, were Iustly moued and forced, from thence forward to defend themselues, there wiues, and children, together with their natiue country, to Gods honor and glory against all

such their vnreasonable & vngodly pretēces, by all meanes they could, declaring & pro∣testing [ A] before God, & all the world, that they in that treaty of peace had sought all the meanes they could, to the end that they, with the Prouinces of the Netherlands round about them, vnder his Maiestie, and to Gods honor & glory, might be vnited againe to∣gither in a happy peace, vnity, quietnes, welfare, and prosperity for euer, and that there∣fore seeing the same could not bee done, his Excellency, and the estates and townes aforesaid, should therein bee excused before GOD and all the world, and they to the contrary culpable, and the onely cause of not effecting the same, that seeke nothing else, (through the common ruine and slauery of the Netherlands, by suppressing the autho∣rity of the generall estates) but to establish and set vp their owne dominion, tiranny, and gouernment, neuerthelesse, when-soeuer they should haue receiued the answer out [ B] of Spaigne, his Excellency and the States and townes aforesaid, hauing intelligence thereof, would bee ready to proceed to a further treaty of peace with their Deputies, if they in the meane time should thinke it good, and that they might perceiue, that they for their parts would deale with more sincerity and vprightnesse then here∣tofore they had done.

The Hollanders at that time caused certaine counters to bee made of copper, for a memory, and in witnes of that contract: on the one side hauing the garden or parlor of Holland with a Lyon therein, and a sword in his paw, with this inscription, Securius bellum, pace dubia. &c. on the other side a hat signifying libertie; with this inscription, Libertas Aurea, cuius moderatur habenas ratio. This narration being deliuered vppon [ C] the fourteenth of Iuly vnto the cōmissioners for the King in Breda, who vpon the same * 2.85 day made answer in writing: saying, that they had seene and perused their declaration, and therein found many high wordes, whereby they and others, wrongfully and with∣out truth accused them that were his Maiesties Commissioners as their forepassed wri∣tings, and more then sufficient offers bare witnes, without any fained dissembling, or double dealing, and that their said declaration, seemed to be wholy grounded vpon the respite required, to aduertise his Maiesty as in such cases of importance, (notwithstan∣ding the generall commission) it is meete and vsuall to bee done, declaring, and assuring them, that their meanings were not to auouch nor receiue the said propositions set downe in writing, other-wise then according to their precedent request, for the effec∣ting [ D] of the same, staying the answer of his Maiesty, and that hauing receiued the same, to aduertise them, and so giue further satisfaction to their alegations, as it should bee found meete and conuenient. Protesting before God and the world, that on his Ma∣iesties part there was no want of will, nor any occasion giuen, of breaking off from the said treaty of peace, but to the contrary by the said Prince of Orange, & the Estates and townes of Holland and Zeeland. So that, they fully intended at the first, not to bring that peace (hauing once beefore vnderstood the Kings meaning and intent) to any good end.

Thus was this treaty in Breda ended in Iuly 1575. wherevnto the Spanish Councel, were nothing addicted, whereby each part sought their owne good by seuerall in∣tents, * 2.86 [ E] which at the last fell out to be some furtherance to them of Holland & their adhe∣rents, * 2.87 in the hearts of many men, although in the warre it was hurtfull ynough vnto them-selues. But for that their request was, that, which generally all the seauenteene prouinces of the Netherlands desired, which was, the sending away of strange soldiars, and to bee vnburthened of their wilfull and insolent gouernment. And moreouer that the gouernment, and the poynt concerning the permission, or abolishing of the refor∣med religion, was referred to the censure and iudgment of the assemblie of the generall States, which made euery one to thinke well thereof, and caused them to bee fauoured of all men, as seeking the liberty of their natiue country: the Romish catholikes them∣selues thinking, that they sought ayd and assistance from the reformed religion, but for [ F] meer necessity, seeing that the permission thereof was referred to the generall States which ought to bee the lawfull iudges of that, which is thought to bee profitable and seruiceable for the Netherlands: for which cause euery man sought to further their request, as in the end it appeared, for that the Commander dying, the Spaniards

beginning to mutine, and to be at contention amonst themselues, the country of shake [ A] of the Spanish yoke, made the pacification of Gaunt, in a maner conformable to the ar∣ticles and propositions afore-said, with the Prince of Orange, and the states of Holland and Zeeland and there assotiates, in the yeare 1575. This treaty of peace succeeding not * 2.88 as the Commander did well hope, he returns againe to his course of war, wherein he re∣solues to be obstinate. He commanded the Seignior of Hierges to go to field with the Spaniards and Wallons, and to attempt some good exploite in Holland or else where, vnder the vnion of the States; wherevpon Hierges marched directly before the towne and castell of Buren (which is not far from Bomel, belonging at this present to Phillip of Nassau, Prince of Orange) the which the Gouernor yeelded vp with out any shot of * 2.89 great ordynance, or any force offred him. The States would haue puthim to death for [ B] his base couardise, but the Prince desiring to saue his life sent him prisoner to the Castle of Goude, After the taking of Buren, Hierges did also ceaze vpon some Castells in that * 2.90 quarter, but of smale importance. At that time there was an vniuersity erected in the towne of Leyden, for Holland and Zeland, by the States of the said two Prouinces, in∣dowing it with goodly preuiledges, where-vnto were called from diuers parts, Profes∣sors in all faculties, allowing them good stipends. This towne is faire, neate and spatious, diuided with diuers chanells, in the best ayer of al Holland & seemes most fit for the mu∣ses. The 11. of Iune the Prince of Orange did marrie in the the towne of Bryele (one of the Ilands of Holland) the Lady Charlot of Bourbon, daughter to the Duke of Montpen∣sier, * 2.91 for his third wife, a Princesse indowed with singular piety, by whome hee had six [ C] daughters as we shall hereafter shew. The 18. of Iuly by the breake of day, the Seignior of Hierges came with his army before the towne of Oudewater in Holland, with an in∣tent * 2.92 to beseege it: he had marched with great speed all night, to the end his comming might be vnknowne, which bred a great amazement in them when they first discouered him. At the same instant the •…•…ort which was at the Scluse of the dike & chanel, which goes to Montfort and to Vtrecht, within harguebuse shot of Oudewater, was abandoned by * 2.93 the Scottishmen that were in it, the which they neither fiered, nor retired the munition, as they ought to haue done. This fort had beene good •…•…o haue busied the Spaniards for some time, and haue hindred their passage; and therefore euere man thought, yea the Spaniards themselues, that it should not be so soone abandoned, seeing that they might haue retired their soldiars at need: And then the alarume was giuen in the towne, and [ D] they began to giue order to fortefie and defend themselues: Some countriemen there∣abouts retired them-selues thether with their cattell, and others went forth to draw them out of the neer pastures, and to bring them into the towne. Some Bourguers (ill af∣fected to that party) found meanes to go and yeeld vnto the Spaniards, to giue them in∣telligence of the whole estate of the towne: yea they were seene to shew them some * 2.94 places. Captaine Morcant a Wallon, sallied forth with some of his troupes, to fier cer∣ten houses standing vpō the dike on the other side of the riuer of Yssel, towards Goude, neere vnto the port and bridge, the which he executed, wherevpon there grew a skir∣mish, in the which both he and his soldiars discharged themselues wel, where there were some hurt and slaine of either side. After which time they resolued not to issue forth any [ E] more, for that they had to few men to hazard them lightly. The same day and soone after, there was an other fort abandoned, halfe a league from the towne, at a Scluse vpon the causey which goes to Goude, on the same side, where there was in garrison a captaine Geldrois, called Willeken van Angren, the which was an imputation vnto him, for they held the place tenable, and might haue succored the towne, for that they might haue raised the said Scluse, and cut the dike or causey of either side of the fort, as they did at Goude and Oudewater, to let the water of the Riuer of Yssel runne into the country, and by that meames succor the beseeged with small gallies, as they had of late done at Leyden: but the Spaniard making hast to cast vp a dike against it, hindred the water [ F] that it could not come soone enough from Goude to Oudewater. On the other side he stopt the riuer of Issell in such sort towards Goude (the tides being Low,) as the water at a spring tide could no more come vnto the towne, as it was wont, to disperse it selfe ouer the country by the said Scluses, and now it began to couer it towards Goude. In the

towne ditches the water was not aboue a foote deepe: so as the towne was enuironed [ A] and beseeged round from the first day, in such sort as they could put no more soldiars into it as they desired, and as necessity required. They sent messengers to the Prince and States, who might well passe, but had no meanes to returne. They sent others with Pigeons, but neither they nor their Pigeons returned any more: wherefore all this seege they had not any letters nor message from the Prince. In the meane time all the Captaines, Maiestrats, soldiars and common people resolued with one generall consent * 2.95 to hold good, euen vnto the death, if need were, and to imploy all their meanes and force for the defence of the towne. And although it were in poore estate, weake of all sides, and of great garde, hauing but foure small companies, two of Wallons, of Morcant and S^t. Mary, one Flemish of Captaine Munter, and one Scottish, whose Captaine was [ B] absent, and could not enter in: all which companies were not aboue three hundred fighting men: the nomber of Bourgers also was smale, for that many were retired fee∣ling the storme approch: the hope of succors was smale, or none at all, yet not-with-standing all these difficulties, they fainted not, nor lost any courage. This towne was of great importance, and might easely, and with smale charge haue bene made very strong, and almost impregnable, yet they had made but two rauelins towards the east, The companies of Saint Mary, Morcant, and the Scottish, were entred but fewe daies before, for that the Spanish campe approched: after much deniall, especally that of Moroant, who remayned fiue howers vpon the dike before he was assured whether hee should enter or not. All townes doe commonly so, refusing to receiue so great a gar∣rison * 2.96 [ C] as is needfull, of two mischeefs to auoyd the greater, and so many haue beene and are often lost like vnto this, as afterwards the towne of Countray and others, but when they can no more haue it, then they desire it, but it is to late. Some Captaines had also thought it good in the beginning too take vp the Scluses, to couer the country with water: but some hindred that resolution to spare the haie that was mowen, and the pasture: so the particular profit of some few, ruines a generality, for the which those priuate persones doe afterwards smart most.

Those of Oudewater seeing themselues thus beseeged, both great and smale, wiues and maids, began to fortefie their towne, continuing day and night, euen vnto the end: first they did mure vp with earth their ports, towards Issell; that towards Goude remay∣ning [ D] open, whilest that they brought in earth from a mill-mounte, ioyning to the towne * 2.97 (which might haue couered the enemy) to rampar withal, and hauing brought it all into the towne, they did in like sort dam vp the same port making only a little posterne. Then they rampared in all places, where they thought was greatest need, they beat downe al the tower trees and houses that might hurt or anoy: and prepared al things that might serue for the defence of the towne with great dilligence. And although they knew not well the Spaniards resolution, whether he would batter or famish them: least that the seege should continue too long, they set down an order for the victuals. And to the end the soldiars should not be drunke, they did forbid the bruing of any strong beere, reser∣uing what there was; and the wine for their greatest necessity; and in like sort they caused [ E] money to bee coyned. In the meane time the Spaniard was not idle: first meaning to batter the towne on the South side, he caused a french to be cast vp, that he might make his approches with lesse danger, from the place of execution where hee planted his Cannon, which came of the one side to the towne ditch, right against the turn-pike at the corner towards the West: and of the other about the middle port towards the East. And for that the beseeged doubted that hee would fall to mine, they presently made two countermines, one vnder the said turn-pike and the other vnder the port. But when they perceiued that they would batter the towne and take it by assault, they filled vp those counter-mines with poulder, to blowe them vp when they should giue an Assault. [ F]

The third of August the Spaniards began to batter with one onely peece (which he had planted the night before) the Church steeple, standing at the foote of the rampare towards the west, the which they continued all the day: the first boullet fell into the Church, waying forty and three pounds, the night following hee added an other to it,

and with these two peeces he continued his battery against the said Steeple meaning (as * 2.98 [ A] it seemed) to fill vp the ditch with the ruine thereof, and to passe ouer it going to the assault; but for that the beseeged were in feare thereof, they vndermined it on the towne side, and vnderpropt it with great beames the which being burnt, it must needs fall of their side, if of necessity it were to be beaten downe: but the Spaniard seing that he aduanced little, he turned his peeces to batter in Flanke.

The sixt Day of the moneth in the morning, the rest of the artillerie being planted the night before, being in all fiue and twenty peeces, The Signior of Hierges Generall of the Army, caused the towne to bee somoned to yeeld vnto him in the name of the * 2.99 King of Spaine and of the great Commander his Lieutenant, with promis of good vsage, vsing withall great threats if they did it not speedely: setting before their eyes [ B] the ordinary cruelty of the Spaniards, which he should not be able to preuent although he would. The answer of all the captaines was, that they had receiued no such commissi∣on neither would they nor could they deliuer it vp with ther honors & reputations▪ but they were content to send a man to the Prince & States (if it pleased him) to know their aduice and pleasure yet; Captaine Morcants opinion was to say, that the soldiars were not in good termes with the Bourguers, to stay the battery for one day, and in the meane time to arme them-selues the better against an assault. This answer being deli∣uered to the Seignor of Hierges, who staied neere vnto the ordinance, hee presently caused all to be discharged, and so continued the battery vntill night, with such furie, as the captaines had neuer seene nor heard the like, hauing discharged that day a thou∣sand * 2.100 [ C] foure hundred and fifty shot. In the meane time the Beseeged rampared as fast as they could, and prepared all things fit to defend the breach, as hoopes couered with toe, and pitch or rozen, to cast them burning vpon the assaylants, great cauldrons full of scaulding water neere vnto the breach, burning lime, lead molten; boyling oyle, with all other deuises to anoy them comming to the Assault. They filled also many little sacks full of earth, to couer the beseeged at the rampar when they should come to defend the breach, finally before the port where the greatest battery was, and which they most doubted, they made a little halfe Moone, the which was finished in one night, within the * 2.101 which they layed planks full of nayles, and a great Morter charged with the heads of cart nayles, and other peeces of iron. The breach which the Spaniards had made in [ D] the day, was rampared vp in the night, not sparing any thing, noe not the hempe and flaxe that was ready drest, whilst that the enemy was busiy to fill vp the ditch to mount vnto the Breach.

The seauenth day of the moneth, as the beseeged thought to haue an assault giuen, hauing preparde the day before to defend it courragiously, they made their praiers, and set all things ready vpon the rampar; the cannon began to play againe, and brake in a manner all, so as they were forced to retier the rest, the which they could not place againe. The battery continued vntill Noone, noe lesse furious then the day before, and then they gaue two or three false assaults. A little after noone, began the great assault, the which continued a good hower, where as the soldiars, Bourguers, wiues, maids [ E] and boyes did their vttermost endeauors to resist them, with those instruments which they had prepared: but the charge was so great, and continued with such nombers, as * 2.102 the cheefe defendants being slaine or hurt, the rest were forced to abandon the Rampar to the victorious enemie. Captaine Saint Mary (who was also Sargent Maior) was slaine there, with the Lieutennant of the Scottish company, captaine Muntre was wounded, whereof he died soone after being prisoner. Captaine Morcant was also hurt and a prisoner, and afterwards deliuered in exchange of an Antient and a Sargeant Spa∣niards, whome his wife bought, else there had beene no mercy for him, for that a little before he had come and yeelded him-selfe to that party, obiecting vnto him that hee was the cause why the towne would not yeeld by Composition. The Commander did [ F] also write two or three letters to the Gouernor of Viana to put him to death: but the said Spaniards had such good frends as he was deliuered for them. In this assault there were very many Spaniards slaine, hurt, and burnt; the slaugter was great in the towne the Spaniards sparing neither age nor sexe, noe not women great with child, tearing the * 2.103

infants euen out of their wombes. The Preests and Monks shewed them-selues most [ A] bloudy of all: few men escaped for ransome, some women and children were ransomed; of all the soldiars there escaped not twenty. The towne was spoiled and afterwards quite b•…•…rnt, nothing remaning but the Church, one Cloister and some houses: no man knew who fiered it, nor how it came, which was the cause of the sauing of many women and children, for they that spoiled it being for the most part Spaniards and Italiens, which entred first, pardoned some, to helpe to saue the mouables that were in the hou∣ses from the fier, and during this fier their fury was some-what pacefied: moreouer the Seignior of Hierges caused a proclamation to be made by the dromme, that no women nor children should receiue any harme. The Minister of the towne was taken, and after they had slaine his son before his eyes, they led him out of the towne, where they hanged [ B] him vpon a gibet. He had bin set at fiue hundred florins ransome, but being knowne, they put him in that manner to death, Chrestine of Queillerie Minister of the Wallon Companies, was not knowne, and hauing remained fiue weeks a prisoner, in the end he was deliuered for three hundred florins ransome. In this sort the poore towne of Oude∣water was taken and ruined. After the taking of this towne which was the 7. of August the Seignior of Hierges went the 12. day to inuest the towne of Schoonhouen, whether * 2.104 the Prince sent the Seignior of La Garde Collonell of the French, a gentleman that was learned, and had beene long practised in the excercise of Armes, of whome we haue spoken in the seege and vitteling of Leyden: who not only in warre but also in mat∣ters of State hath done great seruice to the Prince and States, by his wi•…•…e and graue [ C] councel, who (although the towne was not to be held, hauing no rampar of any strength, and besides most of the Bourguers ill affected to the Prince after he had endured a bat∣tery of 26. cannons, and the Spaniards hauing made a breach of 300. paces, attending the assault a whole day and seeing that the Bourguers would rampare vp nothing in the * 2.105 night, fearing to haue enemies both within and without, the next day the Spaniards being redy to renew their battery) by an honorable commposition hee saued the towne, his men, their armes and Bagage, for hee could not haue defended it long with honor.

Whilest that the Seignior of Hierges with this Spanish army made warre in Hol∣land, the King of Spaines Viceadmirall borne in Middelbourge, perswaded the great [ D] Commander to attempt an enterprise vpon the Iland of Ziricxzee, the which he said was easie to be executed, and thereby hee might subdue with more facility the Ile of Wal∣chren, and so deuide the Zeelanders from them of Holland. His reasons seemed pro∣bable, * 2.106 and they came from one, who in sea causes had good experience, and was wel∣acquainted with all the passages of the country, and with that sea, The Commander not-with-standing any difficulties that might contradict the vndertaking of this enter∣prise, and knowing of what importance the happie successe thereof might be, would haue it put in execution. To this end he gathered together his army and imbarkt them sodenly, going himselfe in person along the Iland of Tolen, neere to the Ile of Schauwe, the which hee would surprize, being deuided onely by a riuer: there were in the Ile of [ E] Tolen many forts vpon the dikes, furnished with good artillery, which kept the Protes∣tants shippes from passing, so as they could not hinder the Spaniards passage, yet the Zeelanders had some forts right against them, so as they shot often one at an other. The 28. of September the Commander caused his men to passe at a lowe water into the Iland of Saint Anne, not-with-out great paine and toyle, whereas they planted their campe in Saint Annes Bourg, along the dike. Sanchio d'Auila who at that time was Admirall in the absence of Cont Bossu (being prisoner at Horne) came thether with his ships, bring∣ing a good troupe of footemen, and so they entred at a low water into the Iland of Duy∣uelandt on Saint Michales day. The next day hee went with his gallies towards the Iland of Schouen, other-wise called Zirixzee, where they entred also, but with great * 2.107 [ F] toyle, his men being so wet and tired, as they had beene easely defeated, if there had beene such order giuen as was fit. Being past, and hauing taken Brouwershauen, and some other forts of the Iland, and of other small Ilands, without losse of any men, they went to beseege a strong place called Bomened, the which they did batter fower daies

togither, and then gaue an assault, but it was so valiantly defended as at that time they * 2.108 [ A] were repulst with losse. The next day they gaue an other assault the which continued 6. houres being 4. or 5. times renewed with fresh men, wheras the Spaniards & Wallons were so brauely repulst as they wold no more returne. But in the end the Germains go∣ing to charge, & the beseeged being so tired with fighting as they could no longer stād, they were forced, and al slaine. It is sayd that in al these assaults of Bomende, the Spa∣niard lost about 1500. men: the besieged being not aboue 300. of the which their were not aboue 3. or 4. saued, who escaped strangely. From thence the Spaniards went to the towne of Ziricxee, the which they did inuest the first day, thinking it would yeeld at their first approch: but being wel furnished of all things necessary, and the Burgers re∣solued to defend themselues, being in hope of succors, the Spaniard found himselfe de∣ceiued * 2.109 [ B] of his expectation, so as they were forced to vse more force then they intended. And first to cut of all succors they tooke from them the entry of the hauen, & although the chanel be broad there, yet they shut it vp with a great chaine frō one side to the o∣ther, wheras they planted ordinance to defend it. The Protestāts ships made sundry at∣tempts, and did much anoy the Spaniards, yet they could not breake the chaine. About this time there parted a fleet of ships from Spaine, called Zabres, which came & ancho∣red at the Ile-wight, belonging to England, where hauing receiued such refreshings as * 2.110 they needed, then they came to Dunkerke, where hauing landed their besognes or newe leauied soldiars, & the mony which they brought, they were forced to winter, and the ships to be in the hauen of Dunkerke: during the which, by reason of great tempests, & [ C] ill order in looking to them, they were al spoiled, so as they could serue to no vse for the war. In the meane time Iohn du Bois attorney general in the Netherlands for the king of Spaine, was sent as agent into England by the Commander, to intreat her maiesty to * 2.111 banish all the Kings rebells that were retired thether. The which was at the first refused him, the Queene finding it very strange & vnworthy the Maiesty of a Prince, to chase a∣way the poore exiled Netherlanders, who were fled into her dominions to saue their liues and to auoide the Spanish tirany, practised both against their bodies and conscien∣ces. Shewing the mischiefe which had insued, & how much the King his maister had bin preiudized in the like case 3. years before, when at his request she had driuen out of her Ports the Earle of Marck, and them of his company with their ships, who beeing thus [ D] chased away to all aduentures, seeking a place of retreat, they seized vpon the Iland and towne of Briele, so as it had bin better for the King hee had not made any such request: notwithstanding at the instance of the Agent, the Queene gaue cōmandment to all cap∣taines & officers of her Ports and hauens, not to suffer any one to enter, and to cause al those retire, that did carry armes against the King of Spaine. Among the which that might not enter, or that were there already, were particularly named. The Prince of Or∣ange & al those of his house, the Earles of Culenburg, Vandan-bergh and la Marck, the signior of Esquerdes and of Lumbres brethren, Rumen, Carnesse, Noielles, Blioul, Bredam, Boisot, Saint Aldegonde, Mansart, Vanden Dorpe, Vander Aa, Houtain, Vanden Timpel, Iunius and many others, to the number of fifty by name. This was granted by the [ E] Queene, for that by doctor Wilson her agent, she had obtained of the Cōmander, that the Earle of Westmerland & al other English rebells should be in like sort banished out of the low-counties: and that the English ships, 4. at once (the which she had also obtained * 2.112 from the Prince of Orange) might traffick freely at Antwerp, and in al other places. Du∣ring this negotiation, the Prince of Orange and the States of Holland and Zeland, fin∣ding by that had past at the last cōference at Breda, that there was no assurāce of peace with the King of Spaine, whereby they might enioy the exercise of their relligion, they consulted to what part they should turne, & whom they should seeke vnto, to preserue their liues, wiues, children and goods against the violence of the king of Spaine: where∣vpon they propoūded to choose one of 3. great & mighty Monarks, for their Protector [ F] which was the Empire, France or England. As for the Empire, they found great diffi∣culty & least hope there, considering the diuersity of relligion, and the small vnion that was betwixt the Princes of Germany, one distrusting an other, and euery one troubled with care how to maintaine his owne estate in peace, free from the practises; as well of

the Spaniards, as of the aduerse party: besides the said Princes would neuer endure, that * 2.113 [ A] any one of them in particular, should take vpon him aboue the rest, the state & gouern∣ment of the Netherlands, wherby he might exceed the rest in force and means. More∣ouer the King of Spaine had many great friends there: first the Emperor his brother in law, then the dukes of Bauiere and other Protestants, besides the bishops: And that be∣fore they should incorporate the said Netherlands vnto the Empire, their would be a yeare and a day spent, before the States thereof would agree vpon so important a busi∣nesse: the which could not be effected without an Imperial diet, wherin they should wāt no opponents that would contradict it. As for France it was not found counenient, not only by reason of the periuries, massakers & cruelties lately committed there, but for many other inconueniences which would follow it: and that France was now exhaust [ B] and drawne dry of money and meanes by reason of the ciuill warres, the which were not yet fully pacified. And admit the French were wel affected to them, yet could it not be done without great distrust of either part: which would haue bred a continuall war betwixt the vnited Prouinces of Holland, Zeeland and their associates, and the Braban∣sons, Flemings, Artesiens and them of Henault, who had rather haue warre against the French by reason of their old quarrells, then against the vnited States. As for the Eng∣lish, notwithstāding the difficulties of the tongues, they found not any in their opiniōs more fit to receiue them vnder their protection, not onely by reason of the conformity of religion, but also for the Queenes greatnesse, her neighbourhood, and the nauigation and traffick from one country to another; whereby Spaine should be out of hope to be [ C] commanders at sea: besides the realmes of Denmarke & Sueden, the county of Emden, and the Hans townes of the East countries, did not onely desire it, but also intreated it might take effect, & that they might ioyne with them in a new league. The which would also cause Brabant, Flanders, and other prouinces, to seeke to be comprehended in this league: yea and France it selfe, that they might with their common forces weaken the Spaniards, and reduce him vnto reason: so as by the means of England those countries should be for euer maintained in peace, rest, and prosperity. The estates and the Prince * 2.114 hauing duly considered which of these three might be most auaileable for them, seeing that the estate of their affaires required a speedy resolution of the one, before that their enemies should preuaile more ouer them; they concluded that they must seeke to the [ D] Queene of England, wherefore applying themselues vnto the time, and to reason, & to that which their religion required, & their estate had most need of; they sent into Eng∣land Philip of Marnix signior of S. Aldegunde, Iohn Vander-dorpe signior of Nortwyck, William of Nyuelt, Paul Buys aduocate for the states of Holland Doctor Malson a Lawier with others, with cōmission, to make a league with the Queene: or to submit thēselues vn∣der her prot•…•…tiō: or if necessity so required, to acknowledge her for their Princesse & soueraign Lady, issued from the Earles of Holland & Zeeland, by the Lady Philipot, daughter to William the third of that name, Earle of Henault and Holland, &c. Wherevpon the Queene, waigh∣ing of the one side the hatred of the Spaniards, the iealousie of the French, & the great charges she must bee at, if she vnder-tooke their cause, grew cold in satisfying of their [ E] demands. Besides the great Commander had sent the Lord of Champaigny vnto the Queene, who preuailed so with his eloquence', as she resolued rather to entertaine the amity of Spaine, then to accept the offers the states made vnto her, and to seeke some meanes to reconcile both parties, for the quiet of her realme: for the which she intrea∣ted the King by a particular discourse & by protestation, that if he would not agree with his Netherlands & giue them peace, that he should not thinke it strange, if for her owne safety she did lay hold vpon Holland and Zeeland, before the French her naturall enemies. In this •…•…ort the requests of the vnited states were refused, giuing them leaue notwithstād∣ing to leuie men and munition within her realme for their money, and to transport it: & so p•…•…ssed the yeare 1575. the Spaniards remaining before Ziricxzee. At this time the [ F] Commander gre•…•… bare of money, so as there began a generall alteration, by reason of the soldiers insolencies being vnpaied; wherevpon hee sought all meanes to taxe euery * 2.115 towne at his discretion, as hee had done the villages of the champian country, asking 28000. gilders monethly of Antwerp, to pay Colonel Hannibal Vander-Ens regiment,

who threatned the towne if they would not pay it. Then was the King of Spaine found [ A] to be indebted to the Spanish, Genoa & other marchants called Foukers, in the summe * 2.116 of fouerteene Millions and a halfe of crownes or duckets, besides what he ought vnto his soldiars, which summe did rise so heigh by reason of the intrest money, whereof the Pope being aduertised, he gaue the King a dispensation of all his promises, contracts and morgages, whereby he might lawfully breake and recall the same, where vpon the King vpon the first of September 1575. made a proclamation, and an other the fift of December, 1577. whereby he called in, disanulled, and made voyd his contracts and promises made vnto all his creditors, reducing his debt to a smaser summe. This want of money in the King, and his great debts were not to be wondred at, for at the same time the Netherland warres had cost him aboue forty two millions of duckets, where∣of [ B] the most part came out of Spaine, besides all the losse which the Netherlands had sus∣teined by the daily spoyles, and ruine of townes, villages, Castells and houses. This want of money and the Kings falling in debt, in this Gouernors time, bred a contempt * 2.117 of the Commander, so as in steed of receiuing money, the Prouinces complayned, some demanding restitutiō of their liberties, others to be freed of their garrisons, according to his promise, others demand an accompt as they of Flanders, who had promised 100000 gilders, vpon condition that out of the same they should deduct the losses they had susteyned by the Spaniards, and should haue a due account of all that had beene dis∣bursed to the soldiars for seruice and lodging money, as also that the soldiars should de∣part out of Flanders, and bee punished for the wrongs and insolencies they had commit [ C] ted, that good marshall discipline should be obserued, that goods confiscated should be restored according to their preuiledges: that the bloudy councell might be put downe, and no other appointed in the place thereof, but that all causes might be decided by the Prouinciall councells. That all preuiledges might be restored, and the taxe of the tenth peny vtterly abolished, for the which all the Prouinces in generall made great instance, where-vpon the Contributions ceased, neither did the commisaries pay or receiue any mony; for which cause the Commander was aduised to assemble the generall States, or their deputies in Brusselles, who being there assembled made a petition, the cheefe au∣ther whereof was Richardot Bishop of Arras, a learned and well spoken man. The cheefe points whereof were, protesting first, that they would not abandon the Catholike Ro∣mish [ D] religion, nor their due obedience to his maiesty, intreating that al strangers might * 2.118 be sent out of the Netherlands, and that the Nobility and naturall borne in the country might be imployed in their places: that marshall discipline might be obserued, and that the contributions of the country might be imployed to the vse that they were granted, that their priuileges might be mantayned and kept: that the King might be duly in∣formed of all things, and that he might haue a councell of Netherlanders by him, to haue a care of all things that concerned those Countries, and that the mutined Spa∣niards might be punished, and the bands of ordinance new erected. This request being presented vnto the Commander, who was then in Duyueland he was much troubled, crying out D•…•…os nos libra de estos estados, and so came presently to Antwerp, where he made knowne the reason why he had assembled the estates, which was to haue mony, and [ E] they presented him a petition, where-vnto he made answere, that he would doe his best endeauor to perswade the king to yeeld to their desiers. Whilest that the Spaniards wer at worke before Ziricxzee the protestants were not idle in Holland, for the 11. of Febru∣ary * 2.119 1576. they tooke a great fort called Crimpen, in the gulph of the riuer of Leck, by the which they did warrant all places betwixt Dordrecht and Rotterdam. After the ta∣king of Schoonhouen the Seignior of Hierges went to beseege the towne of Woerden the which he did blocke vp very straightly, for that he could preuaile nothing by batte∣ry, by reason of the Inondation, neither could he approch his cannon so nere as to plant it in battery, for there were two peeces drowned which he had planted, being not able [ F] to retire them. During the seege of Ziricxzee which the Spaniard pretended to get by famine, don Lewis of Requesens great Commander of the castile, Gouernor and Lieuten∣ant * 2.120 generall to the King of Spaine in the Netherlands died the 5. of March in Brusselles, of a pestilent feuer, or else of the plague it selfe. After whose death the King not able so

soone 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dispose of another gouernor, which the States required might be a Prince of [ A] the bloud▪ according to the priuiledges and oth of the said king) the gouernment of the * 2.121 said co•…•…tries was put into the hands of the councell of State, which caused some alte∣rations, as we will presently shew▪ Chiappin Vitelli Marquis of Cetona, marshall of the * 2.122 king of paine, armie, died a little before, being falne out of his coach, from the top of a dike in the land of Ziriczee (otherwise called Schouwen) wherewith he was sore brused being a heauy and a corpulent man: he was put into a barke to be conueied to Antwerp, but he died by the way: he had bin a braue soldier, & of great experience, but a scorner of all religion being accustomed to say; Morto mi, morto mi Caual, which is as much as to say, when I am dead, all the world is dead, which is the prouerbe of an Atheist. The Duke of •…•…orence had sent him to serue the King of Spaine, to bee rid of him, for some [ B] hard conceit he had of him. It was said that some by the dukes command had plaid him this trick vpon the dike: vnlesse as some said) the diuell himselfe did it.

The Prince of Orange hearing that Ziriczee was so distressed, as without speedy suc∣cours it would be lost, hauing endured a siege of seuen moneths, came into the Ile of Walchren, to aduice of the meanes to succor it. The Zelanders prepared an army by sea to victuall it, but all the passages were so garded by the Spaniards, & the riuer so strict∣ly shut vp as thinking the 13. of Iune to do some great exploit, they did nothing but lost some of their ships, and many of their men, among others Lewis of Boisot their Ad∣mirall, whose eldest brother Charles of Boisot gouernor of the Iland of Walchren, had bin slaine before at the passage of the Spaniards into Saint Anne-landt, Philip-landt & * 2.123 [ C] Duyuelandt. After the death of the great Cōmander, the Kings councell of state made Peter Ernest earle of Mās•…•…ieldt, gouernor of Luxembourg, general of the Spanish army, whilest that the said councell should manage the affaires of state, vntill the King should other-waies dispose thereof. The King approued all, hoping it would proue succesfull vnto him; for it seemed vnto him that matters should be managed with more modestie then they had bin vnder the Duke of Alua, or the great Commander. In the meane time the towne of Ziriczee not able to hold out any longer, sent their deputies to the coun∣cell * 2.124 of State at Brussels, who receiued them, and made an agreement with them, wher∣vpon the towne was yeelded to the Kings obedience, the soldiers departing with armes and baggage, but no colours flying, nor drums sounding, nor matches lighted, vntil they [ D] were imbarked, & their two ministers with them, and 13. strangers, the Bourgers pay∣ing a hundred thousand Florins for their ransome: And that Adolph of Hemstede, vice∣admirall of An•…•…werp (taken prisoner two yeares before) should bee deliuered without ransome. It was decreed that Sanchio d' Auila should retire from thence with his Spani∣ards, in whose place Collonell Mondragon should enter with his regiment of Wallons. This victory of Ziriczee (like vnto that of Harlem and the battaile of Mocken) caused a mutinie among the Spaniards. The soldiars which had continued all the winter before the towne▪ •…•…d end•…•…red great miseries, seeing themselues in a poore wretched Iland, where there was nothing to be gotten, so as taking an occasion vpon the arrerages of * 2.125 their pay, they gathered together about 1500. men, and in despight of their Collonels [ E] and Captain•…•…, who •…•…ought to disswade them by all meanes, leauing the Iland of Schou∣wen and the towne of Ziriczee, they retired into Brabant, hauing made an enterprise on Brussels, which they thought to spoile, or at the least to hold it for their pay. But the in∣habitants hauing some intelligence thereof, went to armes, & kept good gard, so as the Spaniards were forced to retire. The Kings councell of state, seeing the danger that might grow by this mutinie, thought it fit to treat with them, to see if they might paci∣fie them. The charge was giuen to Cont Peter Ernest of Mansfieldt, who went to parle with them in a village foure leagues from Brussels, but they would do nothing without mon•…•…▪ he told them that there was no money in the Kings cofers, but they should be paid the first that came out of Spaine: these words did incense them more then before, [ F] so as they resolued to seize vpon some strong place, the which they might hold vntill they were paid; and so they came in the end of Iuly to Alost, the which they surprized * 2.126 without any resistance. Soone after they went & besieged the castell of Lydekerke a strong place in Brabant the which was yeelded them by the Lord of the place although

there were some of the Earle of Roeux regiment in it, and a great number of peasants: [ A] but it seemed that the Earle of Roeux fauoured the Spaniards, and so he was suspected. The Duke of Arscot, the Earle of Mansfieldt, with Ieronimo de Roda chiefe of the coun∣cell of troubles, (who had succeeded in the place of Iohn de Vergas retired with the Duke of Alua) went thether to pacifie them: but it was well knowne that what Ars∣chot and Mans•…•…dt did, was to drawe themselues out of the danger of the furie of the people of Brusselles, who were much mooued, and the sayd Ieronimo de Roda to goe and ioyne with the mutines, as he did in Alost, where he was well welcome, and ac∣knowledged for their head. The States of the Dutchie of Brabant, considering these proceedings, and the excesse of the Spaniards, made their complaints vnto the generall estates of the Netherlands, intreating them to prouide for the auoiding of further in∣conueniences, but it seemed that in steed of punishing them, the councell of State did [ B] winke at their doings: for although that the States of Brabant had proclaimed them enemies; yet was there not any order taken, as if this declaration had beene but a vaile to blinde them of Brabant, yet they must vnmaske themselues, for the said councell of * 2.127 State had caused them to be proscribed & giuen leaue to all men to kill them, or other∣wise to intreate them in any hostile manner. Then was the time fit to chase away the mutinous Spaniards. In a manner all the townes of Brabant and Flanders, yea of Ar∣thois and Henault tooke armes, euery one beginning to cast his eye vpon this Ieronimo * 2.128 de Roda a Spanish priest, and other councellors and Noblemen Spaniolized. And as they were not very sure of their persons, so could they in no sort trust them: and the rather for that they see the Marquis of Haurec and others newly come from Spaine, were [ C] they that did most hate the Spaniards. Some-what to pacifie this distrust, it was con∣cluded betwixt the states of Brabant and Sanchio d' Auila, that Ieronimo de Roda who went and came from Alost to Brusselles, and other Spanish Caualiers, should retire from Brussels and goe to Antwerpe, and that some other Noblemen of the countrie should goe to Brussels. In the meane time whilest that the States gathered soldiers to∣gether, the Collonels did all they could to prouide money to pay their mutined soldi∣ers in Alost, fearing some greater inconuenience: the money being ready, they sought to pacifie them, but they were then bitterly incensed and discontented, partly for that they had bin declared rebels and enemies to the country, & partly for that they vnder∣stood of the great preparation that was made against him: so as the Collonels were for∣ced [ D] to let them alone. In the meane time they of Brussels tooke foure companies of the ordinary garrison of Wallons for their garde. The councell of Brabant on the other side, being much disquieted and discontented with the oppressions & spoiles which the mutins made in the champian country, and at the wincking of the councell of state, who made no shew to remedie it, with the aduise of some of their Prelats and ecclesiasticall * 2.129 members, they appointed the siegnior of Heze, gouernor of the towne of Brussels, and the siegnior of Gliues great ba•…•…liffe of Brabant, with the assistance of the Bourgesses, to seaze vpon the councell of state, the which was done the 4. of September. The chiefe of them and those that were most Spaniolized, and suspected vnto them of the country, were the Earles of Mansfieldt and Barlamont, Christopher d'Assonuille a councellor, [ E] and the Secretary Berti, and Scharemberg, all which were carried to prison. The duke of * 2.130 Arschot was chosen cheefe by prouision, vntill the first conuocation of the generall E∣states, the which should be held at Berghen vpon Soom, where he should be allowed & confirmed by a generall consent. There were letters written to the other Prouinces and townes, in the behalfe of them of Brabant, to draw them into their societie, with their iustification for the taking of the said Noblemen, and a declaration of the loue & affec∣tion they bare vnto their country as followeth.

My maisters, it is notorious to all the world, how the Spaniards (borne in pouerty, * 2.131 and come out of a poore country) obseruing the riches & wealth of these Netherlands, [ F] haue alwaies sought (which now they shew by effect,) to plant themselues there, to make it their continuall aboade, and to hold the greatest and best offices: but not able to attaine there-vnto (our priuiledges not admitting any stranger to be aduanced to any office) they haue fought by all meanes possible vtterly to ruine it. Hauing therin shewed

their pernicious desseigne at the first alteration which happened in these Netherlands * 2.132 [ A] in the yeare 1566. the which the Duches & the councel did very discreetly pacefy; so as since they haue enioyed some rest, al questions being laid aside. The which by a naturall and inueterate hatred against these countries, they haue made proofe of, when as they sent the duke of Alua into these parts, who well instructed in Machiuells precepts, put many of the chiefe and ancient Nobility to death, building here and there Cittadels, to reduce the people into slauery; besides the excessiue and insupportable impositions and executions, as of the 30. and 10. penny of all merchandise: aduancing the skum of his leud instruments, to offices of greatest honor: entertayning a multitude of traitors and spies among the people to obserue their actions and words •…•…and against the liber∣ties, freedomes and preuiledges of the country, hindering & forbidding the connoca∣tion [ B] of the generall Estate•…•…, he suffred his Spaniards to commit all sorts of insolencies and villenies with an vnrestrained liberty, to kill and murther whom they thought good, to force and rauish wi•…•…es and virgins, noble and base, and to commit al sorts of cruelties with impunity: not only by their Commanders and captaines, but also by the meanest soldiar among them. Wherby we see that the riches and welth of these coun∣tries which was wont to be very great, is now come to nothing, and the glory of our an∣cestors turned to ignominy and shame. And which is more, it doth not appeere that they will desist from their courses in the least point, vntil that by their thefts, robberies, spoyling, burnings and deuastations, they haue made these countries a wildernes & de∣sart. As of late by their mutiny, vnder collour that they are not paied their entertain∣ment, [ C] they practise all acts of hostility threatning (in case they bee not paied) to ruine many good townes: being to that end retired out of the Island of Ziricxee, and come in∣to the country of Brabant, to shew the hatred where with they are inflamed against vs: hauing a dessigne to ceaze vpon the noble and mighty town of Brussells, (the aboad of the Court) to spoile it: but seeing themselues discouered, & that the good inhabitants of the sayd towne were in armes, and stood vpon their gard, changing their desseigne, they haue fallen vpon Flanders, and in hostile manner haue surprized Alost, threatning to do the like vnto Brussells & to destroy it: wherfore the States of Brabant considering what miseries and calamities all these practises might bring vnto the country, they held them not to be any longer tollerated: and hauing laied them before the councell [ D] of State, they were also of the same opinion and haue thought it necessary to resist such insolencies and violences, declaring the Spaniards to bee as rebells and enemies to the King and States, punishing them according to their merits. Wherevpon the States haue decreed that to maintaine the royall authoritie, and for the defence of the countrie, there should be a leauie made of horse and foote. But whereas it hath beene discouered, that some of the councell of State did secretly and vnder hand fauour the sayd rebells and mutines, yea did incorrage and perswade them to set vpon the towne of Brussells, and to extort and wrest from them a great sum of money, seeking also to hinder the leauy of men of warre as the States had decreed, opposing themselues a∣gainst it •…•…ith all their power, and seeking to disapoint the intentions and meanes of [ E] the States, and by lies and false-hoods to frustrate their good councells, and holesome resolutions, all to the aduancement of these mutines: finally hauing made shewe that their countries good is displeasing vnto them, and that they will in no sort diuert and preuent the mischiefe, seeking rather to defend and maintaine these Spaniards their enemies, vntill that new succors may bee sent them from Spaine. Euery one may hereby easily •…•…dge of the equity of the States cause, in that they seeke councell and meanes to defend themselues against the tirany of the Spanish nation, who by their pride, despite and irreconciliable hatred, which they haue long norrished and entertai∣ned (as if they had presently conquered al the country by their armes) thinke to dispose thereof at their pleasures, imposing vpon them a perpetuall yoake of seruitude, after [ F] they had spoiled them of their preuiledges and freedomes (which hetherto wee haue preserued and maintained) vnder the cruelties of the inquisition of Spaine. To preuent the which, and to resist them by all meanes possible, the States of Brabant haue thought it sit to seize vpon the persones of such councellors, being secret fauorers & adherents

to the enemies of the country, vntill that the King may bee fully informed of the estate * 2.133 [ A] here, as we hope he shall be shortly, being resolued to aduertise him particularly and of our good intentions and the affection wee beare vnto our country, who will neuer indure any thing that shall bee contrary to the duty of his Maiesties good and faith∣full seruants.

At this time there was a great discontent betwixt the English & the Zelanders, who could not endure to see that the Marchants of the Netherlands vnder the K. of Spaines * 2.134 obedience, should trafficke into Spaine in English ships, vnder the name of English∣mens goods, although they did belong to them of Antwerpe, Tournay, Lille, Valenci∣e•…•…es and other townes. Of which ships the Zeelanders tooke some, the which by the iudg•…•… of the Admiralty were adiuged good prize. The complaints hereof being come [ B] into England, and foure of the Zelanders ships being driuen in by fowle weather neere vnto Plimouth, the English arrested them, and kept the Captaines prisoners. The mar∣riners hauing found meanes to escape, and to returne into Holland, complained of that which had happened to their Captaines and ships: dur•…•…g this breache the Zeelanders tooke at diuers times 14. English ships, whereof the English demanded •…•…stitution, for the which they sued in the Admiralty court, so as in the end they did agree vpon certain conditions; among others, that all the ships should be restored of either side, & that the English marchants should lend vnto the states of Holland and Zeeland a good sum of money. This accord made, and the English ships restored (those of Zeeland being quite spoiled, hauing bin so long abandoned by their men) the English marchāts hauing what [ C] they desired would not furnish what they had promised by the accord, saying, it had bin extorted by force, and moreouer arrested the persons and goods of ten or twelue of the chiefe merchants of Holland and Zeeland: suing vnto the Queene to haue some ships of war to waf•…•… their cloath, wooll and other merchandise ouer to Dunkerke. But the Queene desired to haue all quarrells reconciled and ended, to which end Philip of Vil∣liers, Minister of the French Church was sent by the merchants of the low-countries remayning in England, to the Prince of Orange: whilst that these matters were in ques∣tion and that the English ships of war made their conuoies vnto Dunkerke, the English tooke fiue or six Zelanders ships, the which they spoiled, keeping the captaines priso∣ners. These alterations and discontents did much please the Spaniards, who hoped to [ D] make good vse therof: but the Prince sent captaine Barkley an Englishman, with so good instructions, as the Queene was wel satisfied, whose pleasure was that al quarells should be ended, & the ships & prisoners deliuered, to the losse of the English merchants who had bin the motiues. After the seazing of the lords of the councel of State, some noble∣men of authority (whereof the Earle of Lalain gouernour of Henault was one of the chiefe) sent in the name of the States of Brabant, to beseech Frantis of Vallois Duke of * 2.135 Aniou & Alanson, the French kings only brother, to imbrace their quarrell against the Spaniards, and to receiue them into his protection. For his better satisfaction he came in post with fifteene or sixteene horse to Mons in Henault, (hauing past by Lens in He∣nault, where he was knowne by some priuate persons, and saluted by the Lord of Ca∣pres, [ E] afterwards Earle of Henin.) Hauing conferred with the Earle of Lalain & some others, he returned sodenly as he came, promising to succor them, as soone as the peace should bee concluded in France. In the meane time the States of Brabant sollicit the other prouinces of the country, and intreat them to ioyne with them, to chase away the strangers, as well Spaniards, Italians, Bourguignons, as any other that were in league * 2.136 with the mutines. The countrie of Henault at the perswasion of the Earle of Lalain▪ the Earle of Reneberg and the Baron of Fresin ioyne first, by reason of their proximi∣ty and neighbour-hood: Flanders, Arthois, Lille, Douay, Orchies, Tournay, Tournesis & other Prouinces followed them (except Luxembourg & Namur, wherof Mansfeldt & Barlamont, that were prisoners, were gouernors) and they make a league & perpe∣tuall [ F] vnion betwixt them, to aide one an other with all their meanes against the tiranie of strangers. The Earle of Roch gouernor of Arthois (although hee were brother in lawe to Cardinall Granuelle, whether it were to plaie the good fellow, or that hee durst not oppose himselfe against the States) hearing that some Italiens of

these mutines were entred into his gouernment▪ hee sent to all the townes to put them∣selues [ A] in armes against them, and euery one to chase them out of his iurisdiction. Gre∣n•…•…t brother to the signior of Werp and my selfe, went out of Bethune with about fifteene hundred men, to incounter them, & to ioyne with them of Arras, Hesdin Aire, Saint Omer and other townes, so as in all we might haue made fiue thousand men. But the onely brute hereof made the Italiens retire towards Cambresis, and from thence in∣to Henaut, from whence the Earle of Lalain did in like sort chase them.

The Kings councell was much troubled and perplexed at this mutiny, the which turned into a generall alteration (which they terme Alborotto) and they feared some greater inconuenience, if the French should chance to deale in it: wherefore they send some speciall persons among them to require the mutined Spaniards, to rest satis∣fied [ B] with such money as they had in hand, being impossible to furnish any more. But it was labor lost; for on the other-side Don Fernando of Toledo caused those men which he had in Holland to come into Brabant: and so did Don Alonso de Vergas, generall of the horse: who retired themselues with their men into the castell of Antwerp, as into a place of safe retreate. Sanchio d' Auila castellan of the said castell, sent for the Spa∣nish * 2.137 Merchants that were in the towne, intreating them to furnish (vpon his word and promise to be paied at a certaine daie,) as much v•…•…ctualls and munition of warre as hee should demand, the which they did, so as the castell was well supplied of all things to endure a long seege. Iulien Romero did the like in the towne of Liere, and captaine Montis•…•…oqua at Mastricht. [ C]

The States on the other side were not negligent to leauy men euery where, doing what they could to keepe the Spanish forces, as well mutiners as others, from ioyning togither, or to haue intelligence one with an other, suffering nothing to passe to those townes and places which they held. There were then betwixt Louvain and Tillemont fiue companies of these mutined Spaniards, Italiens and Bourguignons, lodged in the Village of Wessenaken. The States sent the signior of Glimes to dislodge them from thence, hauing with him the garrisons of Brussells and of Louvaine, with some men at armes, being in all about three thousand men; with whom there ioyned some Burgers of Brussells & some schollers of Louvaine, some to the fight, others to get some spoile, so as it seemed that he that would not go did not loue his country. The Spaniards be∣ing [ D] aduertised by their spies, the Generall Alonso de Vergas beeing ioyned with them with his horse, lay in ambush in a little wood neere vnto this village, commanding the foote to goe forth and skirmish with the states-men when they should see them ap∣proch, the which th•…•…y did and were sharply charged by the states-men, so as the Spani∣ards retyring in good order, still skyrmishing vnto the ambush, being hotly pursued, the * 2.138 horsemen breaking forth charged these foo•…•…e-men that pursued (for their bands of Or∣dinance were not yet aduanced▪ who breaking their rankes were put to rout and all de∣feated, so as fewe escaped: the which happened in the end of September.

The last of the same month, commandement beeing giuen to all the townes of the Netherlands that were confederated togi•…•…her against the mutined Spaniards, to arme, [ E] among others they of Brussells made a muster of their Burguers, from the age of twen∣ty yeares vnto three s•…•…ore, wherea•…•… they found fifteene thousand men well armed. And knowing that the Spaniards were incensed against them, they began to fortefie their towne, causing both men, women▪ boyes and maides to labour at the rampar. The States were nothing amazed for the route of Wissenaken, but fortefied themselues with all the regiments of Wallons, among the which were that of the signories of Hierges and o•…•… Floion his brother, sonnes to Barlamont. And to assure the pas∣sage * 2.139 from Macklin to Antwerp, they ceazed vpon the Village of Walhen, where they made a stronge fort sufficient to defend the bridge. Iulien Romero beeing at L•…•…ere▪ came with his Spaniards to seaze vpon this bridge, hee gaue an alarme of the [ F] one side and assaulted the fort on the other, the which hee forced, and tooke the Go∣uernor prisoner, who was a gentleman of Louvaine. A great number of the regiment of •…•…oion were defeated, and there died Francis of Nidouchel signior of Ysberghe Lieu∣tenant Collonel with three or foure captaines and Lieutenants, and a great number of

was burnt, lost at th•…•… time aboue eight hundred men. Presently after the Spanish * 2.140 [ A] troupes of horse and fo•…•…e of don 〈◊〉〈◊〉 d•…•… Vergas, and of don Fernando of Toledo marched towards Maestri•…•…, to keepe the States from passing any men ouer the riuer * 2.141 of Meuse, the which did muc•…•… import them: which they could not at the first effect for the Germains that were w•…•…thin the towne (being vnited with the Bourgers) had thrust ou•…•… the Spaniards and kept 〈◊〉〈◊〉 prisoner: not-with-standing that Cap∣taine Marti•…•…d Ayala •…•…d done his b•…•…st •…•…deuor to get him out of their hands: don Alon∣•…•… comming before the towne of Marst•…•…t, a Spanish soldiar came to ad•…•…ertise him of the State of the towne, and that vpon one 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the ports there remained yet some Spa∣niards who had good meanes to giue them entr•…•…ce▪ Don Alonzo hearing this, caused a good number of foote to passe the riuer in boats•…•… •…•…yne with the rest on the other [ B] side, then hee appointed▪ s•…•…me foote and a co•…•… of horse to march towards the port of Brusselles, which was held b•…•… tho•…•… •…•…iars that were in the towe•…•… vpon the port. The Inhabitants seeing that by their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Spaniard▪ with out might haue entrance into the town tho•…•…ght to ba•…•… or th•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the cannon from their rampar. But those in the towne did so pay them, wi•…•… •…•…ket shot, as they could not a∣noy them, •…•…either durst any one stand by the artillery. In the meane •…•…me the Spaniards hauing past the bridge▪ intrencht themselues in two parts of the tow•…•…e; whilest that the Germains like cowards and tre•…•…hers lay still in a remote place, an•…•… did no•…•… any thing according to the oth which they had taken to ayde the Bourguers, who after they had made all the resistance they could, seeing themselues not able to hold o•…•… in the [ C] end they yeelded to the Spaniards, who spoyled it, committed great massakers, burnt some houses, and in few words vsed their accustomed tirany and cruc•…•…ty▪ At the same time as the Seignior of Liques Gouernor of Cambray held the towne and Citt•…•…dell * 2.142 for the Spaniards, the States sent the Seignior of Inchy of the house of Ge•…•…re, brother to the Baron of Fresin, to seeke some meanes to surprise it, the which he did i•…•… •…•…he be∣ginning of October, with the helpe of Captaine Anthony of Gouy Lieutenant of the said Cittadell, and of some soldiars at their deuotion, so as a port being wo•…•…, and th•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cut in peeces, the Seignior of Liques was taken prisoner, and •…•…nchy made him•…•…fe Maister of the p•…•…ace, and was appointed gouernor thereof by the States, where he con∣tinued vnto his death, in the yeare 1583. The confederate States seeing that all the Spa∣niards [ D] in general were ioyned with the mutins, and dispersed in diuers places of the Ne∣therlands, some at Alost in Flanders, and others at Maestricht beyond the riuer of M•…•…∣se, * 2.143 they resolued to make them-selues strong in Antwerp, and to di•…•…de the Castell from the Towne: for the effecting whereof, they drew the garrisons out of Brusselles, Macklin and Louvain, the which they gaue in charge to Cont Phillip of Egmont (who was after wards slaine in France at the Battaile of Yuery) with his owne regiment, consisting of old and new companies of Wallons, and his companie of men at armes, with whome there ioyned the Seigniors of Heze and Berselle, br•…•…theren with their regiments, the Marquis of Haure•…•… with 500. light horse with the Seignor of Bieure and some other Commanders with their troupes. All these troupes hauing good correspondency with [ E] Frederic Perrenot Seignior of Champaigny and the Earle of Ouersteine Collonel of the Germains that were in the new towne of Antwerp, arriued late and very couertly be∣fore the towne the third of Nouember, remayning there vntill that the Seignior of Champaigny Gouernor of Antwerp, and the Earle of Ouerstein came to speake with them, where they resolued that the next day they should enter, and should haue quarter•…•… * 2.144 appointed them, the which was don by the breake of day. The president •…•…eronimo de Roda cheefe of all the Spanish mutins, and others, being in the Cittadell, concluded with San∣chio d' Auila, and others of the councell of Spaine, to send for all their forces with speed and to draw them into the Cittadell: and in the meane time they began to batter the towne furiously in ruine, and the streets which did open vpon the plaine, to keepe the [ F] Cittizens that they should not intrench and forti•…•…ie them-selues against the Cittadell▪ * 2.145 But the mist was that day so great, as they could not discerne one an other being neere, so as the Spaniards could not doe any great harm•…•… but to the topps of thei•…•… houses.

In the meane-time the townes-men make Barricadoes, and retrench•…•… all the

passages of the plaine, and made them so strong, as it seemed impossible to force them. [ A] Captaine Ortis sallied forth of the cittadell with some Harguebuziers, to discouer their defences, and found the Townesmen so weary of working, as he not onely forced their Barricado, but also cut a corps de garde in peeces: at this time hee might haue wone the towne if he had beene well seconded with men: hauing slaine about fifty men, and burnt a Mill and some houses that might annoy them, he retired into the Castell, from whence the skie being cleare, they shot continually against the Barricadoes, the which notwithstanding did not hinder the worke, some-times carrying away the head of one or the arme or legge of another: yea the women laboured with such courage, as they respected not the great Ordinance, to the mercy whereof they did expose themselues willingly and without feare. [ B]

The twelfth of October the same yeare dyed that vertuous Prince Maximilian, the second of that name Emperor, being very desirous to retaine the conference of peace, * 2.146 which had beene begun in the towne of Breda, the which he would gladly haue seene take effect in his life time. He was a wise, prudent and discreet prince, fearing GOD, a great louer of peace and an enemie of discord, free from ambition and desire of great∣nesse: hee was well seene in languages, and in the holy Scripture. He could not endure that warre should be made for religion, and was wont to say: That it was a deadly sinne, to seeke to force mens consciences, the which belongs to God onely. Hee was not dissolute in apparrell, liued soberly, and neuer continued aboue an houre at table: if he chanced to be some-what more, it was to discourse of naturall Philosophie, wherein he was much [ C] pleased; he was iudicious and of a great memory, speaking eloquently and sententious∣ly▪ ready to receiue all petitions, and to giue bountifully. Hee was not curious of riche Cabinets for ostentation, nor of stately buildings. Some-times hee tooke delight to plant and graft trees for his recreation. He liued nine and twenty yeares in marriage and great loue with his wife, who was daughter to the Emperor Charles the fift, a Prin∣cesse indued with singular vertues, by whom he had sixteene children, whereof six dyed before him; the other ten suruiued him, that is, Rodolphus (at this day Emperor) Ernest, Mathias, Maximilian, Albert, Wenceslas, Elizabeth married to the French King, and Ma∣ry to the King of Spaine, the names of the other two are vnknowne to me: hee gouer∣ned the Empire about twelue yeares: and at the same time dyed the famous Prince * 2.147 [ D] Frederic Elector Palatin of Rhine, so as Germany had an vnspeakable losse by the death of these two Princes.

The fourth of Nouember the mutined Spaniards that were in Alost, vpon the commandement that was giuen them, marched all night, and entred the Castell of Ant∣werpe: the next day morning to the number of sixteene hundred men, all old trained soldiers. At the same instant did also arriue those of Liere and Mastricht, being glad to be all so fitly come. On the other side, the inhabitants, and Noblemen that were within the towne for the States, were much amazed to heare that they were all so so∣denly ioyned together. Thether also came the regiment of Collonel Polwiller a Ger∣maine, hauing beene in garrison at Maestricht and at Diest, being about three thousand [ E] men strong. All these troopes being thus entred into the Castell, Sanchio d'Auila in∣treated them to refresh and rest themselues a little: but they were so inflamed against the towne, as they would not stay, but passe on in their exployt. Issuing forth at the great port, vpon the plaine, they put themselues into battaile, hauing boyes with them carrying bottles of Strawe and fire-brands, to set fire where they should command * 2.148 them: and so marching furiously like Lions, at one instant they set vpon the Barrica∣does, that were made at the entries of fiue streetes, the which (although they were strong and well manned) they forced, killing all they incountred, putting the Wallons (who were yet but new soldiers, and amazed at their furious charges and cries) to rout, without any great resistance, scarce daring to shew them-selues in the trenches, by rea∣son [ F] of the Canon of the Castell, which shot ouer the Spaniards into the midst of their streetes. The Bourguers seeing themselues forced, and their soldiers to flie away, seek∣ing where to saue them-selues, they retired towards their State-house, where their sworne companies were, who put themselues valiantly in defence, doing much harme

vnto the Spaniards; who seeing that they could not force them, nor draw them from * 2.149 [ A] thence, set fier of the house, where many we•…•…e consumed; and some hal•…•…e burnt, leaping out at the windoes to saue them-selues, were massakred. It was a lamentable thing to see so many good men to die so pittifully▪ in the flames, and that stately building all on fier, the which so long before had cost aboue two hundred thousand ducats, besides a greater losse which this fier caused in the houses there-abouts, vpon the Market place, and behinde the said Towne-house, beeing all full of rich marchandise. The cruelltie of the Spaniards, could not yet bee contained within any bounds: but they pursued the poore Burgers, vnto the new Towne, where there were some of Cont Ouersteins Regiment and others; which made some resistance, but it preuayled not, for the f•…•…rie of the victorious Spaniards of the one side, and the amazement among the soldiars and Burg•…•…rs, of the other side was so great, as euery one sought to saue him∣selfe: [ B] The States horse-men leauing their horses leapt ouer the Rampars into the Towne ditches, some past the riuer in boates, others escaped by swimming to the shippes that laie in the midst of the riuer. The Lord of Champaigni, the Marquesse of Haure•…•… and the Markgraue, beeing slipt out of the Towne, went vnto the Prince of Oranges shippes neere vnto Austreweele, and caused 'em to transport them into Holland. The Earle of Ouerstein thinking to saue him-selfe on the other side of the riuer, leaping to a boate fell into the water, where by the waight of his armes hee was drowned.

The Seignior of Bieure beeing in a boat to passe the riuer, so many entred into it * 2.150 as not able to beare so waighty a burthen, it sunke, where he (and most of the company) [ C] was drowned, The Spaniards and Germaines beeing absolute maisters of the Towne, they fell to sacke and spoile it for many daies, massakring many thousands of all ages, •…•…exes, estate and degrees, as well inhabitants as strangers of diuers countries, who arriued there daily, for their Comerce and trafficke: And burning aboue six hundred faire houses in diuers parts of the Towne: To conclude they committed all kindes of cruellties, Insolencie▪ dissolution and villany: Some hauing vanted that the three first daies of the sacke, they were no men but Incarnate diuells. The Earle of Egmont with * 2.151 the Seigniors of Capres and Gogines were taken in Saint Michaells Abbaie. All the Wallon soldiars they could finde out, beeing hidden in sellers, garrets or on the tops of houses, (although it were fiue or six daies after their victorie) were miserably slaine [ D] in cold blood. The Germaines of Cornellis van Einden, did much harme to the new Towne, shewing them-selues no lesse cruell then the Spaniard: yea seeing the Spaniards haue some rich Burgers, and not able to take them away, they •…•…ue the poore men, to the end the Spaniards might haue no more benefit by them then their-selues. Among the which there was a rich and famous marchant of Iewells, called Gilles Sm•…•…ssart an ancient man, hauing compounded for ten thousand Florins ransome, was run through behinde w•…•…th a pike by a Germaine, and so slaine; a cruellty that was more then barba∣rous. In all this Spanish fury, there died as well of soldiars, as of Inhabitants, aboue * 2.152 eight thousand persons, some haue said ten thousand, that were slaine and drowned in the hauen and chanells. Of the Spaniards were slaine about two hundred, besides them [ E] that were hurt, among the which the chiefe were Don Manuell Cabesa de vacca, Ioan de Robles, Cousin to the Lord of Billy: Domiam De Morables and others were slaine there. Carell Fucher was sore hurt and troden vnder their •…•…eete that fledde. Behold how this florishing citty, one of the richest and of the greatest trafficke in Europe (by a iust iudgement and dyuine punishment, for their excesse and dissolutions) receiued the grea∣test scourge that euer fell vpon towne, whereas many of the richest marchāts were made poore, and the very beggers o•…•… the Spaniards were inricht in an instant: but some did not long inioy their great wealth, for there were simple soldiars which lost ten thou∣sand Crownes in a day at dice, vppon the Bursse which was their playing place. Other [ F] not knowing what to do with their treasure, made hilts for rapiers and daggers of pure gold, yea whole Corslets, A goldsmith hauing made one, the Spaniard desirous to haue it varnished, that it might not be discouered to bee of gold, the workman fled * 2.153 away with it and came to Flessingue.

The riches that was taken there was so great, as some haue affirmed, that there was * 2.154 [ A] aboue some fortie tunne of golde spoiled in ready money. There was a soldiar which tooke out of a windowe of a house seuentie thousand Florins. Captaine Ortis made choise of a bootie, which no man else dreampt of, which was the prison, where hee set at libertie for great ransomes, all the prisoners that were in it, as well for ciuill and cri∣minall causes, as them of the religion, among the which there was some ministers and many Anabaptists; whereby hee gathered a great treasure. The Cittie of Antwerpe being thus miserably subiected vnder the enemies yoake, the Spaniards fearing that the States (to cut of the passage of the riuer towards Gant,) should build a Forte at Burcht, before the which all the shippes must passe that went to Gant, Tenremonde, Macklin, and Brusselles: made hast to preuent them, and to build one there, which they * 2.155 [ B] gaue in gard to Francisco Valdes, with 400. Spaniards.

DON IOHN OF AVSTRIA BAS∣tard sonne to the Emperor Charles the fift Gouernor of the Netherlands for the King of Spaine.

[illustration]

JOANNES AVSTRI. CAR. V. F. PHIL. RE. CAT. NOM•…•… APVD BELGAS GVB. ET CAPIT. GENERA.

Although I issued from an vnlawfull bed, Yet was I not the lesse esteem'd, but greatly honored. For when the Emperor dying, did acknowledge me, To be his naturall sonne, the King did hold me for to be. His bastard brother and did such affection beare To me, that to most great affaires he did me stil prefer. The Turke I fear'd not, but did him ouerthrow, And forc'd the Granadian Moores obedience to shew. My minde aspiring vnto high conceites was bent: And made me practise many things to further my intent. But being hether sent chiefe Gouernor to be, Death crossed al my purposes, and made an end of me.

DON Iohn of Austria bastard brother to the King of Spaine, sent to [ A] gouerne the Netherlands, arriued in the towne of Luxembourg in * 2.156 Nouember 1576. the verie daie that the Spaniards practised their furie in Antwerp, by murthering, burning and spoyling of the Cit∣tie, sparing no age sex nor qualitie. Being there hee writ his letters to the Spaniards in Antwerp, and to the generall Estates assembled at Brussells, seeming in his letters to the States to bee somewhat discontented, for the insolencies that had beene committed in the Netherlands, promising to take due punishment, so as they would shew due obedience vnto the King, and maintaine the Romish Catholike relligion: whereas on the other side if they continued obstinate he was not onely prouided, but resolued as well for warre as peace, according to the in∣structions [ B] of the Spanish councell.

The councell of Estate merueyled much at the first that hee came not personally to Brussells, but they were much amazed at the contents of his letter, which * 2.157 seemed to threaten them, who thought to haue executed their charge wisely and carefully, shewing himselfe therein not as their Gouernor but as their aduersary: which iealousie of theirs encreased the more for that hee would not come among them, but vpon hostages, desiring also to haue their troupes vnder his priuate com∣mande, or a great part of them for his securitie as if they were his enemies. This see∣med very strange vnto the generall Estates and the whole Countrie, and bred ill bloud in them, and the rather, for that they discouered that the mutinous and rebelli∣ous [ C] Spaniards, first secretly and after openly, had all fauour and accesse vnto him, and that hee affected the sole gouernment to himselfe, that so hee might punish and con∣troule, reward and honour whom hee pleased, being held strang in Spaine, that the Ne∣therlanders (who were there esteemed as a conquered people, and subiects to the King) should vndertake such great matters as had beene effected, all much derogating to the Kings prerogatiue and honour, and so much the more intollerable, for that in Spaine they were generally suspected, and held for Lutherans and heretiks.

The generall Estates being likewise assembled at Brussells, consisting of the deputies of the spirituallty, the nobilitie, townes and members of the Prouinces, vnder the lawfull subiection of their naturall Lord, after declaration made touching their pre∣uiledges, [ D] customes, lawes, ancient liberties sworne vnto by their Prince himselfe, they found the proceeding of Don Iohn to bee verie strange, and the rather for that they vnderstood out of Spaine, that the oppressions and insolent behauiour of the Spa∣nish souldiars were rather applauded then disallowed, and that in steed of exempla∣rie punishment, there were more rewards and honours appointed to bee giuen vnto their captaines and Commanders: and they found by certaine letters, that Don Iohn had charge to follow such instructions as Ieronimo Rhoda had left in Antwerp with a Spanish Marchant called Ieronimo Lopez, and that Rhoda had the managing of all the Netherland causes in Spaine.

The effect of Don Iohns instructions were, that hee should vse all the faire meanes [ E] hee could, to winne the hearts of the common people, that by their aide hee might subdue Holland, and to punish the rest according to their desarts, and that in the meane time hee should dissemble: which instructions although they were not knowne at the first, yet were the generall Estates and the Nobilitie presently estrang∣ed from him, by meanes of his disorderly proceeding: for which cause they sent vn∣to the Prince of Orange, beeing an old experienced councellor in affaires of State, and then a member of the Netherlands, to heare his aduice, who in the end of No∣uember writ vnto them from Middelbourg, as followeth. [ F]

A letter written by the Prince of Orange * 2.158 [ A] To the Generall estates of the Netherlands assembled at Brussells the last of Nouember. 1576.

MY maisters, you haue before seene by my letters, what in my opinion (vnder your correction) I thought fit to be treated of with Don Iohn of Austria. And although it may seeme vnto you, that what I do so often re-iterate, proceeds from some priuate passion, or to entertaine this [ B] country in alteration. Notwith-standing I may call GOD to witnesse with a good conscience, that my disseigne was neuer other, but to see this Country gouerned as it hath allwaies beene by the generall Estates. Which con∣sists of the •…•…lergie, Nobilitie, and the townes & members depending thereon, vnder the lawfull obedience of their naturall Prince. And as since by the length of time, this go∣uernment hath beene by little and little abolished, yea by some ambitious and couetous persons, (desirous to haue the gouernment in their hands) made so odious to their Prin∣ces, as they haue held them which made any motion to assemble the generall Estates, for rebells and guilty of high treason, hauing perswaded them that it was the onely meanes whereby the Kings authority should be blemished and supprest. I did thinke [ C] that you hauing foreseen these sinister practises and vniust pers•…•…asiōs, to the great pre∣iudice of the poore Country, you had beene assembled togither ioyntly to resume the steps of your predecessors, & to recouer your lawfull authority, according to your com∣mendable and ancient preuiledges, causing (by that meanes) all Inconueniences, op∣pressions and tiranies to cease, and planting peace in the Country, as already you haue giuen a good beginning, where without any great difficulty or contradiction you haue restored the prouinces to their ancient peace and tranquilitie: whereby his Maiestie may plainely see (if by bad councell and sinister impressions he be not diswaded) that the humble petitions which haue bene alwaies made vnto him for the assemblie generall of the Estates, was the onely meanes to settle his affaires. But hearing that through your [ D] facilitie and accustomed bounty (too preiudiciall in such occurrents) you begin to giue eare vnto the goodly words & propositions of Don Iohn. I will not conceale the feare I haue of your yeelding to the desseines of the Spaniards our sworne enimies, being most assured that those which haue alwaies laboured to hinder this holy assembly of the ge∣nerall Estates, will do their best to circumuent you and atteyne to their pretended end: As at this present these couetous and ambitious ministers, who desire an absolute and tirannicall gouernment, onely to inrich them-selues and to oppresse such as they hate & maligne, discouering your intention or doubting of it, haue sought all meanes to auoid it, finding no better expedient then by the sodaine comming of Don Iohn of Austria, that by his presence the said generall Estates might be supprest and made fruitlesse. Ha∣uing [ E] also in the meane time by their cunning practises held matters in such suspence, as many good and important occasions haue beene lost. And to giue you some content∣ment, they haue councelled the King to command Don Iohn to take some Noblemen & others of the Country to bee of his Councell, who notwith-standing shall serue but as a shadow to his actions, for that all his resolutions should be first concluded with some of his fauorits, as hath beene alwaies vsed, and lately by the Duches of Parma with the Cardinall Armenteros and some other priuate persons. And as you may iudge by his instructions & demands, beeing duly examined, his intent is to imbrace the soueraigne gouernment and to suppresse both you and your authority. I could not for the zeale I [ F] beare, but admonish, pray and earnestly intreat you, carefully to consider what shall bee needfull for the good and safety of this Country, and to set beefore your eyes that what you treat and negotiate now, is not your owne priuate interest; but an infinit number of Noblemen, Burgers and common people, who cannot bee all present haue

made choyse and put their liues into your hands, vpon the confidence they haue that * 2.159 [ A] you will carrie your selues with all integrity for the maintenance of the libertie of your common countrie, and defend them as Gardiens and Protectors thereof, from all the oppression and more then barbarous tyranie which they haue hetherto endu∣red. I beseech you also to consider, that now you must resolue, that you are to answere before God and Men. And therefore that ye will so behaue your selues, as our poste∣rity may haue no cause to lament and complaine of you, hauing brought them into a wretched and seruile condition, the which (besides the hazard of our heads) doth threa∣ten vs all, if it bee not speedely preuented. I doubt not but you my maisters the Pre∣lates, and townes shall haue great perswasions, as well by letters as interposed persons to corrupt and gaine you, to the end you may desist from this your holie and honora∣ble [ B] enterprise. But the more assaults you shall endure, the greater shall your honour be, and our posterity shal be bound vnto your memorie. Wherefore my aduice is (as it hath alwaies beene) that you enter not into any treaty with Don Iohn, vnlesse the Spa∣niards and other strangers depart out of the countrie, and that you giue him plainely to vnderstand (whereof I hold it necessary that the effect do follow) that your intent is to fortifie your selues, and to prouide all expedient meanes to oppose your selues to the former gouernment. And that you will not in any sort suffer him to haue any of those troupes that are vnder your cōmand, for that were to giue him a knife wherwith to cut your owne throates, and the very meanes to make a disiunction of al the men of war of these countries. The which I beseech you not to interpret to any priuate passion of [ C] mine own, seeing that my aduice concurres wholie with the preuiledges as well of the Ioyous entry Artic. 5. as with them of Cortemberghe. anno. 1226. and 1320. con∣firmed afterwards by duke Iohn. anno. 1322. & by Venceslaus and the duchesse Ioan his wife. anno. 1372. and 1373. with many others wel knowne vnto you. And as in my iudge∣ment all men ought to be carefull for the preseruation of their preuiledges, if wee will not degenerate from the loue and magnanimity of our ancestors, so in my opinion we ought not (without a perpetual note of infamy and reproch) to stray any thing from the sayd preuiledges in any treaty whatsoeuer. Wherefore to auoide any long parlees and negotiations (which would be our ruine) on the one side you are to send him our gree∣uances which are but too many, and well knowne to all the world; and on the other [ D] an autenticall coppie of the sayd preuiledges, intreating him to gouerne himselfe ac∣cording to the charge hee hath receiued from his Maiestie to maintaine the sayd pre∣uiledges, and as hee himselfe hath offred to doe. But if hee refuse it, then to pro∣test that it is not to bee imputed to rebellion, if you seeke to maintaine them with all your powre, euen vnto the last drop of your blouds. And you may bee assured that giuing him thus plainely to vnderstand your resolutions, you shall gaine more and haue an absolute answere the sooner, the which should bee much more gainefull to haue speedely, then by entertayning of long parlees, and neglecting your affaires▪ giue him leysure to fortefie himselfe in making you weake, beeing in suspence. This free manner of speech which I councell you should not seeme strange, see∣ing [ E] it hath beene vsed at other times, euen at Gant, beeing the onelie cause for the which the King promised to retire his Spaniards: you may also consider that demanding some of your forces (of whome vndoubtedly hee would require an othe) that hee hath no trust in you: and that hauing them, when you shalbe assem∣bled to hold the Estates, hee will prescribe you what lawes hee please, for if any one contradict him hee will punnish him in such sort, as the rest beeing terrefied, not any one shall dare to open his mouth to speake. And moreouer it argues a bad intent, seeing that hee seekes to arme himselfe and to disarme you of your owne for∣ces, for it were much more reasonable that hee should trust in you, who haue al∣waies shewed so free and obedient a will, and are so much interessed, then you [ F] in him, hauing alwaies receiued such badde vsage by the Spanish gouernment. Moreouer it is to bee considered, that hee who comes but to bee a Gouernour, seekes to enter by force of armes, and to take the first assurance of the Estate•…•…; the which is against the custome of naturall Princes, who without comming

with any forces, haue alwaies giuen their oth vnto the estates, before they receiued * 2.160 [ A] theirs, moreouer you must thinke in what reputation you shal be with all the world, if they see you more prone and redy to giue satisfaction to Don Iohn of Austria, then to haue any feeling of the violence done vnto your country-men in that good towne of Maestricht, and in that some times so mighty and flowrishing towne of Antwerp, (the which is at this day the most desolate of Christe dome) & that by men who wil be estee∣med equal subiects in these parts, as wel as those that are naturally borne in the contry, as some haue vnaduisedly put them in that ranke at the treaty of Breda, saying that the King would not haue those good men taken for strangers, but for naturall borne. And what an example shall this bee for other townes or what may they expect falling into the Spaniards hands or vnder the Spanish gouernment? but to feele in time the like cru∣eky. [ B] And if here-to-fore you haue beene taxed, for that in the beginning you opposed not your selues against the building of Cattadells, from whence for the most part haue sprong all our calamities. How much more iust occasion shall the towns haue to blame you for all their miseries, that hauing now the said Cittadells in your hands, you haue not caused them to bee razed, or at the least demanteled towards the townes? The which you ought to does as well to giue them contentment, as to auoyd future danger, which vndoubtedly if it bee not preuented will fall vpon the saide townes as vpon Antwerp, being the cheefe cause of the taking thereof, wherein you may not flatter your selues, thinking it a smalle offence done to the Kings authority and reputation; for he will hold it for so great an iniury (although vniustly) as he will neuer forget it which [ C] no marrought to doubt, hauing seene him make so great a demonstration of wrath and indignation for the presenting of a poore petition•…•… And you must make acco•…•…mpt that you shall haue the first places at the banket that is prepared for you according to your dignity, not-with-standing all pardons and forgetting of what is past where •…•…ith they fill your •…•…ares and seeke to abuse you, for Princes neuer forget such things but whē they want meanes to reuenge, dissembling their spleene vntil they haue oportu•…•…i∣ty. As we haue seene in all the actions past, the wounds wherof are yet greene, pow•…•…ng forth before our eyes the luke-warme bloud of the Earles of Egmont and Ho•…•…ne, •…•…h so many other gentlemen and good Bourgers, not-with-standing all the good wo•…•…ds that were giuen them: I leaue it to the censure of any man of iudgement, what a hea•…•…t [ D] greefe it may be vnto a Prince that seekes to command absolutely, to see his com•…•…an∣dements without authority, his small power of his subiects exposed to the vew of all •…•…he world, and the meanes to giue place to his will and appetit to fayle him; thinke you th•…•…t he wil neglect any practise to be reuenged and to attaine to his desiers? doubtlesse no & you must thinke that his continuall cogitations tend to that end: for a soueraine com∣mand hath incident vnto it that it cannot endure any contradiction, wherein there shall want no inuentions with the most eloquent speeches that may bee to perswade that which they thinke will helpe to their propounded end, as to promis•…•… to retire the Spa∣niards, the which should hold as little as that which the King made to the Genera•…•… estates at his departure out of the Netherlands, to retire them within three monethes [ E] after, and yet he left them there a yeare and a halfe or there abouts, and we are assured they had not departed, if the defeat of Ze•…•…by had not happened: whe•…•…fore my Maisters I beseech you consider, that you haue wonderfully inde•…•…ed a mighty 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and that there is no meane to be held in this action, but you must attend one of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 extremities, either to yeeld or valiantly to preserue and defend your selues, by those good meanes which God hath giuen you, and which •…•…re easie with the helpe of God, so as there be a good accord, vnion and resolution among you. Or if •…•…on Iohn through necessity were forced to yeeld to the sending away the said Spaniards, you must prouide that besides the entertayning of the preuiledges, th•…•…se conditions may be annexed. That the estates shall prouide him a councell, as well for affai•…•…rs of State as for the treasure. That they [ F] shal haue liberty to assemble twise or thris•…•… a yeare, or as often as they shal thinke it fit, to consider if matters bee well and duly administred, and to reforme and order them as they shall thinke it fit. Bnd more-ouer that all Ci•…•…tadells shall be razed. That he shall not leuy any men without the consent of the Generall estates, and that all garisons

shall bee placed by their aduise and councell.

* 2.161 [ A]

Thus in my opinion you must treat, for doing otherwise, it is to bee feared that thin∣king to giue contentment to Don Iohn, and by that meanes settle the country in quiet, you wil deceiue your selues, and fall into greater diuision then before, for you may assure your selues there are many that will neuer giue credit to the Kings words, nor Don Iohns, if they see the authority of the States thus subiected and brought to nothing, in whose Iudgement and wisdom they haue put their trust. My Maisters although I haue written vnto you here-to-fore concerning this subiect, yet finding it a matter of such consequence, and to concerne you so much, I thought it necessary to write vnto you againe & more amply, the which I beseech you to take in good part, as proceeding from one who will expose all hismeanes, yea vnto the last drop of his bloud, for the safe∣ty [ B] and quiet of our common contry, and of you my Maisters in particular. As I desier to giue you proofe of my true and sincere affection in this behalfe. And so after my vnfained commendarions▪ I will pray vnto GOD to giue you health, happines and long liues: from Middelbourg, the last of Nouember 1576. signed your most louing friend and Country-man.

WILLIAM of Nassau.

DVring these alterations of the Spaniards and the sacke & massaker of Antwerp, the * 2.162 [ C] States of Brabant and other Prouinces of their association, making one body of the Generall estates of the maine-land (although that in them Luxembourg were not con∣tei•…•…ed, wherof Peeter Ernest Earle of Mansfeldt was Gouernor, nor Namur where Barla∣mont commanded) to cut of the course of the Spanish tirany, which they practized daily and openly in these townes which they held: resolued to make them-selues strong both by sea and land, and to make a good peace and generall v•…•…ion with the particular Estates of Holland and Zeeland and their Associats, together with the Prince of Orange Gouernor of the said countries. To which end the Seignior of Haussy bro∣ther to the Earle of Bossu (who had beene prisoner at Horne) was sent to Flessingue to [ D] the Prince of Orange; who hauing conferred with the States of the said marine Pro∣uinces, hee wrought so effectually as after diuers voiages, the Deputies of eithe•…•… part assembled at Goude, where an accord of pacification was concluded and made, and the assurances giuen in the saied Towne the eight of Nouember the same yeare, whereof we haue thought good to set downe the declaration and articles at length, a•…•… followeth.

To all those that these prese•…•… letters shall see or heare, greeting. As the countries in these parts, hau•…•… these last nine or ten yeare fallen into great miseries and cala•…•…ities, by ciuil warres, and the proud and rigorous command & gouernment, outrages, robbe∣ries, spoiles, and other disorders and Insoleneids of the Spaniards, and their adherents. [ E] And that for the preuenting and ceasing of all further troubles, oppressions and mis∣eries of the said countries, by the meanes of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…e peace and pacification, there was in the moneth •…•…f February in the yeare 1574. assembled in the towne of Breda, commisioners from his Maiesty and from the Prince of Orange, with the States of Hol∣land and Zeeland and their associats, by whome there were propounded diuers meanes greatly seruing for the said pacification; yet the frute that was hoped and expected did not follow: but contrariwise d•…•…ing the hope of this consolation, cle∣mency and bounty from his Maiestie, the said Spaniards haue sought daily more and more to oppresse, ruine and to draw the poor•…•… s•…•…biects into p•…•…rpetuall slauery, making many mutines, thretning the Noblemen a•…•…d the townes, and seazing in hostile man∣ner [ F] of many places, sacking, spoyling and burning them. So as after they had be•…•… proclaimed enemies to his Maiestie, by them, that were appointed to gouerne the said Countries and of the publike quiet; the States of these Pro•…•…inces, with the cons•…•… of the saide commissioners, haue beene forced to take armes, only to auoid and preue•…•…

their vt•…•…er ruine: And that the inhabitants of all these Netherlands, being vnited in [ A] a firme League and vnion, should ioyntly together chase away the said Spaniards and their Adherents; Destroyers of the said Countries, and restore it againe to the enioy∣ing of their ancient rights, priueledges and customes, freedomes and liberties, whence the negotiation, trafficke and prosperity of the Country might insue. Where∣fore with the like agreation of the said Noblemen appointed to gouerne the said coun∣tries, according to the conference and pacification begun at Breda, this present trea∣tie hath beene made to the honor of GOD, and for his Maiesties seruice, betwixt the Prelates, Noblemen, Townes and members of Brabant, •…•…landers, Arthois, Henault, Valenciennes, Lille, Douay and Orchies, Tournay, Tournesis▪ Vtrecht and Macklin, re∣presenting the States of the said Countries; and the Prince of Orange, with the States [ B] of Holland, Zeeland and their Associats: by commissioners deputed respectiuely of either side: that is to say, the reuerent Prelats Damp Iean vander Linden, Abot of Saint Geertru•…•…de at Lovnaine, Damp Guislani Abot of Saint Peter at Gand, Damp Matheeu Moul•…•…rt Abot of Saint Guislain, Elect Bishoppe of Arras. Iohn de Mol Seignior of Or∣tingen. Francis of Hallewin Seignior of Sweueghen, Gouernor of Oudenard, and commissioner for the renuing of the Lawes of Flanders, Charles of Gaure Seignior of Fresin al knights. Maister Elbert Leonin, Doctor of the Lawes & professor in the vniuer∣sity of Lovuaine: Peter of Bieure Councellor to the King our Lord in his Councell of Flanders, and the Seignior Quentin Du Pere first Alder•…•…an of Mons in Henault, with Iohn of Pennants also, Councellor and Maister of Accoumpts to his Maiestie in Bra∣bant, [ C] their Secretary, in the behalfe of the said Estates of Brabant, Flanders, Arthois, Henault, &c. And Phillip of Marnix Seignior of Saint Aldegond, Arnhold Van Dorp Seignior of Tamise, William Van Zuylen, Van Nyuelt Seignior of Heeratsberghe Squi∣ers: Adrian Vander Mylen Doctor of the Lawes, and Councellor to his Excellencie, and in the Prouinciall Councell of Holland. Cornellis of Coinc, a Licent•…•… of the Lawes and Councellor to his Excellencie▪ •…•…le Buys an Aduocat of Holland: Peter 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 Bayliffe of Flessingue, Anthony Vande Zyck•…•…lo a Councellor of Zeeland, and An∣drew of Ionghe, Bourgmaister of Middelbourg, in the behalfe of the said Prince, Estates of Holland Zeeland and their Associats, according to their authoritie and commission inserted vnto the end hereof: making and treating betwixt the said parties and coun∣tries, [ D] a firme and perpetuall peace, League and vnion, vnder the Articles and conditi∣ons which follow.

First, that all offences, iniuries, wrongs and domages, hapned by reason of the troub•…•… les, betwixt the Inhabitants of the Prouinces comprehended in this present Treatie, in what place or manner soeuer, shall be pardoned, forgotten, and reputed as not done, so as there shall neuer any mention bee made, nor any one troubled nor molested by reason thereof. And the said states of Brabant, Flanders, Henault, &c. together with the said Prince, and the States of Holland, Zeeland and their Associates, do promise hereafter to entertaine faithfully and without dissimulation, a peace and vnion, and to cause it to bee entertayned firmely and inviolably by the said Countries: And so to [ E] assist one an other at all times, with aduice and councell and therein to imploy both their bodies and their meanes▪ especially to •…•…ell and keepe out of these 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Spanish soldiars▪ and other strangers and forreners: hauing sought against all right to take away the liues of Noblemen and Gentlemen, and to appropriate vn∣to them-selues, the riches of the Countrie; and more-ouer to hold the common people in perpetuall seruitude. For the furnishing whereof and of all that shall offer to oppose them-selues, the said Confederates and Allies, promise also to bee ready and willing to yeelde to all necessary and reasonable Impositions and contributions.

Moreouer it is agreed that presently after the retreat of the Spaniards & thei•…•… adhe∣rents, [ F] when as all things shall be in safety & peace, both parties shall be bound to ad∣uance & procure a Cōuocation & Assembly of the generall Estates▪ in the same manner & forme as it was in the time of the high & mighty Emperor Charles the 5. when as hee made a cession & transport of these Netherlāds into the hands of the King our Lord:

to settle an order for the affaires of the country in generall, and in particular as well * 2.163 [ A] for the exercise of religion in the said countries of Holland, Zeeland, Bomell, and other places associate, as for the restitution of forts, artillery, ships, & other things belonging to his Maiestie, which during the said troubles haue beene taken by them of Holland, Zeeland, or otherwise, as it shall be found fit for the seruice of his Maiestie, and the good and vnion of the country, wherein there may not of any side bee giuen any contradicti∣on, delay or hinderance, no more in regarde of the decrees, declarations and resoluti∣ons that shall bee giuen and made there, then in the execution thereof, what-so euer they shall be, wherevnto both parties doth faithfully and wholy submit themselues.

That hereafter the inhabitants and subiects of eyther side, of what countrey, estate, qualitie or condition so euer, may safely and freely, hante, frequent, passe and repasse, [ B] remaine and trafficke as a Marchant or otherwise. Prouided alwayes that it shall not bee tollerable nor lawfull for them of Holland and Zeeland, nor for any other, of what countrie, qualitie, or condition soeuer, to attempt any thing in these parts, out of the Prouinces of Holland, Zeeland, and others their associates, against the quiet and pub∣like peace, and especially against the Catholike and Romish religion, and the exercise thereof: nor to iniurie any one in word nor deed by reason thereof, nor to scandalize them by like actes, vpon paine to bee punished as disturbers of the publicke peace, to the example of all others. And to the end that no man in the meane time shall bee lightly exposed to any apprehension, or subiect to danger, all the Proclamations heretofore made and published for matter of heresie, together with the criminall de∣erees [ C] made by the Duke of Alua, and the execution thereof, shall surcease and be sus∣pended; vntill it shall bee other-wise decreed by the generall Estates. Prouided al∣wayes that no scandall happen thereby. That the sayd Prince shall remaine Ad∣mirall generall of the Sea, and Lieutenant for his Maiestie of Holland, Zeeland, Bommell and other places associate, to command ouer all, as hee doth at this present, with the same Iudges, Magistrates and Officers, without any change or innouation, without his liking, and consent. And this in regarde of the Townes and places which his Excellencie doth presently hold, vntill it shall bee otherwise decreed, after the retreate of the Spaniards.

But touching the Townes and places comprehended in the Commission which hee [ D] hath from his Maiestie, the which are not at this present vnder his Excellencies obe∣dience and commandement, that point shall remaine in suspence, vntill that the sayd Townes and places being vnited with the other S•…•…ates in this vnion and accord, his excellencie shall haue giuen them satisfaction vpon the points. Wherein they shall finde themselues interressed vnder his gouernment, bee it in regard of the exercise of religion, or otherwise, to the end the Prouinees may not bee dismembred: and to a∣uoide all dissention and discord. And in the meane time no Proclamations, comman∣dements, prouisions, nor exploits of Iustice shall haue place in the said countries and townes commanded and gouerned by the sayd Prince, but such as shall bee allowed by his Excellencie, or by the Councell, Magistrates and Officers there resident, with∣out [ E] any preiudice to his Maiesties great councell in time to come. It is also agreed that all prisoners by reason of the troubles past namely the Earle of Bossu, shall be set freely at liberty, without paying any ransome, but onelie the charges of the prison: vnlesse before the date of these presents the sayd ransomes were paied, or argeed vppon.

Moreouer it is concluded that the sayd Prince and āll other Noblemen, Knights and gentlemen, priuate persons and subiects of what estate, quality or condition soeuer, together with their widows, douagers, children and heires of either side, shall be resto∣red to their good name, fame and honor, and may also enter into the possessions of all their Seigneuries, goods, prerogatiues, actions and debts, not beeing sold nor a•…•…iena∣ted, [ F] in the same estate as the goods bee at this present. And to that end all defautes, contemptes, arrestes, iudgementes, seazures and executions giuen and made since the beginning of the troubles, in the yeare of our Lord 1566. as well •…•…or matter of Relligion as for the carrying of armes, with that which hath followed

shalbe reuoked, voide and of no effect. And all proceedings, writings and acts which * 2.164 [ A] haue beene made to that end, shalbe razed out of the regesters, and it shall not be need∣full to obtaine any other instruction or prouision, then this present treatie: notwith-standing any incorporations, rightes, customes, preuiledges, and prescriptions, as well Legall, conuentionall and customorie, as Locale; nor any other exceptions to the con∣trarie: the which in this case and in all others concerning the sayd troubles, shall cease and haue no place.

It is also vnderstood that the Countesse Palatin, sometimes widow to the Lord of Brederode, shalbe comprehended herein, and enioye the present benifit, for as much as doth concerne Vianen and other goods wherevnto shee or hers may pretend any title or right. In like sort the Earle of Buren shalbe also comprehended, so farre forth [ B] as it doth touch the towne castell and countrie of Buren, to bee enioyed by the said Earle as his owne, after the retreate of the garrison. And all pillers, trophees, inscrip∣tions and other markes which the duke of Alua hath caused to be erected and set vp, to the dishonor and disgrace of the aboue named or of any other, shal be defaced and beaten downe. Touching the fruites of the sayd Seigneuries and goods, the Courts of arrerages, of Dowries, fruites, farmes and rentes, assigned as well vpon his Maiestie as of his countries, and townes, and all others which before the date of these presents shall be expired and due, and yet not paid nor receiued by his Maiesty shew∣ing good cause, euery one may respectiuely enioy and make profit of. It is to be vnder∣stood that all that is fallen as well of the said inheritances and rents, as of their goods, [ C] sence the feast of Saint Iohn in the yeare 1576. last past, shall remaine to the benifit of those that haue intrest therein, not-with-standing that the receiuor of the confiscations hath receued any thing, whereof in this case restitution shall be made. But if any yeares of the said farmes, rents or other reuenews, were by title of confiscation seazed, and re∣ceiued by his Maiesty, euery one shall be for so many yeares freed and acquited of all reall charges assigned vpon his goods, the which by reason of the troubles past hee could not enioy, ratable for the time that he hath beene hindred by the aboue named occasion.

And for Ghattels and moueable goods which haue beene sold, consumed or other∣wise alenated of either side, no man shal haue any restitution or recouery. And as for im∣mouable [ D] goods, inheritages, houses & rents which by title of consiscation shall be sould and alienated, the said generall estates shall appoint commissionars in euery Prouince, such as shall not bee of those estates, to take knowledge of all difficulties (if any shall grow) to the end they may giue reasonable satisfaction, as well to the ancient proprie∣taries, as to the buyers and sellers of the said goods and rents, for their euict on res∣pectiuely. The like shall bee don for the arrerages of rents and personall obligations, and for all other pretensions, complaints and greuances, which the interessed by reason of the said troubles, would hereafter of either side commence, in what sort soeuer. That all Prelats and other Clergy-men, whose Abbaies Dioceses, Foundations, and resi∣dences are scituated without Holland and Zeeland, and yet haue goods in the saide [ E] countries, shall returne to the propriety of their goods, as it is aboue said in regard of secular persons. But for that which concernes relligious persons and other Clergy-men which haue made profession in the said Prouinces and other places associated vn∣to them, or haue prebends there, and yet are retired, or haue not beene resident, for that most part of their goods are alienated, hereafter they shall haue reasonable mainte∣nance giuen them with those that remaine, or else they shall be suffered to enioy their goods, at the choise of the said estates: and all by prouision vntill their pretensions shall bee determined by the generall Estate. More-ouer it is agreed that all donations, and other dispositions Inter viuos, vell causa mortis, made by priuate persones, where∣by the true heires by reason of the said troubles, or of relligion, are excluded [ F] and disinherited, from their right and succession, by vertue hereof they shall bee held voyde and of no force. And whereas they of Holland and Zeeland the better to main∣taine the warres, haue raysed all coynes of gould and siluer to a heigh valew, the which cannot be allowed in other Prouinces with-out great losse; it is agreed that the deputies

of the said generall estates, shall as soone as possibly they can, seeke to equall the said * 2.165 [ A] coines, as neere as may be, for the entertainment of this Vnion, and the common course of traficke of ether side. Moreouer vpon the request made by the said States of Holland and Zeeland, to the end that the generality of all the Netherlands, would take vpon them the charge of all the debts contracted by the said Prince, to make his two expeditions and great Armies: for the which they only of Holland and Zeeland, and the Prouinces and townes which yeelded to his excellence in his last expedition, are bound, as the say: that point is referred and left to the discretion and determination of the generall estates to whome (all things being pacefied) report shall bee made to take such regard as shal be conuenient. In this common accord and pacification, the countries, Seigneuries and townes holding the contrary party, shall not be comprehended nor enioy the be∣nifit [ B] thereof, vntill they be effectually ioyned and vnited to this confederation, which they may doe when they please. The which treaty of pacification, after the report, agreeation and allowance, as wel by the commissioners for the gouernment of the con∣try, as by the States thereof, together with the Prince, and the States of Holland, Zee∣land and their associats, in all the poynts and articles aboue mentioned, and also of all that should be decreed and determined by the generall estates: The said deputies haue by vertue of commissions, promised and sworne, and dos promise & sweare by these pre∣sents, to obserue, entertaine, accomplish and inviolably to keepe all respectiuely on ei∣their part: and to cause it to be ratefied, sworne, signed and sealed by the Prelats, Nobles, townes and other members of the said Prouinces, and by the said Prince, as well in ge∣nerall [ C] as in particular within one moneth next ensaing, to the content of euery one: In witnes whereof all the deputies aboue-named signed the treaty in the towne house of Gant the 8. of Nouember, 1576. This pacification together with the commissions of the deputies of both parties, (which we haue not thought fit to insert here, nor that of the secretary) was the 13. of Nouember following, the same yeare, ratified and confirmed by letter pattents from the King of Spaine, signed Ouerlope, as we will hereafter shew,

Besides this aduice the prince procured meanes for the states to leuy certaine soldiers * 2.166 in Germanie, They likewise assembled there army about Wauere in Brabant, vnder the Earle of Lalain, the Vicont of Gaunt, and Monsier la Motte Gouernor of Graueline, before they sent into France, where they were promised all ayde and assistance. [ D] At that same time they sent the Baron d' Aubigny into England to certifie the Queene of the estate of the country and of there extremity, who for that cause sent Maister Smith into Spaine to desire the King to retire all the Spaniardes out of the Netherlands, and in December after, they sent the Lord of Sweueghen againe vnto the Queene to desire her to send them some mony, for that they knew Don Iohns proceeding, & the planting of Spanish garisons to be suspected by her: where hauing audience vpon the 13, of December, he let her vnderstand (according to his charge,) how cruelly the Spaniards there enemies, were incensed against the Netherlands, for that in the yere 1559. the king had bin desired and required by the estates to free them of the Spanish soldiers, which * 2.167 to the great burthen of the same, had for certaine yeares remained there in garrison, for [ E] which cause to be reuenged, they made the world beleeue, that the Netherlands were all heretikes and rebels to God & to the King: where-vnto the troubles hapening in the said countries in the yeare 1565. and 1566. as they thought gaue them iust occasion: and yet although the said troubles according to the time were wel ended & pacefied by the Duches of Parma then Regent, yet would not the enemy cease till •…•…e had brought the Duke of Alua into the Netherlands, with a puisant army, who at his first entry, openly bragged that the said country was giuen vnto them as a prey, The said Duke suffering his soldiars to vse all barbarous tirrany, and on the other side vnder pretence of iustice, and to do right vnto euery man, he caused an innumerable number of men (many times both against the Kings and his owne decrees giuen out before) to be executed: Built [ F] castles, & brake al priviledges, wherby no man of any reputation could be assured of his life and liue in good name and fame, if he had any thing to loose; and so supposing that he had grounded his tirany according to his minde, he•…•… erected his Image in the Ne∣therlands with most heathen inscriptions, beginning likewise to molest his neigbours

and to vse other secret meanes to abuse them, whereof her Maiesty could beare witnes [ A] seeking to charg the Netherlands with troupes, such as before that time in any extremi∣ty whatsoeuer had neuer bin vsed, as the hundreth and the tenth penny, whereby, some Prouinces vpon mere extremity had with-drawne them-selues from the absolute sub∣iection of the said Duke; which to reduce againe vnder his authority he prepared cer∣taine fleets of shipes, and vnder pretence thereof, he vnfurnished the townes of their or∣dinance and armes, and after that sent part thereof secretly into Spaine, and an other part thereof was lost, making account, that a disarmed country was not greatlie to be feared, and to the end that he might pourchase the fauour and loue of the soldiars, (as the tyrants Sylla, Synna, and Marius in Rome did) he suffered them to vse al the tirrany they could deuise against the townes of the Netherlands, as to Mechelen, Naerden, [ B] Harlem, and others; after whome followed, Don Loys de Requesens great Commander of Castille a man of the same humor, who hauing for a while playd the foxe brought like∣wises all the priuileges of the country in question, whereby the mutinous soldiers, after there victory at Moukerheyde, without any great cause, were suffered in his presence, to force the townes as they did at Antwerp, and compell them to pay them their enter∣tainements: whereas the Barron de Champigni, had good meanes to haue hindred them from the same: by which meanes the said soldiers, tooke occasion, and imboldened them selues to thinke, that it was permitted them with the aide of the neighbours garrisons to ouer-rule ransake and spoyle the townes where they lay in garrison, which had like∣wise happened in the towne of ould Naerden, where he was gouernor, if God had not [ C] giuen him the grace to preuent it, in such sort, that Spaine it selfe woundred, at the Netherlands great submission and patience, thinking it strange, that after the death of the Commander, the country did not kill and destroy all those mutinous soldiers, when as the light horse-men mutined, as the States had beene well informed out of Spaine▪ which mutinous and insolent dealings were certefied vnto the King himselfe, both in the Commanders time, and sence: and whereas the said Commander, had twice sent to sommon the Knights of the order of the golden fleese, the gouernors of the Prouinces, and the Bishops, and presidents of the Prouinciall councels, with the counsell of estate, and the secretaries, that conuenient order might be taken therein, it was there generally agreed and consented vnto, (to preuent further inconueniences) that they should seeke [ D] to agree and make peace with the Prince of Orange, and the states of Holland and Zee∣land; that all the Spanish and other strange soldiers both horse and foot-men should be sent out of the Netherlands, that so the Catholike Kings seruice might the better bee effected. That the Generall estates should be assembled, that all other points of contro∣uersie and contention, happened betweene the Kings seruants, and the aforesaid estates might be ended, alwaies obseruing the old religion, and the lawfull soueraignite of the King: which there resolution being writen, and signed by the parties aforesaid, was sent into Spaine vnto the King: where-vpon the King taking long consultation and aduise, in the meane time more inconueniences happening through the proud and insolent be∣hauiour of the Spaniards, the King made answer, that it was his onely care, to find the [ E] best meanes to preuent all the said disorders, and that as sone as he could; he would send the Marquis of Haurec with order for the same. At the last, the King by his letters writ∣ten vnto the States, consented and agreed vnto their desires, and willed the same to bee made knowne vnto the perticuler Prouinces, as it was don, according to the aduise of the aforesaid counsell of estate. But the effect, execution and charge thereof, was re∣mitted vnto Don Iohn de Austria, as then nominated by the King to be sent gouernor in∣to the Netherlands, to cause the said country to be better coun•…•…d of him, as the King•…•… letters specified and contayned. In the meane time, after the winning of Ziricxzee, the Spanish soldiers beginning againe to mutine, tooke in Herentales, and after that Alost, liuing therein at discretion as euery man saw. The Lords of the counsell of estates per∣ceauing [ F] the mischiefe (like a canker) more and more to spred abroad within the Ne∣therlands, thinking it to be necessary to vse a speedy remedy, fearing a generall reuolt of the country, and that of mere necessity and pouerty, quia noscit plebs ieiuna timere, de∣clared the mutinous soldiers in Alost and there adherents to be rebelis, and meaning

to punish them according to their deserts, had determined to raise certaine tropes, and * 2.168 [ A] to that end wrote to assemble the estates in Brussels, there to take councell about the af∣faires of the land, and to cause the Spaniards and all other strangers to depart out of the Netherlands, and yet not without contenting them of their paines, according to their accounts and reckonings; but they to the contrary made a mock at all reasonable motions, carrying themselues more insolently then before; openly boasting, that they would cut the throats of all their enimies, and wash their hands in their bloud.

So as the estates could doe no lesse, then by authority of the councell of state then ru∣ling to take armes for their defence and securities, as it is permitted both by godly, na∣turall, and humaine lawes, and so made peace with the Prince of Orange, & the estates of Holland and Zeland, determining after the driuing out of the strangers, to haue a [ B] generall assembly of the estates, to take order for the keeping and maintaining of the catholike religion, & the honor and authority of the kings maiesty their maister, ther∣by to preuent a greater mischiefe, which meere necessity forced them vnto, that they might not suffer the ruine of so goodly Prouinces, before Don Iohn could come thether. saying: that her Maiestie might thereby well vnderstand, what had past in the Nether∣lands, and what reasons moued the generall estates, by order from the Lords of the councell of estate then gouerning, and representing the person of the King their soue∣raigne Lord, to haue their refuge and recourse vnto armes. And for that cause desired her Maiesty to consider, if that they were therein to bee blamed, when as they neither sought alteration of religion, nor change of Prince (but onely desired to serue the king) [ C] and sought to deliuer and free themselues from the bloudy practises of the Spanish soldiers, and to maintaine themselues in their ancient lawes, rights, and priuiledges, which his Maiestie had confirmed by oath, as also to bee gouerned by naturall borne persons of the land, as they had beene in times past: all which their so lawfull and rea∣sonable causes, the deputies of the generall estates (knowing her Maiesty to be a princes of great vnderstanding, and wisdome, farre from all ambition, and yet most pittifull) had giuen him in charge to shew vnto her, hoping that she of her gracious fauour, cle∣mencie, and good will, would not forsake nor abandon them, in a matter of so necessary and of so great importance; and that her Maiestie at that present, should binde the Lords of the estates generall most strictly vnto her, if it would please her to assist them [ D] in that their need, by lending them the summe of a hundred thousand pounds starling, for the space of sixe or eight moneths, vpon condition to pay it againe, at the same time: and for ass•…•…ance thereof, the said states should giue her their obligations, wher∣by (with Gods helpe) she might assure and make them able, to compell and force the Spanish souldiers and their adherents, to leaue the country either by faire or by foule meanes, and to be a meanes that no man else vnder pretence of lending them ayde and assistance, should make them-selues maisters of the Netherlands, which she knew to be subiect vnto the lawfull gouernment of the king of Spaine, their naturall prince: as al∣so, that it should not bee conuenient for her Maiestie, to haue any such neighbours, whom she well knew to be no lesse ambitious, nor of lesse proud behauiour then the [ E] Spaniards were, which they neuerthelesse (if shee could not ayde them with some rea∣dy money) must bee forced to vse, for that they could haue but small seruice of their soldiers which they had already leuied, if they were not paied, where-vnto as yet they had no meanes, vntill they had taken a generall order therein, wherein they begin to proceede but that before the same could be effected, the enemy might strengthen him∣selfe, and oppresse them, to the vtter ouer-throw of the Netherlands, and all the estates of the countries bordering vpon. For which cause they desired, that her Maiesty would shew, how highly and deerely she esteemed of the old aliances and contracts made be∣tweene her kingdomes and the Netherlands, by the treaties of intercourses and tra∣fickes of Marchants, so necessary for both countries, which would not bee maintained [ F] if any other Prince should rule ouer the said Netherlands, which if it should so fall out (as God defend them from it,) without doubt, in time, her Maiesty would find her selfe in as great difficulty as the Netherlands desiring her to remember the verse:

Tunc tua res agitur, paries cum proximus ardet.

These reasons graciously heard by the Queene of England, she presently made answere * 2.169 [ A] by word of mouth, saying that she was sory, that the King his Maister was so badly coun∣celled, * 2.170 and that shee had twise or thrise sent vnto him, to desire him to consider the nature and condition of the Netherlands, and to remember how obedient the inha∣bitants thereof had beene to their naturall Princes, which at all times had gouerned them so fortunately, and that it was fitter for him to followe the same course, then to vse the extremity, which is alwaies accompanied with great iniustice, and force, and can not long subsist as being a most certaine and an assured ruine of all common welthes, and that if hee thought it good, that shee should bee a mediator betweene them both, shee would gladly doe her best to end and pacifie all quarrells, with condition that they should obserue such religion, as the King would haue them to follow, to gether with [ B] his soueraine authority and reputation, which she, as a Princesse vnderstood, did of right belong vnto all Princes, and that all Princes were bound, to ayd and assist one the other for the maintenance of their soueraingty, as being a common cause belong∣ing vnto them, where-vnto shee sayd hee made her answere, that he gaue her thankes for her good offer, and that hee hoped to deale so well with his subiects of the Ne∣therlands, that hee should not need to trouble any other Prince therein, and that if it should come to that point, hee would rather trust her therein, then any other of his neighbours, in that sort (as she said) reiecting her Princely offer, with good words: and therefore she said, that the Netherlands might assure them-selues, that shee would not endure, that the Spaniards should rule absolutely amongst them, in regarde [ C] of the daunger that thereby might bee incident vnto her, as also in regarde of the ancient amity, confederations, and trafickes: that her kingdomes had with the said Netherlands, alwaies conditioning, that they should deale faithfully vprightly and plainely with her, maintaining the authority of their King, and the religion as they were wont to doe, in which respect shee would not let them want, nether for mony, nor men.

And when the Lord of Sweuenghen, made further request vnto her for money she made answere that shee would doe it, and that she would shortly resolue vpon the same. After that, entring into some other speeches with him, she seemed to haue some dislike of the Prince of Orange, and of the French-men, saying that shee vnderstood [ D] of his motion therein made vnto them, but shee would by no meanes seeme to like better of the French-men to bee in the Netherlands then of the Spaniards: further speaking of the warres, and of their commanders, leaders, and of their army, she dis∣liked that the commanders were all in manner young men, (and as she thought and had beene informed from thence,) had small experience in the warres, to take such a charge in hand; councelling them to vse the ayde and aduise of Lazarus Zwend•…•… (a man of great experience and one well knowne in the Netherlands) and the like old soldiers of that nation. Shee said further it was not long since shee had sent one of her Gentlemen into Spaine, to shew the King plainely that if he would not retire the Spaniards out of the Netherlands, shee would helpe to driue them out. [ E] Where-vnto the Ambassador, according to his commission, answered her at full, and after that, delt with the Queenes principall councellers, as the Lord B•…•…rghley Lord high treasor or of England.

The Earle of Lecester, secretary Walsingham, and others, who thought it conue∣nient to send Captaine Horsley vnto the States, to vnderstand their full intents and meanings, and whether their pretence were to maintaine their old religion, and the authority of their Prince, the driuing out of all forraine soldiers and to bee gouerned by the naturall borne subiects of the land, and to liue according to their ancient right, and priueleges, and being thereof assured, that then the said Captaine Horsley should presently ride vnto Don Iohn of Austria, to desire him, that hee would [ F] graunt to their request, or else flatly and plainely to tell him that her Maiestie would not suffer the Netherlands to bee tyrannized by the Spaniards, as shee had like∣wise sent word vnto the King of Spaine him-selfe. With this charge and commission, Captaine Horsley went into the Netherlands, and there effected his message: meane▪

time the Barron of Sweuenghen dealt further with the councell of England, which * 2.171 [ A] told him, that according to the aduise, and intelligence that was brought vnto them, the Netherlands were not to ex•…•…ect much good at the Frenchmens hands, saying that they had the coppies of the instructions of Mounsier Boniuet, the French Ambassador in Brussels, and of the duke of Aniou the Kings brother, who as then had secret intel∣ligence with the King his brother, and the King of Spaine, and such like speeches: after further conference and dealing betweene them, the Baron de Sweuenghen procceeded so farre, with the Queene and hir counsell, that she caused the valew of forty thousand Angels, in bullion or vnminted siluer to bee deliuered vnto him, and his Commissio∣ners, Iohn Mattens and Iohn Narrot, in part of payment of a hundred thousand pound starling, and vpon the thirty of December sent a gentleman called Maister Wineybank, [ B] to deliuer the money vnto Secretary Wilson, her Ambassador in Brussels, that he might receaue the states obligations for the same, which was done accordingly, where like∣wise, the townes of Brussels, Gant, Bruges, Dunkerck, Nieuport, and Middleburg in Ze∣land gaue there seuerall obligations: It was then also agreed, and concluded, that the states of the Netherlands should make no peace, nor agreement with the King, without they included the Queene of England, and her Kingdomes therein, and that the trea∣ties and entercourses, touching the trade of merchandise should bee maintained and kept; that all Rebells that were gon out of England, should leaue the Netherlands, and that all Englishmen, should bee free at sea, as they were before the ciuill warres. This was that which was done with the Queene of England, in regard that [ C] the States, being compelled by necessity should not seeke vnto any other Prince, nor vnto the King of France, but remaine vnder their owne Prince, vpon hope of getting the Spaniards out of the country, which were suspitious for her to remaine there.

The countries of Brabant and Flanders, hauing by the taking of Antwerp lost the nauigation of the sea, by the Riuer of Escaut; they cut the dikes vpon Flanders side * 2.172 aboue Antwerp neere vnto Burcht, and beneath right against Austreweel, that the wa∣ter of the riuer and of the sea by the rysing of the tides, might enter into the country which lies betwixt both, beeing a lowe and marish ground, as it did aboundantly: so as they of Brusselles, of Macklin, Tenremonde and other places, without beeing in danger of them of Antwerp, nor of the fort at the head of Flanders, right against the [ D] Towne, had free passage, to saile into Holland, Zeeland and ouer all the sea, to the great hindrance of the towne of Antwerp, for that it brake of their trafficke and nauigati∣on. These breaches were after the departure of the Spaniards stopt vp and the dikes repaired.

Whilest they were busied about the treatie of Pacification, the generall Estates had their armie camped before the castell of Gant, and round about it, as well with∣in the towne as abroade, whereas the Earle of Roeux commanded in chiefe, as Go∣uernor * 2.173 of Flanders, beeing assisted both with souldiars and munition, which the States of Holland and Zeeland did lend them vpon promise of restitution. In the beginning the castle was but weakely and slackly battered, they also gaue a •…•…ala∣doe, [ E] but their ladders proued verie short: so as vntill the succors from the Prince and from the Hollanders and Zeelanders were arriued, the Earle of Roeux ad∣uanced little. In the ende the Earle of Lalain Generall of all the armie in the ab∣sence of the duke of Arschot, and the Marquis of Haurec being come vnto the campe, and the castle beeing battered in breach, and an assault readie to bee giuen, the Spa∣niards within it (beeing about a hundred and fiftie) demanded to parle. The sig∣nior of La Gard▪ Collonel of the Princes French went thether, but at the first they could not agree, vpon the leauing of their armes. In the ende Valentin de Pardien sig∣nior of La Motte, gouernor of Graueling, promised to cause them to be payed for their * 2.174 armes, wherevpon they yeelded the place the eleauenth of Nouember, to haue their [ F] liues and goods saued.

The Germaines in the meane time beganne to mutine in Valenciennes, and to make secret practises with the Spaniards that were in the castle, for the preuenting whereof, the generall Estates sent George of Lalain, Earle of Reneberg, Baron of Ville

Gouernor of Henault, in the absence of the Earle of Lalain thether, who (although he had but eight companies of Wallons of his Regiment) managed this businesse so dis∣creetly, [ A] as the Germaines went out of the towne by agreement, euery one receiuing but a Doller. The Earle of Reneberg (beeing entred the twelfth of Nouember with his Wallons, with the assistance of the Inhabitants) presently besieged the Castell, the * 2.175 which was kept by a hundred and forty Wallons, whom hee forced to yeeld, and to leaue the place by composition.

The Wallons that were in Frisland, and especially at Groninghen, had some feeling of this pacification of Gant: so as they would declare themselues for the generall E∣states vnited, to whom they gaue an oth by the meanes which followeth. The States * 2.176 had sent Francis Martini-stella of Brussells into Friseland and the countrie of Gronin∣gen, with charge and ample commission to reduce the said countries vnder their obe∣ence, [ B] by all good meanes and perswasions. Gaspar of Robles, Seignior of Billy a Gen∣tleman of Portugall, hauing marryed the Lady of Germigni in Arthois, being gouer∣nor of the sayd countries, knowing that he was come to Groninghen, and doubting of his practises, he caused him to be presently taken prisoner, whom he examined and tor∣tured cruelly vpon the Rack, where-vnto he himselfe put his hand, besides the torturer, to force a confession from his owne mouth, to what end he was come; whereof hauing some conceit, and that the Spaniards intent was to dismember the vnited Prouinces, and the better to hinder the States from reducing them into one body, that they had sent euery one backe to his garrison (after this exploit of Antwerp) to Alost, Liere and Mastricht, meaning to doe no lesse in his gouernement, hee called the Captaines vnto [ C] him which were Fernando Lopez, Campi, Moncheaux, and others, with their chiefe offi∣cers, requiring an othe of obedience of them for three moneths, in all things that hee should command them, during the which he promised them to write vnto the King of Spaine, and to know if it were with his Maiesties good liking, that the Prouinces of the Netherlands had vnited them-selues vnto the Prince of Orange: and that as soone as he should be aduertised, hee would not faile to do as the rest: but his intent was in the meane time to make himselfe maister of Groningen, and of all Friseland.

The three and twentith of Nouember hee required the like othe of Captaine Lossi, that hee might haue the more at his deuotion, but hee made some difficultie, saying, That hee would first conferre with his Sergeants and Officers. Billy hearing this answer, [ D] sent for two of the Captaines Sergeants, to whom hauing presented the same othe, they answered; That nine yeares past they had taken an othe vnto the King, the which they would maintaine vntill that his Maiestie had dispenst with them. And as the sayde Gouernour put a Penne into one of the Sergeants hands to signe the sayd othe, hee cast it into the fire, saying, That hee would rather dye, the which the other Sergiant and the Corporalls did also confirme. Billy being discontented at this answer, sayde vnto them: Goe your wayes, I will consider what I haue to doe: the others answered; It must bee then patience perforce. The Sergiants and Corporalls being gone from him, they assembled their companions and other Officers of the companie, euery corpo∣rall calling his squadron, giuing them to vnderstand what the gouernour had pro∣pounded, [ E] and what they had answered, demanding what was to bee done: where∣vpon all answered, that They would rather dye then take a new othe, which they hearing from the company, they went vnto the Officers of Captaine Villers (who had then the garde) to whom they shewed what had past, and what was the resolution of their men, desiring to know their mindes: They answered; That they were content to liue and dye with them: where-vpon they resolued to seaze vppon their Collonell, and to preuent him, assuring them-selues, that for this refusall which they had made, hee would seeke to spoile them, when they should bee seperated after the changing of the garde. And therefore they agreed among them-selues, that not any one * 2.177 should discharge his peece entring into garde, without the expresse commande∣ment [ F] of their Sergeants and Corporalls.

The Gouernour thinking to preuent them, caused the Artillerie to be charged, and planted in a streete, where the soldiers were wont to passe entring into gard, command∣ing

Captaine Fern•…•…ndo Lopez to haue his men readie in Armes, and as soone * 2.178 [ A] as the Artillery had beene discharged against the company of Captaine Lossi; then to charge them.

But one of Villers Sargiants hauing discouered this practise, gaue notice there∣of to a Sargiant of Lossis companie, before they went to guard, who tooke an other streete, and came before the Gouernors lodging, beeing their Collonell, wherethey were vsually accustomed to giue a volley of shotte, the which they did not at this time. The Sargiant Maior beeing there present, commanded them to shoote of their peeces, but they answred him againe, they would not vntill they had money giuen them to buy poulder and match. This Sargiant Maior beeing to presumtuous (not considering what time it was) threatned to strike some, where-vpon they began to [ B] cry to Armes and the Sargiant Maior to flie; Captaine Lossi seeing this, striking vppon his brest, cryed out vnto his men, courage, make an end, it is time. Villers companie comming out of guard ioyned with them, incouraging one an other, and saying, that they would liue and die togither, vntill they were assured of their Collonell. Fernando Lopez beeing carefull of that which the Gouernor had giuen him in charge, seeing that the guard past not by the accustomed streete, hearing the noyse, hee went to horse to see what was to bee done, and to pacifie this mutine if it were possible. But thinking to approche he was so entertained with shot, as flying hastily backe he lost his hat, which hee durst not stay to take vp. Being come into the streete of Ebinge where his men were in armes, hee thought to lead them to succor the Gouernor, but comming [ C] to the corner of the streete, whereas they found them of Yolly & Villers in battaile: They cryed vnto thē that they should not shoot, & that they would be of their partie. Fernan∣do Lopez seeing this, saued him-selfe, speedily in a Bakers house: his soldiars tore their Ensigne in peeces, and ioyned with them of Lossi and Villers, giuing their faith one to an other, and promising to die togither, and then they marched to the Gouernors lodging, the drums sounding an Alarme, and making a great noyse. The Gouernor being much perplexed came vnto the gate with his hat in his hand (for it was now time to speake them faire, considering the disseine which hee had had) intreating them to bee quiet, and if it were mony which they demanded, that they should be satisfied within three * 2.179 dayes, with many other goodly words & promises; wherevnto they answered, that they [ D] would finde their owne pay, and in the meane time hee should remaine their prisoner. From thence they went to the Towne-house where was the chiefe corps de Gard; then vnto the lodging of the Seignior of Rhinsbrouck sonne in law to the Gouernor, who they also tooke prisoner, although he spake them faire and excused his father in law, leading him by him.

This done beeing a generall mutinie, they also tooke these Captaines, Lossi, Villers, * 2.180 Moncheaux, and Campi with their coullors: the Burgers of Groninghen were in great feare of the like disaster as happened at Maistricht and Antwerpe. But seeing the sol∣diars draw towards the place of Ballance, which is vpon the market place, where there was a Pully to giue the strapadoe, which they pulled downe and burnt, crying God saue [ E] the Prince of Orange, God saue the Sates, the Inhabitants grew more assured. From thence the soldiars went to the Prouost generall, and drew forth Francis Martin-Stella, deputed by the States, whome the Gouernor (as we haue said) detained prisoner, ha∣uing with his owne hands wounded him in prison, being in Irons. Hauing set him at li∣berty, they brought him to the Comptroulers house, to refresh him selfe a little, then they conducted him to the market place, into the midst of the Assemblie of soldiars, whereas they did all sweare vnto him in the name and as Deputy for the generall * 2.181 Estates, to remaine faithfull vnto them vnto the death. Then they sent him backe, and caused him to bee conducted by some of these souldiars, beeing accompanied by some Deputies of the Towne vnto Brusselles, to informe the States of all, and to [ F] receiue directions for their gouernment. Persently after the taking of the Seignior of Rhinsbrouck, they sent fiftye souldiars to the Gouernour of Zutphens lodging, called Fiasco, but finding him not there, they ranne vnto the conuent of Francis∣can Friars, where they heard hee had hidden himselfe, but they sought all places

yet could not finde him: for he being disguised in a Fryars weed, hauing his head and * 2.182 [ A] beard shauen, holding a candle in his hand, sought vp and downe with the rest: vntill that a Germaine Fryar said vnto them: This man is of our Order but not of our Conuent: * 2.183 which wordes they vnderstood not till in the end pointing at him with his finger, hee said: Ipsus est, ten•…•…te eum. It is hee, lay hold of him: Then was hee apprehended, and in the same Monkish habite ledde to the Market place, in great derision of all the world.

The next day they made proclamation by the sound of the drumme, that if any one had concealed and hidden Captaine Fernando Lopez, the Grand Prouost and the Sar∣giant Maior, that hee should come and reueale them vppon paine of losse of body and goods, & their houses to be burnt. The Prouost was found in the Curates lodging, hid∣den in the tonnell of the chimney. The Sargiant Maior was knowne, beeing disguised [ B] in a Priestes habit; and then Fernando Lopez whome the soldiars led crying, Behold the Hangman of Groninghen. They were all three led to the Conuent of Iacobins, to keepe the other Captaines company; Doctor Wendorp was also taken prisoner, not-with-stan∣ding all his protestations.

On the Monday following the soldiars of Dain arriued; bringing with them Cap∣taine Sterck and their Ancient prisoners, and they ioyned with them of Groninghen, taking the like oth vnto the States. And the same day Meysken Lieutenant of Gronin∣ghen was kept prisoner in his house with a Guard of fifty men. On the tuesday came the garrison of Delfziel with Captaine Bernemi Court, a Gentleman of Bethune, Seig∣nior [ C] of Fouquieres and his Ancient, both which were put in good guard: After that the troubles ceased, vntill they did vnder-stand what the States would determine, vp∣pon the report which Martin Stella was gone to make. So as in the end all matters were well ordred, the States sending the Earle of Renenbergh thether, to gouerne in the place of Collonel Robles: wherein hee discharged him-selfe at this time (for after∣wards * 2.184 hee turned his coate, as wee shall see) so wisely, as he drew the Towne and all the Country of Freezland to bee at the States deuotion, and the Castell of Groninghen which was then much aduanced, & defencible towards the Towne, by the Earles com∣mandement, at the suite of the Burgers, was wholy ruined and pulled downe.

The States seeing them-selues ingaged in warre of all sides against the Spaniard•…•…, who were proclaimed enemies to the countrie, fearing some disvnion among them▪ by [ D] the inticing perswasions of such as sought to dismember them; they resolued before that Don Iohn should enter into the Country, to make a generall vnion among them∣selues, as well of Prelats, Noblemen and Townes, as of others of the seauenteene Pro∣uinces, which was allowed by the Lords of the Councell of State committed by the King, for the gouernment generall of the said countries. Whereof the Originall re∣maines in the Custody of the States of Brabant: of which Vnion the Tenor followeth.

Wee who haue signed these presents: Prelates, men of the Church, Noblemen, * 2.185 Gentlemen, Magistrates of the King, Townes, Castells and others, making and repre∣senting the States of the seauenteene Prouinces, beeing presently assembled in this [ E] Towne of Brusselles, and others beeing vnder the obedience of the most high migh∣tie and famous Prince, King Philip our Soueraigne Lord and naturall Prince, wee giue all men to vnderstand both present and to come, that seeing our common countrie afflicted, by a more then barbarous and tyranous oppression of Spaniards, wee haue beene moued, thrust forward, and forced to vnite and ioyne our selues together, and with armes, councell, men, and money, assist one an other against the said Spaniards and their adherents, beeing declared rebells to his Maiestie and our enemies. And that this Vnion and coniunction hath beene since confirmed by the pacification last made, and all by the authority and consent of the Councell of State, committed by his [ F] Maiestie for the generall gouernment of the said countries. And as the pretended end of this Vnion requires all fidelitie, constancie and mutuall assistance for euer: and that we would not by any misprision haue cause of Iealousie or distrust, and much lesse of any bad affection or disposition in any of vs. But contrarywise to haue the

affaires of the said Vnion procured and effected with all sincerity, fidelitie and dilly∣gence * 2.186 [ A] that may bee, so as not any of the subiects and Inhabitants of the said coun∣tries and Prouinces may haue any iust cause to bee displeased or discontented, or to doubt of vs.

For these considerations and reasons, and that nothing may bee treacherously done, to the preiudice and hurt of our common countrie and iust defence, or that omitted by negligence, which shall bee necessary for our iust and lawfull defence, Wee haue by vertue of our power and commission respectiuely, and otherwise for vs and our successors, promised and do promise by the faith of Christians, of honest men and true country-men, to keepe and entertaine inuiolably for euer, the said Vnion and Association, so as not any one of vs may breake or fall from it, by dissimulation, [ B] secret intelligence or in any sort whatsoeuer. And that for the preseruation of our holy, Catholicke and Romish faith, and the accomplishment of the pacification, as also for the expulsion of Spaniards and their Adherents, with all due obdience to his Ma∣iestie for the good and quiet of our countrie, and the maintenance of our priueled∣ges, rights, freedomes, statutes, customes and Ancient vses: For the effecting where∣of wee will vse all meanes possible, imploying both money, men, Councell and goods, yea and our liues if it were necessary. And that none of vs may in priuate giue any councell, aduice or consent, nor haue any secret conference with them that are not of this Vnion, nor yet reueale vnto them in any sort, what hath or shall be treated of in Assemblie or resolued, but shall wholy conforme him-selfe according to our generall [ C] and common resolution.

And in case that any Prouince, Estate, Countrie, Towne, Castell or house, were be∣sieged, assaulted, inuaded or opprest in any sort what-soeuer: yea if any of vs or any others, hauing indeuoured him-selfe for his country and the iust defence thereof, against the Spaniards, or for other causes depending thereon, as well in generall as in particu∣lar, should bee sought after, imprisoned, ransomed, molested or disquieted in his per∣son and goods, honour and Estates, or otherwise, wee promise to giue him assistance by all the sayd meanes, yea and to procure the libertie of them that shall bee impriso∣ned, either by force or otherwaies. vppon paine to bee degraded of their Nobilitie, name, Armes and honour, and to bee held periured, disloyall, and enemies to our [ D] countrie, beefore GOD and men, and to incurre the note of Infamie and cow∣ardise for euer.

And for the strengthening of this our holy vnion of association, wee haue signed these presents the tenth of Ianuary, one thousand, fiue hundred, seauentie and seauen. Vnderneath were the signatures of the Deputies of euery Prouince, Prelates, Noble∣men, and Commissioners for townes, and vnderneath them was written the agreation of the councell of State, as followeth. The Deputies of the generall Estates heere vnder-written, hauing required them of the Councell of State committed by his Maiestie for the gouernement of the Netherlands, to consent vnto, and allowe, of that which is conteined in the vnion aboue written. The Councell in regarde of the sayde [ E] request, and the reasons therein conteined, haue as much as in them laied, allowe and doe allowe by these presents the sayd vnion, according to that forme and tenor. Made at Brussells in the State-house, in the assemblie of the sayd States, the tenth of Ianuary 1577. And vnderneath was written.

By the commandement of the Lords of the Councell of State:

Signed; Berrij.

IN the meane time the Spaniardes beeing by meanes of the towne of Mastricht * 2.187 [ A] dispersed in diuers places ouer all the countries of Luxembourg, Faulquemont, Dal∣hem * 2.188 and other places beyond the riuer of Meuse, were incountred the same moneth neere vnto Iupille, halfe a League from Liege, by Balfour a Scotish Collonel, who charg∣ed them so furiously, as many of their souldiars were slaine vpon the place, and the rest of them that scapt were all put to flight. Whilest that the States made warre of all sides against the Spaniards, those of Antwerp, Alost and there aboutes in the Pro∣uinces of Flanders and Brabant, had a desseigne to beseege Brussells, but hearing that Don Iohn of Austria the King of Spaines Bastard brother, was come to Lux∣embourg to bee Gouernor and Lieuetenant Generall for the Kings Maiestie in the [ B] seauenteene Prouinces, they desisted, and would know how matters should after that time passe.

Don Iohn hauing staied some time in Luxembourg, the Generall Estates sent the Noble Lords of Rassinghem and Villeruall, the Bourgraue of Gaunt, Meetkerke and o∣ther deputies to treate with Don Iohn, so as after manie voyages, at the last hee came * 2.189 to Marche in Famine the fifteene of December where they agreed vpon a generall truce and surcesance of armes for fifteene daies, in the meane time hee sent Octauio Gonsaga and his Secretarie Escouedo to Antwerp, Mastricht and Liere, to deale about the sending away of the Spaniards, as hee sayd: and on the twentie and one of Decem∣ber the estates sent their deputies to Namur, thinking that Don Iohn would haue come [ C] thether, that by conference to gither they might roote out all iealousies, but hee came not himselfe, but sent the Lord of Rassinghem for to desire them to grant a longer res∣pite for eight daies, whereby hee might haue a full resolution from the Spaniards in Antwerp and other places: Desiring moreouer to know what securitie and assu∣rance the States would giue him for their obedience vnto the King, after the depar∣ture * 2.190 of the Spaniards, saying, that it stood not with his honour to disarme himselfe, and to put himselfe into their hands that were armed, and therefore hee desired that the Estates should in like sort resolue to haue their souldiars disarmed, and all strange souldiars amongst them to depart out of the countrie as well the Spaniards as any others. [ D]

Moreouer hee desired to knowe with what securitie the Spaniards should depart, and whether by water or by lande. And for that the matter in controuersie with the Estates of Holland and Zeelande and the Noble Prince of Orange was to bee de∣cided by the generall Assembly of the States, hee desired to knowe when and where that assemblie should bee kept and held, and what pledges and securitie they would apoint for his person. By which demands the estates found that his mea∣ning was not to let the Spaniards depart out of the Prouines and countrie, before the question for Relligion and other controuersies with the Hollanders and Zee∣landers were ended: wherevpon they resolued to follow and persist in their de∣mands, that the Spaniards should presently depart out of the Netherlands, and vpon the last day of December for his full satisfaction, they sent vnto him by their depu∣ties [ E] fiue attestations. Two beeing written in parchment signed and sealed by the Bishoppes, Prelats, Abbots, Deanes and Pastors bearing date the seauenteene of De∣cember, in the yeare of our Lord 1576.

A third signed and sealed by the Deanes and facultie of diuinitie in Louvaine, of the six and twenty of December 1576. A forth attestation of the doctros and professors of both lawes in the same Vniuersitie, the same daie and yeare, and a fifte from di∣uers Prelats directed vnto the Pope, conteyning the state of relligion in the Nether∣lands, dated the eight of Nouember last past, betweene the generall estates of the one part, and the Prince of Orange with the Estates of Holland and Zeeland on the [ F] other part. And further-more to let him vnderstand that in the sayd contract of pacification, there was not any thing that might diminish or any way preiudice the lawfull obedience due vnto the Kings owne Royall Maiestie: they also deliuered him an Attestation from the Lords of the councell of State, appointed by the King to

gouerne the Netherlands, bearing date the 20. of December 1576. signed Bartii. The * 2.191 [ A] first of Ianuary 1577. the Abot of Saint Gelein, chosen bishop of Arras, the Marquis * 2.192 of Haurec, the Bourgraue of Gant, the Baron of Liedekerke, and Adolph van Meetkerke de∣puties for the States, offered to meet him at the townes of Lovuen or Mecklen, to de∣termine and conclude vpon that which was agreed vpon at Luxemburg, betweene him, the counsell of Estate for his Maiesty and the deputies of the generall Estates. And for the assurance of his person, besides the security offred by the generall Estates, he should chuse a Commander and a garde of Netherlands such as were in the States seruice, which Commander with his soldiars, should take their othes vnto him, to keepe and de∣fend his person, therewith to content him, and that further they were content, to deliuer him 4. Hostages to be taken out of the Estates or their deputies, that should yeeld them∣selues [ B] into the bishop of Liege his hands, a Prince that was their Neighbour, vntill the * 2.193 peace were full concluded, wherevnto vpon the same day, Don Iohn made answer, that in regard of the great loue hee bare vnto them, and the desire hee had to the welfare and peace of the land hee would chuse the Lord of Hierges for the captaine of his guard, with a regiment of 3000. souldiars, that then were vnder his command, as well for the defence and preseruation of his person, as of the place, which the would chuse to bee one of the two, which they had offered vnto him, and for Hostages hee would haue the Marquis of Haurec, the Burgraue of Gant, Emanuel of Lalain Baron of Mon∣tigny and the Abot of Saint Gertrude, which should remaine in the castell of the Bishop of Leige, and there be kept, as he sayd they promised him, and so hee would bee [ C] ready to meete them at Lovuen or at Mechelen, there to bring the matter to a good conclusion.

Wherevnto the States made answere, that al the Prouinces in the Netherlands, had promised and vowed each to other, and signed it with their hands, not to abandon one * 2.194 the other, but to make warre, vntill that the Spaniards were gon out of the country, pro∣mising neither to change Prince, nor religion, wherevnto they of Holland and Zeeland likewise had signed, still holding their religion, till it were otherwise ordered by the ge∣nerall estates. As also, that they had not granted him to chuse his Hostages, for that those which he had named they could not spare, but they would nominate others not of the same qualitie, and yet men sufficient inough, and also touching the Lord of Hierges, [ D] they sayd they could not grant him (for diuers reasons) to be commander ouer his guard, but if hee would come, & parle with them, he might if it pleased him meet them at Huy in the Land of Liege, a newter place, and with the like number of men, as they brought, without any armes: and that if for certaine conuenient causes, the Spaniards could not so soone depart out of the Land, they desired him, that hee to shewe his good∣will, would presently cause the castell of Antwerp, and the towne of Lire to be deliuered vnto the States, otherwise they could not abstaine from armes, nor agree to any truce, but to the contrary would doe their vtter-most endeauors by force of armes to take those places: they likewise sent him a coppy of the vnion or agreement made by the States in Brussels, whereof mention is made before. [ E]

This vnion aforesaid made by the States, beeing shewed vnto Don Iohn, hee partlie discouered the politike dealing of the Estates of the land, togither with the readinesse and affection of the countries adioyning to ayde them, in regard of the vprightnesse of their demandes, and that there were many men amongst them, that would not bee mooued nor perswaded by all his faire, goodly, smothe, flattering and dissembling spee∣ches, wherein hee planted a great part of the foundation of his proceedings, accor∣ding to the generall opinion that the vnexperienced people of Spaine and Italie haue, of the small courage, vnderstanding, simplenesse and bad agreement of the Ne∣therlands, (as the duke of Alua sayd, that hee would smother and drowne the Hol∣landers in their butter and milke) hee was mooued to yeeld (by the Ambassadors of [ F] the new Emperor Rodolphus to that end purposely sent into the Netherlands, together with the Ambassadors of the duke of Cleaue, and the Bishop of Liege), but most of all by reason that hee perceiued the States to haue many souldiers, and a great army in the fielde at Waure in Brabant, and for that the Spanish souldiers, were in a manner

inclosed, and might easily bee brought into want of all necessaries: and on the other•…•… * 2.195 [ A] side, hee being (as then wholy vnprouided and vnfurnished of all meanes to helpe him∣selfe) mooued to come to an agreement of peace, and for that cause, thought good for a time to desist from his pretence, and to cause the Spaniards to depart out of the countrey, hoping thereby to breake and disanull all the states, vnion, promises, and mu∣tuall contracts, and so in time to settle himselfe in the gouernement, and to winne mens hearts vnto him, and hauing done so, to set them at diuision, and thereby to attaine to his desire, which without doubt, hee might easily haue brought to passe, if hee could haue couered his dissimulation, with more patience and humility, and his yong vnbrid∣led courage, with a kind of staidnes, and fidelity, and his hatred and cruelty with mo∣deration and aduise, but many men that had trauailed, presently perceiued that hee was too great and high minded, to bee ruled by aduise, and to young vnexperienced and [ B] simple, to gouerne of himselfe. And his vaine opinion of himselfe was such and so great, that hee had a conceit in his head, to make himselfe King of England, by deliue∣ring the Queene of Scottes out of prison, and destroying the Queene of England, where-vnto hee had obtained the Popes good liking and furtherance, and to that end dealt secretly with the house of Guise, and the holy league, wherein he was crossed, * 2.196 for that the States found it not requisite, that the Spaniards should goe out of the countrey by sea, where-vpon it seemed that hee left off his purpose touching Eng∣land, till a more conuenient time, or else till the Queene were dead: which the King vnderstanding, it being likewise made knowne vnto him by the Pope himselfe, became very iealious, and after that sent nothing but strange and limmitted instructions vnto [ C] him, and when hee sent his Secretary Escouedo into Spaine, for an other commission, and more money, the King by the meanes and councell of his Secretary Anthonio Perez, caused him to bee secretly murthered, being thought to be the onely man that mooued Don Iohn vnto such high aspiring conceits: so as it was verily beleeued, that in the next yeare after, Don Iohn was secretly brought vnto his death; as hereafter wee shall shew following in the Historie.

The reason that mooued the states generally to make peace, was that thereby they might bee rid of the forraine souldiers out of the Netherlands, wherevnto, those that * 2.197 thought to haue the gouernement of the land much mooued them, alledging, that of force they must cause the Spaniards to leaue the countrie, although the priueledges and [ D] freedomes, were not in all points fully granted vnto, saying, that if they would after make warre againe, they should easily effect it when the Spaniards were once gone, and could want no meanes therein. The Baron of Champigni was likewise the chiefest cause, that promise and contract was made, to punish the Spanish and Dutch soldiers for their insolencies, thereby to make the better account and reckoning with the Dutchesse, which otherwise would still find matter of complaint and discontentment: where-vpon both parties being thus minded, by meanes and solicitation of the Emperors Ambassa∣dors, and other Princes, vpon the twelfth of February, in the yeare of our Lord 1577. they being at Marche in famine, made, concluded, and confirmed this contract, which vpon the seauenteenth of the same moneth was proclaimed and published in Brussells [ E] and Antwerpe, and called by the name of the perpetuall Decree, the contents where∣of were as followeth.

PHILLIP by the grace of God, King of Castile, Leon, Arragon, Nauarre, Na∣ples, Sicilia, Maiorque, Sardenia, and of the Islands of India, and the firme land ly∣ing * 2.198 in the Ocean seas, Archeduke of Austria, Duke of Burgondie, Lorraine, Brabant, Limbourgh, Luxenburgh, Gelder, and Myllan, Earle of Hasbourgh, Flanders, Ar∣tois, and Burgondie, Palsgraue of Henault, Holland, Zeeland, Namure, and Sut∣phen: Prince of Swauen, Marquis of the Holy Empire, Baron of Friseland, Salines, Mechelin, of the towne and territories of Vtrecht, Ouerissell, and Groning, and [ F] Dominator in Asia and Affrica: greeting.

For that since Iuly last past, to out no small disliking, and great griefe, there hath many times happened great deuision, alteration, and trouble in our Netherlands,

by reason of the insolent behauiours, of our Spanish and outlandish soldiars (from the [ A] which, hath sprong many inconuenyences, disorders and miseries like-wise to our great dislike, and greefe,) which as yet vntill this day (as euery man knoweth) continew and remaine therein, and for the consolation, comfort, vnity, peace, and quietnes of our said Netherlands, and for the better ruling, and gouernment of the same, haue sent thether, our deare and well-be-loued good brother Don Iohn of Austria, Knight of the most noble and worthy order of the Goulden fleece, who since his beeing there in our said Netherlands, hauing dealt, spoken and conferred, first in our towne of Luxenbourg, with our louing, faithfull, trusty seruants and friends, the right reuerent father in God, Mathias, Lord Abot of Saint Gildin, elected bishoppe of Arras, Charles Phillip of Croy Marquis of Haurec. &c. our Nephew and one of the Gentlemen of our [ B] chamber, Charles de Haunart Barron of liddelkercke burgraue of our towne of Brus∣sels, and Adolfe van Meetkerke, counseler and receiuer of our territory of Vrien, in our Earledome of Flanders, committies and deputies for the generall Estates of our said Netherlands, and since that, in our towne of March, and after that in the towne of Hoyd in the land of Liege by intercession and Mediation in the said towne of Hoyd of the lords hereafter named, and ambassadors messengers, and committies of our right high and worthy well-bee-loued brother Rodulphe, the second of that name, chosen Emperor of Rome, &c. specially appointed, ordained, and sent, by the said Emperors Maiesty to further the said reconcilation, agreement, and accord, namely, our louing and good friend Gerrard van Grueesbeeke Bishoppe of Liege, duke of Bullion, Marquis [ C] of Franchimont, and Earle of Loon. &c. Prince of the holy Empire, Phillip de Alde, Barron van Wieeborgh president, and Andreas Galle Doctor of the lawes, counselor to the said Emperors Maiestie: Warner Lord of Glimmich Drosser of the Land of Iuliers, and Iohn Louerman licentiate in the laws, both counsellors to the high and mighty Prince our wel-be-loued vncle William Duke of Iulliers and Cleues, &c. Prince likewise of the holy Empire, as Messengers for the said Duke; also Ambassadors for the Emperors maiestie to effect that which in the said Dukes absence should bee agreed vpon, with our well beloued and faithfull friends of our counsell of estate, by vs appoin∣ted to gouerne the said Netherlands, and to be of our secret counsel there, and the afore said Lord Abbot of Saint Gilden elected Bishoppe of Arras, Bucho Ayta, Arch-dea∣con [ D] of Ipre, Fredericke Perenot, Barron of Rouse Lord of Champigny gouernor of our towne of Antwerp, Iohn de Saint Omer, Lord of Moreberke, gouernor of our towne and Castell of Arien: Francis van Halewin, Lord of Sweueghen chiefe baley, and Cap∣taine of our towne and Castle of Oudewater Knights, and the afore named Adolph van Meetkerke committies and Deputies of the aforesaid States, and lastly in our towne of Brussels, where to continew, and fully to conclude and agree vpon the said treaty and accord with those of our afore-said councell of estate, and the afore-said States, meete and assembled to gether with the aforesaid Lords ambassadors of the empire, and the substitutes of the said Duke of Iulliers and our louing and trustie seruant Don Octauio Gonsaga, Knight one of our councell, appointed and committed there-vnto, by our afore∣said [ E] good brother, where betweene them, diuers points and articles being propoun∣ded tending vnto, and concerning, the aforesaid reconciliation, accord and vnion, and for the full effecting of the same: wee by deliberation, counsell, and aduice, of our aforesayde good brother, Don Iohn of Austria, and of our aforesaid counsell of estate, in conformity, and according to the contents of the treaty propounded be∣tweene vs of the one part, and the aforesaid estates, on the other part, haue for vs & our successors, ordained and decreed ratefied and by these presents ordaine decree and ratifie in manner of a perpetuall edict, neuer to be recalled, the points and articles here∣after following. Frst, that all offences, iniuries, misdeeds, wrongs, generally: all man∣ner of crymes and actions, don, happened and committed, by reason and occasion of [ F] of the afore-said alterations, charges, and troubles, by all, and euery one of the inhabi∣tants, and subiects of our Netherlands, in what place or places and in what man∣ner so euer it was done, as well in generall as in perticuler, shall bee wholy forgiuen and forgotten, as if they had neuer beene done nor committed, in such sorte, that

there shall neuer bee any repetition, molestation, trouble, question, nor search made * 2.199 [ A] here-after, for the same, against any of the said inhabitants and subiects aforesaid.

And for that the Bishoppes, Abbots, Prelates, and Spirituall persons, of our said Netherlands, as also the Diuines and Doctors of the Lawes of our vniuersitie of Lov∣uaine, by their seuerall attestations, haue witnessed and testified that according to the estate of the affaires of our said Netherlands, (beeing there present) the treatie of Peace, made and agreed vppon in our Towne of Gaunt, bearing date the eight of Nouember last past, betweene the aforesaid Estates of the one part, and our cousin William van Nassau, knight of our order of the golden Fleece, Prince of Orange, and the Estates of our Earldomes of Holland and Zeeland, with their Associats on the other part, contained nothing therein, that might or could bee repugnant to our holy [ B] faith, and the Catholike, Apostolike, Romish religion, but to the contrary was to the furthering of the same, and that also in like sort, our said Councell of Estate, haue testified and auerred, that according to the Estate of the affaires in the Netherlands, (they likewise beeing present) the said treatie of peace, included nothing, that tended to the deminishing of our authority, and the submission and subiection decreed vnto vs by our said Netherlands, and especially for that the aforesaid Lords, Ambassadors, and messengers of the Empire, as also the substitutes of the aforesaid Duke of Cleue, do witnesse and iustifie the aforesaid attestations made by the aforesaid Bishoppes, Abbots, Prelates and other Spirituall persons, and by the said Councell of Estate, to bee iust and true: Wee in regard thereof haue agreed vnto, approued and rati∣fied, and by these presents do agree vnto, approue, and ratifie, the said treaty of peace, [ C] in all, and euery article and point thereof, promising vppon our faith and word of a King, for our parts, and for as much as concerneth vs, to keepe and obserue the same inuiolably for euer: and likewise to cause the same to bee kept and obserued by all and euery one, to whome it shall belong and appertaine vnto; and according to the same, do agree and consent, that the conuocation, and assembling of the gene∣rall Estates of our said Netherlands, mentioned in the third Article of the afore∣said contract of peace, shall bee done in such manner, and forme, and to the like effect as the said Article more at large specifieth and declareth.

Item wee agree, ordaine and appoint, that all and euery one of our soldiars, Spa∣niards, high Duches, Italiens, Burguignons, and other forrein soldiars, both horse-men [ D] and foot-men, beeing at this present time within our foresaid Netherlands, shall and must depart freely, and vnmolested out of the same, and not returne, nor yet bee sent thether againe, hauing no forrein warres, and generally hauing no need thereof, nor any want of them in that place, as the generall Estates of our said Nether∣lands shall like of and allow.

And touching the determinate time of the departure of our said soldiars, we appoint agree, and consent, that all the Spaniards, Italiens, and Burguignons must and shall depart (within twenty dayes after warning giuen them by out aforesaid good bro∣ther) out of our Castell and Towne of Antwerp, and out of other the Townes and Castells and Holds of our said Netherlands which they now hould, and keepe in [ E] their hands, or where so euer they bee, and out of all our aforesaid Netherlands, and namely out of the dukedome of Luxembourge, with in other twenty dayes, or be∣fore, if it be possible: wherein our aforesaid good brother, shall imploy him-selfe with all his power, and during the said time of forty daies, all and euery one of our said soldiars, shall and must behaue them-selues, honestly, and peaceably, without any robbing, exacting, ransacking, and spoyling, or in any-wise misusing of our said Netherlands and the subiects of the same, nor any of the neighbour countries and inhabitants thereof.

And touching the time of the departure of the aforesaid high-Duch soldiars, they shall and must depart out of our sayd Netherlands presently after that the Estates [ F] shall haue contented them, as it is further and more at large declared In the 15. article of this our perpetuall edict of peace, which is, after that they shalbe reckoned withall,

and all and euery reasonable educations made out of their paies, as it shall be found * 2.200 [ A] to fall out.

And that all our sayd souldiars, Spaniards, High-duches, Italians, Burguignons, and all others, must and shall, at their departures out of our sayd castles and townes, leaue all the victualls, ordinance, and munition of warre beeing therein behind them, in our sayd castles and townes, which sayd townes and castles with the victualls, ordinance, and •…•…unition, wee will, by the aduise of our sayd councell of estate, appoint to bee deliuered into the hands of such persons, as are naturall borne subiects of our sayd Ne∣therlands, and as the preuileges of the sayd Netherlands import, and such as at this time are acceptable vnto them. And touching the oppressions extortions, and for∣cible compossitions, which by any of our souldiers, whosoeuer they be, haue beene done [ B] in our sayd Netherlands, during the time that they haue beene and continued there∣in, wee will deale in such sort, touching the same, as right, reason and equity requireth, and when time serueth, as neere as wee can content euery man therein, and shall like∣wise cause inquiry to bee made, not onely amongst the captaines and commanders, of our sayd souldiars, but also amongst all, and euery one of our sayd souldiers, who in any sort whats•…•…euer haue misused and disordered themselues, either in our Nether∣lands, * 2.201 or the countries adioying, and will do right and iustice therein, whether it bee in our Netherlands, or in our kingdome of Spaine, or any other place, where wee shall thinke it meet and conuenient.

Wee ordaine, decree, and appoint, that all and euery one of the prisoners, which are [ C] holden in prison by reason of the alterations and troubles in the sayd Netherlands, on both sides, shalbe freely and frankly set at liberty, and released of their imprisonment, without paying any ransome, prouided alwaies that touching the sending againe of our couzin Philip William van Nassau Earle of Buren into our Netherlands, wee will take order•…•…, that the sayd Earle, shall bee freely sent againe into the sayd Nether∣lands, as soone, and presently after that the generall Estates shall haue assembled; and the aforesayd Prince of Orange, for his part shall haue truely and effectually perfor∣med that, which by them at the sayd assembly shal be ordained and appointed for him to do. Item wee ordaine, decree, and appoint, that the question, contention, and doubt, touching the restablishing and placing of certaine Lords, and Officers, in their go∣uernments, [ D] and offices, from whence they haue beene discharged and put out, by rea∣son of the alterations, and troubles aforesayd, shal be suspended, and referred, vntill the end of the assembly of the generall Estates, and that then the sayd question, conten∣tion, and doubt, shall bee committed vnto the arbitrement and determination of the councell and ordinary iustice of the Netherlands, respectiuely, by them to bee decided and ended according to law. Further wee promise, vpon our faith and word of a peace, to hold and maintayne, and to cause (our sayd good brother, and all other Gouer∣nors: and euery one of them generally and perticularly, which hereafter shall by vs, and our successors bee placed in our sayd Netherlandes,) to hold and maintaine, all and euery one of the old preuiledges, customes, vses, rights and lawes of our sayd Ne∣therlands, [ E] and that wee will not suffer any to serue vnder vs, our aforesayd good bro∣ther, nor any other gouernors of our sayd countries, neither for councellors nor other∣wise, in the administration of the common gouernment of the sayd Netherlands, but onely such as are naturall borne people and subiects of our sayd Netherlands. And likewise the Estates aforesayd for their parts, do promise vpon their consciences, faithes, and honors, before God and man, to maintaine, vphold, and defend and cause to bee maintained, vpholden and defended: the Holy, Catholike, Apostolike and Romish faith and religion: and the authoritie and obedience due and belonging vnto vs, in all places of our sayd Netherlands wheresoeuer, and not to doe any thing contrarie vn∣to the same. [ F]

Item the sayd Estates likewise haue promised to leaue, breake of renownce and shall and do promise to leaue, breake of, and renounce, all and euery League and confedera∣tions, which they for their protection and defence, haue made heretofore, with any forrein Prince or Potentate, since the alterations and troubles aforesaid.

The sayd estates likewise, and in like manner, haue promised, and by these presents * 2.202 doe promise, to discharge and send out of our sayd Netherlands, all and euery one of [ A] the forraine Souldiers, which they haue intertained, or caused to bee intertained in their paye, and to hinder, let, and withstand, that from hence-forth, there shall no more forraine Souldiers enter into the same.

Item, whereas the sayd estates, in witnesse of their true intent, as also of the sincere and good affection which they beare vnto vs, and our seruice, haue liberally agreed, and offered vnto vs the summe of sixe hundred thousand pounds, of fortie Flemish groates the pound, they doe by these presents promise, to pay, and deliuer the one halfe thereof in ready money, vnto the hands of the aforesayd Lords Ambassadors, and mes∣sengers of the Empire; and the Deputies or Committies of the aforesayd Duke of Iu∣illiers, [ B] and Cleue, which said halfe part the sayd Ambassadors, Messengers, and Com∣mitties, shall pay and deliuer ouer, vnto the hands of our aforesaid good brother, or vnto such as hee shall appoint by the consent of the sayd Lords Ambassadors and Messengers; to cause our sayd Souldiers, Spaniards, Italians, and Bourguignons, and other strange soldiers, to depart out of our Castle and Towne of Antwerpe, and out of all and euery other of our Castles, Townes, and Forts, except the high Dutches afore∣said, vntill such time as they shall be reckond and accounted withall, as in the next arti∣cle shall be declared. And for the other halfe, the said estates shall make it ouer by billes of exchange to Genoa, there to be paid vnto those, that by our said good brother, shall be appointed to receiue the same, within two moneths after the said Spaniards, Italians [ C] and Burguignons aforesaid, shall be departed out of our towne and castle of Antwerpe.

And further the sayd estates haue promised, to take on them the charge to satisfie and content our high-dutch souldiers of their paies, as much as after account and reckoning made with them (both what they can demand, and what is reasonably to be deducted out of the same,) shall be found to bee due vnto them: wherein wee and our said bro∣ther, will aide and assist them, and by our authorities, credits, and countenances pro∣cure, those that haue the said accounts, reckonings and registers in their hands, to deli∣uer the same, as also with the sayd high-dutches, to induce and procure them to bee contented with that, which shall by account be found due vnto them. As likewise, the sayd Lords, Ambassadors, and Messengers of the Empire, and the deputies for the Duke of Iuilliers and Cleaue, haue freely of their owne good willes, promised to procure the [ D] said high Dutches to doe the same, and that they will write vnto the Emperors Maiesty, to desire him to vse his authority in that behalfe with the high Dutches, and vntill the said high Dutches shall be fully satisfied, contented, and paid, they shall liue peaceably and quietly, and in such places, as we by aduise of our councell of estate, shall appoint them to remaine in, for the protection & security both of our persons, & the said estates.

Item, the estates haue promised, and by these presents doe promise, after the depar∣ture of the Spaniards, Italians and Burguignons out of our Netherlands, to receiue and accept our sayd good brother (vpon shewing, presenting, and deliuering vnto them, our Letters of Commission, to him to that end giuen, and vpon his accusto∣med and vsuall oath, in that case taken, with the obseruation of the other solemnities, [ E] which at such times are commonly done,) as Gouernour, Lieutenant, and Captaine generall for vs, in our sayd Netherlands: and that the sayd estates, shall honor and re∣spect him, with all obedience, and submiss•…•…nesse, as in that case belongeth and apper∣taineth: The sayd contract of peace made in Gaunt, notwithstanding still remaining in all things and in euery point in full force and power.

Item, we ordaine and appoint, that our successors, and our aforesayd good brother, and euery one of the Gouernors, that by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 our successors, shall bee appointed to gouerne our sayd Netherlands, generally and perticularly at their ioyfull entries, as also all and euery one of our presidents, councellors, officers, and Iustices, before their [ F] entring into, and beginning to take the charge of their gouernments, states, offices and charges, shall solemnly sweare to maintaine and obserue, and as much as in them ly∣eth, to cause to bee obserued and 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 our present ordinance, accorde, and reconciliation.

Lastly we are content to allow ratefie and approoue, all and euery condition, assignation * 2.203 [ A] of rents and pentions, and other obligations and assurances, made and passed by the afforesaid estates, and which as yet they shall make and passe, with all, and euery one, that haue ayded, assisted, or holpen them with any mony, or that shall ayde, assist, or helpe them with mony, to serue them in their need, for the auoyding of the troubles aforesaid, and especially with the high and mighty Princesse, our very louing sister the Queene of England.

And to the end that all and euery one of the aforesaid points, and articles, may bee truely, really, and vprightly, holden, obserued, fullfilled, effected and kept, and that the whole contents of our said contract, may continew, and remaine firme, permanent, and inviolably for euer, we haue caused our seale to bee anexed hereunto, and to bee signed, [ B] by our aforesaid good brother; and the aforesaid estates on the other side haue likewise caused to bee hanged thereunto the seale of the estates of the Duchie of Brabant, for and in the name, and at the desire of all the estates, and haue caused the same to bee vnder written (by especiall and expresse command, of all the estates,) by our louing friend and seruant Cornelis Wellemans, clarke of the afore-said estates of Brabant, and likewise, at the desire and request, both of vs and our good brother, as of the estates the said Lords ambassadors, messengers of the empire, and deputies of the Duke of Iuilliers and Cleues, as intercessors, and mediators, of the said reconciliation, accord, and Vnion, conteyned in our said contract, haue signed the same, and of their good willes and speciall fauors, haue as farre as in them lieth by the said committies, from the [ C] Emperors maiestie, recommended, praysed, aprooued, and ratesied the same by all the meanes they can, and as much as neede requireth; giuen in our towne of March in fa∣mine, the 12. of February in the yeare of our lord 1577. and in the yeares of our raigne of Spaigne and Cicilia. &c. the 23. and of Naples the 25. Signed Iohn, and vnderneath by ordinance & commission from his Highnes F•…•…le v•…•…ssuer, And on the other side was writ∣ten, giuen in our towne of Brussels, the 17. of February 1577. in the 23. yere of our raigne of Spaine and Cicilia, & of Naples the 25. & vnder that was written, by ordinance from my Lords of the counsell of estate of our souera•…•…ge Lord the King, appointed by his Maiesty from hence-forwards to gouerne the Netherlands, and signed D•…•…ppe, and vnder that was written, by especiall and expresse command of my Lords the gene∣rall [ D] estates of the Netherlands, vnder-written Wellemans, and some what lower Gerrard bishoppe of Liege, Phillippus Semor Barron of Winnenbergh, Andreas Gail, Doctor Wernhertro, Gumioh, and Iohn Lauwerman, and some-what lower was written published in Brussels the 17. of February 1577. in presence of my Lords of the counsell of estate, committed by the King to gouerne the Netherlands, and of the Lord bishoppe and Prince of Luycke, and other Lords Ambassadors and messengers of the Emperors Maiesty and of the Lords the generall estates of the Netherlands aforesaid, by me the secretary of the towne of Brussels; vnder written A•…•…rssens.

This accord made by Don Iohn in frome of a perpetuall Edict, was in the end pro∣claymed at Brusselles the 17. and at Antwerp the 27. of February 1577. to the incredible * 2.204 [ E] ioy of all the people. Before the publication of the said Edict the generall Estates had by the Seignior of Hierges long be•…•…eeged the Spaniards that were in the castell of Vredenburch in the I owne of Vtrecht: who were so prest with want and beaten with the canon as the t•…•…d of February, they were forced to yeeld by composition to Cont Bossu, and the said Castell was after-wards razed by •…•…he Bourguers as it is at this present. This accord made in forme of a perpetuall Edict, was in the behalfe of * 2.205 the Generall estates, by the Seignior of Will•…•… and Maister Paul Buys Aduo∣cate of the Country of Holland accompanying the Ba•…•…on of Wynenberg Presi∣dent of the Emperors councell, We•…•…r La•…•…dt Drossart of the Duchi•…•… of Iui•…•…ers, and Iohn Lauwerman Councellor to the Du•…•… of Cleues, sent to the Prince of Orange and [ F] the States of Holland and Zeeland to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their consent there-vn•…•…: wherevp•…•… after they had well aduised, answer was made in their names to the said Ambassadors and the Seignior of W•…•…llerval: that the states of Holland and Zel•…•…. &c, together with the Prince

could not sufficiently commend the good zeale of the generall Estates, to discharge and * 2.206 [ A] free the whole countrey in generall from so fatall and deadly a warre, and to restore it * 2.207 to peace and concord: resting assured, that the said states would seeke and labour no∣thing more, then to free the people from so many calamities which they had suffered and past, to the maintenance of their priuiledges, ancient rights and freedomes: and to redresse and replant a good order and rule, as well in matters of Iustice, as of polli∣cie, the which haue languished during these miserable warres: and especially to enter∣taine and put in execution the pacification of Gand. But the sayd Prince and States, hauing well balanced and considered (as it was a matter of great waight and conside∣ration) * 2.208 of this perpetuall Edict: they finde that the good desire and great zeale which the generall Estates beare vnto it, shall not bee therein satisfied. For first of all it seemes, [ B] that by certaine intricate meanes, the priuiledges of the countrey (which they would so maintaine) are thereby greatly interressed: for that the libertie to call the generall Estates of all the Prouinces vnited, is taken from them, to whom by right and of all antiquitie it doth belong. Besides they will tye the States of the countrey to an oth which was neuer vsed.

The breach of which priuiledges appeareth plainly by the vniust detention of the * 2.209 Earle of Buren: who (as it is notorious to all the world) hauing beene taken and car∣ried away out of the countrey against all right and reason: now that the question is to deliuer all prisoners of either side, they make no shew to haue any intent to set him at libertie. The which notwithstanding (if they will entertaine the priuiledges) they [ C] ought to doe, and not so to violate them for a priuate person, who hath neuer offended: which giues small hope that they shall bee entertained, but shewes plainely that they will soone and easily take occasion to breake them. It also seemes that these Articles of the Edict tend to the breach of the pacification of Gand, in that the agreation of the peace is not so cleerely and plainly therein exprest, as the importance therein requires. But that this agreation depends vpon certaine restrictions and explanations, which remaine yet to bee done, the which in time to come might breed many cauillations, for that they seeme to bee like vnto those that were made in the time of the Dutchesse of Parma, which haue beene the cause of so great effusion of bloud: against the which * 2.210 Articles, the sayd Prince and the States of Holland and Zeeland did protest, and made [ D] an Acte thereof. There were also many points in the sayd perpetuall Edict, whereof the Prince and the States would gladly haue desired some alteration, for the which they were resolued to send vnto the generall Estates. But whilest they were busie to set them downe, hearing that Don Ioan had beene receiued for Gouernor, they declared plainely that this accord pleased them not, and that for their parts they would seeke by all meanes to maintaine the pacification of Gand, and to pursue the Spaniards, that the world might know they demanded but an end of the warres, and the preseruation of their priuiledges. The generall Estates hearing this answer, sent the like declaration vnto them, and that their intent was to chase away all strangers, as well Spaniards, Ita∣lians, Bourguignons, as Germaines at the time limmitted by the accord, and not to [ E] suffer it to bee prolonged.

Here-vpon Don Iohn sought for money to pay the Spaniards, that he might send them * 2.211 out of the Netherlands, and first of all out of the Castell of Antwerp, for otherwise according to the contract he could not bee admitted to the gouernment: who hauing receiued their pay, the Duke of Arschot was appointed by the States to receiue the Castle, and to put in a garrison of Wallons after the departure of the Spaniards. The twentie of Marche, the sayd Duke, accompanied by the Emperours Deputies, and by Escouedo Secretarie to Don Iohn, entred into the Castell to receiue it. Sanchio d' A•…•…la who was Captaine of the Castell, pined with griefe and anger, who beeing loth to see this change, retired himselfe, giuing charge to Martin del Hayo his Lieutenant, to deli∣uer [ F] it vp, the which hauing done into the Dukes hands, deliuering him the Keyes in their presence, Escouedo receiued an othe of the Duke in the Kings name, to keepe it faithfully for his Maiesties seruice. This done, and the great gates being set open, the Spaniards went forth, beeing laden with the spoyles of the sacke of Antwerpe, and

marched towards Maestricht, where their rendez-vous was, to voide the countrey, and * 2.212 [ A] in their place there entred certaine companies of Wallons. The prisoners were set free of either side. For the States there was the Earle of Egmont, and the Seigniors of * 2.213 Floion, Capres and Glimes. And of the Spaniards side were released the Collonell Ro∣bles Seignior of Billi, Mondragons wife, the Gouernor of Zutphen, Captaine Tollenor and others. The Duke of Arschot Gouernor of the castle, made his sonne the Prince of Cymay his Lieutenant. Although the Castell of Antwerpe were freed from a garrison of Spaniards, Italians, and Bourguignons; yet was not the Cittie well assured: for the Kings mercinary Germaines, companions to the Spaniards in the sacke of the towne, remained with their Collonels Foucker and Fruntsberg in the new Towne, attending their pay, the which Don Iohn seemed to delay for some further intent, the which put [ B] the Bourguers into great perplexitie, beeing hard for them to see it, but harder to suffer it.

The first of May the same yeare after that the King of Spaine had ratified the perpe∣tuall * 2.214 Edict, and the Accord made by Don Iohn, by his letters pattents of the 7. of Aprill before, the said Don Iohn came from Louvaine to Brussels, where hee was receiued al∣most with a royall pompe, by the States of the countrey, the Magistrates of Townes, and by all the people, with acclamations and signes of great ioy: and the fourth of the same moneth he solemnly tooke the oth of Gouernor, Lieutenant, and Captaine Ge∣nerall for the King of Spaine, vnder the conditions of the Accord and aboue named Edict, the which he did promise and sweare to obserue & keepe inuiolably. Wherevpon [ C] euery one began to cast his eyes vpon him, as if they had already seene a banner of hope planted that the Netherlands (which had beene so long opprest with the insupportable burthen of infinite miseries and calamities, spred vniuersally ouerall, of what qualitie and condition soeuer) should by the clemencie, mildnesse, courtesie, and wisedome of * 2.215 the said Don Iohn, be releeued and restored to their ancient estate, accompanied with all happinesse and prosperitie, which hope was publikely testified by all demonstrations of ioy, feasts, and kinde vsage, all men shewing as much respect vnto him as if hee had beene naturall Prince of the countrey: euery one expecting that by his meanes (the Strangers oppressors of the countrey being retired) the gouernments should bee put into their hands that were naturall borne, well affected to the good and publike quiet, [ D] the peace and vnion of the countrey, inuiolably kept; the priuiledges, rights, and liber∣ties restored, and all points of the pacification of Gand obserued and accomplished; to the end that thereby an ouer-ture being made for the assembling of the generall Estates of all the Prouinces, which had beene promised of either part, they might in the end settle a generall and perpetuall good order throughout the whole countrey, with a firme establishment of vnion, and of all good intelligence and correspondencie betwixt the Prouinces, as well in regarde of the maintenance of the Catholick and Ro∣mish religion, as of the full and perfect obedience due vnto his Maiestie, and the good and publicke quiet of the said countries.

But the greater this hope, ioy and contentment was to all in generall, the greater was [ E] euery mans care and hearts-greefe, when they see themselues frustrate of this hope and * 2.216 expectation. For after the departure of the Spaniards, insteed of putting to his hand for the accomplishing of the rest of the points which remained of the pacification of Gand, and of his accord to roote out all occasions of iealousie and distrust; they see Don Iohn by little and little fill his Court with strangers, enemies to the countrie and the publike quiet, most part Spaniards and Italians, or so affected and simbolizing with their humors, as besides the apparent wrong which hee did vnto himselfe, and to his faith and promise, by the which hee had bound himselfe not to vse them, hee made his will and intention manifest, which was to reduce the sayd countries (already too much opprest) vnder the yoake of them, whom hee himselfe had made shew and [ F] profession to abhorre. For vnder colour that hee had sent for his traine out of * 2.217 Italie, hee caused a good number of Spaniards and Italians to enter into the coun∣trey; by whome hee was euer chieflie serued, recoyling and putting from him as much as hee could, those of the countrey, vnlesse it were some fewe that were

Spaniolized, or of the like humor: or such as were altogether suspected to them * 2.218 [ A] that loued their countrey: hauing aduanced Baptista Taxis to bee Steward of his house, and others of vile and base condition (hauing serued as spyes to the Duke of Alua) to chiefe offices; yea into his councell, although in the beginning hee made shew that hee would onely imploy them of the countrey, and put off strangers: yet by the effects they found the contrary: for in all occurrents of importants, hee onely vsed the councell of the Lord of Gonsague, and of his Secretarie Escouedo, doing no∣thing * 2.219 of importance without their aduise, contrary to the Edict and Accord, Article ten. And when hee made shew to call any of the countrey to councell, hee made choise of such as were of the Spanish faction, or suspected to them that loued their countrey, finding themselues greeued, for that they had beene suspended from their [ B] Offices and gouernments, in the beginning of their last alterations raysed against the Spaniards and their adherents, beeing held to bee the Authors of the comming and re•…•…ning the Spaniards in these parts, and of all the miseries and calamities which the countrey had since endured. Also hee neuer put from his councell and companie some priuate persons of meane calling, who through their violent passions had al∣wayes kindled the fire of ciuill warre in Holland: and who had retired into the Castell of Antwerpe with the Spaniards, holding their part against the States, and hauing * 2.220 ayded both with their councell and persons, to sacke and burne the Towne. And more-ouer hee hath alwayes imployed and beene serued by them that were suspect vnto the States, for that they held them-selues wronged: as the Earles of Meghen [ C] and of Barlamont, the Seignours of Hierges, of Floion, of Haulte-penne his sonnes, the councellor Assonuille, Taxis and others. Whereby there could no other coniec∣ture bee made, but that hee pretended to entertaine the seedes of hatred and factions among the Noble-men: and in the end when occasion should serue, bandie one a∣gainst another, and by that meanes bee reuenged of them all, as the effects in the end did shew. If happily at any time hee called the rest, it was but for an outward shew, not to giue them occasion of complaint in the beginning, and the better to couer his desseignes.

After the publication of the perpetuall Edict, Don [ D] Iohn sent his Deputies to Gheertrudenberghe to treate with the Prince of Orange, and the Deputies of Holland and Zeeland; of which conference, and of their speeches of eyther side, I haue set downe a true narration.

THe Duke of Arschot, the Lord of Hierges, Monsieur de Villerual, Grobbendonc{que} Metkerke, and Doctor Elbertus Leoninus, assisted by * 2.221 Doctor Gail, Ambassador deputed for his Imperiall Maiestie, being assembled on the one part: and the Prince of Orange, with the sieg∣niors of Saint Aldegonde, Nyuelt, Vander Mylen, Conynck and [ E] Vorsbergen on the other. Monsieur Mertkercken began the speech, and after some demonstration of the sinceritie and faithfull diligence which Don Iohn of Austria had vsed since hee was receiued for Gouernour in perfor∣ming of the promises made by him, and the good which hee had done vnto the coun∣trie, in causing the Spaniards to retire, and that hee was still ready to pursue and bring to a good end what had beene so well begun, to restore this countrey to her ancient beautie, peace, and happinesse, from the which they were fallen through the gouern∣ment of his Predecessors, and the insolencie of Strangers: Desiring to gouerne after an other manner by the councell and aduise of them of the countrey, as shall be thought [ F] conuenient for their greater good and quiet. Hee sayd more-ouer, that it was reason also, seeing that hee shewed himselfe so willing and desirous to redresse all things, and reduce them to a good vnion and concorde: that there should bee assurance also of the Princes behalfe, and of the countries of Holland and Zeeland, that after they haue

finished all things and reduced the country to a better estate, that they for their parts * 2.222 [ A] should make no difficulty to submit them-selues vnto reason, and to the obedience due vnto his Maiesty, and laying aside all Ielousy and distrust, they will procure with all their power this desired vnion, and will vnite themselues with the other Prouin∣ces in one body vnder one obedience, as it hath beene alwaies here-tofore. And as there are many things whereby it seemes they haue no desire nor intent to come vn∣to this point, but contrarywise that they will still hold them-selues diuided, and in perpetuall distrust and disunion.

It were necessary before that his heighnesse proceed any further in that which hee hath begun, to remedy these things. And for this effect as the pacification, made at Marche in Famine betwixt his heighnesse and the generall Estates of the country was [ B] afterwards confirmed by the perpetuall edict and then ratefied by his maiesties expresse authority, so in like manner those of Holland and Zeeland should cause it to be pro∣claymed in their Prouinces and townes, to bee ioyntly accepted of them all, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 so long as it remaines vn-proclaimed, it seemes that they of Holland and Zeeland would hold themselues diuided from the rest, and not ioyne in this generall vnion which is the true and only meanes of the safety and preseruation of the country. It would be also necessary to cease from fortefying of townes and other places, which they not only continue, but they build vp new, which seemes to contradict the effect of peace, for being no enemies, and hauing no cause to distrust on another, there is no need to fortehe, if they will not nourish Ielousie, and breed supition of hostility. More∣ouer [ C] as his highnesse hath vnderstood, that not onely they doe daily cast new artillery and furnish them-selues with all sorts of munition, as if they were still in warre, but also they melt the old peeces againe which carried his Maiesties armes, and that they graue on them other armes, the which is quite contrary to the pacification of Gand, and preiudiciall to the article, which faith that the generall assembly shall take order for the restitution of artillery, munition, forts and shippes vnto his Maiesty: his high∣nes would desire that this might be prouided for, and that hereafter they would for∣beare from any such casting, and that they would also forbeare from making of any league or secret allyances with any forraine Princes or neighbour Prouinces, seeing it cannot but breed great distrust, and nonrish matter of bad intelligence one with [ D] an other, being also against the duty of obedience which the subiects owe vnto their naturall Prince.

And besides his Highnes would wish that according to that which had beene con∣cluded at the pacification of Gand, and that which his Highnes hath also ratefied and promised for his part, they will procure that the generall assembly of the estates may be held as soone as may be, as it is conteyned in the said pacification, and that to that end they will consider of the meanes whereby they may make them assemble and of the time and other circumstances thereto required. The Prince hauing heard this speech, after that he had retired a little into the Anext chamber, with the depu∣ties of the estates of Holland and Zeeland, being returned, hee answered. Thus [ E] hauing heard the points propounded by his Highnes deputies, for that there were many articles of importance, and whereon they must conferre together, hee desired to haue them in writing, that they might answer to euery one in particular, as it was fit. Therevpon Doctor Elbertus Leoninus spake, and said that to auoyd prolixitie of writing, the which did breed but confusion, they thought it necessary not to put any thing in writing, and therefore that by way of conference they would answer to the points propounded, and endeauor to come vnto that defired vnion and con∣cord, propounding also on their parts the points that might seeme to breed any scruple, difficulty or distrust, that by an amiable conference they might vnder∣stand one an other, and if it were possible procure concord and vnion, which is so [ F] much desired of all sides: where-vpon the Prince answered, that he desired nothing might bee treated of but by writing, for that other-wise they might speake things of either side which might bee sinisterly interpreted, or that might bee denied to haue beene treated of, as wee haue seene (said he) by experience, in that sollemne

Treaty of the pacification of Gand, which they labor by all meanes to make fruitlesse * 2.223 [ A] and vnprofitable, vnder colour that some points which were debated by Mouth, and not so particularly set downe, are wrested to an other sence, as that of gouernments giuen by commission from his Maiestie, the which is a cleare point, and yet they seeke gloses and cauelings, to obscure the will and meaning of the contractors, vppon colour that the name of Vtrecht was not expresly set downe in writing, and whereas he said that writing bred confusion, the which is not made plaine but by writing, & there∣fore hereafter they would not treat other-wise then by writing.

There-vppon the Doctor replied that they would not make any difficultie therein. But that first by an amiable conference they would giue them to vnderstand the points where-with they held them-selues grieued, to the end that seeking their content, [ B] they should demand that which should bee fit for their safety. The Prince answered: But seeing they kept not that which was so sollemnly promised at Gand, and confir∣med by oth by most of the Nobilitie and Townes in particular, and ratified by Don Iohn and his Maiestie: what hope can wee haue that what-soeuer shallbe promised hereafter willbe maintained and kept. Wherein is it, (said the Seignior of Grobben∣doncq that you complaine, that the pacification is not intertained? The question was of Breda and of his Sonne, but the first day of the garrison of Breda.

But said the rest, suppose the pacification bee accomplished, for all cannot bee done at one instant: Don Iohn hath begun well, hee must haue time to finish the rest, and matters that are doubtfull must bee debated, that it may bee made apparent where-vnto hee is bound. For touching the point of Vtrecht, it is no wonder if hee [ C] hath not satisfied it, seeing that hee findes not Vtrecht specified in the pacification, and that there lay before him many considerable & disputable reasons, why hee is not bound to do it. Yea (said the Prince,) by this reason you may draw any matter in question, neither is there any matter so cleere but it may bee disputed, the which was amplified by the Seignior of Saint Aldegond, and concluded by his Excellency, that they should first fullfill the articles of the said pacification, and that then the Estates beeing assembled, they would propound of either side the other points ser∣uing for their greater assurance. There-vppon, Doctor Leoninus propounded, that it was to bee considered that the generall Assemblie of the Estates was not with∣out danger; for the great number of them that did assist, and the diuersity of hu∣mors, [ D] especially of them that are not allwaies iudicious and discreet: Producing for example the Assemblie of the Estates of France, the which we haue seene to ingender more dissention and cause of warre then there was before. And therefore it were fit to consider if by an amiable conference of the points that are in question, and whereof there remaines yet some scruple of distrust, that we may excuse this generall Assemblie, and auoid the danger that might grow thereby.

Where-vpon his Excellencie answered, that there was a great difference betwixt the Estates of this country & the Estates of France, seeing that the people & the whole body heere were of one will and minde, and not diuided into partiallities and factions of houses, as in France. And seeing that in the pacification of Gand, they had agreed [ E] vppon all points that might bee reconciled, to liue togither in vnity and concord, vntill, they had leysure to prouide for the rest, hauing referred the decision thereof to the Assemblie generall; it was more then reasonable they should first satisfie the Articles of the said pacification, and that the rest should bee referred to the said Estates, where hee meant to propound the points which they demanded. But said the others, whilst that wee attend the Assemblie you may propound wherein you finde your selues grieued or what you demand for your assurance. Wee haue no∣thing to propound said his Excellency, nor to complaine of, so as they accomplish the Articles of the pacification: for seeing it is concluded at Gand, that wee shall liue one with an other after the manner there specified; vntill the said Assemblie, [ F] wee are content and meane (by the grace of GOD) to hold our selues so, without demanding any further assurance, referring our selues for the rest vnto the said Assembly.

But said the Seignior of Grobbendonc{que} what assurance will you giue vnto vs to enter∣taine * 2.224 [ A] the pacification? Wee are not bound to giue you any assurance, answered the Prince, for the effect of the pacification carries her assurance with her, feeing that those which were there treating for the generall Estates, and afterwards aduowed by them, haue propounded the articles and points therein contained for a prousionall assurance, vntill the generall Estates should bee assembled, saying, that some should do thus, and others thus, where-vppon they agreed. Wee must therefore content our selues with those meanes, or else necessarily disauow and breake the said pacification. See then if you will aduow it or not, for if you will hold it, wee must for our parts, fulfill the points therein contained, as we are ready, and if there be any thing wanting vnto this present, as we hope not, wee are content to satisfie it. Yea said one of them, you would that [ B] after you haue all the Townes and places of Holland & Zeeland, which are already put into your hands, and after wee haue deliuered you the gouernments of Vtrecht and Amsterdam, we should haue no assurance of you that you would hold the pacification. But answered the Prince, if we do presently accomplish the pacification; what will you more of vs, or what assurance are we bound to giue?

By this meanes said the others, after that you haue all which you demand, and that you haue fortified your selues by this meanes more then euer, you may make warre a∣gainst vs. Warre? answered the Prince, what feare you? wee are but a handfull of men, but a worme against the King of Spaine, and you are 15. Prouinces against two; what cause haue you to feare? Where-vpon the Seignior of Meetkerke said, we haue seene [ C] what you could do when you were maisters of the Sea, and therefore do not so little es∣teeme of your selues. To whome Saint Aldegond replied, wee neuer haue nor could make warre against you but defensiue: And if wee make a defensiue warre, we must first be offended. For wee will neuer go to assaile the other Prouinces. I said one of them, we know that a defensiue warre is neuer made but it is withall offensiue, alledging there-vppon the taking of Geertrudenbergh. Vosberghen then answered touching Geer∣trudenbergh, that it was of his Excellencies gouernment, a member of Holland and be∣longing to his Excellencie, and that it was not taken by force, but by pollicie and for want of good guard.

Then said the Prince, the pacification of Gand prouides for this: You or your Depu∣ties [ D] haue confest that you were well guarded with the points contained therein, and that you had no need of any other warrant, referring the rest to the Assemblie. Yo•…•… must therefore content your selues: For to make warre against you, it is a thing with∣out any ground or colour. If you had not knowne there was nothing to bee feared for you, you had not forgotten to demand assurance. But you haue seene how roundly we haue dealt with you at that time, vnfurnishing our Country to assist you, yea before the peace was concluded, and although we had reason to demand assurances, yet we would not do it, for that wee treat with the Estates without distrust, hauing expresly declared that if wee had beene to treat with the King, or any other in his name, wee would haue beene guarded with other assurances. But on your behalfes there was [ E] no question to giue any assurance, as wee haue no meanes yet to assaile you, so were it not expedient.

At these wordes the Seignior of Grobbendoncq said, to speake the truth, wee haue a good confidence in you that you will not make warre against vs, but wee see on the other side that you seeke to disperce your religion ouer all, and are not contented to maintaine it among your selues, but seeke by all meanes to plant it in our Prouinces: What assurance then shall wee haue when wee haue granted all that you demand, that you will not alter any thing concerning religion against the pacification of Gand? The assurance which wee can giue (said the Prince) is, that wee will really accomplish the pacification, wherein wee haue promised for our parts not to giue any scandall nor [ F] cause any Innouation: And wee meane to keepe that we haue promised. But said the Seignior of Villerual these are but promises, you will haue vs beleeue your words, and you will not beleeue the wordes and promises of Don Iohn, nor ours. Heere is no question of beleeuing or nor beleeuing (answered the Prince) let Don Iohn and

you accomplish the treatie of pacification, and then we will beleeue you, but you gaue * 2.225 [ A] vs occasion of distrust, when as wee see you to seeke euasions not to accomplish the sayd pacifi•…•…ation, which you haue promised, vnder collour to propound vnto vs o∣ther points for our assurance, the which ought to bee referred to the generall assem∣bly of the Estates, wee haue also sayd Leoninus propounded points wherein you haue not accomplished the pacification. Vander Mylen replied, wee haue therein satis∣fied you touching the principall, and as for the rest, wee are readie to giue satisfac∣tion: although there bee not any thing wherein wee haue first broken: for that where∣of they accused vs, wee haue done it by example, which those of Gant haue giuen vs by a sentence pronounced, so as if there bee any violation it comes from you and not from vs. [ B]

But sayd the signior of Grobbendoncq the chiefe point of the pacification con∣taines that you submit the question touching the exercise of your relligion to the generall Estates, what assurance shall wee haue that when you are satisfied in that which you demand, that you will accomplish this point? what occasion haue wee giuen you sayd the Prince to distrust, seeing that for our partes wee haue fulfilled the pacification. Seeing then wee were once agreed, you should rest satisfied. But do you promise sayd Grobbendoncq to submit your selues vnto all that the generall Estates shall decree, as well in this as in all other points, as you are bound by the pa∣cification. I know not sayd the Prince, for you haue alreadie broken and violated the pacification, hauing made an accord with Don Iohn without our consentes, and [ C] then hauing receiued him for Gouernor. So as sayd Grobbendoncq you would not allowe of the decision of the Estates. I say not so replied the Prince; for it may bee such a one as wee would accept it, and to the contrarie. But wee would there propound and debate our reasons to vnderstand how farre wee were bound to submit our selues, seeing we are not so absolute as we were at the first submission made at Gant. But you shall bee restored sayd Grobbendonc{que} you cannot replied the Prince, for you haue quite broken the pacification.

Then sayd Meetkerke, wee doe nothing; if you will hold the pacification to bee quite broken. It is not wee sayd the Prince that haue broken it, but you, and yet wee refuse not to submit our selues, so as wee may deliuer our reasons, and without pre∣iudice [ D] bee restored. But you haue alreadie condemned vs by the promise which you haue made to Don Iohn to maintaine the Catholike and Romish relligion in all pla∣ces, and caused all men sweare to maintaine it, so as wee can hope for nothing of the iudgement of the Estates but to bee condemned. You would not then sayd the signior of Grobbendoncq submit and humble your selues to the Estates touching the exercise of relligion? No truely answered the Prince; for to tell you plainely wee see you intend to roote vs out, and wee will not bee rooted out. Ho sayd the Duke of Arschot and the Barron of Hierges, there is no man that hath any such in∣tent or meaning: yes truelie answered the Prince: wee submitted our selues vnto you with a good intent, hoping that you would iudge for the good of the whole countrie; without anie other respect, as was fit, but you yeelding to Don Iohns will [ E] binde your selues to maintaine and cause to bee maintained the Catholike and Ro∣mish relligion in all places, and make a league and agreement therevpon, seeking to binde all the world to the like promise, the which cannot bee accomplished but in rooting vs out.

Therevpon Leoninus sayd, what was promised in the vnion of the Estates was neuer to that intent, neither did they euer dreame of it, but they went to gard themselues more safely, and keepe them from disbanding. But sayd the Prince they were leagued togither by vertue of the pacification of Gant, the which doth binde them as strict∣ly as the new vnion. Wherevpon Aldegonde added, that it was an vniust thing, that the treatie of Gant which had beene so sollemnly made, and which they had promised [ F] to haue signed by all the chiefe Noblemen, Magistrates and Officers, was not effected, & a new vnion made by the aduise and authoritie of priuate men, for that the preserua∣tion of the Romish relligion was therein promised, they would haue all the world to

signe it and yeeld to it. And that therevpon they must either yeeld themselues sus∣pect * 2.226 [ A] not be of the Romish relligion, or condemne our cause by a preiudicate sentence. The others sayd, that they neuer had any such intention and that wee should haue an act giuen vs of their meaning. But replied the Prince, for all that, they shall not bee discharged from their oth, and promise, the which when they shalbe called by Don Iohn to the assembly of the generall Estates, they must satisfie, or els remaine periured, notwithstanding their act or declaration. Therevpon doctor Gaill sayd in Latin, that hee which had made the lawe, might also breake it, and therefore the Estates who had made this vnion, might interpret or abolish what they thought good. Aldegonde answered also in Latin, that there was great difference betwixt a lawe and an oth, for hee that hath taken the oth cannot dispence with it, seeing that hee hath made it [ B] vnto God, and takes the sacred name of God for a witnesse and iudge, whereas a lawe∣maker in a positiue law is himselfe the iudge.

Finally after they had much contended about this point D. Leoninus sayd, that leauing this dispute they must come to some accord, requiring that they would de∣liuer vp the points, and that they would moderate them, as they had promised to doe. The others answered that they were readie, and deliuered them at that instant: re∣quiring also that they should deliuer their points in writing, as well those which they had now propounded, as those which the signior of Schetz and Leoninus had pro∣pounded before, the which was granted, and so they parted. Onely the signior of Grob∣bendoncq and Leoninus remained still, and had conference touching those matters [ C] with the Prince and the deputies, whome his excelency did seriously admonish, let∣ting them vnderstand that they were bound to maintaine the preuiledges and li∣berties of the countrie, and yet they sought to bring their countrie into seruitude.

The Proposition of the Duke of Arschot Baron of Hierges, and other Deputies of Don Iohn of Austria, made at Geertrudenbergh, to the Prince of Orange and the Estates of Holland and Zeeland, the two and twenty of [ D] May. 1577.

MY Maisters the Prince of Orange and the Estates of Holland and Zee∣land, you haue heard, how that his Highnesse according to his pro∣mise, hath caused all the Spanish, Italien and Bourguignon souldiars to depart out of the countrie of this side, and that at the request of the generall Estates his Highnesse hath the fourth of this moneth ac∣cepted the gouernment generall of these countries, giuen him in charge by his Maiestie, and hath taken a sollemne oth, such as the Estates haue re∣quired, [ E] as well for the obseruing of the pacification as of the preuiledges of the countrie.

That his Maiestie hath ratefied, allowed and confirmed the sayd treatie made by his Highnesse with the Estates, for the which his Maiestie hath giuen GOD thankes, and is well pleased with all them that haue imployed themselues in the making of the sayd pacification and accord. Nothing now remayning but to cause the people to en∣ioye the fruites and effect of the sayd peace, freeing them from their forepassed toyles, miseries and calamities, wherein this poore countrie hath beene plonged by ciuill and intestine warres, in restoring the good and naturall loue, vnion, concord and intelli∣gence which was wont to bee among these subiects and Prouinces, vnder the obedi∣ence [ F] and authority of his Maiestie. To which end his Highnesse hath sent the Duke of Arschot, the Baron of Hierges and others, assisted by doctor Adrian Gaill the Empe∣rors Ambassador; to the Prince of Orange and the Estates of Holland and Zeeland, to consider with them of the effect and end of the sayd pacification, and of such reci∣procall

assurances as shall bee thought necessary. And to declare vnto the sayd Prince, * 2.227 [ A] that seeing hee hath obtained that which hee so much desired, which is the restitution of his goods and honour with the departure of the Spaniards, whereon hee did ground his taking of armes, that it is more then time to settle the countrie in peace, and to banish all suspition on his behalfe, imploying himselfe sincerely in so good a worke. And if hee bee not satisfied with all this, but doth demand some other thing, let him speake plainely what hee pretends more for his safetie, to the end that full contentment may bee giuen him. For the effecting whereof it is verie requisite, that the perpetuall Edict of the treatie made by the generall Estates with his highnesse, and proclaimed at Brussells the seauenteenth of February, and successiuely in other townes and Prouinces in confirmation of the sayd pacification of Gant, may bee also [ B] proclaymed in Holland, Zeeland and other associat places, whereas hetherto it hath not beene published.

In like sort seeing a peace is made and proclaimed, it is necessary that generally all acts should cease which tend to hostilitie, and may giue any occasion of distrust, as the entertayning of souldiars, the fortification of townes and places, practises and allyan∣ces, leagues and confederations, euen with strangers, casting of new Ordinance, the which ought to remaine in the same Estate vntill the resolution of the generall E∣states. And for that and other things specefied in the pacification, to giue order for the full accomplishment of a desired peace and the publike tranquillitie, it is fit to aduise speedelie when the sayd generall Estates shall assemble. All which points [ C] the sayd Commissioners for his Highnesse, require the Prince of Orange and the De∣puties of Holland and Zeeland, to carry them vnto the Estates of Holland and Zeeland, as they will doe vnto his Highnesse and to the other Estates the points and articles which shalbe giuen them by the sayd Prince and deputies. Hoping, there shalbe a fa∣uorable answere giuen reciprocally of either side, and that all things in the meane time shall remaine in peace and tranquility.

The answere of the Prince of Orange and the Deputies of the Estates of Holland [ D] and Zeeland to the sayd Proposition.

MY Lords, vpon the Proposition which it hath pleased you to make on his Highnesse behalfe, that to take away all iealousie and distrust which seemed to hinder the sinceritie of the peace, wee should propound assurances, which wee thinke conuenient for the effecting thereof. The Prince of Orange and the deputies of the Estates of Holland and Zeeland, haue made answere, that it were a superfluous thing to de∣mande new assurances, seeing that the conditions promised by the pacification were [ E] not yet accomplished, and that to take away distrust, there was no better meanes then to beginne by the fulfilling of the points and articles of the pacification of Gant, the which wee beeing readie for our parts to accomplish, if any remayning▪ desiryng that you would doe the like on your behalfe, and that moreouer it hath pleased you my maisters to require vs to put in writing the points and articles which wee pretend are not yet fulfilled. To satisfie your desire therein, the Prince of Orange and the deputies of the Estat•…•…s of Holland and Zeeland, haue thought good to exhibit these articles following.

First that the aduice and answere which the Prince of Orange and the Estates of [ F] Holland and Zeeland haue giuen by writing to all the generall Estates of the Nether∣lands▪ by the hands of Mounsier de Villerual dated the nineteenth day of February in the yeare of our Lord 1577. containes many Articles, by which it appeeres that the pacification made at Marche in Famine was not conformable to all the Articles

of the pacification of Gant, for which cause the sayd Prince & Estates haue not allowed * 2.228 [ A] of the said pacification, but vpon expresse condition that the generall estates should for their parts passe an act obligatory in due forme, signed by them and the Gouer∣nors of Prouinces, commanders and colonels, conformable to that which is more par∣ticularly specified in the said aduice and answer.

Where-vpon they haue by an act giuen and dated the first of March, declared their intention to haue alwaies beene to maintaine effectually the pacification made at Gand, and to seeke to redresse all that they should finde done or attempted to the contrary, or against the preuiledges, rights, liberties and customes of the Netherlands, as well in generall as in particular, and they promised to cause the like resolution to be signed by the Gouernors of Prouinces, commanders and collonels, as being bound [ B] to gouerne them-selues accordingly, which promise and condition hath not beene, effected nor accomplished: for the Germains are not yet gone out of the country, which is contrary to the said pacification of Gand. Item the goods haue not beene neither are yet restored to the Prince of Orange, as well in these parts, as in Bourgong∣ne and Luxembourg. Neither is the Earle of Buren his sonne deliuered, which doth not onely impugne the said pacification, but also the preuiledges and liberties of the country, and the conditions of the said aduice and answer. Item the Prince hath not his gouernment yet restored vnto him, as hee had it by commission from his Maies∣ty, seeing that neither the country and towne of Vtrecht, nor the townes of Tholen, Heusden and others, are not yet vnited to their ancient gouernments, as they were in former times, where in my Lords of the councell of State haue shewed them-selues [ C] partiall, writing letters to them of Vtrecht, by the which they haue kept them from submitting them-selues vnder their ancient Gouernor, according to the said pacificati∣on, and the preuiledges of Vtrecht, although that they of Vtrecht haue often required that they might submit them-selues. Moreouer in steed of augmenting and maintaining the priuileges of the country, as had beene specefied, not onely in the said pacification, but also in the conditions of the said aduice and answer, giuen vnto the generall estates, we see them now deminished, yea broken and violated in diuers sorts: for my Lords the States haue by their Instruction giuen to certaine deputies sent vnto Don Iohn lately (sence the said aduice and answer, where it had beene expresly mentioned) subiected the assembly of the States as wel general as particular, vnto the good pleasure [ D] of Don Iohn, the which should remaine free, according to the ancient rights, pre∣uiledges and liberties of the Countrie, in those Prouinces and places that haue preuiledges.

Item those of the religion are not admitted in any places and townes of other pro∣uinces, to remaine there according to the pacification of Gand as may bee verified by many examples, if they will take informations. And yet not-with-standing all this and that the promises and obligations contained in the said pacification of Gand, and sence, in that which the estates haue promised to the Prince & to the estates of Holland and Zeeland be not accomplished, yet they haue receiued the said Don Iohn for Gouer∣nor and Captaine generall, without the aduise of the said Prince and estates of Holland [ E] and Zeeland, not that the said Prince and States will say they would haue opposed them-selues, but for that it seemes that the vnion brought in by the said pacification hath beene by that meanes neglected. And which is more, they haue accepted of Don Iohn with his traine of Italiens and Spaniards, the which is euen against the Edict of pacification made by Don Iohn at March in famine. Also wee see that contrary to the said pacification of Gand, many strangers, Italiens, Spaniards and others, which haue shewed them-selues partiall and Spaniolized, haue great credit with Don Iohn, as the Seignior Octauio Gonzaga, Fernand Nunno, the Secretary Escouedo, the Seignior of Gaste, who hath beene imployed into England, to breake the Vnion of England and these Countries, with Iohn Baptista Taxis and many others, haunting daily [ F] the court of the said Don Iohn, although they haue done very bad offices against the good of the Countrie, and as the common brute is, Don Iohn hath some secret coun∣cell with the aboue named and others of the like humor.

Finally it seemes that by vertue of the clauses contained in the league and vnion * 2.229 [ A] which my Lords the Estates haue made although peraduenture they had no such in∣tent there bee in effect a new inquisition brought in, yea more greeuous then that in former times, or that which they vse in Spaine, the which informe not against any person of what religion soeuer, vntill that hee bee suspected, or haue giuen some oc∣casion: whereas hee here by this newe forme of league, all men serche after for their consciences and religion, vnder collour of maintaining the vnion, contrarie to the pacification of Gant, and all concor. Wee omit the complaintes of priuate per∣sons touching the restitution of goods and the fraudes and abuses of the Receiuors of confiscations, for that wee will not trouble the Estates with trifles, which may be hand∣led at an other time. [ B]

Made at Geertrudenbergh the foure and twenty of Maie. 1577.

AFter that Don Iohn had bin receiued into Brussells with all his traine vpon a hope grounded vpon his promises, that in time hee would dismisse them, and that af∣ter hee had setled an order in his house, hee would not bee serued but by them of the countrie. Notwithstanding, when as hee found that (for so much as his followers were greatly suspected, to the Bourgers of Brussells, and to all the Estates in generall who had often intreated him to discharge them) hee could not well execute that [ C] which hee had long proiected vpon the sayd towne. Hee therefore sought an oc∣casion to goe to Macklin vnder collour to treat with the Germaine Collonels, where hee did freely and without any scruple cause all sorts of Italians, Spaniards and them * 2.230 that were of the Spanish faction to enter and frequent his Court, and all that had de∣clared themselues enemies to their countrie and fauorers of the mutinies, sedytions, spoilings and outrages of the sayd Spaniards, hauing open conuersation and famili∣aritie with them, holding councells of the State and affaires of the sayd countries with them, as the effects conformable to the letters written to the Germaines Collonels haue since made manifest: for at that time insteed of treating in the States name of their paiement, and retreat out of the countrie, as hee was bound by the sayd [ D] Accord and Edict, sollemnely sworne by him vpon the Euangill, in the hands of the Bishop of Boisleduke, all the States assisting, and in the presence of the Popes Noncio and the Emperors ambassadors, hee practised with the sayd Germaines to bandie them against the States, and to do that which hee since effected: as it appeeres by his letter written to the Baron of Frundtsbergh and to Charles Foucker their Collonels the 16. of Iuly in these words.

Worthie Gentlemen, I thinke you remember well what I treated with you at Mac∣klin, * 2.231 and the order which I gaue you concerning that which it behoueth you to doe for his Maiesties seruice. And although I assure my selfe that you will not faile there∣in, but will put it in execution (according vnto the vertue and wisdome you haue [ E] hetherto vsed) what hath beene giuen you in charge for his Maiesties seruice. Not∣withstanding the businesse beeing of so great importance, I haue thought good to recharge you by these my letters, and to put you in minde of what wee haue trea∣ted, and to require and command you (as I doe in his Maiesties name) that as soone as possible you can, you effect and put in execution what was concluded betwixt vs, for that therein you shall doe that wherevnto you are bound, and which is requisite for the assurance of your persons and your paie, whereof the States pretended to de∣priue you: wherevnto it is not reasonable that either you or I should consent, seeing that his Maiesties intent nor mine were neuer other, but to haue you honored, paied and fauored. Our Lord keepe you &c.

[ F]

And moreouer for a more ample declaration of the great desire hee had of the exe∣cution of his desseignes plotted there, hee added with his owne hand.

You knowe my Maisters what I haue giuen you in charge at Macklin, and that in the execution thereof you shall discharge the dutie and seruice which you owe vnto

his Maiesty assuring moreouer by the same meanes your liues and entertainments: [ A] for that the intention of the States being to leaue you yea and to take al from you: I am * 2.232 bound with the rest to doe that seruice to his Maiesty, seeing it is hee that must paie you, and •…•…in his name am to take the charge. And to the priuate Captaines hee did write with his owne hand vnderneth the letter written in high Duch, in these termes. My friends I referre my selfe to that which your Collonels shall deliuer you more at large. Beleeue them, and continue as you ought in his Maiesties seruice which is the King, whome you serue, and who must satisfie and paie you, and the like will I doe vnto you, if GOD permit, as your Generall, friend and fellowe souldiar.

The same month of Iulie sending Ierome Curiell with letters of credit vnto the Collonels, hee writ also with his owne hand these words in substance.

I send Ierome [ B] Curiel againe vnto you, to declare vnto you more particularly what hee hath in charge, and seeing the chance is cast, and cannot bee recalled againe, it is necessarie to proceede, and that which doth most import, is expedition, and great dilligence in the execution of that which hath beene agreed vpon and concluded. Whereby it

did plainely appeere that insteed of treating with the Germaines for the States, as * 2.233 hee had promised by the said accord, hee treated and practised against them•…•… And insteed of reconciling them one with an other: hee did incense them more, per∣swading the Collonels that the States would defraude them of their entertaine∣ment, and take awaie their liues. And whereas hee was bound to cause them to depart out of all the Townes and places of strength in the countrie, hee tooke [ C] them into his seruice, and made them remaine in Townes to conquer their paie by the sword.

Whilest that hee remained in Macklin hee caused one of the Religion to bee execu∣ted by the sword. And whereas it was held strange, and that they murmured there∣at. Hee answered (wherein the Bishoppe of Arras did second him) that hee did not therein goe against the pacification of Gant, which was not to bee vnder∣stood * 2.234 but for those of the Religion which had beene absent, and not for them which had remained in the countrie, as this did. This was a goodly beginning of the in∣terpretation of the sayd pacification, but there were afterwards some that were [ D] more wrested. Don Iohn hauing on the other side by them of Flanders compounded with the three companies of Collonel Polwill•…•…r beeing in Denremonde. And vpon the petition presented by them of Flanders obtained authoritie to giue a pasport to euerie souldiar to retire into Germanie, as appeeres by an Appostille of his owne

hand as followeth. His highnesse hauing heard and vnderstood the report of this pe∣tition, * 2.235 declares that they maie addresse themselues for the pasports therein required to the generall Estates, whome his highnesse doth authorize to giue them, as hee doth also authorize the signior of Ryhouen to make the priuate pasports. And as for Com∣missioners for the conduct of the sayd three companies out of the countrie, his high∣nesse commandes the Audiencier or Secretarie to make pattents concerning the same [ E] vnto such Commissioners as shall be named vnto him. Made at Macklin the 5. of Iuly 1577. signed Iohn, and vnder neath Berty.

Notwithstanding presently after he writ and commanded those soldiars to continue still in the same towne, obeying their Collonel Polwiller, with whom they were in dissention, and without any correspondencie, as it appeered vnto the Estates by the letters which the sayd soldiars had sent vnto them. Finally insteed of pacefying all troubles, and maintayning the peace and quiet of the countrie, as hee had promised, making the said accord, and had alwaies so pretended: presently after that he had so sol∣lemnly signed and sworne it, hee plotted new enterprises with his Secretarie Escouedo, and in the end put all in combustion, procuring warre, which hee had alwaies affected, [ F] and sought nothing but an oportunitie to put it in execution. And seeing on the one * 2.236 side that for the good and firme vnion of the States among themselues and on the other side for the good reception they had made him, and continued daily withall sincerity & loialty: And that, in regard of two points, whereof in the beginning hee would haue

charged the Estates, that is the Catholike and Romish faith, and the obedience due vn∣to * 2.237 the King, they carried themselues so faithfully and without any reproch as hee had * 2.238 [ A] no cause nor collour to oppose himselfe against them. Hee resolued to dissemble his bad intent against them for a while, and to conceale his desseignes which had beene plotted at Macklin, thinking hee should not easily preuaile, vnlesse hee did first ruine the Prince of Orange and the States of Holland and Zeeland: or els that hee should finde some occasion thereby, to shew himselfe more openly in case the States made any difficulty to declare warre against him: or els hoping to diuide them, he re∣solued to seeke all possible meanes to breake the vnion and alliance, which by the paci∣fication of Gant they had with the sayd Prince and States of Holland and Zeeland: as hauing more apparent matter to complaine of that side, in regard of the sayd two * 2.239 points, without any obseruation of the order which had beene concluded in the sayd [ B] pacification of Gant, to come to a generall assembly of the States of all the Prouinces, wherevnto all controuersies remayning were referred: but would anticipate and pre∣uent the time, insisting very vehemently, that without any attention of the season and the prefixed order; they should satisfie him in many points, the decision whereof had beene referred by the sayd pacification to the assembly generall: finally at his departure from Brussells to Macklin, he propounded vnto the States to take armes against the said Prince, saying, that if hee were in Italie or in Spaine hee would come expresly into the Netherlands to maintaine the quarrell of them of Amsterdam. The which ministred oc∣casion of great distrust and bitternesse vnto the States, to see him so resolute to take armes, reiecting the reasons that were giuen him of either part, requiring to haue the [ C] cause examined more at large, before hee should dismember them by warre, from whence so many miseries and calamities did grow, for the auoiding whereof the States had so much labored.

At the same time hee writ to the Emperor and to all the Princes Electors of Germa∣ny, and he sent also to the Queene of England, to incense them against the sayd Prince, as if he had violated and broken the peace: and all without the priuity of the States or * 2.240 summoning the Prince to answere to those actions, or to satisfie that which hee had promised. Hauing moreouer expresly forbidden the ambassador which hee had sent vnto the Queene, not to make any mention vnto her Maiesty, nor intreat her to assist the States with money wherewith they might presently haue discharged the Germains [ D] which was the chiefe point the States had recommended vnto the sayd ambassador. Don Iohn shewing openly in all his actions, the desire hee had to breake the pacifica∣tion of Gant, in attempting warre against the Prince and them of Holland: the which from the beginning beeing at Luxembourg and at Marche in Famine, hee made shew to affect greatly according to the letters written from Spaine to Rhoda, almost at the verie instant of his arriuall, and the instructions that were giuen him at his departure from Spaine, the which tooke this point for a chiefe foundation, that hee must with * 2.241 the ayde of the generall States make warre against the Prince and them of Holland and Zeeland, that (they being ruined) hee might with more facility vanquish all the rest, as it appeeres by the sayd letter. [ E]

But seeing that the States would not enter rashly into warre against Holland and Ze∣land: but resoluing to hold the pacification, would referre the decision of all contro∣uersies to a lawfull conference, and moreouer to attend a generall conuocation of the States, as it had beene agreed by the pacification of Gant, hee tooke occasion thereby to hold them as disobedient and rebells to the King, treating with the Germanie Col∣lonels as we haue shewed by his letters, of the means how he might be reuenged of the States, practising vnder hand to draw away their forces, and to dispose of them at his pleasure, wherefore finding the towne of Macklin not verie commodious for the ef∣fecting thereof, beeing scituated in the midest of the country, hee aduised to retire him∣selfe * 2.242 into some fronter towne of strength, thinking first to put himselfe into Mons, vn∣der [ F] a collour to receiue the Queene of Nauarre there, who should passe that way to go to the Bathe of Spa, in the countrie of Liege: the which succeeding not, hee remained quiet for a time making shew that the Queenes voiage was broken off.

And as the States during these practises were aduertised that they leuied many soldiars [ A] vpon the frontiers of France, in the Duke of Guises name, and vnder coullor to goe * 2.243 against the forces which Duke Iohn Casimire should prepare to succor the Prince of Conde and the Protestants of France; Don Iohn being aduertised hereof by letters from the said States, seemed alwaies could and carelesse, saying that hee had not re∣ceiued any newes thereof, as appeared by his letters of the twenty of Iuly, written to the States to that pourpose: not-with-standing that they had receiued diuers aduertisements from France that the said Leuy which was made vpon the fron∣tiers, was to enter into the Netherlands, and to helpe to exploit that which time hath sence discouered.

And in the meane time vpon the same petext to goe and meet with the Queene [ B] of Nauarre, hee pretended a iorney to Namur, to seeke some meanes to seaze vpon the castell, and with all vpon the frontier Townes and Forts, the which hee effected: for at the same instant hee packt vp all his baggage, and caused all to bee carried away that hee had in Brussells and Macklin: yea hee made all his prouision of wine to bee sold, whereby it appeared what his intent was. And at the same instant according vnto that which had beene resolued on at Macklin, hee sought by all meanes to assure him-selfe of the towne and castell of Antwerp, as the cheefe towne of the Nether∣lands, the keye of Brabant and the opening of the Nauigation, whereon the propertie of all the said Countries depends: And therefore hee did so ernestly presse the Ger∣maine collonels by all his letters, to put that speedely in execution which had beene * 2.244 concluded betwixt them at Macklin, vsing in those of the twenty fiue of Iuly these [ C] words. I wonder much that vnto this hower I haue receiued no letters from you nor

any aduise of what you haue done in the execution of that which you had in charge. And for that I shall bee much perplexed vntill I heare from you, I pray you aduer∣tise mee presently.

Hee had prouided that collonell Cornellis van Eynden should enter into the towne of Antwerp with fower companies, and expressly after the Seignior of Hierges, and one of his Bretheren with their, regiments euery one at his time appointed, as appeers by his letter of the twenty six of Iuly, where hee writes thus. * 2.245

One of the two is gon yesterday to assemble his troupes to cause them to march where they are appointed, and the eldest shall part this day and shall come to the place appointed: so as it is fit you should proceed, whereof I pray you, resting assured that [ D] whatsoeuer hath beene promised you shall bee performed. At the foote of the said letter hee did write wich his owne hand I am very well satisfied to vnderstand that they proceed in that which hath beene resolued, and intreat you to aduertise mee what shall passe there: for touching matters here, there shall bee nothing wanting of that which hath beene concluded. And in that of the twenty seauen of the month, hee writ to Collonell Foucker in these termes. The said Earles Brother shall come * 2.246 sodenly when it shall bee time. In that of the thirty hee saith, hold good corres∣pondencie with the second brother, for if need bee I will send you the elder, in the meane time stand carefully vpon your gards, and aduertise me often of your newes. [ E] And in that of the thirty one. Our friend shall soone part, and shall vse all possi∣ble dilligence to bee speedely there. As for the castell of Antwerp, Don Iohn

knowing well that the Prince of Chimay, a young Noble-man, vnacquainted with * 2.247 affaiers was in it, and that hee had commandement as Lieutenant to the Duke of Arschot his father, not to abandon it, he writ vnto him that vpon sight of the letter, hee should come to Macklin, and accompany him to Namur, assuring him-selfe that in the meane time the Seignior of Treslon would discharge his duty for the keep∣ing of the place, and that at his comming to Macklin he would talke with him of that whereof he had written the day before. The Prince of Chimay went, and being come to Don Iohn, he neuer spake word vnto him touching any thing. And demanding his leaue [ F] to returne to the said castell, he answered him, that he had prouided for the safe keeping therof, where as they treated of some matters, whereby his person might bee in some danger: But when all should bee well setled that hee would then aduertise him. In the meane time Don Iohn had laid his plot long before, as it appeared by a letter written

with his owne hand to Collonel Foucker of the seauen and twenty of Iuly.

By your let∣ter * 2.248 [ A] which I haue receiued of Monsiure Treslon, I gather that when he writ vnto me, they of the castle had not yet receiued the dispatch which I had giuen you for them at Mack∣lin, whereat I meruaile much, seeing that you knowe I do so much affect it; giue it him presently, if you haue not alreadie done it, and bee carefull to execute that effec∣tually which hath beene treated, without expecting our friend, for hee shall come time inough.

This pollecy to settle the signior of Treslon in the castle of Antwerp, in the place * 2.249 of the Prince of Chimay, was to the end that hee should hold it at his deuotion against the States, and that by mutuall intelligence hee might bring in the Germaines and other souldiars, and by the same meanes assure himselfe also of the towne.

And by his letter of the eight and twenty of Iuly to Collonel Foucker hee writes. This day [ B] after dinner I haue receiued your letter written yesterday, and doe wonderfully re∣ioyce that Mounsier Treslon is so resolute to assist you in all necessities. The which bee∣ing so, I haue great hope, that Champagnies attempts, as you write vnto mee (for the signior of Champagny feared least the troupes of Collonel Cornellis van Eynden which marched already, should enter there) shall not preuaile. Yet you must keepe good

gard, and bee Vigilant, that at the same time there enter no men on the other side for the Prince of Orange. In the meane time Don Iohn sought by all meanes to winne the Signior of Philomey, Sonne to the Signior of Willerual, who had a companie in the sayd castle, writing vnto him to that end the sixe and twenty of Iulie in these words.

Most deere and well beloued, you shall vnderstand by Mounsier de Hierges and by my * 2.250 [ C] letters, which hee shall deliuer you, the conspiracie which hath beene practised a∣gainst vs: the present estate of the affaires, the confidence wee haue in you, with the present occasion that is offred. The which I hope shall make you shew vnto the King my Lord how much you loue him, and how good and loyall a vassall hee hath of you. In the meanetime beeing necessarie for his Maiesties seruice, that the foure compa∣nies of Cornellis van Eynden should enter into the new towne, if perchance the sig∣nior of Hierges had not beene with you nor sent vnto you before the sayd entrie (notwithstanding that wee haue written it to Mounsier Treslon) wee would also make it knowne vnto you by these presents, which Charles Foucker shall deliuer vnto you, [ D] to the end you may knowe that it is done by our commandement, as a thing most re∣quisite for his Maiesties seruice. In whose behalfe wee sommon you that according vnto the oth which you haue sworne vnto him, you will constantly serue him with the companie that is vnder your charge, in the garde of that castle, adhering to no other but to him and to vs in his name, as your Gouernor although you bee other∣waies required and prest: incorraging your souldiars to doe their duties, as it befits honest men, and assuring them that they shalbe well intreated and paied to the vtter∣most &c.

Vpon these intelligences Don Iohn thought that this desseigne vpon Antwerp (the which as wee haue sayd had beene plotted before at Macklin) could not faile him, and held himselfe verie assured thereof; thinking also to haue the townes and coun∣trie [ E] of Luxembourg at his deuotion, (as indeed hee had) to haue a passage alwaies * 2.251 open from Bourgongne and Italie, hee also mannaged his businesse in such sort, as knowing verie well that the States would not satisfie the signior of Hierges desire, touching the Gouernment of Charlemont which the signior of Mericourt would re∣signe vnto him; to incense the States, seeking some cause of quarrell against them, hee promised it vnto Hierges, and gaue vnto him the gouernment of Charlemont, contrary to the intent of the sayd States, and contrarie to all that which had beene decreed, by the accord of pacification, and the perpetuall Edict.

Thinking that hee had made his proiects so surely as all should succeed to his de∣fire tas well for that hee held himselfe assured (as hee thought) of the towne and castle [ F] of Antwerp, as to haue all the Germaines at his deuotion, beeing foure Regiments, with those of the Lords of Hierges, Megen, Floion and Cerf (which was wont to bee that of Collonel Mario Cordoni) thinking also that the States treasure was all

exhausted: for that they had dismist their forces, that were entertained by the priuate [ A] Prouinces. Hauing also learned by letters and by a man that was expresly sent, what * 2.252 forces they had to expell the sayd Germaines, hee resolued to proceed. And not∣withstanding that two daies before hee had sent the signior of Grobbendoncq vnto the States, to let them vnderstand that hee desired to come to Brussells, so as all things might bee well ordred touching certaine Articles, presented on his behalfe, where∣in hee had beene formerly satisfied (vnder collour of going a hunting, whereas the chiefe Noblemen followed him beeing before the castle of Namur, and seeming to haue a desire to visit it, and to viewe the countrie about, hee commanded the duke of * 2.253 Arschot to followe him. Beeing entred into the castle hee sayd, that for the safetie of his owne person and the dukes, together with his traine, hee had thought it fit to put himselfe into that place: entring into it, they found at the port the Earle of Me∣gen [ B] and the signior of Hierges, Floion and Hautepenne bretheren, Sonnes to Barlai∣mont, with pistolles in their hands: and presently Don Iohn tooke a pistoll, which hee drewe out of the case, and shewing his armes, sayd, that it was the first daie of his gouernment, and then hee presently placed his gards, the which happened the foure and twenty of Iuly.

Being thus seized of the castle, hee assembled the councell, to whom hee made a de∣claration of the long and the exceeding great patience, which hee had had against so * 2.254 manie and such intollerable indignities which he had suffred by the States of the coun∣trie, and that hee was resolued not to beare them any longer: but to gouerne, and to be [ C] absolutly obeied, according to the charge which hee had from Spaine: And yet for that hee would not altogither distast the Noblemen of the countrie, which were about his person, thinking that it was not yet time to declare himselfe openly, hee shewed forth two letters, one of the ninteenth, the other of the one and twenty, but without any subs∣cription of signature, by the which they did aduertise him that there was a conspira∣cie against his person, to seize on him at Brussells or at Macklin, and therefore he should prouide for his owne safetie: alleadging, therevpon, that hee was now in a place where he held himselfe from the bad practises of conspirators, imputing all the occasion of his retreate (long before precended, yea from his first comming vnto these coun∣tries, * 2.255 as the proofes did witnesse) vnto a conspiracie newely found out: seeing [ D] that if there had beene any cause of such suspicion, hee might haue preuented it by exemplarie iustice, beeing Gouernor and Commander of the countrie, and gene∣rally obeied.

At the same time, hee sent the Lord of Rassengem with the coppie of these two letters to the States at Brussells, with certaine Articles, the which hee would haue ef∣fected before hee returned to Brussells, tending in effect to disarme the Lord of Heze (who had beene made Gouernor of the towne by the States before his com∣ming) and all the Bourgers with all, that hee might by that stratageme the better surprize the towne, as hee had done Namur, and the castle.

And although the States had great cause to distrust all these courses of Don Iohn and to stand vpon their gard, who had so plainely discouered his intention, and in * 2.256 [ E] so manie sorts broken the treaties of pacification and quietnesse as well of Marche in Famine as of Gant, yet they were so farre from making shewe of any Act of hos∣tilitie, as they sent vnto him the Abbot of Marolles: the Archedeacon of Ypre and the signior of Breuck with great and ample instructions of the fiue and twenty daie of Iulie, by the which the States made a plaine declaration of their sincere inten∣tions and meaning vnto him in all faith and obedience, beseeching him most humb∣ly that hee would bee pleased to lay a side all suspition grounded vpon doubtfull and false reportes, and to preuent all inconueniences and alterations, which this his extraordinarie retreate to the castle of Namur, with the sodaine taking and seizing [ F] vpon Charlemont might caus•…•…, promising him at his returne and presence in the sayd towne of Brussells, fidelitie and assurance against all men. And to doe ex∣emplarie iustice vpon all them that should bee found culpable and faultie of so wicked a conspiracie. Wherefore they intreated him that as well the accused vs

the accusers might bee named vnto them, to make a iudiciall information, and to doe * 2.257 [ A] iustice accordingly: whereof they gaue them a new charge the next day, with promise to expose their liues and goods, for the safety and seruice of his person: and moreouer that all that bare armes should take an oth to that end: Treating with him notwith∣standing with all sinceritie and dilligence, vpon the contentment and the retreate of the Germaines, the which he made shew to desire greatly.

But notwithstanding all this, and that the states had often since besought Don Iohn that they might know them that were accused to be guiltie of this conspiracie, and the names of them that had accused them: insisting still that hee would bee pleased to free himselfe of this distrust of them, and by his returne to Brussells preuent all alterati∣ons that were growne by reason of his retreate: promising to bee seuere reuengers of all those that would attempt against him or his. More-ouer they had consented [ B] by letters of the thirty of Iuly, that hee might besides his ordinarie garde of Archers and Halbardiers, haue an other garde of Captaines and Souldiers, to the number of three hundred Harquebuziers on foote, that were borne in the countrey, and pleasing to him and the States, the like whereof had neuer beene granted to any Prince of the bloud or other.

Yet notwithstanding all this, they could not obtaine any thing of him; but insteed * 2.258 of seeking to dispatch the Germaines out of the countrey, which hee had so often promised and sworne, hee discouered and made open declaration of the intelligence hee had with them, the which hee had vntill then kept secret; neither could hee con∣teine himselfe to say vnto the Abbot of Marolles, that hee held himselfe assured of the [ C] Towne and Castell of Antwerpe, and that hee wanted neither men nor money, giuing him charge to aduertise the States thereof. Commanding more-ouer the Germaines of Collonell Van Ernden, to marche towards Antwerpe, and to ioyne with them that were there before: Giuing order vnto the Seignior of Treslon (according vnto that which had beene long before concluded) to bring them in, and to ioyne with them: shewing therein all hostilitie, and a resolute intention to oppresse the countrie againe by these strangers, more then it had beene before: So as the Merchants of Antwerpe, as well those of the countrey as strangers, began to prepare to retire themselues, and * 2.259 to abandon the Towne, and to leaue it in a miserable desolation; yea some were seene to leape out at windowes to saue themselues, casting infinite packes of Marchandise [ D] into boates at all aduentures, fearing they should not in time auoide the furie of these mercenarie Germaines, whose furie and couetousnesse was too well knowne vnto them by experience, to their great hinderance and losse. Notwithstanding the states were not yet inclined to take the course of Armes, hoping that Don Iohn, according to so many promises and othes so solemnly made and swore, would rather remedie these inconueniences by reason and Iustice, then by the violence of Armes: had it not beene that the same day that they made their complaints of this commandement giuen to the Seignior of Treslon, and of the desseigne of the said Cornellis van Eindein, which was the eight and twenty of Iuly, letters were brought vnto them, that Don Iohn and the Se∣cretary Escouedo had in the moneths of Marche and Aprill last past, written vnto the * 2.260 [ E] King, and to his Councellor and Secretarie Antonio Perez, the which hauing beene in∣tercepted in Gasconie, were sent into Holland to the Prince of Orange, who sent them to the states to consider of their affaires.

Among these letters that were intercepted, there were three from Don Iohn, two vn∣to the King, and one vnto Antonio Perez, all of the seauenth of Aprill. In the first after that hee had much complained of the wante of pay for his Souldiers, and per∣swaded the King to keepe his credit, not-with-standing a certaine proclamation made vpon the change of money which hee receiued from the Marchants, which was greatly to the preiudice of the said Marchants. He said, that as for that which toucheth the reduction and tranquilitie of these countries, I cannot assure your Maiestie of any [ F] thing certaine, nor that they shall reape the fruite which was expected of the peace which they make: the Prince of Orange continues still to fortifie in Holland & Zeeland with all vehemencie. The Queene of England doth incourage him, and labours what

shee can that hee should not accept what hath beene capitulated, and to that end of∣fers [ A] him her power. * 2.261

The greatest part of the countrey is at his deuotion, some for loue they beare him, and others for that they haue beene deceiued by these men, and herein almost all the people are conteined. Such as desire to enioy your Maiesties grace and pardon (which is the smallest number) they thinke that in accepting it, they doe all they ought, be∣sides they are so faint harted, as they will make no demonstration worthy the noting. And if they would imploy them-selues, there will bee a great confusion and diuision among them all, as soone as the Spaniards shall bee gone, some to haue mee admitted to the gouernment, and other to hinder it. And for that (as I say) the first will haue small courage, if the other oppose against mee, those will altogether faint, and not any [ B] one will dare to shew himselfe. I am carefull how I may put my selfe into some place of more safetie then this, where I may prouide for all affaires: for beeing free and at libertie, I doubt not but there will bee many which will declare them-selues for your Maiestie, if they deceiue mee not with their words and demonstrations. Behold how I imploy my selfe at this present, omitting no office to winne their good wills, and to let the States vnderstand what is fitte for them. But I see that he∣therto it is as much as to preach in the ayre, &c.

In the same letter there was written vnderneath. The Earle of Mansfeldt told mee, that hee hath sent certaine instructions vnto your Maiestie, vpon the which hee doth not yet know if there hath beene taken any resolution: wherein hee thinkes that his [ C] seruices haue not beene respected: your Maiestie knowes what they bee, and that you haue not here any one of his sort. I say, that if it bee iust, it is reason to content him, for that he is most necessary. Wherefore I beseech your Maiestie, seeing you giue re∣ward vnto the bad, that they should not prooue worse, that you would do the like vnto the good, to incourage them to bee better: else the others will glory and bragge that their mallice hath beene auaileable vnto them, and these will bee discouraged, and many will bee prouoked to follow their opinions which preuaile against Iustice and reason. And for that this is a point of great consideration, I desire for your Maiesties seruice, that that bee not denyed to them that meritte, which is giuen to such as de∣serue exemplarie punishment, and that their reward may bee speedy, seeing it is one of [ D] the parts which makes it seeme great.

After the date, and subscription, there was written by Don Ihon himselfe. I beseech your Maiestie as farre as your seruice doth require, to accomplish this as soone as may bee; seeing this body hath no other remedie, but to cut off that which is putrified, the which must now bee done with that prouision. For the which I doe againe beseech you, for if it faile, nothing can stand firme: and in the meane time wee haue great neede to pray, that God will ayde the present state. In the second letter vnto the King, written the same day, hee saith. By this which I presently write, and by the other your Maiestie may see what hath past and doth passe, and in what estate the affaires bee, that doth assure you, that if this wound may bee cured by patience, it shall bee helpt, if by too much forcing of my condition I fall not sicke, or that the naturall inclination of [ E] man doth not otherwise force mee. But hetherto I see this Phisicke hath wroughe small effect, and I am doubtfull what it will doe! In that which Don Iohn did write vn∣to the Secretary Antonio Perez, dated the seauenth of Aprill, hee saith. I haue and will sacrifice my selfe for his Maiesties pleasure, whilest that I shall see that i•…•… doing it, * 2.262 it shall not bee directly against his seruice. Wherefore I say, that so long as there shall bee any danger, or that any thing shall require my presence, I will not make any vse of the leaue which I haue demanded, although it bee granted mee. But that b•…•…ng done, and after that I haue ended things wherein I may doe any seruice, it is no reason it should bee refused mee. For beeing then to obs•…•…e the old gouernment 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and that [ F] which these people would haue (as of force wee must) a womans or childs steart will (without all comparison) bee more fitte then mine, for they will neuer rest assured of mee. So as I say, that whereas his Maiestie hath pardoned them freely, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hee hath forgotten the offences which they haue done, seeing that hee hath take•…•… from

them the man of whom they had conceiued such iealousie, and that hee shall send them * 2.263 [ A] an other of whom they can haue no doubt, for as their offence is exceeding great, they thinke that his Maiesty will not leaue it vnpunished, and do certainely beleeue that I shal be the Instrument. &c.

In that which Iohn Escouedo Secretary to Don Iohn did write vnto the King of the 27. of March. After that hee had complained of the small credit he had among the mar∣chants by reason of the decree, whereof Don Iohn complaines in like sort; hauing in∣ueighed greatly against the States and Noblemen of the countrie, and against the Prince of Orange and the Hollanders, he sayeth, my Leege, the affaires standing vp∣on these tearmes, and those here being vnwilling to admit Don Iohn vnto the gouern∣ment vntill that the Spaniards be quite out of the country (who might serue for some remedy)

your Maiesty wil consider what paine and care this may & wil breed, & if it had [ B] chanced for the good of your Maiesties seruice to haue had money here for the finall rooting out &c. In that of the 6. of Aprill vnto the King, Escouedo sayd the states haue not performed what they ought, that is, a hundred and fifty thousand crownes, neither do they assist in any thing, although that I haue beene expresly at Brusselles to present it vnto them and to the Councell of state whom it did import to aide me. Wherevpon I made them along discourse, but they loue your Maiesty so coldly, as no reasons can make them to hinder themselues: neither do I see any one man that will shew them the way, wherefore it doth the more import to recouer credit among the marchants, & that your Maiesty be carefull thereof. By the third letter written by Escouedo vnto the King bearing the same date, he sayth. My Leege, I will tell your Maiesty, that I see neither [ C] deeds nor words in any one which giue me hope that these men should be pacified, nor performe that which they haue promised, for all that we can see or heare tends to liber∣ty of conscience, the which your Maiesty may hold for certaine, and that withall it is ne∣cessary, to endeauor here by al humaine means, to redresse these your Maiesties affaires with the least preiudice that may be. Your Maiesty will consider what is to bee done, in case they will put this ill in execution, forgetting God and your Maiesty, to become he∣retiks. There is an other thing which may helpe this, which is their priuate pretensions. Those that were prisoners thinke they haue deserued that which was giuen to others, and herevpon they will grow into factions: if it bee true, as I doe verely beleeue, then the liberty of conscience which they pretend will not bee hurtfull vnto your Maie∣sty, [ D] for one part of them wil fly vnto your Maiesty, & being so diuided we may the more easily reduce and chastise one by an other; In the conclusion of his letter he sayth. And * 2.264 seeing that I am come so far as to speake it, your Maiesty may beleeue it, and preuent it in time, being assured that this disease will not bee cured by any milde remedies, but by fire and bloud, and therefore you must prouide for it. And in that of the 8. of the same month, he writs vnto the King: for my part I know not what to say more, but that suspi∣tion increaseth daily, by the bad proceeding of these men, & your Maiesty may beleeue for certaine, that at the least they will haue liberty of conscience. By that of the ninth wheras he tooke it ill that the duke of Arschot had past out of Brabant into Flanders in the Prince of Oranges ships, being accompanied with the Vicont of Gant and the Lord [ E] of Borselle, he saith. Your Maiesty may consider if these things be done (the Spaniards being not yet out of the country) what wilbe afterwards attempted. If this must be cu∣red by miracle, it is time; if by hands and force, your Maiesty must prouide in time what shalbe needfull, for my part I would not much regard they should hold the places vpon the firme land: the Islands are chiefly to be lookt vnto. And this I hold more difficult thē the action of England. If the one were taken, the other would be also: and for the effect∣ing thereof, reasonable forces will suffice. I speake not this for the aduancement of Don Iohn (for I lay all priuate respects aside) but for that I haue long since sayd that your Ma∣iesty had no other remedy, the time had shewed it & will shew it daily more and more.

By all which letters, and others to the Empresse, inueighing much against the Nether∣lands, [ F] Don Iohn and his Secretary Escouedo, sought nothing but to incense the King of * 2.265 Spaine & the Emperor against the sayd countries: by the which Don Iohns intention did manifestly appeere, that all his promises, and the rewards which he had giuen till then

were but counterfeit, to abuse the Nobilitie and the people, that hee might surprise [ A] them at vnawares: and that all which they pretended against the Prince of Orange and * 2.266 them of Holland and Zeeland, were onely practises to diuide them, and so with the forces and meanes of the one party, to set vpon the other, & afterwards to take reuenge of them all together, and to roote them out by fire and sworde. Then began the states * 2.267 to looke more carefully to their affaires, and with great reason to distrust Don Iohn, all whose practises and actions they found conformable to the sayd letters, and to his des∣seignes long before proiected, and then plainely discouered by the contents thereof: for looking round about them, they see the Germaines, (who had taken from them all hope of their retreate) held the chiefe Townes and Keyes of Brabant, at the deuo∣tion and seruice of Don Iohn, with a manifest declaration of their bad affection to the [ B] States. And on the other side hee himselfe hauing seized on Namur and Charlemont, sought onely by the countrey of Luxembourg, to keepe the way open for such for∣raine forces as hee should please to bring into the countrey: and that assuring him∣selfe of the Castell of Antwerpe, hee caused his forces to marche from all parts. So as the states found themselues to bee compassed in, and enuironed round about, and likely to bee soddenly opprest and destroyed. Moreouer, that the losse of the sayd Towne and Castell of Antwerpe, had made them in an instant to loose their credite and meanes to recouer money and munition to make warre.

Wherevpon the States commanded the Lord of Champaigni to goe and lodge with his Regiment vpon the passages, whereas the companies of Cornellis van Einden should-passe, and come to Antwerpe, to ioyne with the Collonels Foucker and Fruns∣borgh, [ C] and with the Seigniors of Hierges and Floion, who with the assistance of the Seignior of Treslon, commanding in the Castell in the place of the Prince of Chimay, should seaze vpon the Towne and Castell of Antwerpe: and for that Collonell Foucker found some difficulties vpon the comming of Cornellis van Einden,

Don Iohn did write * 2.268 vnto him the last of Iuly, in these termes. I will write vnto the Regiment of Champag∣ni, that they shall dislodge from thence, but God knowes what they will doe: I write vnto the Magistrates, that they shall bee quiet and rest assured, seeing I will not consent that any wrong shall bee done them. And for this reason I am resolued, that the troupes of Cornellis van Einden shall not enter into the Towne, as I did aduertise you [ D] yesterday. Two dayes since I sent meanes to Monsieur Treslon to haue money to re∣leeue his men, whereby hee might preuent the perrill and danger that you present vnto mee.

In the meane time hee still entertained the States with the hope of peace, pretend∣ing that what hee did was onely for his assurance. Hee then began to propound vnto them hard and vnreasonable conditions, and so directly contrary to all the precedent contracts of pacification, as if they had beene already subiected vnto him. Wherefore they resolued to stand vpon their garde, and to preuent the danger that hung ouer their heads. And as during these proceedings the Seignior of Treslon, hauing decla∣red himselfe of the Germaines faction (whome hee should drawe into the Towne) [ E] propounded in the behalfe of Don Iohn, a new oth to the Captaines and Souldiers of the Castell of Antwerpe, directly contrary to that which they had sworne vnto the States: and that the sayd Captaines had beene sufficiently warned by the letters men∣tioned, which had beene intercepted: the Seignior of Treslon made him-selfe to bee suspected and odious to all the garrison of the Castell, except his owne companie, the which did so amaze and trouble him, as not knowing how to repaire this error, hee writte vnto Don Iohn in these termes.

This word shall serue to aduertise your Highnesse, that our Souldiers here are mu∣tined, * 2.269 and that I expect howerly when they should seaze on mee. It is not in my power to put a man into this place: for making the least shew thereof, it'is most cer∣taine [ F] they will pull mee in peeces, and the Captaines also, whereof I would not faile to aduertise your Highnesse. All this proceeds vpon certaine brutes of some letters, which they hearè were intercepted vpon the lands of Bourdeaux, signed by your Highnesse and Escouedo: and also for that your Highnesse hath commanded them to

suffer the foure companies of Van Einden to enter into the Towne, the which doth alter * 2.270 [ A] them in such sort, as I attend but the houre. I assure my selfe that if they haue the cop∣pies of the said letters, they will force mee to doe what they please. All the Marchants are fled out of the Towne: It is a very pittifull thing to see the disorder that is in it: I haue sent vnto the Magistrate to furnish vs with victuals, for that we are wholy vnpro∣uided. Monsieur Champaignies regiment doth alwaies coast the foure companies of Ein∣den. The Germaines are partly the cause of this alteration, for that seeing they had good correspondencie with mee, they haue giuen it out that they had taken an oth with vs: and that being ioyned with vs, they would make the Townes-men pay the minstrell, with other brauing speeches. My passage is cut off, so as I cannot haue any great cor∣respondencie with them, &c. Written the first of August, and post dated. Your High∣nesse [ B] may assure your selfe, that this alteration proceeds not for want of pay: for hea∣ring that the States haue sent twenty thousand Florins to pay all that is due to these companies, it hath caused a greater alteration then the first.

According to the Seignior of Treslons doubt, the States did so well manage this bu∣sinesse, as Ponthus of Noyele Seignior of Bours (whose Father had beene some-times Gouernor of Bethune and Hesdin) Captaine of a company in the sayd Castell of Antwerpe, hauing at this time more respect vnto the bonde of his faith once giuen vn∣to the States, and to the good of his countrey, then to any alluring perswasions and promises of rewa•…•…de that were made vnto him, refusing to take the oth propounded by the Seignior of Treslon, hee ioyned with most of the Captaines which held the [ C] same party, putting them selues in Armes against Treslon and his men: there were some * 2.271 peeces shotte off, where-with some were hurt. Treslon seeing this, and knowing that hee was too weake, retired into his lodging, where-as the sayd Seignior of Bours went and tooke him by the bosome: and hauing chased away all them of his faction, hee deliuered him with the Castell in the States hands, who sent their Deputies to giue order for all things.

The foure Germaine companies of Foucker and Frunsbergh, hearing the rumor that was in the Castell, put them-selues into armes, and at night came to the place of Meer∣brugge, but doubting their strength, they retired about mid-night to the new Towne (which is the strongest part of Antwerpe, by reason of the chanels that do enuiron it) [ D] where they thought to fortifie themselues, yet they continued there idle vntill the next day at noone, that the snips of Holland and Zeeland began to shew themselues, which struck such a terror into the Germaines, as leauing the Towne, they fled away, Foucker to Berghen vpon Zoome, and Frunsberg to Breda. On the other side, the Lord of * 2.272 Champaigni Gouernor of Antwerpe, went with his Regiment to incounter the compa∣nies of Cornellis van Einden, the which hee defeated, and kept them from ioyning with them of Breda. Don Iohn being much troubled with this vnfortunate crosse, writ to Col∣lonell Foucker the eight of August, complaining of this misfortune, yet he reioyced that the Collonell had escaped out of Antwerpe with his life: commanding him to remaine in Berghen vntill hee had seene further order; and after the date of the sayd letter, hee [ E] writ vnto him to goe to Namur, to command all the Germaines by reason of the in∣disposition of the Baron of Frunsbergh. But Collonell Fouckers men hauing recei∣ued this great disgrace at Antwerpe, did mutinie against him, and the tenth of Sep∣tember following tooke him prisoner, and deliuered him to the States, with the Towne of Berghen.

The States being freed of all feare of the Towne and Castell of Antwerpe, seeing the Germaines thus disperst, they assured them-selues of Liere, two leagues from * 2.273 Antwerpe: dooing that which any man of spirit and resolution that hath his life, honour, wife, children, goods, and countrey in any recommendation is bound to doe, for the preseruation and libertie thereof, discharging them-selues faithfully in [ F] all things that were committed vnto them for the publicke good of the countrey. for they did see plainely, that this hatred which Don Iohn had conceiued against them, was not newly growne vpon any occasion which they might haue giuen him,

but had taken roote from his first arriuall, and reception to the gouernment, as appea∣reth [ A] by those letters that were intercepted. And that at the same time when it began * 2.274 to bud out, and to shew the fruites by all effects of hostilitie, GOD by his grace did so fauour the States, as to discouer the first originall by the interception of the sayd letters. Whereby they did finde that there was small hope of any redresse, and lesse reason to suffer them-selues to bee any longer abused, with good words, and faire promises.

Iohn of Bourgongne a Knight, Siegnior of Fromont, being after the death of the Lord of Barlaimont, appointed Gouernor of the countrey of Namur by the States, a * 2.275 Gentleman of great age, wise and vertuous, hauing let Don Iohn vnderstand his error, and that those countries were not to bee so gouerned, nor abused, as hee thought to doe: and seeing that all his reasons and admonitions preuailed not; and fearing on [ B] the other-side, that the states would not yet seeke to preuent it by armes: meaning to aduertise them to bee carefull of their affaires, hee left Don Iohn, and came into Bra∣bant to ioyne with the States. The Duke of Arschot, and the Marquis of Haurec brethren, by whom Don Iohn thought to bee assisted and supported, waying well all his practises and desseignes, and what might in the end happen vnto them, and that no perswasions nor admonitions might preuaile to diuert him, they made some difficultie to enter any more in councell with him. Don Iohn fearing to loose them, and to bee abandoned, set watches ouer them, and held them as it were prisoners: yet not-with∣standing his good garde, hauing caused their horses to bee lead out of the Towne of [ C] Namur, they slipt away vnknowne to him, and without their traine. Beeing come to Brussells like good Countrey-men, they consulted with the States of the meanes to preuent the danger, and to cure this new wound, which Don Iohn had made.

Thus were the States forced against their wills to enter into a new warre against Don Iohn: who madde with rage for such vnfortunate successe of all his desseignes, did nothing but practise by what meanes hee might bee reuenged; continuing his accu∣stomed dissembling. And to iustifie his actions, after that hee had made his com∣plaint by letters, which hee had written to the States, hee insisted vpon two points: * 2.276 which were the maintenance of the Catholicke and Romish religion, and the obedi∣ence due vnto the King. Saving that hee pretented no other thing: and that hauing receiued satisfact on therein, hee would aboue all things seeke the good and quiet of [ D] the countrey. And as for his retreate to the Castell of Namur, it was onely for the safetie of his person, against the conspiracie which he maintained was practised against him. But if hee would haue confessed the truth of this retreate, hee must haue sayd it had beene for two reasons: the first was to preuent the danger of beeing stayed prisoner, beeing at Brusselles or Macklyn, and to haue all his desseignes discouered, if * 2.277 this attempt vpon the Castell of Antwerpe should faile, whereof hee was freed being in the Castell of Namur. The other was to haue alwayes a back-doore open, hauing the countrey of Luxembourg at his deuotion, to drawe as many strangers into the Netherlands, as hee pleased. Hee did also complaine much of the retreate of the Duke [ E] of Arschot and the Marquis of Haurec, who beeing aduertised of this practise of the Castell of Antwerpe, had abandoned him, as wee haue sayd. And although (sayd hee) hee had noted such and the like indignities and affronts which had beene done him, yet hee desired to gouerne himselfe according to his first contract: seeking nothing more then to haue all things well ordered: Hauing to that end intreated the Bishop of Liege to goe to Brussells to conferre with the States: the which hee was ready to performe if hee had not beene countermanded in all hast by them of Liege. In the meane time the States began to take heart, and to gather their forces together, where∣of * 2.278 at that time the Lord of Champaigni had the charge, with the which hee went to besiege the castell of Wouwe beeing held by certaine Germaines of Collonell Fouc∣kers [ F] Regiment. But seeing they could not maintaine it, they yeelded the fourth of August, the like did Steenberghen the ninth of that moneth, and the Towne and Iland of Ter-tolen in Zeeland the nine-teenth.

The Queene of England hearing that the King of Spaine did conceiue sinisterly of her [ A] proceedings with the Estates of the Netherlands, she sent Maister Wilks into Spaine to giue hi•…•… satisfaction, and aduice withall, for the pacefying of the Netherlands, as you may see by this letter.

A declaration sent to the King of Spaine, con∣tayning a iustification of her Maiesties procee∣dings with the Estates of the Netherlands By Maister Thomas Wilkes.

THe Queenes Maiesty being giuen to vnderstand of diuers faulse and very scandalous reports giuen out touching her actions and * 2.279 proceedings with the Estates of the Netherlands, tending as it [ C] were to make her the motiue and chiefe supporter of the Ciuill troubles in the sayd countries: and doubting that the inuenters and dispersers of the said faulse sugiestions, seeke by all possible meanes to induce her good brother the King of Spaine to beleeue the said faulse and malicious surmises to be true, seeking thereby to make a breach and interruption of the good amity and league betwixt them. Her Maiesty therefore hauing nothing more in recommendation then her honor, and to be reputed a Prince which desireth to hold good correspondency with all Princes her neighbours (what soeuer hath beene falsely sugiested to the contrary) being able to ius∣tifie her actions before God and the world, as well concerning him as all other Princes [ D] her neighbors: hath thought it very fit and conuenient (hauing a great desire to giue satisfaction to the said King) to make a declaration in writing (such as she will main∣taine to be true in the word of a Prince) of her proceedings with the said Estats, to the end that the King being duly informed thereof, all causes of ielosie and suspition (which may any way hinder the good amity that is betwixt them) might be remoued, and the same restored to as great perfection and integrity as hath beene heretofore betwixt any of their progenitors, which declaration, tending to that good end, her maiesty hath also thought meet to accompany it aswell with an aduice vnto the King, what course in her opinion were most fit for him to take for the continuance of the Netherlands vnder his obedience, and the restoring of them to their former peace and tranquility, as [ E] also with her resolution touching the Netherlands in case the saide King shall not yeeld to some good course of pacification according to her Maiesties most sincere and friend∣ly aduice.

And first touching her proceeding with the Estates, shee doubteth not but that if the King shall examine his owne knowledge, and call to mind how often, sence the first breaking out of this ciuill dissention in those countries, her Maiesty hath moued, as well by sondry ministers sent vnto him-selfe, as vnto his vnder gouernors there, fore-war∣ning both him & them of the inconueniences which were then happened, and aduising him to take some speedy course for preuention: He cannot with his honor but confesse, that her Maiesty hath therein discharged the duty of a faithfull friend and good allie: of [ F] which aduice if it might haue pleased him to haue made good vse, those his countries being presently in a most lamentable Estate, had beene preserued from apparent ruine, his subiects had beene free from slaughter, his rich townes continued vnspoyled, and * 2.280

the gouernment kept from danger of alienation.

* 2.281 [ A]

And if herein for her Maiesties full iustification, neither these friendly offices, nor the word and faith of a Prince may suffice, yet her owne actions may serue to cleere her in the sight of all the world, and will sufficiently shew, that shee hath euer sought to continue those Countries vnder the King of Spaines obedience, and hath not at any time intended to impatronize herselfe of any part thereof (a matter perhapes which some Princes hauing like aduantages offred by some one part or other of his subiects, would not haue resused (and therefore might thinke her selfe very vnkindly delt withall, in case so rare an example should bee so hardly or rather vnfriendly interpreted: And as her Maiesty hath not left any good office vndone towards the King and his Ministers tending to pacifica∣tion, [ B] and the preseruation of those countries vnder his obedience, so on the o∣ther side shee hath not omitted (by sondry messengers sent both vnto the Prince of Orange and to the Estates) as well to perswade them to cease their ciuill warres, and to take some course of peace and reconciliation among them-selues, as also to continue their ancient obedience vnder the saide King their naturall Lord and Soueraigne, being moued there-vnto vppon secret and very true ad∣uertisments giuen her of great offers made vnto them by some (whome shee forbeareth to name for good respects) to haue with-drawne them from their obedience.

And herein if besides many perswations vsed by messengers sent of purpose to ad∣uise [ C] them to continue their due obedience to the King, her Maiesty had not furnished them in the time of their necessity with a summe of mony, as well to serue them for the speedy execution of the pacification then in hand betweene Don Iohn and them, as to keepe them from casting them-selues desperatly into the hands of any other Prince: it did manyfestly appeere that the pacification had not beene so soone made and they for want thereof should haue beene forced for their defence to haue put some part of those countries into the hands of such as would not haue beene easely remo∣ued, without the expence of many Millions and the losse of many thousand mens liues.

Her Maiesty is the more willing to make mention of the true cause of this suport, for that shee is aduertised, that notwithstanding her true and sincere intent in that [ D] behalfe, other finister interpretations haue beene made of the same, as of some other her proceedings. Among the rest her Maiesty hath thought it fit to answer one ca∣lumniation contained in a letter fathered vpon Don Iohn and published in a booke lately set out by the Estates in their iustification; by the which her Maiesty is char∣ged to haue incorraged the Prince of Orange not to hold the pacification, and with-all did for his better incorragement, offer him any assistance she could yeeld (a matter most slanderous and vntrue) for that her Maiesty being giuen to vn∣derstand by the vicont of Gant, sent vnto her from Don Iohn, how hee found him-selfe greeued with the Prince of Orange, for that (as hee affirmed) the Prince did [ E] not obserue the said pacification: shee did presently dispatch an expresse messen∣ger vnto the saide Prince, both to intimate Don Iohns accusation vnto him, as also to aduise him (and that most effectuall) duly to obserue the said paciflcation, vsing some threats vnto him in case he should seeke to infring ir: In whome shee could find no disposition to any alteration, but that he was most desirous to hold eue∣ry point of the said pacification inuiolably, as the onely meanes to end those long ciuill warres.

The like aduice shee did also giue vnto the Estates, receiuing no lesse content∣ment of the pacification (being ratefied first by Don Iohn, and afterwards by the King) then they to whome the benifit thereof did most properly belong. Her Maiesties [ F] actions and procedings with the Prince and the Estates hauing such as haue beene formerly related, shee doth appeale vnto the King him-selfe (who shee thinketh will looke impartially into the truth of this action) and to all others that shall not bee transported with passion, whether the said proceedings are not to bee

maintayned to bee both iust and honourable, whatsoeuer hath beene falsly and * 2.282 [ A] malliciously suggested to the contrary. And herein her Maiestie is perswaded that scarse any other Prince (which hath in some sort beene so vnkindely delt withall, and found her aduice giuen both vnto the King and his Gouernors of those countries, so little regarded) or respected would haue delt in such friendly sort as shee hath done.

Notwithstanding all these discouragements, her Maiestie thinking it honourable for her, and meete for the place shee holdeth, being the most ancient Allye, which the Kings Progenitors (as Dukes of Bourgongne) haue, to continue still her former course in giuing friendly aduice vnto the King: cannot but proceed to the second point aboue mentioned, which is, to yeeld her aduice what course in her opinion is to be ta∣ken [ B] for the pacefying of these present troubles, and the continuing of his subiects vnder his obedience.

First it is very apparant that the pacefication is broken, and as great hostilitie in∣tended on either side as may be, whereof shee is heartily sorry. The end (if it continue) will either be the ruine and desolation of the countrie, or the losse or allyenation there∣of from the Kings obedience. For the preuenting whereof, her Maiestie thinketh that there cannot bee a more expedient remedie, then that it would please him to re∣ceiue his subiects into his grace and fauor, that hee would suffer them to inioy their ancient liberties and freedomes; command that the pacifiation might bee duly obser∣ued; and that hee would appoint such a Gouernor of his owne bloud, as might bee pleasing vnto him-selfe and gratefull vnto them, whereby they might willingly [ C] and with content yeeld him all due obedience, continue in their religion according to his pleasure, and do all things sette downe and agreed vppon in the pacifica∣tion, the which by reason of the great Iealousies betweene Don Iohn and them, can neuer take effect, so long as Don Iohn shall continue Gouernor: For it seemes they haue put on a resolution, that rather then they will indure the rigorous dealings which they expect during his gouernement, they will put them-selues vn∣der the protection of any other Prince. They charge him with the breach of the pacification, and hee on the other side offers to iustisie him-selfe, and layes the blame of this breach vppon them. Her Maiestie hauing heard the allegations of the Ministers sent hether both from Don Iohn and the Estates, meaneth not to [ D] bee a Iudge betweene them, hauing rather a desire to reconcile them, and to doe them good if shee could, then to discouer the errors and imperfections of ei∣ther partie.

To reconcile them shee findeth it impossible, and therefore to preuent all fur∣ther troubles that are otherwise like to insue, the onely remedie will bee to make choyce of some other allyed to him in bloud, to command vnder him in that go∣uernement. By which temperate course the troubles may soone bee pacefied, the great effusion of blood auoyded, and those Prouinces continued vnder his obe∣dience, which other-wise are like to bee allyenated and distracted from him. If hee shall like this aduice, shee seeth no dispotition in the people to ch•…•…nge their [ E] King, bing dutifully minded towards him, hauing no intent (so as they may bee releeued) to innouate any thing, but duly to obserue the late pacefication made at Gaunt.

And whereas for the contentment of the Estates, and the pacefying of these trou∣bles shee wisheth Don Iohns reuocation, so considering how euill affected hee hath shewed him-selfe towards her, as well by letters intercepted, as by other secret prac∣tises which were very dangerous to the good and quiet of her Estate, (as the bearer can more amply informe him of diuers particularities in that behalfe) shee cannot (for the good amitie which shee wisheth might continue betweene the King and her Ma∣iestie) but presse the King more earnestly therevnto: expecting no continuance of [ F] any good amitie and neighbourhood, so long as a Minister so ill affected to her should reside there, beeing desirous that such Ministers might be imployed on both sides, as would rather seeke to increase the amitye, then any way to infringe or breake it.

This her aduice tending to no other end but to maintaine those countries vnder her obedience, and the continuance of good amitie betweene them, shee hopeth the * 2.283 King will accept as friendly thereof, as it is by her sincerely meant. And in the meane time vntill his mind were knowne in that behalfe, her Maiestie hearing the great for∣ces prepared by Don Iohn, with the assistance of the French already marching towards him, will force her ancient friends the Estates of the Netherlands to one of these two extremities, either to be ouercome by forraine soldiars, and so subiected to forraine seruitude, or else constrained (for the preuenting thereof) to giue them-selues ouer to some other Prince, both which must needs bee preiudiciall and dangerous to the King for the present, perillous to her Maiestie after, and an vtter ruine to those coun∣tries.

Her Highnesse therefore for the Kings good, and to preuent her owne danger (vp∣pon [ B] promise and assurance giuen by the said Estates, to yeeld the King all due obedi∣ence, and to make no further innouation in matters of religion, but to obserue the pa∣cification of Gand) hath promised for the causes and respects aboue mentioned, to yeeld them a support of money and men, onely to keepe them from further danger of allyenation, or of their ruine.

Which proceedings of hers, if the King shall not bee induced to like of, Whereby her Maiestie shall discouer that his intention is by force of armes to alter and dissolue the ancient forme of gouernement, and by taking away their ancient Lawes and liber∣ties to make it a land of conquest, and to people it with garrisons of men of warre: And that the end and scope of his disseignes should tend to that which is discouered by [ C] Escouedos letters, wherein he writeth that the enterprise of England is of more facilitie then that of the Ilands, wherby her Maiestie shall find the disposition of so bad a neigh∣bour, to her and her royall Estate: then her Maiesties resolution is to imploy all the power shee shall bee able to make, for the defence of her neigbours, and preseruation of her owne Estate.

As on the other side, if hee shall incline to their reasonable demands, in giuing them such a Gouernor as they shall better like of then of Don Iohn, and they notwithstan∣ding shall continue in their disobedience against him, and make other Innouations con∣trary to their protestations and promises made vnto her; shee will then turne her forces against them, and in assistance of the King, yeelde him the best ayd shee can, to bring [ D] them to reason and conformitie. And in the meane season (vntill shee may be through∣ly informed hereof) shee hath thought good to auoyd the effusion of Christian bloud, (and for many other good and necessary respects) to deale both with Don Iohn and the Estates for a surceance of armes, which if he shall refuse to yeeld unto, and the Estates shall be willing, for that she doth plainely see that it doth much concerne the Kings ho∣nour and the good of his countrie, she will not cease to proceed with the like offers, towards them as shee hath begun, thereby onely to defend them from forraine tyranny to keepe them in the Kings obedience, from allyening them-selues to any other Po∣tentates, and to defend herselfe and her dominions from the dangers which thereby shee seeth manifestly will insue.

The thirtith of the said moneth as Captaine Mathew Wibisma, had made a leuie of * 2.284 new souldiers, and more then were necessarie to supply his company with an intent to [ A] seaze vpon some of the Magistrates of Leeuwarden, these new souldiers being lead by Captaine Wibo van Gontom, would commaund ouer the old souldiers that were in the Castle of the said Towne, so as they were in armes one against another. The Bourguers * 2.285 fearing that vnder coulour of this tumult, they would force the towne and spoile it, came and besieged the Castell, the which was yeelded vnto them the second of Sep∣tember, vpon promise that the towne should pay the garrison. The Cittizens hauing receiued the Castell by this composition, put a garrison into it of the in∣habitants vntill the comming of the Earle of Rheneberg, Gouernor of the countrie of Friseland. [ B]

Don Iohn seeing the great forces of the States approch neere vnto Namur, beeing commanded by the Earle of Lalain Generall of the Armie, Robert of Melun Vicont of of Gant Generall of the horse: the signior of Goignies Marshall of the campe; La Motte-par-dieu Maister of the Ordinance and others: and the small numbers hee had with him, making a shewe againe as if hee would treat with the States (whilest that hee sent for all his forces out of Bourgongne and Italie) hee required to haue some Commissioners, sent vnto him to treat with them. Wherevpon there were deputed Mathew Moukart Abbot of Saint Guislain, the signiors of Willerual, Grob∣bendoncq and others, who after some conferences tending all to delaies, they returned without any fruite. [ C]

The Inhabitantes of Antwerp; beeing still in feare by reason of their castle, so long as the warre was thus wauering, fearing they should bee at sometime againe sur∣prized (terming it a denne of theeues: an Inuention of men full of crueltie: a neast of Tyranie, a receptacle of all filthy villanie, abomination and wickednesse) obtai∣ned * 2.286 leaue of the States to demantle it towardes the towne. The which the Bour∣guers beganne the eight and twentie of August, with such spleene, as there was nei∣ther great nor small, wiues, children, gentlewomen and Burgers, and all in ge∣nerall but would pull downe a peece of it, men, women and seruants, going thither with their Enseignes displayed, hauing manie Victuallers vpon the plaine before the castle, so as it seemed a campe. And although the Masons worke were great, stronge, and thicke, yet were they not long in beating it downe on that side. [ D] Soone after, in imitation of that of Antwerp, followed the demanteling of the * 2.287 eastles of Gant, Vtrecht, Valenciennes, Bethune, Lisle, Aire and others: and the Cittie of Arras was laid open towards the towne. The Tournesiens were in like sort verie importunate to haue theirs demantled: but the Seneshal of Henault (who was afterwards Prince of Espinoy) would not yeeld vnto it, saying that if the sayd castle were ruined beeing a towne scituated in the maine land, and that the ene∣mie should come to beseege it, and become maister thereof, they should bee for∣ced to build it againe at their owne cost and charges: the which had so happened, for foure yeares after, the duke of Parma beseeged and tooke it by composition, as wee shall see. [ E]

The states seeing the Landtskneghts of Cont Ouerstein (who was drowned at the Mas∣saker of Antwerp) growne resolute to hold Boislelduke, a faire great towne lying in Brabant: they sent the Earle of Hohenloo, with an armie to beseege it, so as they were forced to yeeld the place by composition the one and twenty day of September. The sayd States had the ninth daie of same month published their Iustifications for their taking of armes against Don Iohn the which was printed at Antwerp by William Siluius the Kings Printer, whereof the title was, Abreefe discours of the iust causes and * 2.288 reasons which haue constrained the generall Estates of the Netherlands to prouide for their defence against Don Iohn of Austria. In the end of which iustifications they did adde the letters that were intercepted, beeing written in Spanish and translated [ F] into French, to which Booke I will referre the Reader, that is desirous to know the particularities of their iustifications.

But as the States (who sought nothing more then to free themselues from the Spa∣nish [ A] Tyranie) were to defend themselues against Don Iohns attempts, who prepa∣red * 2.289 all the meanes hee could to make sharpe and violent warre against them; and had great neede to seeke succors from all parts: first they sent to manie Princes and Po∣tentates of Germanie, to make their excuse, and iustifie the taking of armes * 2.290 to take from them all sinister Impressions, which Don Iohn might giue them by his letters, as hee had done vnto the Empresse. Then they sent vnto the French King; to his mother, and to his brother, who made them manie goodly and large promises. But as they desired to relie and depend chiefely vpon the Queene of England, they sent the Marquis of Haurec vnto her, who was gratiously re∣ceiued by her Maiestie the two and twenty of September: with whome hoe trea∣ted [ B] and in the end made a contract touching the succors her Maiestie should send vnto the generall Estates, and the league and vnion which should bee from that time betwixt the Realme of England and the Netherlands, the which was set downe in an Autenticall Instrument. And therevpon her Maiestie published (vpon the ob∣iections and reproches which the King of Spaine made vnto her, that shee was a mother, fauorer, and supporter of Rebells) her iustifications of the sayd vnion, and the assistance which shee gaue vnto the generall Estates of the Netherlands, the which was put in print.

Then the States writ vnto the Prince of Orange, beeing in Holland, (who was * 2.291 wonderfully greeued and discontented at the Actions and strange carriage of Don [ C] Iohn) intreating him to come and assist them with his person, Councell and meanes. The which the Prince would not refuse, to shewe the dutie wherevnto hee thought him selfe bound to the common cause. Comming vnto Antwerp (where hee had not beene in ten yeares before) on the eighteenth day of Septem∣ber, hee was receiued and entertained with great ioye and contentment of all the people. The Abbots of Villers and Marolles with the Barons of Fresin and Ca∣pres were sent thether from the states to wellcome him, and to conduct him to Brus∣sels, whether hee came the three and twenty daie.

The seauenth of October the Landtskneghts of Collonel Fransberg (who after his flight from Antwerp, had led them to Breda) seeing themselues beseeged by the [ D] States armie, and the small meanes they had to maintaine themselues, deliuered vp * 2.292 the towne of Breda, and their Collonel also into the states hands: as those of Berghen vpon Zoom had done before by Collonel Foucker. Thus these two Germaine Collonels degenerating from the integritie and iust dealing of their Nation, think∣ing to surprize and deceiue the states, fell into the pit themselues the which they had prepared for others. The Prince of Orange beeing at Brussells, assisting day∣lie in the Councell of the generall Estates, was at the request of the particular E∣states * 2.293 of the Duchie of Brabant, intreated to accept (as beeing one of the chiefe No∣blemen and of the greatest powre in all the Duchie) the place of Rouard or Gouer∣nor of Brabant, the which hee did, but not without protestation and some excuses. And so hee was most honorably receiued and acknowledged the two and twenty of [ E] October, with ioyfull aclamations of all the people, bonfiers and many other signes of ioy. At the same time the states gaue the gouernment of the Earledome of Flanders to the duke of Arschot, whether hee went, and was receiued into the towne of Gant with great state, three and twenty companies of Burgers well armed, and gallantly ap∣pointed, with their Cornet of volontary horsemen, & three hundred horse more went aboue a league out of the towne to meete him, and conducting him into the towne, where hee was receiued with all the honour they could diuise vpon so short a war∣ning. But three daies after hee had beene receiued and acknowledged for their go∣uernor, being the eight and twenty of October, falling into a mutiny for the restituti∣on [ F] of their preuiledges, of their owne priuate authority (beeing a people which haue beene alwaies inclined to mutinies, and as Philip of Comines saith, apt to sue for peace, when they can doe no more) went and seized on him in his lodging, and carried

him prisoner to the Princes court, (or rather to the Castell) to the great greefe and * 2.294 [ A] discontent of the Prince of Orange, the councell of State and the generall estates. But the foureteenth of Nouember following, confessing their error, they released him, vpon condition that hee should forgiue and forget all the iniury they had done him, the which he did, promising neuer to seeke any reueng. After they had seazed vp∣on the duke, they also laid hold on and did imprison the Bishops of Ypre and Bruges, the Barrons of Rasseghem, of Champagny of Mousqueron and his Sonne the Seignior of Sweueghem, and of Eeken, with the Bastard of Ghistelle, great Baylife of Ypre whome they kept long prisoners: but the Seignior of Rasseghem, Mousqueron, Swe∣ueghem and Eeken escaped by practise out of prison: the Bishops escaped also, but for that they could not flie away so fast, they were taken againe, with the Lords of Cham∣paigny [ B] and Ghistelles, (who would not abandon them,) and kept more straightly, where they remayned prisoners vntill the yeelding vp of the said towne vnto the duke of Par∣ma in the yeare 1584. The 1. of Nouember, the Prelats and Nobles of the Ommelands in the country of Groningue, being called vnto the states assigned in the towne of Gron∣inghen, * 2.295 to determine of certaine old controuersies which the saied towne had with the Ommelandts, were seazed on by the Bourguers, of their owne priuate authority, and committed •…•…ose prisoners, to the nomber of 24. In whose fauour, to end these quarrells, and to free them from their vniust detention, there were sent in the behalfe of the gene∣rall estates, and of the councell of State, the Seignor of Saint Aldegonde, and Doctor Sille Orator of Antwerp, but they could not preuaile any thing with the people: yet some of [ C] them did after-wards escape cunningly out of prison, and the rest were also inlarged in the end.

The eleuenth of Nouember there appered a great comete which continued in a man∣ner all the winter: 3. or 4. Moneths after the which followed the rout of the States Armie at Gemblours. The cheefe Noblemen of the Netherlands, thinking to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Kings heart, in calling in an other Prince of the bloud in the place of Don Iohn, that had not beene bred vp after the Spanish manner, to bee Gouernor generall in his coun∣tries, and that might agree better with their humors, they sent the Seignior of Mal•…•…∣tede a gentleman of Flanders vnto the Arch-duke Mathias of Austria sonne to the Em∣peror Maximilian and Brother to the Emperor Rodolphe, intreating him to come into [ D] the Netherlands to that effect. But the Archduke fearing that the Emperor his brother would neuer yeeld therevnto, least hee should displease the King of Spaine, but rather would seeke to hinder him: he came away secretly, accompanied only by the Seignior of Auwits Lord of Lendorff, his great chamberlaine, the Seignior of Malstede, Ferdinand Zymeran grome of his chamber, and with Christopher van Calierich, and so arriued at Antwerp the twenty one of Nouember. And before that the said Archduke was re∣ceiued for Gouernor, on the seauenth of December the generall estates did decl•…•…re by a publike Proclamation, Don Iohn and all his adherents to bee enemies to the King and * 2.296 all his Netherlands.

Don Iohn seeing matters mannaged in this sort was much perplexed, not know∣ing [ E] where to begin: for although hee did what hee could to fortefie and furnish the castell of Namur, yet was hee not ignorant that his succors must come to him, from farre; seeing the States army to bee great already, and camped not farre from him, not-with-standing carrying still a good countenance with-out any shew of amaze∣ment, the better (as hee said) to aduance his affaires, hee went to Luxembourg: from whence hee sent the Marquis of Verembon a heigh Bourguignon to the Emperor, * 2.297 to acquaint him with the Estate of his affaires and to complaine of the Arch-duke Ma∣thias who against the liking of the King his vncle, had vnited him-selfe to the Estates of the Nertherlands. Intreating him neither to giue, nor to suffer to be giuen vnto the said Archduke, any succors nor fauour, neither from his imperiall Maiesty nor from [ F] Germany, where-vpon some Germaine Princes, sent vnto the Duke of Bauaria, the Arch-duke Ferdinand, and to other Princes and electors of the Empire that they should not suffer any forces to goe out of Germany, to neither party: and that as soone as might bee, they should send Ambassadors in the behalfe of the Emperor

and the Empire, to finde some meanes to reconcile them, if it were possible. * 2.298 [ A]

Don Iohn meaning to fortifie himselfe all hee could, gaue charge to the Earle of Bar∣laimont (who before the death of his Father was but Barron of Hierges) to •…•…euie a re∣giment of Lorraines; ohe in the Countie of Manderscheyt; one in the Dutchie of Luxembourg, and one of high Bourguignous attending the Spaniards returne, which * 2.299 went out of Antwerpe and other Townes of the Netherlands, with good store of money. Many Noblemen went in like sort to ioyne with him, and among others Charles Earle of Mansfieldt, eldest sonne to Cont Peter Ernest. Gouernor of Luxem∣bourg, who before had commanded in France in the Kings seruice ouer a Regiment of French, the which hee also brought with him: with all these troupes which came vnto him, Don Iohn began to make his armie in the Countie of Luxembourg. [ B]

The Earle of Lalain generall of the States Armie lying about Namur, sent one thousand Hargubuziers, and some few horse, to discouer the sayd Towne. The garri∣son * 2.300 sallied out vpon them, where they skirmished for a time. There is a small Towne vpon the riuer of Meuze, called Bouines, halfe a league from Dynant, very commodi∣ous to stoppe the victuals and munition going to Namur; and to Don Iohns Campe: The Earle of Lalain found meanes to seaze vpon this Towne, as also vpon the Castell of Despontin, the which hee tooke by force, killing all that hee found armed. This done, passing the riuer to the other banke, hee intrencht himselfe, meaning to cut off the passage to Don Iohn's men.

The States had at that instant three Campes: one did besiege the Towne of Am∣sterdam [ C] by sea and land, for thau they would not acknowledge the generall Estates, nor the Prince of Orange for their Gouernour: whereas Collonell Herman van Hel∣lins thinking to surprize it for the States, was slaine, and his men chased out of the Towne. They had an other Armie in the countrey of Oueryssel, where-as the Farle of Reneberg commanded, who tooke the Townes of Zwol and Campen: and the third was before Ruremonde and Weert, in the which the Earle of Hohenloo was Ge∣nerall, but to small effect. Don Iohn seeing no meanes to succour Amsterdam, feared much that Ruremonde should bee forced to yeeld. Wherefore hee commanded the Germaines that came out of Antwerpe, beeing in the countrey of Luxembourg, to * 2.301 marche thether with all speede: the which they did as couertly and as speedily as [ D] might bee: and meeting vpon the way some companies of the Regiment of Cham∣paignie (who some-time before had defeated them neere vnto Antwerpe) they put them to route, and returned them their exchange but with more crueltie, for they stript the poore souldiers which they had taken prisoners naked, because they would not bloudie their shirts, and then they murthered them like beasts, in colde bloud: whereof some escaped thus naked, and among others N. of Fiennes Seignior of Ver∣meille, brother to the Lord of Esquerdes, one of the Captaines of the sayd Regi∣ment; who for that hee was an actiue man, and could runne well and leape ouer large ditches, saued him selfe thus naked: wee did see him returne to Antwerpe with old ragges, in a very pittifull estate. [ E]

These Germaines hauing defeated and ouer-come this troope, thought to enter into Ruremonde; but Collonell Polwiller Gouernor of the Towne, made them an∣swer, that hee had no neede of men to eate and drinke that little which hee had re∣maining, but hee had more need of victualls and munition. Wherefore hee willed them to returne, and to tell Don Iohn, that hee should rest well assured of the Towne, and that hee should onely seeke to succour it with some victualls, considering that * 2.302 this Towne beeing seated vpon the riuer of Meuze, was of too great importance to suffer it to bee lost, the which hindered the trafficke of the Hollanders by wa∣ter, into the countrey of Liege, and some part of Germanie. Don Iohn had then receiued some Bourguignons and Italians, wherefore hauing heard these newes [ F] from Collonell Polwiller, hee commanded the Earle of Barlaimont and Collonell Mondragon, to goe and victuall Ruremonde with all the speede they could, before it should bee forced to yeeld.

For the effecting whereof they gathered together some 4000. men, both of foote and * 2.303 horse, and marched directly to the States Campe, the which consisted but of two and * 2.304 [ A] twenty companies of foote, and sixe of horse: Being aduertised in the campe, that the Spanish succours were on foote, and did marche, finding themselues too neere to fight with them (which vndoubtedly they would haue done) not-with-standing that they had seauen Fortes about the Towne, they thought it good to put their Artillerie into the strongest of those places, and to retire them-selues, abandoning the other sixe forts. But considering the enemies forces, and not thinking them-selues well assured, they im∣barked and went towards Boisleduc and Geldre; yet not-with-standing all their speed, their retreate was not so sodaine, but they lost some of their reere-ward, two field peeces, and good store of victuals and munition. Thus through the care and dilligence [ B] of Barlaimont and Mondragon, the States Armie was forced to retire, and the Townes of * 2.305 Ruremonde and Weert sufficiently victualed of all things necessary. This being done, after they had a little refresht their souldiers, they retired into the countrey of Luxem∣bourg, from whence they came.

MATHIAS ARCHDVKE OF * 2.306 Austria Gouernor generall of the Netherlands.

[illustration]

MATTHIAS D. G. ARCHIDVX AVSTRIAE DVX BVRG•…•… COMES TIROL GVBERNAT. GENER. BELGICAE,

My Gransire & my father, two great Emperors were, And liuing yet my brother doth th' Emperial scepter beare: To honor me the more, the states elected me, Of the vnited Prouinces their gouernor to bee. The which (though yong of yeares) I did thē not refuse, Although the King supposed I did him much abuse, And for that cause disliked of my gouernment, The states likewise, perceiuing that no great aduance∣mēt: Did rise to thē by me, thank't me for my goodwill And at my going frō thē with guifts my purse did fill.

THe 18. day of Ianuary in the yeare, 1578. the Arch duke Mathias * 2.307 [ A] parted from Liere in Brabant and made his entry into the towne of Brusselles:, where he was receiued in triumph, by all the Noble-men of the country holding the party of the States: And the twenty day * 2.308 hauing takeh the aceustomedioth hee was acknowleded for Gouernor g•…•…nerall for the King of Spaine of all the Netherlands; vpon certaine conditions set downe in diuers articles, the which we omit for breui∣tie sake, and for that they were to smale) effect and the little good and seruice he did in his gouernment, who hauing sworne them at his reception, the Prince of Orange (whom the Arch-duke called his father) was not-with-standing all his excuses chosen for his Lieutenant, not without the Ielousie of the choese Noblemen of the country, and name∣ly [ B] of the Earle of Lalain, who (as Generall of the States army) had promised vnto him-selfe this dignity.

The same moneth arriued the Seignior of Selles Captaine of the King of Spaines gard, Brother to the Lord of Noircarmes, who was sent by the King, to make answer * 2.309 to the States letters, of the twenty foure of August, and the eight of September by the which they besought him that Don Iohn might be called home, and an other gouernor. sent in his place. He had very ample letters of credit, signed by the King at Madril the twenty of december the which hee did impart vnto the States: wherevnto answer was made, and this answer was carried by him vnto Don Iohn, who made a replie informe of [ C] an act and signed Vassear, the which he sent backe by Selles, and with it a letter which hee did write vnto the States the fifteene of february this yeare 1578. where-vnto the said States made answer by their letters the last of the moneth. But all these conferences, writings, answers and replies of either side, brought forth no fruite, Don Iohn refusing to be tied to the pacification of Gant, which he had sworne, and the King approuing his actions, and meaning to maintaine him in his gouernment. And so Don Iohn made all the preparation hee could for warre, and hauing ordred all things in Luxembourg, hee came to March in Famine, from thence to Hoye in the country of Liege fiue Leagues aboue Namur, from whence he went vnto his castell of Namur. Being at Luxemburg, succors came to him from all parts, as to the Rendezuous, whether arriued Alexander Farneze Prince of Parina, sonne to Duke Octauio and to Marguerite bastard to the [ D] Emperor Charles the fift, in former time Gouernesse of the Netherlands bringing with him the Spaniards and Italiens of Lombardie: whether also was come before Charles * 2.310 Earle of Mansfeld with his French troupes: the Germains and Bourguignons were there also: so as in a short time Don Iohn gathered together an army of sixteene thou∣sand foote, and about two thousand horse, Italiens, Spaniards, French, Germaines heigh Bourguignons and Lorrains: seeing him-selfe thus fortefied, hee published in print, the causes and reasons which moued him to take armes against the States: which were, to maintayne in the Netherlands generally the Catholike and Romish Relligion, and the obedience of the King of Spaine, inserting many goodly pro∣mises to the Prouinces, townes, nobles, Borroughes, villages and men of warre, [ E] that would bee of his party. The States made an answer also in print vnto this decla∣ration of Don Iohn.

At the same time Pope Gregory the thirteene sent a Bull from Rome of the 8. of Ianu∣ary, by the which he gaue remission of all sinnes for euer, and life eternall vnto all those that after they had beene confest and receiued the Sacrament should goe to warre, in the seruice of Don Iohn, against the Prince of Orange, and them of Holland and Zeeland, * 2.311 and al others whom he termed Heretiks. But these soldiars would haue bin better plea∣sed with his duckets, then with his pardons. Wee haue saide before how that the Prince of Orange had often refused the Lieutenancy of the Arch-duke Mathias, [ F] and that it had bred a iealousie among the Nobility, the which appeared by the effects: for the next day after that the Prince had taken the oth for this charge, all the Noblemen that were in the campe, began to abandon the army one after an other, being then at Templours in the Countrie of Namur. The Lord of

Lumay Earle of Marche (who had a great spleene against the Prince) by reason of his [ A] imprisonment for his insolencies committed against Priests) was the first that went * 2.312 away, leauing his regiment there. The Earle of Lalain generall of the Armie (who expected to haue the place of Lieutenant) followed him: then the Vicont of Gant (afterwards Marquis of Rouban) would goe to see his wife at Beuvrage neere vnto Valenciennes: the Earles of Bossu and Egmont, and other Noblemen, came to Brus∣sels, to the marriage of the Lord of Bersselle with the Marquesse of Berghen, daughter to the Lord of Merode Valentin de Pardieu Seignior of La Motte, Gouernor of Grauelinghe, and at that time Maister of the Ordinance, fained an excuse to runne to Brussels. To conclude, euery man left the campe one after another, the which wandred vp and downe, from place to place. First they brought it from about Namur to Gem∣blours, [ B] from thence to Templours, then to Saint Martins, and backe againe to Gem∣blours, to bring it into Brabant. At that time there were no other Commanders in the whole Armie, but the Siegnior of Goignies Marshall of the Campe, the Baron of Montigni Brother to the Earle of Lalain (afterwards Marquis of Renty) at that time * 2.313 young and vnexperienced in those affaires, the Seigniors of Bailloeul and Heure bretheren, old Knights. And to prooue that this iealousie was the cause of their abandoning the Armie, I can truely say, (for that I did obserue it, beeing then a fol∣lower to the Vicont of Gant) that after the Prince of Orange had taken the oth, as Lieutenant generall to the Arch-duke; and that the newes thereof was come vnto the Campe: they held but once any councell of warre, beginning the next day to [ C] slippe away and to disbande one after one, which was the cause of the route of the sayd Armie.

As they tooke occasion to drawe it from Saint Martins and Templours to Gem∣blours. Don Iohn the better to discouer it, and to see it marche, presented himselfe with his troope vpon a little hill, that he might view it at his pleasure, hauing no thought nor intent to fight with them. But seeing their disorder, and that the fore-ward was aduan∣ced aboue a league before the reere-ward, marching not in an enemies countrey, but as it were to take a re-view or muster: Hee was aduised to charge them, giuing furious∣ly vpon the battaile, whose horse-men brake the foote of their reere-ward, so as of the * 2.314 battaile and the reere-ward there was a quick dispatch, most of the fore-ward sauing [ D] themselues in the towne of Gemblours. The greatest losse fell vpon the regiment of Collonell Balfour a Scottishman, who was hurt there, and yet saued himselfe, and so did the Lord of Montigny, after that he had done as much as possible might bee: the Sieg∣nior of Goignies was taken prisoner, and from that time fell to serue the Spaniard. Those old Knights of Bailloeul and Heure (who in all things dealt plainly) hauing saued them-selues in Gemblours, were soone after made prisoners by the taking of the Towne.

Don Iohn pursuing the course of his victorie, the countrey wauering, as if all had * 2.315 beene lost, seized vpon the Towne of Louvain; the Magistrates going forth to meete him, presented him the Keyes; then of Arschot, Tillemont, Diest, Lewe, and the little [ E] Towne of Sichem, where hee intreated the Officers and Magistrates inhumainly. This defeate made him swell with pride, from thence hee sent Cont Charles of Mans∣fieldt before Bovuines, whereas the Seignior of Estourmel commanded, who hauing endured some Canon shotte, seeing no shew of succours, and the Towne beeing vnfit to bee held, hee yeelded it by composition. And although the losse was not so great in this defeate of Gemblours, as the Spaniards bragged (the States hauing gathe∣red their men together with all the speed that might bee) yet it did drawe away, and coole the courage of many of their partie: and those that in their hearts were affected and bore good will to the Spaniards, began to shew them-selues openly, and to retire to Don Iohn. [ F]

The Duke of Aniou being aduertised of this defeat, sent the Seignior of Fougeres, * 2.316 a Gentleman of his Chamber, and one of his Secretaries to the States, to condole with them, and to offer to ayde them both with his person and meanes, which being ac∣cepted by them, he sent the Earle of Rochepot, & the Seignior Despruneaux in ambassage

to Antwerp, with whom the Earle of Lalain the Barron of Freesin and the signior * 2.317 [ A] of Lyesneldt a councellor of State, deputed by the generall Estates, assembled in the towne of Saint Guislain, to treat as well of the succors, as of the assurances: the resolu∣tion of their treatie was referred to the States assembled in Antwerp, for the daie after this defeate, the Archduke Mathias and the other Noblemen, leauing the towne of Brussells retired to Antwerp: the Prince of Orange remayning there still for some daies with the Earle of Bossu, to prouide for the safetie of the towne and to fortefie the weakest places, the which they did, making a halfe Moone within the towne to∣wards the high part. The towne of Saint Guissain, which is but two leagues from Mons in Henault, being after the defeat of Gemblours readie to fal into Don Iohns pow∣er, by the practise of Mathew Moulbart Abbot of the same place, and elect Bishoppe * 2.318 [ B] of Arras: the signior of Herissart found meanes by pollicy to seize vpon the towne with some soldiars of his traine, then hauing prouided for the safety thereof, the second of Frebruary he deliuered it into the hands of the Earle of Lalain Gouernor of Henault, and so by that meanes the Abbots practise was disapointed.

The towne of Amsterdam hauing still obstinatly defended the Spanish sactions re∣ceiuing great promises and incouragements from Don Iohn, the Prince of Orange, as gouernor, and the States of Holland, sought all meanes to force them to yeeld, by stop∣ping vp of their passages, and otherwise, seeing that all their reasonable offers, made vn∣to them in the beginning of anno 1577. would by no meanes perswade them. The grea∣test difficulties consisting here in were that they would not suffer, their fellowe Burgers, [ C] that had fled, and were returned home againe to haue the exercise of the Religion nor to burie their dead, but would onelie haue the Catholike and Romish religion vsed in the towne, and their old garrison of six companies of soldiars, and not suffer the fugitiue Burgers to beare any office amongst them, nor the companies of harguebuziers, accor∣ding to the ancient custome to bee erected for the preseruation and keeping of the towne.

This passing in this sort, the Prince and the States by aduice from the general estates, practising many waies to surprize them, but none taking effect, at the last Collonel Hellingh, and captaine Ruychauer, a Burger of the same town, made a certaine enterprize vpon them of Amsterdam, thinking to take the towne, & to that end vpon the 13. of No∣uember [ D] 1577 taking certaine soldiers vnder three Ensignes, hid them closely in diuers shippes, and comming before the towne, forcibly tooke the Harlem port, and from thence marched into the market place, strengthening themselues in diuers places, but Collonel Hellingh (that was speaking with the Burgers, to perswade them to lay downe their armes) being shot, the Burgers with their six companies of soldiers began to take corrage, & taking armes, drew the Hollanders back, and as God would haue it, a barrel of their poulder falling on fire in the gate, the Hollanders were so abasht, as they were beaten out againe with great losse of their men, and amongst them, captaine Ruy∣chauer being taken prisoner, was slaine by one of his old enemies, a man that in the pre∣cedent * 2.319 warres had done much good seruice. But although this enterprize fel out badly [ E] for them, yet the towne of Amsterdam, beeing thereby brought into great feare of sur∣prize, and hauing bin long beseeged, both by water and land, resolued to fal to an agree∣ment with the Estates of Holland, which was made vpon the 8. of February 1578. the principall points of the same being, that those of the reformed religion should haue li∣berty to preach without the towne, & should haue an vnhalloed place within the town, for the buriall of their dead, that their garrison of sixe companies within the towne should bee discharged, and that they should haue foure, fiue, sixe other companies of soldiars in the same, vnder the captaines of the towne, for the defence of the same, that the olde companies of Harguebuziers, should bee erected againe without any difference, and that the places of those that were dead, should be supplied, as well of the [ F] fugitiue Burgers as others, and diuers other points. But this composition lasted not long, for that they of the Religion, complained of the Catholikes, for not keeping the couenant and agreement, and for not accomplishing the Article of the erecting and guiding of the Harguebuziers, but to the contrary, attempted many

secret enterprises, and for that Don Iohn had still many friends within the towne which [ A] daily practised diuers attempts, the Burgers generally fearing a new vprore, and tasting * 2.320 the benefit of their trade and traficke in the towne which as then beganne to increase, and to liue in vnity and conformitie with the rest of the townes and terretories of Holland: caused the Romish Catholike magistrates, and the Friers to goe out of the towne, and all munkes and Priests: pulling downe the Images in the Churches, per∣mitting nothing but the reformed religion to be vsed therein, which during the warres, was most beneficiall for their towne, and conformable to the manner of the rest of the townes in Holland, although the States of Vtrecht, Harlem, & other reconciled townes maintained the Romish religion long time after, togither with the reformed religion, but for that they found and perceiued many secret enterprises, to be deuised by the spi∣rituality, [ B] they thought it necessary and conuenient (during the warres) wholy to put it down, which caused a great hinderance to Don Iohns affaires, & much furtherance to the states. The Spaniards hauing vnder the command of Charles of Mansfeldt beseeged the towne of Villeuoorde, whereas the signior of Glimes commanded with some compa∣nies of Wallons seeing (after he had lien before it but two daies) that he should get no∣thing but blowes, hee retired, and from thence went to beseege Niuelle in Bra∣bant, where the signior of Villers commanded for the States, with fiue compa∣nies of foote, and some few horse: refusing to yeeld at the first summons, hee battred it furiously with eight Cannons, so as hauing made a sufficient breach, the Wallon souldiars (whome they had made beleeue that Don Iohn did not much [ C] trust) to shew their fidelity, desired to go first to the assault: but they were so valiantly repulst, as they were forced to send others: so as from twelue of the clocke vntill night, the beseeged defended themselues valiantly, and endured foure furious assaults, the as∣sailants being forced to leaue it with great losse and in disorder. The Gouernor held it yet two daies without parle, hoping for succors, but the Prince of Orange and the Earle of Bossu sent him word that he should retire himselfe as well as he could, and saue his men, the which he did vpon composition, to depart with bag and baggage, and the soldiars with their swords by their sides, and the Commanders and Captaines on hors∣backe * 2.321 with their men. Thus was Niuelle yeelded vp to Don Iohn the 15. of February: from thence the armie went before Bins two leagues from Mons, the which yeelded [ D] without any force.

After the taking of Niuelle and Bins, Don Iohn went to the little townes of Soignies, Roeux, Beaumont, Walcourt and Maubenge in the countrie of Henault; some hauing small garrisons, others none at all, as not deseruing to hazard any men in them, all * 2.322 which yeelded to his obedience without any resistance. Then he went to Chimay, the which hauing endured a battery of sixe Cannons, and an assault, yeelded by composi∣tion. This done Don Iohn did generally proclaime the commission which hee had from the King of Spaine, touching his gouernment with a generall pardon, declaring that all persons which remained in any towne, castle or fort, that were enemies vnto him, might remaine free in their houses, following their trafficke and trades. And that all such as during these new troubles, had followed the States, and carried armes [ E] against the King, should returne within twentie daies after the Proclamation, and bee restored to all their Offices, Estates, dignities and honors, without any reproch or im∣putation for that which was past. Granting in like manner to all townes that would reconcile themselues, their preuiledges as they had inioyed them in the time of the Em∣peror Charles the fift: vpon this pardon many returned, but in the beginning they were but of the baser sort.

In the meane time Collonel Steward returning from Dansyck with his Regiment of Scotishmen, where hee had beene imploied for that towne against the King of Po∣land, was entertained by the generall Estates. The two and twenty day of March [ F] they of Friseland (for some synister opinion which they had conceiued) tooke pri∣soners, Ingrames Aclum president of their great Councell, and the Councellors Iulius * 2.323 de Roma, Peter Fritsmo, Focco Romaerts, Anthony Leuali and others: in whose place were chosen Francis Eysingna, Focco Realda, Iohn Van Staueren and others who were

knowne to bee zealous and well affected to their countrie. The first Bishop that euer * 2.324 [ A] was at Leuwarden called Cuneras Petri, and some others, were sent for vnto the Castle, where they were deteined prisoners, and some priuate men had their houses for pri∣sons. And as many murmured that their Magistrates were not very faithfull vnto their countrie: the Officers of Iustice and others were changed in most part of the * 2.325 Townes in the Netherlands: and among others Iohn of Saint Florise, Seignior of Steenbeke, Gouernour of Bapaumes, was also made Gouernor of Lille, Douay and Orchies, in the place of Maximilian Vilai Siegnior of Rasenghem, who was pri∣soner at Gant.

The seauenth of Aprill certaine companies of Wallons being in garrison at Mas∣stricht, mutining for their pay, seazed vpon the Seignior of Heze their Collonell; and Gouernor of the Towne, and of all the Captaines, Ancients, and Officers of his Regi∣ment, [ B] conspiring to deliuer the Towne into the Spaniards hands. But Nicholas of Pal∣mier Seignior of Melroy beeing sent thether with their pay, first hee contented and * 2.326 pacified the souldiers, then hee caused them that were restrained of their libertie to bee deliuered, and in the end beeing maister of the conspirators, hee hanged some, and drowned others, & putting in another garrison, he assured the towne for the States.

The two and twentith of the same moneth there was published in Antwerp a new decree touching the entertainment of the Pacification of Gant, to haue it sworne by all the inhabitants and such as were resident in the countries that were vnder the vni∣on, * 2.327 of what estate, qualitie, or condition soeuer they were, as well spirituall as tempo∣rall; holding all them for enemies that should refuse to take the sayd oth. All men [ C] obeyed as well Church-men as others, except the Iesuites, who were therefore won∣derfully suspected. The people of Antwerp incensed thereat; rose in armes against them, but through the good order of the Collonels of the Bourgers there was no harme done them: onely it was resolued to conduct them quietly out of the towne, as well for their priuate safetie, as being suspected for the publicke cause, the which was done vpon Whitsonday. The Franciscan Fryars demanded a day to resolue, but in the end seeing the other begging orders, the Prelates, the Cathedrall Church, and all the Clergie obey the sayd commandement and Edict, they resolued to doe the like. Some among them, as the Gardien, and some others of that troope, beeing very obsti•…•…, and selfe-wild, were in like sort thrust out of the Towne, as men suspect. Whilest [ D] these Friars were thus in suspence, the discontented beeing in Armes, some Souldi∣ers * 2.328 offered to force them in their couent•…•…: but the Seignior of Stralen Bourg maister of the towne arriuing, made them to desist. Wherevpon two indiscreet soldiers bent their Harguebuses against him, with matches in the cockes, but the trouble beeing pacified they were apprehended, and their heads cut off.

About the same time were burnt in Gant, by a sentence giuen by the court of Flan∣ders, foure Friars, one Augustine, and some whipt, beeing conuicted of Sodomie, the like was done at Bruges to three Friars, and two were whipt for the like crimes. They confest that long before an Italian Friar had infected them with this sinne. There was then another Fryer in Bruges, but not altogether so wicked, called Cornellis Adri∣ansen, * 2.329 [ E] borne at Dordrecht in Holland, an ordinary Preacher, a seditious man, and tur∣bulent in his Sermons, preaching with great vehemencie, some-times against the Prince of Orange, some-times against the States, against the Magistrates, against his owne Bishop, yea and against whom hee pleased, without any respect or sha•…•…e to name them openly, against whome hee vsed villanous, filthie, and beastly termes, with vnseemely and ridiculous exclamations, as appeareth plainely by a true collecti∣on of his workes and Sermons, set forth in publick Print, to make the reader laugh.

This gallant had erected a little order of a particular religion, consisting chiefe∣lie in humilitie and correction, among faire young wiues; and Virgins, poore sim∣ple [ F] creatures, to whome hee preached nothing but humilitie, and aboue all recom∣mended innocencie: if they committed the least fault in the dutie of obedience (as he kept them in wonderfull awe) and humility, he tooke delight to whip them with a Foxes tayle, causing them to strip them-selues naked, pleasing himselfe to looke on them in

this manner, making them beleeue that Innocencie must be seene naked, and that they [ A] should not be ashamed to discouer themselues. This kind of discipline of this reuerent * 2.330 friar, was in the end descouered, by two of his deuout women who would not submit them-selues to this friars taile nor strippe themselues in that sort. And by the report which they made, he was publickly found infamous, and was skorned of all the world. Afterwards the descouery of his impostures, and all his doing, the profession of his or∣der and his discipline, were also set forth in print.

This yeare vpon the seauenth of May, there was a great and solemne assembly of the Princes of the Empire holden at Worms in Germany, where-vnto the Archduke Ma∣thias, * 2.331 and the generall estates sent an honorable ambassage, where the Seignior of Saint Aldegond, made an eloquent oration, before all the Princes of Germanie, and the [ B] estates and deputies of diuers townes wherein he breefly shewed the miserable estate, and condition of the Netherlands, the desleigne and intent of the Spaniards, and what tirany the Duke of Alua, and others, as also Don Iohn had vsed there, and withall what danger the Empire was to expect thereby: touching the Duke of Alua hee shewed per∣ticularly that in a banket made before his departure, hee had boasted (and did glory therein,) that within the time of his gouernment, in the Netherlands (being about sixe yeares) he had caused 18600 men to be put to death by the common minister of Iustice called the hang man, besides an innumerable number, that were consumed and murthe∣red by the vprores, tumults mutinies and cruelty of the soldiars, in many places of the same, not accounting them that were killed in the warres, shewing further that by the [ C] common accounts of the land, it was found, that in fifteene Prouinces of the Nether∣lands the said Duke of Alua, and his adherents, had spent in making warres against the two Prouinces of Holland and Zeeland, in building of castles, and destroying of the country, aboue thirty sixe milions of guilders, besides the spoyle, by the oppression and insolency of the soldiers in all places where they came, and that they were generally in hope, that the King would not so lightly haue forgotten, that they were the same Netherlands by whose faithfull seruice, ayd, goods, money, and blood, the hard and long continewed warre with France, was with the Kings honor at the last brought to so honorable an end: where-vnto the Netherlands, besides all ordinary, and vsuall taxes, charges, and customes, in nine yeares freely gaue the King the summe of forty [ D] millions of guilders, as also what the Netherlands in generall, and the townes in par∣ticuler had endured vnder the great Commander, vnder Rhoda, and Don Iohn of Austria, and by the mutinous Spaniards, proclamed to be both the Kings and the countries ene∣mies, that had twise ransaked and spoyled the townes of Mastrciht and Antwerp, and yet not once punished, he shewed likewise how the Spaniards, ment to make the Nether∣lands the seate of the warres, and what danger the Empire, and the Prouinces adiacent were thereby to expect: putting them in remembrance, of the enterprises that the duke of Alua and others had, to incorporate and take the townes of the Empire, as Collen, Mounster, Emden, and others, whereby the fire burning in the Netherlands, would soone kindle in Germany. That they sought to conquer the Kingdome of England, vnder pre∣tence [ E] of ayding the imprisoned Queene of Scotland, and thereby to obtaine the domi∣nion of the sea, and there with the rule of the whole world, onely watching time and opportunity.

Hee desired them to remember the Turkes victories, and the ciuill discords of the Christians, and that the Spaniards were as well accustomed to the warres as the Turkes, seeking the same praise and glory by making great conquests, hauing as great, yea greater causes or contrariety of religion then the Turkes to further them, both in the Netherlands and in Germany, generally esteeming the Germanes, as the Turkes esteeme the Christians, whereof they were to bee aduised that the King of Spaine not long since had made a contract of peace and a league with the Turke, and had a∣greed [ F] what tribute bee should haue: for which cause he desired them, that they would call to mind the ancient frendshippe, and League, bettweene them, hauing trade of marchandise with speech, and name common to them all, and that many Prouinces in the Netherlands long before the Emperor Charles the fifts time were subiect vnto

the lawes of the Empire, and that namely by the trans-action made in the yeare of our * 2.332 [ A] Lord 1548. they were incorporated with the townes and Prouinces of the Empire, at which time the sayd Princes and townes made promise, that they would accept and receiue, all the Prouinces of the Netherlands into their protection and that they should inioye all the priueledges and freedomes of Germanie in as ample manner as they did, that liued in the midst of the Empire, and so vnderstood and accounted themselues to bee bound if neede were to protect and defend them, against all wrongs, iniuries, and powers whatsoeuer, that should seeke to oppresse them, and therefore he intreated, that they would thinke feelingly vpon the miseries of the Netherlands, and that assisting them, they would according to the lawes and ordinances of the Empire, commaund Don Iohn to depart out of the same, and forbidall men to giue him any aide or assist∣ance, [ B] by men, armes, victualls, and munition in any sort whatsoeuer, and also to call home Ericke Duke of Brunswicke, Poluiller and other Dutch Commanders and cap∣taines, vpon paine of the losse of all their goods: euen this was the summe of his ora∣tion, which for that it was in Latin, I set it downe in shorter tearmes for beuities sake, against the which there was an appoligie made and put in print at Luxemburg, written by one Cornelis Calidius Christpolitanus.

The Duke of Aniou hauing caused some troupes to march, they entred vpon the frontiers of Henault, which was wonderfully opprest by the Spaniard: Collonel Combelles, with the consent of the whole Estates marched with his men into the * 2.333 countrie, and lodged in a village called Balemont, from whence the Spaniards think∣ing [ C] to dislodge him, where well beaten the eighteenth day of May, and forced to re∣tire with losse and shame. Don Iohn after the reduction of Niuelle, sent part of his armie before Philip-Ville (so called by King Philips name, father to the King of Spaine that now is, who caused it to bee built in the yeare of our Lord 1554.) bee∣ing seated vpon the frontiers of France, the which hauing beene very longe beseeged, battred and assaulted, was in the end for want of victualls and munition, forced to yeeld by composition the one and twentie day of Maie: and amongst other Articles it was agreed vpon, that the captaines and companies that would remaine in the Kings seruice, should be well entertained, & haue three monethes paie, the rest might re∣tire freely where they pleased. Of fiue companies that were in the towne, three [ D] remained, and tooke an oth to Don Iohn, the other two returned to serue the States. The signior of Florenne Gouernor of the towne continued there still. This beeing done Don Iohn returned to Namur, diuiding his armie into two, whereof the one part was giuen to the Prince of Parma, to goe in the countrie of Lembourg, and the other to Octauio Gonzague, to march towards Arthois.

The Prince of Parma foure daies after his departure from Philip-ville, marched with his warlike troupes towardes the towne of Lembourg, which hee thought to * 2.334 carrie vpon his first approch. And although the Towne it selfe bee not verie stronge, yet is it defended by a good castle, built vpon a hillocke not to bee scaled, verie hard to bee battred, and almost impregnable. To approch vnto Lembourg, hee [ E] was of necessitie to passenere vnto the castle of Heude, the which was in the like sort seated vpon a rocke, maruelous stronge both by nature and by art, hauing great ditches full of water falling from the heigh Mountaines: so as they might easily defend that place with twenty resolute men.

There was in it in garrison two squadrons of the States souldiars, beeing about the number of some fiftie men, one of the chiefe Officers a Liegois borne, sayd vnto the other that was his companion, that it was needefull before they suffred them∣selues to bee beseeged, to goe and furnish themselues within the towne of all things necessarie for their prouision, as well for victualls, as for munition of warre. And therefore one of them should goe with a good conuoie, giuing the choise vn∣to [ F] his companion whether hee would goe or staie, knowing well that the other would rather choose to goe, and that hee that went would take a conuoie of fortie foure souldiars, and the other should remaine and gard the castle with the sixe which should staie behinde.

This other Corporall hauing taken the charge vpon him to goe and fetch munition * 2.335 [ A] with the conuoy: the Liegeois which remained, hauing two others of his faction, * 2.336 fell sodainely vpon the other three, and hauing slaine one of them, hee sayd vnto the other two that what hee did was for the Kings seruice: wherevpon they remained quiet, and the castle was deliuered vp to the Prince of Parma, who gaue him a verie good reward.

The Prince hauing this castle at his commandement sent presently to sommon the towne of Lembourg, the which refused to yeeld, for some fewe daies before it had beene victualled by the States. Wherevpon it was battred with nine peeces, and al∣though hee preuailed little, yet a dissention beeing growne in the towne, betwixt the Burgers (who would not hold out, and refuzed to fight) and the souldiars of the gar∣rison, [ B] they did capitulate, with the Prince of Parma, and yeelded the towne and castle vnto him the fifteenth day of Iune: the souldiars retiring to Faulquemont and Dal∣hem, whether the Prince went and forced them, putting all to the sword that he found armed. The other part of the armie which Don Iohn had sent vnder the command of Octauio Gonzague marcht directly towards Mons, thinking to cut of their victualls, and to reduce it to that extremitie as they should bee forced to yeeld: but hee preuailed * 2.337 nothing, but onelie ruined the poore champian countrie thereabouts. Those of the towne were day lie in skyrmishe with them, and among others captaine Mornault with his companie of horse, neuer suffred them to bee at rest. The nineteenth of Iune there died in Antwerp that vertuous and long afflicted Princesse, Sabina Palatina widowe [ C] to Cont: Amoral of Egmont, and a little before the signior Lancelot Barliamont, Earle of * 2.338 Meghen, in the right of the Ladie Marie of Brimeau his wife, without any children: which Ladie was afterwards married to Philip of Croy Prince of Chymai, Sonne to the duke of Arschot being then but yong.

At the same time a certaine councellor of the great councell at Macklin went vn∣to Don Iohn, whome hee gaue to vnderstand that hee had many partakers in the sayd towne, who desired nothing more then to see it reduced vnder his obedience: and that if it pleased him to take the paine to come or send thether, they would make him maister thereof without anie difficultie. Don Iohn sent him backe vnto the towne to mannage this businesse, and to drawe others to his deuotion. But this practise beeing [ D] discouered, the States sent to re-enforce the garrison, both with horse and foote. Octauio Gonzague came before the towne of Macklin to execute this enterprise, but hee was entertained with good musket shot. Seeing himselfe discouered, hee sent letters vnto the Magistrates, to perswade them to yeeld to Don Iohn, but in steed of an answere they sent forth certaine shot by a false port, who charged his horse, from a couert place, where they could not bee forced, making them retire with losse of men and horse.

The Duke of Aniou the better to effect his desseigne, and giue the succors which * 2.339 hee had promised to the States, came in person with his troupes into the countrie of Henault, and arriued at Mons the twelfth daie of Iulie, beeing accompanied with [ E] fewe gentlemen, his traine following after him leauing his armie in field. The Ger∣maines of Polwiller, which before the pacification of Gant, had beene in garrison at Campen and at Deuenter in the countrie of Oueryssel, hauing beene sommoned by the States, and refused to depart, still dissembling, till after the breach of the ac∣cord, and the taking of the castle of Namur: made open demonstration that they would keepe the sayd townes for Don Iohn: which the States perceiuing, they sent the Earle of Rheneberg Gouernor of Friseland thether with an armie of a thou∣sand men who first beseeged Campen, scituated vpon the Veluve towardes the Zuyderzee, which hauing refused to yeeld beeing sommoned, hee battred it verie furiously from either side of the Riuer of Yssel, making a sufficient breach for an [ F] assault: and beeing readie to giue it, the Germaines fell to a parle, and yeelded the towne vpon composition the twentith daie of Iulie 1578. The conditions were, that they should depart with their bagge and baggage: that they should not beare armes against the generall Estates in three monethes after. That all prisoners of

either side should be set at liberty without ransome, and that they should be safely con∣ducted * 2.340 [ A] vnto the frontiers of Germany, which was performed: they of the town were for∣ced to agree vnto the vnion, and to sweare obedience vnto the Estates. They put into the towne the companies of Viterarne, Hottinghe and Mulaert, the towne was in no great extremitie to yeeld, for that their breach was well repaired, neither wanted they any prouisions. The soldiars had no need to feare the Burgers, whom they had disarmed, as they had done at Deuenter, but they feared the comming of Casimire, who was com∣ming to aide the Estates, from thence the Earle went to beseege Deuenter fiue leagues from Campen, the which was also yeelded, after foure monthes seege, vpon honest con∣ditions.

The castle of Haurec in the which there was a Spanish garrison, beeing beseeg∣ed by the duke of Anious troupes, and battered, yeelded vnto him: the Spaniard came [ B] to raise the seege, but he was sharply repulst, and forced to retire with great losse of his men. And at the same time the duke of Aniou forced the Spaniards to leaue the townes of Soignies Maubenge and Roeux, into the which hee put French garrisons. Whilest that the duke of Anious armie was yet vpon the frontiers to enter into He∣nault, it happened that one captaine Pont was lodged in the village of Becourt at a rich laborers house called Iohn Millet, who had two faire yong daughters: this captaine fell in loue with the eldest called Mary, being about sixteene yeares old: al the whole house∣hold sought to serue and intreat him well, to auoide the insolencies which such peo∣ple doe vsually shew vnto poore pesants. This captaine being one daie at dinner with the father, mother and daughters, hee demanded of the father his daughter Marie in [ C] marriage. The good man hauing answered that it was not a marriage equall nor su∣table for him, (fearing that after hee had abused her, hee would chase her awaie, or * 2.341 keepe her as his strumpet) refused him flatly. The captaine incensed at this refusall, swearing and cursing, chased the father, the mother and the whole familie out of the house, keeping onelie this poore Virgin, whome hee rauished, and caused three or foure of his souldiars to doe the like. Which done, hee went to the table, and set this poore maiden by him, mocking still at her with verie filthie and dissolute speeches. Shee who spake nothing, studying how shee might bee reuenged with her owne hand, whatsoeuer should become of her, desiring rather to die then to liue anie longer with such reproch and infamie: obserued a Corporall that came [ D] to speake to the captaine in his eare, who turning his head backe to heare him, she tooke a knife and stabbed him therewith vnto the heart, so as he fell downe presently dead, and she thinking, to saue her selfe by flight, was ouertaken by his souldiars, who bound her to a tree, and shot her to death. The father hearing these pittifull newes of his daughter, bruted it abroade and went to make his complaints to all the neighbour vil∣lages: so as the alarum bells ringing of all sides, the pesants went to armes and fell vp∣on the souldiers of Becourt, and vpon all others that laie nere vnto them, whom they slue, yea their pages, laquais, strumpets and dogges, leauing nothing aliue of foure companies that were in that quarter, but their horses; so greedie all these pesants were to reuenge the death and iniurie done this Virgin. Doubtlesse if Lucrece deser∣ued, * 2.342 [ E] great commendations for killing of her selfe after that shee had beene forced by Tarquin; this maide deserues much more, who before her death could take reuenge of her more then barbarous rauisher: Almightie GOD meaning thereby to pu∣nish the excesse of these French souldiars, to make others learne more wisdome and temperatenesse.

The Archduke Mathias Gouernor, and the generall Estates hauing raysed a great and mightie armie, vnder the conduct and command of the Earle of Bossu (a braue, valiant and hardie Knight) and the signior of La Noue, (a valiant and worthie French Gentleman) they planted their campenere vnto Remenant in Brabant, a league from [ F] Macklin. Whereas Don Iohn resolued to charge them before they were all come to∣gither, hee beeing verie stronge and hauing new men come out of Italie, could make * 2.343 about thirty thousand souldiers, amongst the which were fiue or sixe thousand horse-men, all or the most part, old expert souldiers, and choise men, his Lieutenant Generall

was the Prince of Parma, Octauio Gonzaga was generall of the horse men, Peter Ernest [ A] Earle of Mansfield Lord Marshall, the Earle of Barlamont, Maister of the ordinance, * 2.344 with his Sonne and many other Lords and Gentlemen, as the Earles of Re•…•…lx, and Falckenburg, Robles Lord of Billy, the Lord of Ruyrooke, the Lord of Lyques, the Lord of Faulx, the Lord of Marle, the Lord of Rosingnol, the Lord of Gomicourt, the Lord of Warlonzel, the Lord de Monteragon, and other strange Lords, Don Alonso Martines de Lieua, Sonne to Don Sanchio, Vice-roye of Naples who in times past had beene gene∣rall of the Gallies of Spaine, this Don Alonso had a company of two hundred stronge, wherein there was ten braue captaines, as Don Diego, and Don Pedro de Mendoza, Don Sanchto de Lieua his brother, and others, his Ensigne being blacke, with a crucifix therin, which was holloed and consecrated at Naples, by the Cardinall Gesnada, and that [ B] daie hee had desired Don Iohn to haue the vantgard of the armie, hoping that it should fall out as well with him that daie as it did at Gemblours. Don Iohn himselfe in his Ensigne, had a crosse, with this poesie, By this signe I ouercame the Turkes, and by the same signe also I will ouercome the Heretikes, and being thus prepared, vpon the last day of Iuly, he came with al his armie to Arschot, with full intent to set vpon the states campe, or with aduantage, to procure them to a battaile.

But the Earle of Bossu, beeing aduertised by his sentinels of horse, that there were * 2.345 about some a leauen or twelue cornets of horse comming against them, with a great squadron of footemen, which were about 90. or a hundred men, they all gaue charge that the States gards should retire to a place, where hee had set fiue or sixe hundred [ C] Harguebuziers, which at last, by reason of the multitude of their enemies were for∣ced to giue back, by the aide and releefe of certaine Ruiters and light horsemen, and yet without any great hurt, whereby Don Iohns men beeing imboldened, gaue a stronge and mightie charge vpon the States Ruyters, and other horsemen, which valiantly with∣stood them, and yet in such sort as the enemie had some aduantage, but after that beeing seconded, they turned so brauely backe againe, as they forced Don Iohns men to leaue the heath, and to retire themselues to certaine hedges, but for that the Earle of Bossu, to keepe those hedges, had placed certaine Englishmen (vnder the regi∣ment of Collonel Norris that was come thether but an houre before, and certaine Scots) hard by the Riuer all alonge to his campe, Don Iohn could not breake thorough, [ D] notwithstanding that hee still sent more men thether, to winne the place by force, the great shot likewise that plaied out of the States trenches doing him much harme, as his men came any thing neere, which at that time discharged a hundred and twentie times vpon the enemy, the Lord of Crequis being generall of the ordinance, in steed of Treslon. This skirmish beginning at seauen of the clocke in the morning, continew∣ed vntill euening about fiue or sixe of the clocke, beeing a wonderfull hot daie, so as the English, Scots, and other souldiars were forced to put of their cloathes and to fight in their shirtes, where they behaued them-selues as brauely as possible they might, considering the great number of the enemy, and that they were all old expe∣rienced Soldiers that they had to doe withall: Colonell Norris, sonne to the Lord Norris, with the English-men behaued himselfe very valiantly, and had certaine hor∣ses [ E] killed vnder him: The like did Captaine Bingham, a man of great experience and policie, although hee was but hardly and badly vsed by his men, beeing then Lieutenant to Captaine Candish, and there lost two bretheren. The like did the Scottes vnder Collonell Stuart, the French and Netherland foote-men shewing al∣so great courage and valour, for that the ground was not very fitte to vse many of the horse-men.

If at that time the Earle of Bossu (which as I haue heard hee hath since repented) had charged the Spaniards in their retreat with all his forces, as he had the meanes and powre, hauing foure times as manie men more as the enemie; without doubt neither Don'Iohn nor anie one of his men had escaped, and this daie had beene [ F] the last for the Spaniards in the lowe countries, at the least for them that were there at that time. This charge and skirmysh was the first daie of August in the yeare of our Lord 1578.

Don Iohn hauing committed this error, full of blasphemy and cursings, carrying * 2.346 [ A] backe his armie hee retyred to Namur: the Earle of Bossu hearing that there were but 300. foote and a 100. Spanish horse in the towne of Arschot, sent Collonel La Garde thether with fiue hundred French shot of the one side: and Collonel Balfour with a thousand Scots on the other. La Garde, arriued first, and forced the Spaniards by a way that was lowe and narrowe, cutting all in peeces that hee incountred, so as the towne was taken and spoiled. The Vicent of Gant chiefe of this enterprize, think∣ing it not conuenient to keepe it, for that it was nothing stronge, caused it to bee abandoned, and by the aduise of the sayd Collonels retired with his horse and foote to the Campe. This affront was done vnto Don Iohn the tenth of August, within two leagues of his armie. [ B]

At the same time some troubles beeing growne in the towne of Valenciennes, the Archduke and the States sent the signior of Harchies to take information, and to or∣der all things. Beeing entred into the towne the Burgers beganne to bee diuided, some * 2.347 held with the signior of Harchies, and others with the Maiestrates. This tumult con∣tinued eight daies, the people beeing still in armes, not without great danger of effusion of bloud. In the end Richardot a Councellor of State, was sent thether, who did reconcile them, and pacifie all troubles.

The Duke of Aniou before hee sent such succors to the States as hee had promi∣sed had capitulated with the States, first of all: to declare himselfe, an open enemie to Don Iohn and to his adherents: to entertaine for the assistance of the States ten * 2.348 [ C] thousand foote and two thousand horse, paide at his charge for three monthes, and in case the warre were not ended, before that time were expired, to continue his assistance and succors with the number of three thousand foote and fiue hundred horse: and that hauing serued two monthes with the sayd number, hee should haue three monthes paide him: that hee should haue three townes of retreat, Auesne Quesnoy and Landrecy but they refused) notwithstanding that the Abbot of Ma∣rolles was sent to perswade them) that all townes, places and fortes lying beyonde the riuer of Meuse, and not in the association of the States (as Bourgongne and Luxembourg) which should bee taken by his forces alone or ioyntly with the States, should remaine vnder his powre, commande and obedience, during his life, and [ D] after his decease, his heires males begotten in lawfull marriage, should succeed and inherit. That a peace beeing made, the States should acknowledge the benefit next vnder almightie GOD to proceed from him. And that all charges and ex∣pences layed out for their succors, should bee paied him againe vntill his departure out of the countrie: and moreouer they should giue him a gratuitie worthy of his greatnesse: That the sayd States should promise and binde themselues, in case that heereafter they would take an other Prince for their soueraigne, to preferre him before any other, vpon such conditions as should bee then propounded. This accord was proclaimed in Antwerp the twentie daie of August. Therevpon the Duke tooke vpon him the title of Defender of the libertie of the Netherlands, against [ E] the Spaniards and their Adherents. Hee declared himselfe enemie to Don Iohn, and * 2.349 to all his followers by a printed declaration. But of all the troupes which hee brought, after that hee had taken a viewe of them beeing put in battaile neere vnto Bins, they were not aboue seauen thousand foote and eight or nine hundred horse: most of them Licentious and disordred souldiars, the skum of the ciuill warres of France, and the relikes of the massakers of Paris.

With these forces hee entred into Henault, the which (during his aboad at Mons, with the Earle Lalain his Gossip) who was put from the place of Captaine Generall of the States armie, for that without their priuitie and leaue hee had abandoned the armie in the countrie of Namur when as Don Iohn had that victorie neere vnto Gemb∣blours) [ F] did these small exploits: whereof wee haue formerly made mention: al∣though it had beene more necessarie to ioyne the sayd Dukes troupes, in this best sea∣son of the yeare, to the great bodie of the States armie, being then in their prime in∣gaged at Remenant, by the disorder which was there for want of paie: when as Don

Iohn was farre weaker in forces then the States, and might easily haue beene defeated. * 2.350 [ A] But in steed of dooing it, they turned from him to goe and ioyne with the Duke of * 2.351 Anious forces, and to take Genap, Niuelle, and some other paltrie Townes, vnworthy the stay of an armie. This coniunction with the Duke of Aniou lost the States a mo∣neths time: and when they were ready to ioyne all into one body of an Armie, the Duke retired with his Bussia' Amboise to Mons in Henault, by the aduise of his gossip the Earle of Lalain, and then began his Armie to vanish, whereby the best season of the yeare and the best oportunitie was lost: the States became more indebted vnto the Armie, who grew discontented to see them-selues so ill gouerned, their forces both of horse and foote decreased by mortalitie and famine, and in the end the hope which they had of such great forces, as the Prince had neuer the like, went to smoake, and they were to begin againe. Don Iohn fortified himselfe the more, and then began the [ B] falling away of the Wallon soldiers, (called the Male-contents) of the Regiments of * 2.352 Montigny, Heze, Egmond and Alennes, of which Male-contents (as wee will here-after shew) Montigny made himselfe chiefe.

After this disbanding as well of the Duke of Anious troopes, as of the male-con∣tents, the States Armie being retired from Remenant, went and camped two leagues from Louvain. The Earle of Bossu generall of the Armie, went forth with two thou∣sand Harguebuziers, and two hundred horse, and approched neere vnto the Towne, the * 2.353 Spaniards sallyed forth brauely vpon them, where there was a gallant skirmish. The Vicont of Gant Generall of the horse, charged them with his men at Armes, euen vn∣to [ C] the Towne ditches, whereof some fell in, seeking to flie the fury of the Vicont, and of the Siegnior of Quesnoy his Lieutenant. The Earle of Bossu would gladly haue besieged the sayd Towne, but the want of three or foure thousand Pioners, and of thir∣tie * 2.354 or fortie Canons, necessary to batter so spatious a place, which had two leagues circuite, and furnished with fiue thousand men, made this desseigne seeme vnreasona∣ble. The same day the Armie in passing tooke the Castell of Dyon, la Motte, Helsenne and Sart: La Motte indured a battery, in the which were fifteene or sixteene Soldiers, the rest peasants, and was taken by assault, where-as the Seignior of La Noue Mar∣shall of the Campe, the Vicont and the Collonell Michell Caulier, past through the water in the ditches vp to the waste (the which was no discreete part of the Vicont, [ D] beeing Generall of the horse) with the English, who leapt into the water like Frogges, forst it, and cut all the Souldiers in peeces, pardoning the peasants: this was done in August.

In September following certaine companies of Malcontents of the aboue-named Regiments (among the which was that of Captaine Christien of Mons) being come to lodge in the quarter of Gaure (which is of the Principalitie of them of Egmont) about three leagues from Gant. The Ganthois, aduertised thereof by the greeuous and dayly complaints of the poore pesants, for so many oppressions and insolencies committed by these Wallon soldiars, Malcontents, and doubting also some enterprise vpon their * 2.355 towne, (for that the sayd Malcontents had vanted that they would teach the Gan∣thois to mocke at the masse) sent some of their companies in the night, who went to [ E] dislodge the Wallons in Gaure by the breake of daie, taking them a sleepe in their beddes after the French manner: whereof some were slaine and about fiftie carried almost naked into Gant, and in this miserable and poore estate were put into a Church from whence by a decree of the Court they were deliuered and sent away, hauing had some clothes giuen them by the Wallon Marchants remayning in Gant, who tooke pittie of them seeing them thus naked, but the Ganthois did afterwards paie deerely for this pettie victorie.

The Barron of Montigni and other Collonels Wallons, to bee reuenged for such an affront vpon the Flemings and Ganthois, came early in a morning before the Burrough [ F] of Menin (which then they began to make a towne) within two leagues of Courtray * 2.356 and two of Lille, hauing intelligence with the Curat, the Baylife, called Nicholas Robert, and some others: who knowing of the Malcontents approch, after the ringing of the morning bell, perswaded them that were in gard to goe to their rest.

And as there remayned but few Bourguers at the Ports and the places but newly begun * 2.357 [ A] to be fortefied, these Malcontents surprised it and tooke it with small resistance of the Bourguers, who vpon the alarme, putting them-selus in defence, were soone ouer∣throwne and some drowned in the riuer of Lys. Being Maisters thereof they spoyled it finding great welth therein, for that it did cheefely consist of Bruing and making of cloth, which are two trades to make rich men. There were about eighty Bruers, the Beer was dipersed into the countries of Flanders and Arthois by the riuer of Lys: and it was called Queate of Menin, good and well knowne of Dronkards? At that time the Protestants of the reformed religion in Antwerp, persented a petition to haue publike exercise of their religion, demanding certaine publike temples of the Arch-duke Mathias and the councell of State, with which demand they were much troubled, [ B] but the Petitioners being very many, made such instance and did so importune them; as (hauing had the aduice of the Generall estates) it was found necessary for the publike quiet of the towne, and to preuent all inconueniences, to graunt them the chappell in the Castle, called the temple of the Moabats, by reason of the Spaniards which had built it the Iesuits ch•…•…urch; halfe of that of the Franciscans, Iacopins and of Saint Andrew. And so with leaue of the soueraigne magistrate, they began their first pub∣licke * 2.358 preaching the last day of August: some daies after the Protestants of the confes∣sion of Ausbourg hauing also demanded temples, obtained the Sheer-mens chappell, the great hall of the Carmelites, and the grange neere vnto Saint Michells. The like was granted in the townes of Brusselles, Macklin, Breda, Berghen vpon Soom, Liere, Bruges [ C] Ypre; in Freeseland and in Geldres, and in other townes and Prouinces: But in Brus∣selles the Marquis of Berghes, the Signior of Heze his Brother and the Signior of Glimes presented a petition to the contrary, shewing that it was the seat of the Princes court, which makes the towne to flroish, the which by the transport of the court to any other place, would bee impourished and fall to decay: which made the people to fall in hatred of them, and to put them in prison, but by a decree of the States they were soone inlarged.

While the armies were gathering together on both sides, and the State of the Netherlands standing in suspence, the potentates round about desirous to reconcile the * 2.359 distracted minds of the Netherlands against their Prince, as also to preuent bad ex∣amples [ D] to cease all troubles, and lastly to put out and quench the fire of warre and dissention in the Netherlands, sought to make a peace there. The Emperor greeuing much at the desolation of the Netherlands, had sent the Earle of Swartzenburgh, the King of France Monsire de Bellieure, and the Queene of England, the Lord Cobham, and Sir Francis Walsingham her Principall Secretary, with a great traine, which Ambassadors hauing moued both parts to hearken vnto a peace, the estates propounded certaine conditions, the contents whereof were, that all that they had don since Don Iohns going to Namur, should bee approued, allowed of, and held to bee well don, that Don Iohn should depart out of all the Netherlands within the sayd month of August, and deli∣uer vp all the townes and forts into the States hands, that the Arch-duke Mathias [ E] should remaine gouernor of the Netherlands, and the pacification of Gaunt should still bee maintained and kept, that the matter of Religion (by reason of the warres so much aduanced should bee referred to the deciding and determination of the generall estates, to bee ordred according to the conueniency of the times and places; that the prisoners on both sides, as also the Earle of Buren, should bee set at liberty, and that in the said contract the Queene of England, the Duke of Aniou, the king of Nauarre, with their adherents, and Duke Casimirus, and all those that had giuen the States any ayd, should bee comprehended. For the effecting whereof the States desired the Am∣bassadors aforesaid, to seeke by all the meanes they could to bring Don Iohn there∣vnto, and thereby to keepe his Maiesty in possession of his Netherlands, without [ F] putting him in more vaine hope, and so for euer to estrange him from his subiects; desiring them like-wise to moderate the strictnes of there articles, in any thing they thinke conuenient. The Ambassadors aforesaid, vsed many reasons and perswations on both sides, especially to procure Don Iohn to depart out of the Netherlāds intreating him

not to seeke to hazard his good fortune vpon a doubtfull battayle aledging vnto him [ A] the contract made betweene the Duke of Aniou and the States, their power hauing so * 2.360 great an army, and mony like wise to maintaine the same: saying, that he might depart with honor, when as his departure should be procured, by the Mediation, and interces∣sion of the Emperor, the King of France, and the Queene of England, which dying, they said, hee might assure the Netherlands vnto their naturall Prince, and by that meanes procure the maintenance and furtherance of the Romish Catholiks religion: touching the said articles, the Ambassadors had many conferences and meetings betweene them, the estates and Don Iohn; speaking with Don Iohn him-selfe at Lovuain and there abouts: * 2.361 but it was al in vaine for that Don Iohn would haue the states to giue ouer their armes, & to send the Prince of Orange into Holland, and then he said he would harken to a peace, yet telling them plainely that hee would permit no new religion and many things else, [ B] and yet hee made a shew as that in regard of the miseries of the country hee would haue consented to a truce for a time, that so hee might deale further about the condi∣tions of peace propounded, but this was done onely to winne time, and in the meane while to gather more forces, and to make the States weary; but the States, (there affaires not permitting it) would not harken to it, Don Iohn likewise for his part, hauing gotten more soldiars, and being aduertised that the States men wanted, pay at the last he made answeare to the Ambassadors, that the King of Spaine had referred the whole dealing for the peace vnto the States only, to whome full power and authority should bee giuen for the same, (being indeed some-what iealous of France and England) [ C] and to that end hee shewed them lettters; so thanking them for their paines hee tooke his leaue and departed, and by that meanes that treatie of peace proued frutelesse.

The generall estates, thinking verely that they had well secured and assured the * 2.362 Catholike Romish Religion by the new publication of the pacification at Gaunt found it to auaile them little, for that they were forced neuer-the-lesse, to satisfie and content the mindes of the peolpe in euery place, thereby to maintaine the warres, and that they had need of such soldiers as they might trust, which they esteemed to be Hollanders and those of the religion, and therefore in euery place they put such as were of the religion into offices within the townes, as knowing them thereby, to bee [ D] bound not onely for the loue and good will they bare vnto their natiue country but also in regard of the religion, to bee faithfull, trusty and true: obseruing that it was not onely the meanes for them to defend their bodies, liues, goods, wiues, and children, but chiefly for the honor of GOD, as they were perswaded, whereby many being of the reformed religion, and aduanced to offices in diuers places of the Netherlands, were forced by all the meanes they could to further the said religion, although some through simple zeale dealt vnaduisedly therein. From these and the like causes it fell out, that they of the reformed religion, imbouldned them-selues to present * 2.363 a request vnto the Arch duke Mathias, and the generall estates, bearing date the twenty two of Iune, therein shewing, that they desired to liue according to the reformed religion, and that they had separated them-selues from the Romish Church for many [ E] causes as it appeared by diuers bookes put in Print, containing the summe and contents of their faith, which many had sealed with their bloods, and that the more it had beene persecuted, the more it had spred abroad and increased, as it appeared by the tiranie of the Duke of Alua, that had put eight-teene or nine-teene thou∣sand persons to death by the hand of the executioner, after whome followed Don Loys de Requesens, the great Commaunder of Castile who also had driuen an innume∣rable number of good men out of the Netherlands, and caused all traficke and good handycrafts (wherein the chiefe riches of the land consisted) to be caried into strange and forrene countries, by which meanes the warres began: shewing the Spaniards [ F] practises and desseignes, and their reddinesse and willingnesse, to defend their na∣tiue country, and that yet neuer-the-lesse, they feared, that they should bee once againe put to the slaughter, after that the countrie should haue made vse of them, and by

expence and losse of their liues and goods, gotten the victory, which must of necessity * 2.364 [ A] procure great vnwillingnesse; from whence many difficulties were to bee expected, by nise vsing liberty amonst the Burgers and the townes men, which difficulties and inconueniences, by meanes of the free permission of the reformed Religion, would be let and hindered, where-as to the contrary, the refusing and deniall thereof would bee the originall of all euill intents, and of such enterprises, which neither the Protestants would like of, nor they them-selues bee well pleased withall. They likewise showed, that they were content to put in securitie to them of the Romish religion, that they desired not to roote them out, nor yet to take their goods from them nor to doe any thing that should bee contrary to the duties of good Townes-men, and fellow Bur∣gers, but alwayes to bee ready for the common cause, to defend and maintaine their natiue countrey, whereby all discord beeing layd away, a perfect peace might bee [ B] established.

They likewise hoped, that touching the reformed religion, some order would be∣fore that time haue beene taken by the generall estates, which by many hinderances had beene put off, and chiefly by the meanes and practises of the enemy, or else by some that hoped (the enemy being ouercome) once againe to roast the Protestants at a fire: and therefore they desired that no credit might bee giuen vnto such men, as reiected the pacification of Gant, thinking that two religions could not bee maintay∣ned in one kingdome, and that there could bee no securitie giuen to the spirituall persons: saying further; that the enemy had manifestly broken the pacification of Gant, and that for as much as it concerned the land, they might by common consent, [ C] breake, mitigate, expound, and declare the same, for the good of their natiue coun∣trey, thereby to resist and with-stand the secret practises of the enemy, yet they de∣sired that it might not bee broken, but that rather according to the contents thereof, the point concerning the free exercise of their religion, might bee discided by the ge∣nerall estates. Shewing further by their request, that two religions might well bee indured in one countrey, by examples of the first Christians and their Emperors; and after that in our times, permitted by foure Emperors, and by the Kings of France, Poland, the great Turke, and the King of Morocus, and others, yea and by the Pope himselfe, that permitted the Iewes to haue their Synaguogues. And touching the se∣curitie for spirituall persons, they desired that the States would set downe an order [ D] for the same, and that they were ready according to their abilities to performe it, ho∣ping that there would bee some Noble-men and Princes found, that would giue both their words and bonds for their good behauiors therein.

But for that they got no answer presently here-vnto, (in regard of the waightinesse of the cause) vpon the seauenth of Iuly, being foureteene dayes after, they gaue a se∣cond request, wherein they sought to satisfie certaine doubts, as if there were no secu∣ritie to bee found from the Protestants if they should graunt their request. And therefore that there should bee no alteration, they propounded and set downe that in euery towne some of the Magistrates might bee appointed to take particuler know∣ledge of all oppressions and abuses, or certaine good Burgers, men of good name [ E] and same, of•…•… both religions, equall in number, to whom should bee committed the inquiry and repayring of iniuries and wrongs offered on eyther side, both by word and deede: and that in euery Towne some of the principall Burgers, on both sides should answere for their parties; with promise that they should not protect not defend the peace breakers, but rather vse all the diligence they could, that they might bee punished.

And besides, that all Preachers Elders, and Deacons, should likewise promise the same, as on the contrary side, the Priests, Deanes, Pastors, Vicars, and Treasurers of the Parishes should doe the like. That they would also faithfully promise and [ F] protest before GOD, not to practise to hurt nor trouble any of the Prelates or Spirituall persons (that make profession or shew of the Romish Catholicke religi∣on) neither in their persons, goods, nor in the vse or exercise of their religion,

but as much as in them lyeth to hinder the same. And that if it proceed so farre, that [ A] any such thing should bee pretended, and come vnto their knowledge, that they would * 2.365 make it knowne vnto the Magistrate, that order might bee taken therein, as cause re∣quired. Where-vnto the chiefest persons amongst them, should make promise to per∣forme the same, in such places or townes where the free permision of the sayd religi∣on should bee granted, and in such number as they should thinke good: Once againe promising, (according to the contents of the first request) to intreate some great Lords or Princes, to giue their words for them, requiring the like of them, that made profession of the contrary religion, desiring nothing else but to liue peaceably vnder the protection of their Magistrates, and that the breakers of the common peace might bee punished. [ B]

To pacifie and satisfie the people touching this request, the Arche-duke Mathias, the Prince of Orange, the counsell of Estate, and the generall estates, after long and ma∣ture deliberation, deuised a religious peace in Antwerp, for all such townes as would * 2.366 desire the same, the which did not in any sort contradict the pacification of Gant, so that thereby the prouinces of Brabant, Flanders, Arthois, and Henault were not bound one vnto the other, but remained free & at liberty, amongst them, to do as they should thinke conuenient, and that so likewise they of Holland and Zeeland might not attempt any thing, in the other prouinces against the Catholicke Romish religion: and for that the pacification tended onely to the driuing out of the Spaniards, and other strange garrisons, they thought it a necessary peace, and politicke vnion, for that as [ C] then it was no time to trouble, molest, persecute, kill or murther one the other for religion, while they had so great a warre in hand. Many and seuerall causes, (too long to be•…•… rehearsed,) mooued the sayd estates to yeeld there-vnto, as by the sayd religious peace more at large appeareth, and for that cause I haue set it downe ver∣batim as it was deuised. Euery man apparantly knoweth, that the tyrranous procla∣mations which had before beene made, touching religion, by the secret counsell, and * 2.367 practises of strangers, specially of the Spanish nation, with-out hearing the estates of the Netherlands once speake therein, and since that great rage and extremitie hath bin showne for the vpholding of the same, which are the causes of all our present calami∣ties, for that by meanes thereof the priuileges, rights, and lawdable customes of the [ D] countrey, haue in some sort beene broken and troden vnder-foote, and in fine procu∣red a miserable warre, which is vndertaken by the enemies of our natiue countrey, onely to bring vs into vtter ruine and slauerie: and for that there was no other reme∣die to withstand the same, but to bring all the Prouinces into one vnitie and accorde, thereof proceeded the pacification of Gant, which after many and seuerall delibera∣tions and consultations taken therein, as well by the Bishops and Diuines, as by the counsell of estate and others, from that time forward had beene approoued, confir∣med, and by publicke oth sworne vnto, not onely by the estates of all the Netherlands, both spirituall and temporall, in generall and particuler, but also by Don. Iohn of Au∣stria, in the name of the King, making an accord with the estates aforesayd, touch∣ching the pacifying of the warre, and the auoyding of all other inconueniences: and [ E] although wee hoped that in the obseruing of the same no faults would bee commit∣ted by the sayd, Don Iohn, whose office specially was, (as beeing appointed to gouerne and rule the sayd Netherlands) to haue holden and maintained the same in peace and tranquillitie: neuer-the-lesse dooing the contrary, hee had broken the sayd pacifica∣tion in many points: and by diuerse meanes (contrary to his oth) made shewe hee would not bee satisfied there-with, so that the afore-sayd warre is once againe renew∣ed by him, which hath for the preseruation of our naturall libertie and defence, mutually to beare armes together, beeing thereby, and by meanes of the extremities where-into the sayd warre, (as the mother of all disorders and insolencies) hath brought vs, forced to doe and permit diuers things that are preiudiciall to religion, [ F] and the obedience due vnto his Maiestie, which wee otherwise neuer thought nor pretended, and at this present cannot with-stand, as at diuerse times before the

begining of this warre, we haue protested both by letters, and Ambassadors sent vnto * 2.368 [ A] his Maiesty and also vnto the said Don Iohn. and although wee want neither will nor meanes, to procure our defence, not-with-standing for that the diuersity of the prouin∣ces and of mens opinions, hinder the cause, it is to bee douted, that neither our good wills, nor yet our abilities, will preuaile vnlesse we proceed to a more strict and stronger band of amity, indissoluble accord and vnion; especially in the matter of religion, for considering, that not onely by reason of the warre, but also in regard of the ineuitable frequentation, and conseruation of the marchants, and other inhabitants of the coun∣tries and Prouinces bordering vpon vs, as of France, England, Germany, and others, hauing the pretended reformed religion amongst them, the same religion hath for some time beene followed and maintained in diuers Prouinces of the Netherlands, so it is [ B] much to be feared that if the liberty and exercise of the same, as well as of the Romish religion bee not permitted, with a friendly accord and religious peace, (taking for example the countries of Germany and France who by that meanes haue ouer∣come all their troubles and liue in peace and quietnesse, whereas before they could not abide nor endure one the other, vsing all acts of hostility,) that for want thereof, great dangers, blood-sheading, and other inconueniences will en∣sewe, whereby our common enemy, (being within the countrie) shall haue meanes to worke his will: whereas to the contrary, by a peaceable vnion (being ioyned and vnited together) wee may defend our-selues against all inconueniences; and troubles. [ C]

All which wee hauing well considered, and specially, that the enemy feareth nothing more, then that hee should see vs once vnited in religion, and there∣fore seeketh (vnder pretence thereof) on all sides to hold and keepe vs in diui∣sion, meaning neither to spare reformed nor Catholike what-so-euer, if hee may preuaile; hauing also considered, that they of the pretended reformed religion haue by diuers petitions instantly desired, that the free exercise thereof, might bee per∣mitted vnto them, with and vnder such restraints and conditions as are conueni∣ent; we for the common peace and quietnes of the country after mature-deliberation therein taken; not onely with the deputies of the generall estates, but also perticu∣larly, hauing therein heard the aduice of the estates of euery Prouince, ordaine, and [ D] by these presents decree the articles ensewing, and that without any preiudice of the vnion of the Prouinces, the which need not to diuide them-selues one from the other by reason of this Edict, especially, for that no man is compelled to alter or change his religion, nor yet to accept the liberty of the contrarie religion, vnlesse hee * 2.369 thinke it good.

First that all wrongs and Iniuries, happened and done since the pacification of Gant, in regard of the religion, shall bee forgiuen and forgotten as if they had neuer happe∣ned, so that for them, no man shall bee called in question nor molested neither by order of lawe nor otherwise, nor any inquiry or serch made touching the same, vpon paine to bee punished as transgressors, and breakers of the peace, and perturbers [ E] of the common welth. And that the same, in regard of the diuersity of religion, may not be maintayned, vpholden a planted, nor suppressed by force of armes, nor any more contention nor question happen about the same, it is ordayned and decreed, that euery one, touching the said two religions, may liue in freedome of conscience, as he will answer before God for the same; in such sort, that they shall not trouble one the other, but that euery man, both spirituall and temporall, shall peace∣ably and quietly hold and enioy his owne goods, and serue God according to the knowledge wherewith hee hath indowed him, and as hee will answer before GOD at the latter day, which shall continew in this sort, and vntill such time, as that both parts being heard speake for them-selues, by a generall or nationall counsell it [ F] shall bee otherwise ordred and determined.

And to the end, that the afore-said libertie of conscience in religion, may be vsed and obserued with conuenient & tolerable conditions, for the quietnes, and saffety of either part, it is ordained that from henceforth the Catholike and Romish Religion shall bee

reestablished and set vp againe, not onely in the townes of Holland and Zeeland, but [ A] in all other townes and places of the Netherlands, wherein it was put downe, there * 2.370 to be peaceably and freely exercised without any trouble, or molestation giuen or procured vnto those that desire to follow the same, so they be not lessee then a hundred households in euery great towne or vilage, such as haue dwelt and inhabited therein at the least for the space of a whole yeare, and in the small townes and villages, the most part of the inhabitants to bee of a yeares standing. And that also, the afore-said reformed Religion, shall and may hencefore bee freely erercised and vsed in euery towne and place of the Netherlands, whereas it shall bee desired or required by the in∣habitants of the same, being in nomber as afore-said. Alwaies prouided, that both they of the one, and the other religion, shall present them-selues before the magistrate, where they shall seeke to haue the excercise of their said religion, who presently shall [ B] appoint them a conuenient place for the same, that is in Holland and Zeeland, for them of the old religion, such Churches and chappels, as shall be found to be fit & conuenient, and for want of them, certaine places where they vsed to stand, where the said Catho∣likes may cause their chapell or church to bee newly erected, and in other prouinces, for the reformed religion such conuenient places, as the Magistrates shall giue and ap∣point them, so that they be a good way distant from the Catholike Church, if it be pos∣sible, to the end that by reason of the neerenes of the places, there may no question nor strife arise, as it is many times seene to fall out.

In which places, euery one of them, shall and may doe, hold, heare, and celebrate, [ C] their Godly ceremonies, as Preaching, Praying, Singing, Baptizing, Sacraments, Buri∣alles, Mariages, Schooles, and all other things respectiuely belonging to there seuerall religions. And where the aforesaid exercise of the reformed religion is not don open∣ly, no man shall beeonce spoken vnto, nor brought in question for the same in any man∣ner, for any thing that hee shall doe concerning the same within his owne house. Ex∣pressely forbidding vpon the paine aforesaid, both they of the one and the other reli∣gion, of what estate or quality soeuer they be, not to trouble nor molest one the other by word or deed, in the exercise of their respectiue religion, and the circumstances there∣of, neither yet to scandalize or mocke one the other. But that euery man shall abstaine and refraine to come to the place, where other religion then his owne is exercised and [ D] taught, vnlesse he abstaine from comitting any scandale or offence, & gouerneth himselfe according to the rules, and orders of the said Church and temple, whervnto he shall goe vpon paine as aforesaid. That all monkes, religious, and other eclesiasticall persons, shall and may freely, vse all their goods, tithes, and other dewties belonging vnto them, without any molestation or hinderance whatsoeuer. And this, without any preiudice to the Prouinces of Holland and Zeeland, who touching the spirituall goods, shall take such order, as is set downe in the twenty two article of the aforesaid pacifications of Gaunt, vntill it shall bee otherwise prouided by the generall estates; and to auoyd all prouocations to anger and other questions, it is expressly forbidden to make signe, or openly to set forth any flouting, iniurious ballates, songs, rimes, libels or scandalous [ E] writings, neither yet to print or sell them, on either side.

It is likewise forbidden to all preachers, lecturers, and others, of what religion soeuer they be, that are to speake or preach openly, to vse any speech or proposition ten∣ding to vprore or sedition•…•…. but shall behaue them-selues indifferently and modestly, saying or speaking nothing else, but that only which tendeth to the instruction and edi∣fication of their audience, vpon paine aforesaid. Forbidding likewise, (vpon like paine) all soldiers of what religon soeuer they be, to beare any signes, tokens or showes where∣by they might moue or stirre each other to strife or contention. That they of the afore-saide resormed religion both in Holland and Zeeland and elsse where should bee bound, to obserue the lawes and customes of the Catholike Church, touching [ F] Marriages allready made, and which there-after should bee made, in respect of the degrees of consanguinity and affinity, and that touching the mariages as now done in the third and fourth degree, they of the said religion shall not bee molested nor troubled for the same, nor the validitie of the said Marriages brought in question

or doubt, neither yet denied, nor with-held from the children produced, or to be pro∣duced * 2.371 [ A] of the sayd mariage. Prouided al•…•…ayes, that the spirituall affinitie shall not hin∣der such mariages, and that there shall bee no distinction nor more difference made, touching religion in the receiuing of Schollers, sicke or poore persons, into the Vni∣uersities, Colledges, Schooles, and Hospitalls, then there is to receiue them into pub∣licke Almes-houses, and other charitable places.

That they of the religion out of Holland and Zeeland, should bee bound to keepe and obserue the festiuall dayes, ordained and kept in the Catholick Romish church, as Sondayes, Fayre dayes, the feasts of the Apostles, of the Anunciation of the Vir∣gin Mary, the Ascention of Christ, Candlemas day, and the Sacrament dayes, and shall neither worke, open their shops, nor buye nor sell vpon the same. That also vpon such dayes, as by the sayd Church it is forbidden to eate flesh, the Butchers houses and [ B] the shambles shall bee shut vp, and euery man shall behaue himselfe according to the ordinances of euery place. And the better to vnite all the inhabitants of the Nether∣lands, wee declare, that both the one and the other of each religion, shall bee capeable, beeing fitte to bee imployed, to hold, vse, and exercise all manner of offices and states, as well of Iustice as otherwise: neither shall they of the sayd reformed religion, bee forced to take any other oth, nor bound vnto any other duties, then well and truly to exercise their office and function, and to keepe and obserue the ordinances appointed for the same. And for that the administration of Iustice is one of the principalest meanes to keepe and maintaine the subiects in peace and vnitie, and that the same, by [ C] meanes of the diuersitie of religion, and other wayes, is troden vnder-foote in many places, to the great oppression and iniury of the innocent, and others seeking and de∣siring iustice. Therefore to preuent all slanders (at this day too much raigning) it is commanded and forbidden vpon paine aforesayd, vnto all Iudges, Magistrates, and particuler persons, from hence forth not to apprehend nor lay hold vpon any man, without obseruing three accustomed wayes; that is, in the deed doing, or by order from the Iudge, vpon lawfull information before giuen, or where the party plaintife appeareth, and giueth due information by writing. And that the persons, being by any of the three meanes aforesayd apprehended, shall presently bee deliuered into the [ D] hands of his or their competent Iudge, there to bee iudged and ordered touching his cause or offence, as equitie requireth. And to the end that all bad humors in the com∣mon wealth may bee purged and rooted out, euery man is permitted without any per∣ticuler interest to accuse one the other, so it bee done by due information, and before a competent Iudge, that shall be bound within eight dayes after or before, according to the custome of the place, to doc the party accused right and iustice, and therein to pro∣ceed with all diligence, either to condemne or discharge him, as he in iustice shall finde it requisite and conuenient.

And yet it shall not bee lawfull, for any man to slander an other, without cause or reason, neither yet to bring his name or fame in question, or to back-bite him vpon [ E] paine aforesaid. And touching the execution both of ciuill and criminall iustice, to giue euery man reasonable contentment, it is ordayned, that from hence-forth all the offices of the Magistrates of the perticuler Townes, Villages, and Lordships of the Netherlands, shall bee executed by men of the best qualitie, and such as are fauourers and louers of their natiue countrey, without distinction of religion. Which Magi∣strates shall onely deale with the causes of Iustice, policie, or gouernment of the Townes and places where they are appointed in such cases to bee resident. With∣out any trouble, molestation, let, or impeachment to bee done vnto them by any man whatsoeuer, neither yet shall any seeme to meddle there-with in any sort what∣soeuer. And when as the Magistrates shall be renewed and new chosen, those that are called the eighteene or otherwise, which were put in their places, in greater or smaler number, shall bee wholy left of, with expresse command, not to deale any more there∣in, [ F] nor to trouble them-selues with the publicke affaires, nor with the fortifications and watches of the townes, vnlesse they shall bee specially appointed and chosen therevnto by the Magistrates aforesaid.

And that touching the same, they shall therein giue no commission nor command * 2.372 [ A] that is of any importance, but by fore-passed knowledge of the Magistrates of the Townes wherein they remaine, and by their expresse Commission, vpon paine as aforesaid. And that this our Edict may the easilier and the better bee obserued and kept, the Committies and other Deputies, or such as haue power to renew the Magi∣strates, shall nominate and appoint foure notable and sufficient persons, of good qua∣lities and behauiours, at all times to bee ready, and that without request made by any man, to inquire about the defects and breaches of the aforesayd Edict, which informa∣tion by them taken and put in writing, beeing signed by three of them, shall present∣lie bee deliuered vnto the Magistrate, to take knowledge thereof, and there-vpon to proceed by speedy iu•…•…ice and execution of the paines aforesayd, against the breakers [ B] and suppressers of the s•…•…me. Alwayes prouided that the offices of the sayd foure per∣sons shall not continue aboue the space of a whole yeare, and that they shall bee likewise renewed and altered with the Magistrates. Giuen in Antwerp the two and twentith of Iuly 1578. As this religious peace was a remedie and medicine for ma∣ny Townes, so did it likewise serue such as were ill affected and troublesome, to moue and stir•…•… vp strife and contention in some Townes and Prouinces, which otherwise likewise were not very well pleased nor contented, as here-after I will show.

In Antwerp, Brussels, Mechelen, Bergen, Breda, Liere, Bruges, Ipre, &c. as also in Friseland, Gelderland, and other Prouinces and Townes, it gaue great contentment, and in those places those of the reformed religion had Churches appointed for them, [ C] euery Towne according to their affections; the one sooner, the other later. In Ant∣werp, they appointed those of the reformed religion, to preach in the Chappell be∣longing to the Castle called the Moabite, the Iesuites Church, the Fryers Churches, the Dominican or preaching Fryers, and Saint Andrews Church, and after that also in the great Church of our Lady, and Saint Iames Church, they of the Catholike reli∣gion keeping the Quiers and Chappels, and part of the great Church for themselues. The sayd Churches beeing deuided amongst the French-men and the Netherlands, that were of the re•…•…igion, Saint Georges Church, and the Nunnes Church, with other places, were appointed for them of the confession of Ausbourge, as making profession of the reformed religion, with the Swinglians & Caluinists, and agreeing in the points [ D] thereof, and with them (as they said) lesse varrying then the Monckes and Friers do, as in the ceremonies of the Church, and in the exposition of the words of Christ, about the ordaining of the Sacrament, both sufficiently tending to the declaration of the true effect of the fruits or end wherevnto it was ordained, for the which all louers of peace and vnitie did not much contend. They had likewise their Churches in Brussels, and many other places more.

In Brussels the Lords of Champigni and Heze, the Marquis of Bergen, the Lord of Fassigen, and the Lord of Glymes, with others, presented a request, to hinder the reli∣gious * 2.373 peace in that place, and that the Protestants might not preach there, all•…•…dging that it was a principall towne whereas the Princes of the land were commonly resi∣dent; [ E] saying, That thereby the sayd Towne might bee in hazard to loose the sayd pri∣uileges, and spake very boldly touching their former seruices; saying, that they had charge from the councell of estate, and the generall estates▪ to resist and with-stand the reformed religion, and that they ought not to suffer any alteration for seauen or eight hundred mens opinions, but being discouered, they did it of their owne authority, the Bourgers opposed themselues against them, whereby they were much hated of the people, and the Lord of Champigni (notwithstanding his former seruices) was with the rest by Golonell Vanden Temple apprehended and committed to prison, and the better * 2.374 to be kept (as being found culpable of the same action, for the which the Lords were committed in Gant) hee was by meanes of some of the Bourgers sent to Gant, to the [ F] other prisoners, the rest beeing released againe in Brussels. At Dorincke, Ryssell, and other Townes and places in the Wallon Prouinces, they began likewise to take order, to receiue and allowe of the religious peace, but by reason of certaine things that fell out, (which shall here-after bee showed) it was as then hindered.

The Duke Iohn Cassimire, hauing at an Imperiall dyet at Wormes, offered vnto the * 2.375 [ A] Deputies of the generall Estates, to come and succour them with some troupes: * 2.376 after that hee had mustred his men in the Countie of Zutphen being seauen thousand foote (whereof there were foure thousand French shot) and sixe thousand horse, re∣maining some-time in the Campe before Deuenter, the which was all that time besie∣ged, hee came into Brabant, and the sixe and twentith of August ioyned with the states armie: whereas the Archduke Mathias went to receiue and welcome him, with all the militarie duties accustomed at the reception of a generall of an Armie that comes to succour. He had before stayed long with his forces in the Dutchie of Geldres, and had much trouble before hee could make them to passe the riuer of Meuze, for want of money, which the States could not furnish by reason of the Ganthois tumult, and the discontentments of the Wallons, which hindered the contribution of the Pro∣uinces, [ B] to pay the states armie, the which with that of Cassimires, cost monethly eight hundred thousand Florins. In which payment Arthois and Henault were the first, which breaking their promise with the other Prouinces, made default. Those of Flan∣ders did not in like manner furnish any thing, or very little, vnder coulour that they were to defend them-selues against the male-contents: although for their parts they were to pay the third of all the charges of the armie: Arthois and Henault either of them an eight part, from whence nothing came: so as in sixe moneths the other volun∣tary Prouinces could not furnish aboue foure hundred thousand Florins, the which was farre short of the reckoning. Wherefore this goodly armie must of necessitie bee thus poorely dispersed, as it was, and the States runne more in debt, as well to [ C] Duke Cassimire, as to the Duke of Aniou, and to their owne men. In the meane time the Prelates and Noblemen of Friseland that were kept prisoners at Leeuwarden, as wee haue shewed before, seeing that for no commandement of their Superiors, * 2.377 as of the Arch-duke Mathias gouernor; of the Prince of Orange his Lieutenant, of the councell of State, nor for any Commissioners that were sent vnto them, their de∣teiners would set them at libertie, they found meanes to escape all out of prison the seuenteene of September, except three Prelats, and three Gentlemen, who would not hazard them-selues to bee surprised in their flight and for feare to bee brought backe againe in disgrace. [ D]

On the other side, in Arras the chiefe towne of Arthois, certaine young aduocates (whose names I conceale for their credits, some of them being allyed vnto me) vnder coulour to bee reputed good and zealous countrey-men, beeing through fauour of their places, and Captaines of the Bourguers (whereby they were armed) brought in contrary to the accustomed order, on the eeue of all Saints 1577. in the election of Aldermen, adioyning the Magistracie although incompatible with the Captaineship: yet fauoured and applauded by the people, for the good opinion and hope which they had conceiued of them, that they would maintaine the common∣weale in the vnion of the generall Estates. Yet some of them hauing beene the mo∣tiue * 2.378 to draw from Antwerp to Arras Captaine Ambrose le Duke, to whome was gi∣uen the place of Sargiant Maior of fiueteene companies of Bourguers within the [ E] Towne, with a Cornet of fiftie horse, and a hundred foote to Captaine Gale his sonne in lawe, leuied for the safetie and preseruation of the Towne: yet soone after these men suffered them-selues to bee corrupted by the flattering of the Lord of Capres, Gouernor in particuler of Arras and of the Citty, and Lieutenant to the Vicont of Gant Gouernor of Arthois during his absence at the Campe, and by the pensions and promises of Prelates. Whereof the Arch-duke beeing well informed, and consi∣dering of what importance the disiunction of this Prouince from the generalitie might bee in time (the sayd Towne of Arras and Citty, beeing sufficient to keepe all the other Townes of Arthois in the vnion) if it were not preuented, and if [ F] they did not disappoint the secret practises and dooings of the sayd Prelates, and o•…•… Capres, who couertly sought to supplant the Vicont of the generall gouernment, of Arthois. Of which Prelates, and of some others tending to the sayd disiunction▪ * 2.379 some were committed to prison by the suspitious Bourguers: Among the which was

Damp Iean Sarazin Abbot of Saint Vaast in Arras, the keeper of his graine, the Signi∣or * 2.380 [ A] of Valhuon his great Bayliffe, Gerard de Vos Signior of Beaupere Lieutenant ciuill in the Towne. Iames de Lattre Aduocate to the Lord of Capres, the Chanoine Mer∣line, the Signior of Warluzel, the Signior of Comtee, and •…•…swatines sonne in lawe to the Signior of Naues President of Arthois: the Deputies of the Towne of Saint Omer (beeing then resident in Arras) the Councellor of the Towne, the Register of the States of Arthois, the Proctor Pinchon, and diuers others of qualitie, all suspec∣ted to bee ill affected to the generall vnion.

This I say, made the Arch-duke to ordaine (the which hee did afterwards rei∣terate by expresse charge and commandement to Capres Gouernor and Magi∣strate of the sayd Towne) to haue a Colledge erected of fifteene of the quietest [ B] and wisest Bourguers of the Towne, which should bee elected and chosen out of their fifteene companies of Bourgers, three to bee named in euery company, and the most capable and sufficient of the three to bee chosen, to haue the priuate charge, and to watche for the publicke good for all inconueniences that might happen, as well by factions and practises, as otherwise in all occurrents. To the which were named mai∣ster * 2.381 Robert Bertoul Signior of Halenges, Maister Nicholas Gosson a great. Lawyer, Willi∣am Caulier Signior of Belacourt, Maister Peter Bertoul Signior of Bois Bernard. Iames Moullot a Bachelor of the Lawes: Iames Caffart Receiuer to the Vicont of Gant, Robert Vassal, Nicholas Denis, Louis Roche, Iohn Widebien Signior of Iumelle, Iohn Pot∣tier, Morand Campe, Sebastien Chocquet, Vincent Flamen, and Robert Penin a Proctor. [ C] The election of all which fifteene aboue named, was done in the end to the great greefe and discontent of the Lord of Capres and the Magistrates, who could not contradict it, nor delay the election any longer. But they did not cease afterwards to giue vnto the sayd Elect (whome they called the Deputies of the Bourgesie) all the crosses they could, for that they had obteyned a Collegiall chamber in the State∣house: detracting and slandering them in all sorts, although they did not meddle any thing with the pollitike gouernement, nor vsurpe any of the Magistrates authoritie, nor of the Gouernors (vnderstanding this charge freely, and without any fee) the sayd Gouernor and Magistrates seeking onely to make them odious to the Bourguers, that they might be rid of them vpon the first occasion. [ D]

Not-with-standing these fifteene Deputies, as well in priuate as in open assem∣bly of the Bourguers, labouring continually to maintaine the vnion of the towne, representing the great inconueniences which did hang ouer the countrey of Ar∣thois, if they should bee at any time so miserable, as to disioyne them-selues from their ancient good neighbours and confederate countrey-men, the Flemmings and Brabanders, beeing as it were allyed to Arthois, from whome they had receiued so many benefits, yea that of hospitalitie, with all good vsage and courtesie, when as during the warres against the French, they had beene often-times forced to flye vnto them. The sayd fifteene producing many re-markeable examples of former times to confirme them. [ E]

In the meane time the Signior of Capres, and the young Magistrates, hauing•…•…ir first heate of zeale to their countrey cooled, whereby their ambition had mounted to the highest degree, one being become Pensioner to the Abbot of Saint Vaast, & another to the said Gouernor & other kinsmen fauorers and allies to the said William le Vasseur, began to giue eare to them that practised this disvnion. By whose perswasion the chiefe of Arthois made diuerse assemblies in the Bourough of Secli, at Beau•…•…ort in the Abbey of Mont Saint Eloy, and in other places, where as some of these young Aldermen assisted, to second them that did so much affect the disiunction of this Prouince, some-times writing to the Townes of Lille, Douay, Mons, and others, to bring them to their bowe. But not-with-standing all the aduertisements which th•…•…se fif∣teene [ F] Deputies gaue in vaine to the Arch-duke and the States, that they might preuent it: for that the Vicont of Gant, Gouernor generall of Arthois, then well affected vnto them, remained in the Armie, beeing Generall of the horse, and there∣fore was for the most part absent from Arras.

The Signior of Capres his partisans and the magistrats proceeding on still in their des∣signs, * 2.382 [ A] had so aduanced their affaires as they held themselues assured of Bethune, Saint Omer, Aire, Hesdin and other places, nothing remayning more but Arras, where there were so many opponents and so cleere sighted as it was imposible for them to execute their practises, if they did not first supplant and displace these fifteene contradicting deputies; and the Captaines Ambrose, and Gele, for the better effecting whereof they appointed a generall assembly of the States of Arthois on the twelfth of October in the towne of Bethune (against all ancient custome) in the which it was resolued and decreed to free them-selues of the said fifteene, at what rate soeuer, which resolution was soone * 2.383 after discouered, by the chaines that were newly drawne crosse the street vpon all the passages to the little market place of Arras, none being so simple, but by this in∣nouation [ B] he might foresee some strange apparent tumult. And the fryday following being the seauenteene of the moneth, the Magistrats hauing called all the Bourguers to the towne house, and set the sworne company of Harguebuziers in gard extraor∣dinarily vnder the State house, the which was not lesse strong then the other companies together.

This confirmed euery man in the apprehention which hee had formerly con∣ceiued of some future broyles, and did so alter the mindes of some of the most zealous to the good of their country, who had a promise to bee seconded by captaine Ambrose and his horsemen; as about noone they came with a resolution and forced this gard of the sworne band, without any effusion of bloud, but onely of two or [ C] three that were hurt, and in this heat they mounted vp into the State house, and se•…•…zed vpon all the Maigistrates in the councell chamber, whereas a great nomber of the Bourguers were assembled, but made no opposition, so as (without wrong or vi∣olence * 2.384 done to any of them) they were deteyned (except three or foure of the most simple, who at the intreaty of the fifteene deputies were presently let goe) fower daies, vntill the twenty one of the moneth, during which time the most resolute and best affected of these fifteene, in the absence of Iohn Caffart their companion (who was then in Antwerp with the Arch duke and the councell of State, to take direction what was to be done in the like troubles) were Mediators to reconcile the Magistrates with the Bourguers that were thus transported, expecting the comming [ D] of commissoners, which the said Caffart had required to bee sent from the court to Arras. The which being long delayed, the Prouinciall councell of Arthois beholding this confusion with greefe, hauing by promises and faire words wone Captaine Ambrose his cornet and cheefe officers, together with Captaine Gele and his company, they preuayled so by the fauour of some, and by the respect of their au∣thoritie, many Bourguers being in armes (Ambrose and his men remayning specta∣tors) as they with enseigns displaied came vnto the towne house (not without dan∣ger of a great slaughter of the cittizens of either part) and set the Magistrats at liber∣ty by force.

The party of those that were well affected to their country, seeing them-selues [ E] abandoned by the horsemen, and Captaine Geles company of foote durst not stirre: the Magistrats were desirous to be reuenged for this iniury: the Gouernor Capres being then absent returned hastily to Arras, and ioyned with them, being glad of this * 2.385 alteration; setting vp a gibbet before the towne house: they seazed vpon a notable Bourguer, called Valentin Mordac, whome they committed to the Arcenall of the towne, and there caused him to bee hanged: they depose the fifteene Deputies from their places, they apprehend Allard Crugeot an Aduocate, and Peter Bertoul one of the fifteene, a man of seuentie yeares of age, they make their processe with all di∣ligence, and the three and twentie day at night caused them to be hanged by torch light. And in the meane time the seditious Preachers did Preach and storme in [ F] their pulpitts, that religion went to wracke, that all good order and pollicy, with the lawes and priuiledges of the country went to ruine, that the Pacification of Gant was broken by the Ganthois them-selues: that all accords and confederations betwixt them, the Flemings and other Prouinces were of no force and they freed

and discharged from the bond and oth of association, Maister Nicholas Gosson a learned * 2.386 [ A] Gentleman and a great lawyer, being seauenty two yeres old, from whome the Citty of Arras had (by his learning and sound Iudgement) drawne so many seruices for the publike good, yea in the time of the duke of Alua, was kept prisoner for the respect they had of him and for his great age in the towne house, for that hee had giuen his aduise (being required to speake) that it was not fit in any sort to disioyne themselues from the Flemings, not so much in regard of the oth of the vnion, as for the great pro∣fit and commodities they had alwaies drawne from Flanders and Brabant, by rea∣son of their proximity and neighbourhood to Arthois, by which Prouinces they had beene receiued and courteously entertained during the warres against the French, whether sometimes they had beene forced to fly: giuing them therein both sound [ B] and holesome councell, with as many pregnant reasons as hee could possible produce to cut of this monster of disiunction, which was afterwards the cause of so many mi∣series throughout all the Netherlands, for which councell (if they had followed it) both the towne of Arras and the whole country of Arthois had beene for euer bound vnto him.

But contrary-wise thereby to begin to shew forth this monster, on Sater-day the fiue and twenty of October, the Seignior of Gosson being in his bed, they caused him to rise, and arraigned him, accusing him (for this good councell which hee had giuen them) to be the Author of sedition, tumults and popular mutines, and a troubler of the publike peace, he who was a man so decaied and decrepit as he came not out of [ C] his study, where hee herd all consultations and gaue his aduise, hauing traueled much for the common weale as well by writings (the which are yet extant) as other-wise, and by these accusations, not-with-standing all his obtestations, exclamations, protes∣tations and recusations, they condemned him to loose his head, from whence hee ap∣pealed to the councell of Arthois, who confirmed this sentence sodenly, the which was so hastely poursued, as his processe was begon and ended, two appellations de∣termined, and the sentence put in execution, betwixt one and two of the clocke of Sonday morning, and all was dispacht with such celeritie, as there was but se∣uen * 2.387 howers space from the beginning of the processe to his execution. A very extraordinary thing and of bad example for such a person. [ D]

Afterwards they seazed vpon one Morand Camp one of the fifteene, whome after they had kept languishing sixe monethes in prison, they caused to bee hanged the very day that their disiunction was concluded in the Abbay of Saint Vaast. The rest of the fifteene Deputies reconciled themselues with the Magistrats. Iohn Caffart and one other which could not bee taken, and without doubt had beene executed, were banished and their goods forfeited against the preuiledges of the citty. Many good Bourguers were vsed in the like sort, which had beene noted to be forward in this trouble. And thus was the disiunction of the Prouinces of Arthois, Henault, Lille, Douay and Orchies made; Arthois hauing led the daunce, as wee shall hereafter shew more at large. The Ganthois to suppresse the roads and spoyles of the Malcontents [ E] of Menin, leauied at that time some troupes for their defence, with the which they did sometimes charge these mutined Wallons, saying that Don Iohn hauing beene the first breaker of the Pacification of Gant, and they so much opprest by the Malcontents, they could not doe lesse then to stand vpon their gard, and incounter them that came to assayle them at their owne doeres, without any cause or authority from their So∣ueraigne. They also called Duke Iohn Casimire to their ayde, whome Iohn d' Inbise chee•…•…e Bourgue maister of Gant had set for of his priuate authority, (some would say that hee would gladly haue made him Earle of Flanders, but being a doubtfull * 2.388 thing I leaue it in suspence) whether hee went with some Cornets of Reistres vn∣knowne to the States. But hee profited little for his owne particular, and did lesse [ F] good for the States, but that hee receiued little lesse then a hundred and fifty thousand florins of his pay, from whence hee retyred soone after into Germany, discontented with the States.

The first daie of October, Don Iohn of Austria, bastard brother to the King of Spaine, * 2.389 [ A] Lieutenant and captaine generall of the Netherlands, died of the plague as some thought in the campe neere vnto Namur, a yong Prince full of high desseignes, proud and presumptuous, after that hee had by his dissembling (which hee could not so con∣ceale but it burst forth) troubled the state of his King and Lord, and the affaires of the * 2.390 Netherlands more then euer. But others are of an opinion, that it was conceit and greefe, as it apeared by two of his letters, which were intercepted by Monsieur de Saint Leger, whereof the one was written vnto Iohn Andrea Doria Prince of Melfi, and the other to Don Pedro de Mendoza, Ambassador of Spaine, lying in Geneua, both bea∣ring date in the campe a mile from Namur, the seauenteenth of September, in the yeare of our Lord 1578. wherein hee complained of the long delaies vsed in Spaine, [ B] touching that which should bee determined, about his affaires in the Netherlandes, and with what policie and patiencie hee was to arme himselfe to withstand the same, that he must of force suffer himselfe to bee inclosed by his enemies, which had almost stopped vp all his passages, in such sort, as hee should bee constrained to retire to the place, appointed him for his vttermost refuge, for that hee had no hope to fight, as beeing to weake, vnlesse he should forcibly make a passage through his enemies, and so escape awaie, and that whensouer hee should doe it, the King (who was the onely cause thereof) would be in danger to loose all the country: he complained further, that he had made a new motion vnto the King, that hee would take order what hee should doe, and his Maiesties pleasure should be obeied, and put in execution, but that he feared the re∣medy [ C] would come to late, for that neither his writing nor his meanes, preuailed not, saying, that both his hands beeing cut off, hee was fully perswaded that their meaning was, hee should likewise stretch out and lay downe his necke, and so desiring them to haue him in remembrance in their daylie praiers, he committed them to God. He that is desirous to know more hereof, may reade the booke of the sayd letters, printed by Wil∣liam Siluius in Antwerp, by which letters, (written not long before he died) it appeeres, what a troubled minde, and how much discontented he was, being yong, high minded and inconstant, yet wanting no iudgement, hee had great aduersaries in the Court of Spaine, as the adherents of the duke of Alua, who sought by his policy and great expe∣rience to draw Don Iohns proceedings into dislike. [ D]

From his youth vpwards hee alwaies sought to aspire to a Kingly estate, and to ef∣fect great matters, as it likewise apeereth by a Spanish booke, made by Anthonio Perez Secretarie to the King of Spaine touching the death of Iohn Escouedo, Secretary to the aforesayd Don Iohn for the which the sayd Anthonio Perez, (after long imprisonment and persecution, and great vprores touching the same in Arragon, about the priue∣ledges of the country, whereof the King tooke great reuenge) was forced to flie into France, and after that into England, and there staied. In the sayd booke it is shewed that Don Iohns minde was wholy addicted to aspire to high matters, and that the King of Spaine had apointed him a trusty Secretary called Iohn de Soto, who serued him well in the warres in Granado, and in his office of Admirall in the great victory against the [ E] Turkes, but while that Don Iohn was in Italie, the Pope was secretly delt withall, to make him King of Tunis, which the Kings secretary vnderstanding, and the motion beeing af∣terwards made by the Pope vnto him, the King thanked the Pope, for the great care, he had of his brother, but he denied the request, as being much mooued, and very iealious thereof, for that hee seemed to depend more vpon the Pope, then vpon him, suspec∣ting his Secretary Iohn Soto to bee the cause thereof, and therefore tooke councell and agreed with Anthonio Perez his Secretarie, to deuise the meanes to place Iohn Escouedo to bee Don Iohns Secretarie, promooting Soto to a better place: and gaue Escouedo diuerse and perticular instructions, to pull downe Don Iohns haughty and proude minde, and to bridle the same, and so to amend that which Soto had neglec∣ted, [ F] but Don Iohn beeing sent for to bee gouernor in the lowe countries, preten∣ded that as soone he should haue gotten the full charge and commande ouer the souldi∣ars in the sayd countries, and setled the same in peace, that hee would enterpize some∣what

with them against England, (as it hath beene partly shewed) and there to put * 2.391 [ A] the Queene from her crowne, and to marry with the imprisoned Queene of Scots and so to make himselfe King of England, wherevnto hee had obtained lea•…•…e, and the name or title thereof from the Pope, with promise of aide, hee had likewise a secret practise and contract in France with the Duke of Guise and the league, which they named the defence of both the Kingdomes of Spaine and France, which the King also vnder∣stood by his Ambassador Iohn Vargas, Don Iohn not once perceiuing it, although hee caused his pretended enterprize against England to bee certified to the King by the Popes legate.

But that was broken off, for that the Estates in the Netherlands, beeing then in treaty of peace with Don Iohn, would by no meanes consent, that the Spaniards [ B] should goe out of the countrie by sea, whereby hee was preuented of his purpose, and perceiuing that in the Netherlands, by reason of the Estates good policie and fore∣sight, there was no meanes or matter of great honour or dignitie to bee attained vnto, beeing desperately minded he sought secret meanes to bee discharged of the same go∣uernment, or els to haue so great a powre of men and money from the King as he might by force become maister thereof, or of some other place: whereby it apeared that hee would in a manner compell the King to followe his humor, as it is apparant by the let∣ters aforesayd, and others also from Escouedo, and specially by one bearing date the tenth of February in the yeare of our Lord 1577. Wherein hee wrot that hee was so much out of conceite with himselfe that hee had failed of his enterprise against Eng∣land, [ C] that with meere discouragement, hee was of the minde to be become an hermite: for that he could not finde in his heart to liue as hee had done to that daie; saying fur∣ther, that rather then he would liue in that gouernment, (vnlesse it were vntill an other came to take his place) there should no resolution bee so hard and difficult vnto him, that hee would not sooner take in hand, although it should cost him his dearest bloud, insisting so earnestly vpon his discharge that he sayd hee would leaue it, either by faire or foule meanes, and that if hee were not discharged thereof, hee sayd, hee feared hee should fall into the sinne of disobedience, to shunne the sinne of dishonor, saying that hee had rather to goe take an aduenture into France, with sixe thousand foote and two thousand horsemen, then to staie in the gouernment of the Netherlands. [ D] These desperate and doubtfull speeches, mooued the King of Spaine verie much, and gaue him great occasions of distrust, when such things were secretly brought vnto his eares.

Remembring likewise some of the words he vsed before hee went into the Nether∣lands, saying, that whensoeuer hee was King of England, that then he would be equall with Spaine, especially if hee once got the entry into Saint Andrewes, and the castle, which is the frontire of Biskaie, and a fort vpon the rode called Megro, from whence all Spaine was to bee ouerrunne and vanquished. These and the like dealings with the Pope, and the Duke of Guise, beeing knowne vnto the King and some of his fami∣liers, bred great suspition in the Kings minde the falt thereof beeing layd vpon Esco∣uedo [ E] his Secretary, esteeming him to haue added more therevnto, then his commis∣sion was, and therefore, hee beeing sent into Spaine by Don Iohn, the King gaue ex∣presse commandement that hee should bee staied there, and for that Don Iohn wrot so earnestly for money and for his secretary Escouedo, the aforesayd Anthonio Perez the Kings Secretary, had commission, to finde the meanes to kill him, as secretly as hee could, that Don Iohn might haue no suspition thereof, for that the sayd Anthonio Pe∣rez was the onelie man, that with the King, knewe all Don Iohns and Escouedoes pro∣ceedings, and two or three more, that were but partly made acquainted therewith, which Perez by his aforesaid booke acknowledgeth to haue done by the Kings com∣mandement, vseing therein a certaine souldiar called Gartia Darze, and fiue or sixe o∣thers, [ F] who in an euening, as hee was going to his lodging, sodenly inclozed him about, and killed him as if there had bin some priuat quarell betweene him and them.

The death of this Escouedo, brought many iealousies into Don Iohns head, who

finding himselfe to bee charged with many limmited instructions, and commande∣ments * 2.392 [ A] from the King, hee became still more and more distempered, whereby hee knewe not what to resolue, as the aforesayd letters declared, and therefore his suddaine death gaue men cause of great suspition, that it was secretly procured, although that greefe and conceite haue more force in Princes haughtie and proude hearts, then in meaner persons.

Don Iohn beeing dead in the armie, his bodie with great and stately pompe was borne into the Church at Namur, and from thence carried into Spaine, leauing his Lieutenant, Alexander Farneze Prince of Parma, gouernor in his place, that was after∣wards inuested with the same by the King himselfe: this death of Don Iohn, fell out verie well for the Netherlands, considering the state wherein they as then were, as I haue alreadie shewed. [ B]

Notes

• * 1.1

  Those of Middelbourg in great ex∣tremity.
• * 1.2

  Don Lewis his 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉.
• * 1.3

  The towne of Leyden be∣sieged.
• * 1.4

  Braue sallies made by the besieged of Leyd•…•…n.
• * 1.5

  The small Barkes of the Spaniards giue an alarme to the Zelanders
• * 1.6

  A victory of the Prote∣stants.
• * 1.7

  The signior of Boysot hurt.
• * 1.8

  The Com∣mander a spectator of his mens o∣uerthrow.
• * 1.9

  Iulien Rome∣ro sau••s him∣selfe, and d' Auila flies, with his troupes.
• * 1.10

  Captaine Strenchant taken.
• * 1.11

  Strenchant exchanged for •…•…uert and M•…•….
• * 1.12

  Deputies of either part at Rammeken to mak•…•… a com∣position f•…•…r Middelbourg.
• * 1.13

  A compo∣sition for Middel∣bourg.
• * 1.14

  The condi∣tions.
• * 1.15

  Cont Lodouic comes to suc∣cor the Pro∣testan•…•…s of the Netherlands.
• * 1.16

  The Spaniards leaue Leyden.
• * 1.17

  Sanchio d'A∣uila views the Protestants armie.
• * 1.18

  Mondragon ioynes with Auila.
• * 1.19

  The defeat & death of Cont Lodouic of Nassau.
• * 1.20

  The spaniards come to Ant∣werp the 26. of Aprill.
• * 1.21

  Champigni would haue beaten the spaniards out of the towne.
• * 1.22

  The spaniards being by the castell, enter Antwerp where they mutine.
• * 1.23

  A Iesuite preach•…•…ng in the market place they said they would haue money & n•…•… preaching.
• * 1.24

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sp•…•…ch to the mutinous souldiars.
• * 1.25

  The towne of Antwerp was forced to pay 400000. gil∣ders to ap∣pease that mutiny, and so it was ended.
• * 1.26

  The Zeelan∣ders takes the ships of warre of Antwerp.
• * 1.27

  The spaniards returne to Leyden.
• * 1.28

  The spaniards about Bomel & Gorrichom.
• * 1.29

  The taking of Vandrichom & Leerdam.
• * 1.30

  The Spaniards bu•…•…d forts vpon the riuer of M•…•…use.
• * 1.31

  Three diuerse desseignes of the Comman∣der.
• * 1.32

  A vaine enter∣prise vpon Delfe.
• * 1.33

  A generall pardon giuen by the King in the Ne∣therlands.
• * 1.34

  The spaniards seeme to de∣sire peace.
• * 1.35

  Difficulties vpon the order of the treaties of peace.
• * 1.36

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 letters t•…•… Sa•…•… Al∣degu•…•…de.
• * 2.1

  A petition of •…•…e St•…•…es of •…•…lland & 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 2.2

  This petition more d•…•…slikt then the first.
• * 2.3

  Doctor Iu∣nius letter to 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 2.4

  The Princes aduice to the States.
• * 2.5

  A couragious resolution of the States of Holland.
• * 2.6

  The endeauor of captains Ruyckhauer at the Hage.
• * 2.7

  Some English defeated.
• * 2.8

  The English rewarded for th•…•…ir trechery by the Spani∣ard to whome they had yeel∣ded.
• * 2.9

  The Spani∣ards meane not to batter Leyden.
• * 2.10

  A short and resolute an∣swer of the besieged at L•…•…yden.
• * 2.11

  A happy in∣counter vnex pected for them of Ley∣den.
• * 2.12

  Thierry of Bio•…•…chhorst Gouernor of L•…•…yden.
• * 2.13

  A t•…•…xe vpon the victualls.
• * 2.14

  Money coined of paper at Leyden.
• * 2.15

  A sallie made by the besieg∣ed.
• * 2.16

  1574.
• * 2.17

  A surious sal∣lie of the Bur∣gers of Ley∣den.
• * 2.18

  The Prince of Orange ve ry sicke.
• * 2.19

  The great re∣solution of the besieged of Leyden.
• * 2.20

  The Admirall Boysot sent for by the Prince.
• * 2.21

  Separation of three Iurisdic∣tions.
• * 2.22

  The spaniards come to skir∣mish.
• * 2.23

  The army ad∣uanceth to∣succor Ley den.
• * 2.24

  1574.
• * 2.25

  Collonel la Garde in∣formes the Prince.
• * 2.26

  The Protes∣tants charge the Spaniards.
• * 2.27

  A fault is some times profitable.
• * 2.28

  Captaine Catteuille & others drow∣ned.
• * 2.29

  An other pas∣sage to succor Leyden.
• * 2.30

  A passage into Rhinlandt.
• * 2.31

  The Protes∣tants intren∣ched at the passage.
• * 2.32

  The Spani∣ards quit their lodging to the Protestants.
• * 2.33

  The Protes∣tants enter in∣to the lake of Noorda.
• * 2.34

  The Protes∣tants lodge a•…•… Soetermeer.
• * 2.35

  Those of Ley∣den distressed & importun•…•…d
• * 2.36

  A braue an∣swer made by the beseeged, of Leyden.
• * 2.37

  The Prince comes to visit the army.
• * 2.38

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 Pro•…•…s 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…uance 〈◊〉〈◊〉 succors all •…•…y can.
• * 2.39

  The Protes∣t•…•…nts in great 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 2.40

  Stompisch∣wech attemp∣ted in vaine.
• * 2.41

  A tumult in the t•…•…wne a∣g•…•…st •…•…he Ma∣gi•…•…te.
• * 2.42

  The couragi∣ous answer of the Burgeu∣master of Ley•…•…en.
• * 2.43

  A flying mes∣senger.
• * 2.44

  Vnexpect•…•… succors which God sends by the winde.
• * 2.45

  The Spani∣ards amazed.
• * 2.46

  A passage o∣pened.
• * 2.47

  The Prote∣stants passe the dike.
• * 2.48

  The Spani∣ards •…•…e.
• * 2.49

  Many Spani∣ards perished in this▪ out▪
• * 2.50

  The Spani∣ards loose a∣boue 100. boats.
• * 2.51

  A diuision in the towne of Leyden.
• * 2.52

  The extreme famine in Leyden.
• * 2.53

  6000▪ persons dead at Ley∣den during the siege.
• * 2.54

  What the fort of Lem∣men was.
• * 2.55

  The spaniard•…•… abandon the fort of Lem∣men.
• * 2.56

  The deliue∣rance of Ley∣den the 3. of October.
• * 2.57

  A testimonie of Gods pro∣uidence.
• * 2.58

  A peece of the towne wall falls.
• * 2.59

  The Admirall ente•…•…s Leyden with the army
• * 2.60

  The Prince of Orange ad∣uertised of the deliuery of Leyden.
• * 2.61

  A gall•…•…nt en∣terprise with 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 2.62

  The Prince comes to Leyden.
• * 2.63

  The Princes admonition to the Magi∣strates of Leyden.
• * 2.64

  A generall co•…•…lection of armes to re∣leeue the poore com∣mons of Ley∣den.
• * 2.65

  The courtesie of them of Leyden to the Admirall Boisot.
• * 2.66

  Worcum 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…y the Spa•…•…rds.
• * 2.67

  Leerdam won by the Spani∣ards.
• * 2.68

  The Spaniards mutine and take Francisco valdes prisoner
• * 2.69

  The Spaniard•…•… leaue South Holland.
• * 2.70

  The Mutyned Spaniards faile to surprise Vtrecht.
• * 2.71

  1575.
• * 2.72

  The great Commander makes a shew to desire peac•…•…
• * 2.73

  The emperor Maximilian, seeketh to make a 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 2.74

  The deputies that were sent •…•…o make peace
• * 2.75

  Articles of the peace of∣red by the King vnto them of Hol∣land and Zee∣land.
• * 2.76

  1575.
• * 2.77

  The States answer to the King proposi∣tion of peace offered to the Netherlands.
• * 2.78

  Wherefore the Spaniards are straingers to the Nether∣landes.
• * 2.79

  The Kings deputies repli∣cation to the States decla∣ration touch∣ing peace.
• * 2.80

  A monethes time d•…•…manded by the States to cons•…•…r of the ca•…•…e.
• * 2.81

  The Erale of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 taking his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the de 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 •…•…th 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…use.
• * 2.82

  The Stat•…•… declaratio•…•… in the se∣cond as∣sembly at Breda.
• * 2.83

  The opinions o•…•… the com∣•…•…ers coun∣•…•… •…•…d others •…•…ng the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and mo∣•…•… on o•…•… •…•…on.
• * 2.84

  The Prince of Orang and the States answer to the assembly at Breda.
• * 2.85

  The Kings Deputies an∣swer to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 last 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at the breaking vp of the treaty of peace.
• * 2.86

  1575
• * 2.87

  This treaty of peace, made the Princes cause to be better thought on by all men.
• * 2.88

  The comman∣der resolues to warie.
• * 2.89

  The towne & c•…•…stell of Bu∣ren y•…•…elded.
• * 2.90

  Leyden in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…de an 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 2.91

  The Prince of Orange third marriage.
• * 2.92

  Ou•…•…water be•…•…ged.
• * 2.93

  The fort of the Scluse basely aban∣doned.
• * 2.94

  A gallant 〈◊〉〈◊〉 made by captaine Mor∣cant.
• * 2.95

  Resolution of them of Oud∣water.
• * 2.96

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 proffit hurts the ge∣ne•…•…all.
• * 2.97

  Go•…•…d order in the towne.
• * 2.98

  1575.
• * 2.99

  Oudwater sommoned to yeeld and re∣fuseth.
• * 2.100

  The beseeged prepare to de∣fend the breach.
• * 2.101

  The deligen•…•… of the beseeg•…•…
• * 2.102

  Oudwater taken by Assault.
• * 2.103

  The cruelty of the Spaniard.
• * 2.104

  Schoonhouen 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by the Spa•…•….
• * 2.105

  Schoonhouen y•…•…lded by an honest Com∣position.
• * 2.106

  The Spaniards de•…•… vpon Ziricxzee.
• * 2.107

  The Span•…•…s 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…nto the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ziricx∣zee.
• * 2.108

  1575▪
• * 2.109

  The siege of ziricxee.
• * 2.110

  A fleete from Spaine with new soldiars.
• * 2.111

  The Com∣mander sends an agent into England.
• * 2.112

  The States re∣solue for th•…•… preseruatio•…•….
• * 2.113

  1576.
• * 2.114

  The vnited states send to demand suc∣cors from England.
• * 2.115

  The Cōman∣•…•… 〈◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 2.116

  The King of Spaines b•…•…bt.
• * 2.117

  The demand of Flanders to the comman∣der.
• * 2.118

  The request of the com∣ander.
• * 2.119

  The fort of Crimpen taken by the Protestants of Holland.
• * 2.120

  The death of the great Commander.
• * 2.121

  1576.
• * 2.122

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 2.123

  The Adm•…•…ll 〈◊〉〈◊〉 slame.
• * 2.124

  Ziriczee yeel∣ded to the Kings coun∣cell of state.
• * 2.125

  A mutin•…•…e a∣m•…•…ng the spa∣•…•…ards.
• * 2.126

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 2.127

  The mutine•…•… proscrib•…•…d.
• * 2.128

  All the contry in arm•…•…s to chase away the spaniards.
• * 2.129

  The Kings councell of state seazed on, and why.
• * 2.130

  The Duke of Arschot made chief•…•… of the councell of State.
• * 2.131

  Letters frō the States of Brabant to the pro∣uinces and townes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 parti•…•…u∣lar.
• * 2.132

  1576.
• * 2.133

  1576.
• * 2.134

  A discontent b•…•…wixt the English and the zelanders.
• * 2.135

  The duke of Aniou sent fo•…•… into the low countries.
• * 2.136

  A league a∣gainst the m•…•…∣tines.
• * 2.137

  The Castell of Antwerp a retreate for the chiefe of the •…•…utines.
• * 2.138

  The St•…•…tes men def•…•…ated at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…ken by the mut•…•…s.
• * 2.139

  〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 •…•…t the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 won 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 o•…•… 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉.
• * 2.140

  1576.
• * 2.141

  The States thinking to assure them∣selues of Maes∣•…•…cht are pre∣uented by the Spaniards.
• * 2.142

  The Cittadell of Cambray su•…•…prized •…•…or the States.
• * 2.143

  The States seeke •…•…o assu•…•… them-se•…•…s of Antwerp.
• * 2.144

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 in•…•…o de R•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 o•…•… the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 mu•…•…s.
• * 2.145

  They 〈◊〉〈◊〉 A•…•… 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 s•…•… ag•…•…nst the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 2.146

  The death of the •…•…p rout 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 2.147

  The death of 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 •…•…alatin.
• * 2.148

  The s•…•…ke of Antwerpe by the Spaniards.
• * 2.149

  The towne-house burnt.
• * 2.150

  The Ea•…•…le of Ouerstein and the Seignior of Bieure drowned.
• * 2.151

  The •…•…arle of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and some other•…•… p•…•…soners.
• * 2.152

  The number of them that died in this f•…•…∣ry of either side.
• * 2.153

  A Spaniard deceiued.
• * 2.154

  1576.
• * 2.155

  A rort built at Burcht by the Spaniards.
• * 2.156

  1576.
• * 2.157

  Don Iohn giues the Sta•…•…es cause to suspect him.
• * 2.158

  1576
• * 2.159

  1576.
• * 2.160

  1575.
• * 2.161

  1576.
• * 2.162

  Brabant and other Pro∣uinces seeke all•…•…ance from Holland Zee∣land and the Prince of Orang•…•….
• * 2.163

  1576.
• * 2.164

  1576.
• * 2.165

  1576.
• * 2.166

  The States prepar•…•… their army and send into France and England for ayde.
• * 2.167

  The Lord of Sweueghens o•…•…on to the Queene of England.
• * 2.168

  1576.
• * 2.169

  1576
• * 2.170

  The Queene of England an•…•… to the Stat•…•… Am∣bassa•…•….
• * 2.171

  1576
• * 2.172

  A passage free to the sea without pas∣sing before Antwerp.
• * 2.173

  The castle of Gant besi•…•…∣ged.
• * 2.174

  The castle of Gant yeelded.
• * 2.175

  The Castle yeelded.
• * 2.176

  The state of Groningue at that •…•…me.
• * 2.177

  Robles Seig∣nior of Billi seeks to spoile them that re∣fuse the 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 2.178

  1577
• * 2.179

  The Seignior of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 taken prisoner by his owne men.
• * 2.180

  The Captains are taken pri∣soners by a ge∣nerall mutine.
• * 2.181

  The soldiars of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sweare vnto the States.
• * 2.182

  1577
• * 2.183

  The Gouern∣nor of Zut∣phen taken prisoner.
• * 2.184

  The Earle of Rheneberghe •…•…ouernor 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the place of Robles.
• * 2.185

  A general Vnion of the State.
• * 2.186

  1577.
• * 2.187

  1577.
• * 2.188

  The Spani∣ards charged and defeated by Collonel Balfour.
• * 2.189

  Treaty be∣twixt Don Iohn and the States a•…•… Ma•…•…che in Fa∣mine.
• * 2.190

  Don Iohns demands of the Estates.
• * 2.191

  15•…•…7.
• * 2.192

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to Don Iohn vpon •…•…he 17. of Ianu•…•… rie.
• * 2.193

  Don Iohns answere there vpon vnto them.
• * 2.194

  The states re∣solute •…•…nsw re to Don Iohn.
• * 2.195

  1577
• * 2.196

  Don Iohn a•…•…pired to be King of •…•…ngland and Scotland.
• * 2.197

  The reason that incited the states to harken to the peace.
• * 2.198

  The cont•…•…ta of the perpe∣tuall decree of peace, made between Don Iohn and the states of the Netherlands.
• * 2.199

  1577.
• * 2.200

  1577
• * 2.201

  Much promi sed but no▪ thing perfor∣med.
• * 2.202

  1577.
• * 2.203

  1577.
• * 2.204

  The Castell or Vtrecht yeelded to the States.
• * 2.205

  A perpetuall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the P•…•…nce and States of Holland.
• * 2.206

  1577.
• * 2.207

  The answer of the states of Holland and Zeeland, to the generall estates.
• * 2.208

  Touching the free conuoca∣tion of the ge∣nerall estates.
• * 2.209

  The Earle of Buren detai∣ned still not∣withstanding the accord.
• * 2.210

  Don Iohn hi•…•… accord 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sus∣pect to the states of Hol∣land, &c.
• * 2.211

  The Spani∣ards leaue the Cast•…•… of A•…•…∣werp.
• * 2.212

  1577
• * 2.213

  Prisoners de∣liuered of eyther side.
• * 2.214

  The king of Spaine ratified the perpetuall Edict.
• * 2.215

  The great hope they had of Don Iohn.
• * 2.216

  The great conceit they had of Don Iohn not du∣rable.
• * 2.217

  Don Iohn puts from him them of the countrey, and is serued with strangers.
• * 2.218

  1577.
• * 2.219

  Don Iohn ad∣mits none to councell but them that are Spaniolized.
• * 2.220

  Those that are suspect vnto the state are fauoured by Don Iohn.
• * 2.221

  A 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at Gheertru∣denbergh 〈◊〉〈◊〉 May 1577.
• * 2.222

  1577.
• * 2.223

  1577.
• * 2.224

  1577.
• * 2.225

  1577.
• * 2.226

  1577
• * 2.227

  1577.
• * 2.228

  1577.
• * 2.229

  1577.
• * 2.230

  Don Iohn takes occasion to go to Macklin.
• * 2.231

  Don Iohns letters to the Ger∣maine Col∣lonels.
• * 2.232

  1577
• * 2.233

  Don Iohn practiseth from the be∣ginning a∣gainst the States.
• * 2.234

  A beginning of •…•…ster in∣t•…•…rpretation of the pacificati∣on of Gant.
• * 2.235

  Don Iohns 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…b∣ling.
• * 2.236

  Escouedo in∣cen•…•…th Don Iohn.
• * 2.237

  1577.
• * 2.238

  Don Iohn seekes a quar∣rell against the States.
• * 2.239

  Don Iohn seekes to make warre be twixt the States and the Prince of Orange.
• * 2.240

  Don Iohn writs into Germany and England a∣gainst the Prince.
• * 2.241

  The warre of Holland and zeeland the chie•…•…e founda∣tion of Do•…•… Io•…•…n.
• * 2.242

  Don Iohn seekes to re∣tire into some fronter 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 2.243

  1577.
• * 2.244

  Don Iohn thinking to assure himselfe of Antwerp looseth it.
• * 2.245

  Hierges and Floien.
• * 2.246

  Floion and Hierges.
• * 2.247

  The Prince of Chimay sent for•…•…y Don Thon out of the castell of Antwerp.
• * 2.248

  1577.
• * 2.249

  The signior of Treslon in the castle of Anr∣werp for Don Iohn.
• * 2.250

  Don Iohn his letters to the sig∣nior of Pnylomey.
• * 2.251

  Don Iohn seekes meane•…•… to incense the States.
• * 2.252

  1577
• * 2.253

  •…•…hn 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vpon the castle of Namur.
• * 2.254

  Don Iohn complaines os the States.
• * 2.255

  Don Iohn co∣uers his des∣seignes with an imaginary conspiracy.
• * 2.256

  The States shew no dis∣content but intreated Don Iohn.
• * 2.257

  1577.
• * 2.258

  Don Iohn be∣gins to dis∣couer himselfe
• * 2.259

  A great feare and •…•…lteration in Antwerpe.
• * 2.260

  Don Iohn & Escouedo write into Spaine.
• * 2.261

  1577
• * 2.262

  Extract of a letter writ∣ten to An∣tonio Perez
• * 2.263

  1577.
• * 2.264

  Escouedo•…•… propheti•…•….
• * 2.265

  These letters intercepted, discouer Don Iohns inte•…•…∣on.
• * 2.266

  1577.
• * 2.267

  The states begin to di∣strust Don Iohn.
• * 2.268

  Don Iohn w•…•…tes to Collonell Foucker.
• * 2.269

  A letter from the Seignior of Treslon to Don Iohn.
• * 2.270

  1577.
• * 2.271

  Tresl•…•…n taken prisoner, and the Cast•…•…l yeelded to the States.
• * 2.272

  The Ger∣mains put to flight and defeated.
• * 2.273

  Liere assumed for the state.
• * 2.274

  1577
• * 2.275

  The gouernor of Namur, forsakes Don Iohn.
• * 2.276

  Don Iohn seekes to iusti∣fie himselfe.
• * 2.277

  Two causes of Don Iohns r•…•…treate to Namur.
• * 2.278

  Diuers places yeelded to the states.
• * 2.279

  Sept. 5. 1577.
• * 2.280

  * Place this betweene Folio 646. and 647.
• * 2.281

  1577.
• * 2.282

  1577.
• * 2.283

  577.
• * 2.284

  1577.
• * 2.285

  A tumult in Leeuwarden where vpon the c•…•…le is yeelded to the states.
• * 2.286

  The castle of Antwerp de∣manteled.
• * 2.287

  Many castl•…•… ruined in the Netherlands.
• * 2.288

  The states print their iustifications against Dom Iohn.
• * 2.289

  1577.
• * 2.290

  The States seek: succors from all parts.
• * 2.291

  The Prince of Orange comes to Antwerp.
• * 2.292

  Breda yeelded and Collonel Frunsberg p•…•…oner.
• * 2.293

  The Prince made Rouard of Brabant.
• * 2.294

  1577.
• * 2.295

  A tumult at Groninghen and some pre∣lats and others takē prisoners.
• * 2.296

  Don Iohn proclaymed enemy to the Netherlands.
• * 2.297

  Don Iohn be∣ing retired to Luxembourg sends to the Emperor.
• * 2.298

  1577
• * 2.299

  Don Iohn fortefied with troupes.
• * 2.300

  Bouines taken by the states.
• * 2.301

  Champaignis m•…•…n defeated by the Ger∣maines.
• * 2.302

  Polwiller re∣•…•…th succors which Don Iohn sends him.
• * 2.303

  1577.
• * 2.304

  Don Iohn sends to suc∣cor Rure∣monde.
• * 2.305

  A base retreat of the States campe from Ruremonde,
• * 2.306

  1578.
• * 2.307

  1578.
• * 2.308

  The Arch-duke Mathias receiued for Gouernor,
• * 2.309

  The Seignior of Selles sent by the King vnto the state•…•…
• * 2.310

  Don Iohn frames the bo∣dy of an army.
• * 2.311

  Ielousie a∣mong the No∣bllity sor the Leutenancy of the Arch-duke Mathias.
• * 2.312

  1577.
• * 2.313

  Iealousie makes the Noblemen to abandon the armie.
• * 2.314

  The defeate of the states Ar∣mie neere vn∣to Gemblours.
• * 2.315

  Louuain, Ars∣chot, Tille∣mon, Diest, Lewe and Si∣chem yeeld to Don Iohn.
• * 2.316

  The Duke of Aniou offers succors to the states.
• * 2.317

  1578.
• * 2.318

  Saint Guislain assured for the states.
• * 2.319

  Amsterdam yeeldeth to the states.
• * 2.320

  1578
• * 2.321

  Niuelle yeel∣ded to Don Iohn.
• * 2.322

  Many small townes in Henault yeel∣ded to Don Iohn.
• * 2.323

  Councellors displaced in Frisland vpon suspition.
• * 2.324

  1578.
• * 2.325

  A change of Magistrat 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Nether∣lands.
• * 2.326

  A mutinie at Maestrick pa∣cified and pu∣nished.
• * 2.327

  A decree made by the states to enter∣taine the paci∣fication of Gant.
• * 2.328

  Friars burnt •…•…or Sodomie at Gant and Bruges.
• * 2.329

  What Cor∣nellis a Fran∣ci•…•…an Friar of Bruges was.
• * 2.330

  1578,
• * 2.331

  Saint Alde∣gonds oration made at the assembly o•…•… the Princes of t•…•…e Empire hold∣en at Worms in the yeare 1578.
• * 2.332

  1578.
• * 2.333

  A small de∣feat of the Spa∣niards by the French.
• * 2.334

  The Spaniards beseege L•…•…m∣bourg.
• * 2.335

  1578
• * 2.336

  The Castle of Heude trea cher•…•…usly de∣liuered to the Prince of Par∣ma.
• * 2.337

  Octauio Gon∣zague pre∣uailes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…le in Henault.
• * 2.338

  The death of the Countesse of Egmont.
• * 2.339

  The duke of Aniou comes to succor the states.
• * 2.340

  1578.
• * 2.341

  An vnworthy and cruel •…•…act of captaine Pont and well reuenged.
• * 2.342

  Mary 〈◊〉〈◊〉 more worthy of commen∣dation then Lucrece.
• * 2.343

  Don Iohn re∣solues to charge the states at Re∣menant.
• * 2.344

  1578.
• * 2.345

  The great skirmish by Rymenant.
• * 2.346

  1578.
• * 2.347

  A tumult at Valencienes.
• * 2.348

  The duke of Anicus capi∣tulation with the States.
• * 2.349

  The duke of Anious 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 2.350

  1578
• * 2.351

  The states ar mie vnpr•…•…ta∣ble for want of pay.
• * 2.352

  The beginning of the male-contents.
• * 2.353

  A great skir∣mish neere vn∣to Louvain.
• * 2.354

  Three castles taken by the states at one instant.
• * 2.355

  Some compa∣n•…•… of m•…•…∣contents sur∣prized at Gaure.
• * 2.356

  Menin sur∣prized by the Male-contents
• * 2.357

  1578.
• * 2.358

  Temples gran∣ted in diuers place; to the Protestants.
• * 2.359

  Peace pro∣pounded to Don Iohn by forren Princes.
• * 2.360

  1578
• * 2.361

  Don Iohn re∣fuseth to make peace, but desi∣reth to haue a truce.
• * 2.362

  The causes that moued the Stats to tolerate them of the religion
• * 2.363

  The Protes∣tants request for a religious peace.
• * 2.364

  1578.
• * 2.365

  1578.
• * 2.366

  The states re∣solution tou∣ching a reli∣gious peace.
• * 2.367

  The preface of the religi∣ous peace.
• * 2.368

  1578.
• * 2.369

  The articles of the religi∣ous peace.
• * 2.370

  1578
• * 2.371

  1578.
• * 2.372

  1578.
• * 2.373

  The Gentle∣men in Brus∣sels present a request against 〈◊〉〈◊〉 religious •…•…ce.
• * 2.374

  Champigni committed to •…•…on.
• * 2.375

  1578.
• * 2.376

  Duke Cassi∣mires armie.
• * 2.377

  The Prelates and Nobles prisoners in Friseland es∣cape.
• * 2.378

  Secret practi∣ses in Arras.
• * 2.379

  Diuers com∣mitted to pri∣son in Arra•…•….
• * 2.380

  1578.
• * 2.381

  The names of fifteene Depu∣ties in Arras.
• * 2.382

  1578
• * 2.383

  The States of Arthois •…•…eld extraordina∣rily.
• * 2.384

  The Magis∣trats of Arras seaz•…•…d on.
• * 2.385

  The Magis∣trat•…•… of Arra•…•… i•…•…larged re∣ueng them∣selues.
• * 2.386

  1578.
• * 2.387

  The Seignior of Gosson be∣•…•…dded in Arras.
• * 2.388

  Duke Casi∣mire comes to Gant.
• * 2.389

  1578
• * 2.390

  The death of Don Iohn of Austria.
• * 2.391

  1578.
• * 2.392

  1578.