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.

MATHIAS ARCHDVKE OF * 1.1 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 * 1.2 [ 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 * 1.3 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 * 1.4 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 * 1.5 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, * 1.6 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 * 1.7 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 * 1.8 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 * 1.9 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 * 1.10 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, * 1.11 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 * 1.12 [ 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 * 1.13 [ 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 * 1.14 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 * 1.15 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 * 1.16 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 * 1.17 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 * 1.18 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 * 1.19 [ 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 * 1.20 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 * 1.21 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, * 1.22 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 * 1.23 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, * 1.24 [ 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 * 1.25 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, * 1.26 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 * 1.27 [ 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 * 1.28 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 * 1.29 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 * 1.30 [ A] with the conuoy: the Liegeois which remained, hauing two others of his faction, * 1.31 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 * 1.32 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 * 1.33 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 * 1.34 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 * 1.35 [ 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 * 1.36 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, * 1.37 [ 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 * 1.38 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, * 1.39 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 * 1.40 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 * 1.41 [ 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 * 1.42 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 * 1.43 [ 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 * 1.44 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. * 1.45 [ A] But in steed of dooing it, they turned from him to goe and ioyne with the Duke of * 1.46 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 * 1.47 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 * 1.48 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 * 1.49 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 * 1.50 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 * 1.51 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 * 1.52 [ 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 * 1.53 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 * 1.54 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 * 1.55 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: * 1.56 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 * 1.57 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 * 1.58 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 * 1.59 [ 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 * 1.60 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 * 1.61 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 * 1.62 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 * 1.63 [ 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 * 1.64 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 * 1.65 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 * 1.66 [ 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 * 1.67 [ 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 * 1.68 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 * 1.69 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 * 1.70 [ A] Deputies of the generall Estates, to come and succour them with some troupes: * 1.71 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, * 1.72 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 * 1.73 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▪ * 1.74 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 * 1.75 [ 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 * 1.76 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, * 1.77 [ 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 * 1.78 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 * 1.79 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 * 1.80 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 * 1.81 [ 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 * 1.82 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 * 1.83 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, * 1.84 [ 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 * 1.85 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 * 1.86 [ 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 * 1.87 [ 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

  1578.
• * 1.2

  1578.
• * 1.3

  The Arch-duke Mathias receiued for Gouernor,
• * 1.4

  The Seignior of Selles sent by the King vnto the state•…•…
• * 1.5

  Don Iohn frames the bo∣dy of an army.
• * 1.6

  Ielousie a∣mong the No∣bllity sor the Leutenancy of the Arch-duke Mathias.
• * 1.7

  1577.
• * 1.8

  Iealousie makes the Noblemen to abandon the armie.
• * 1.9

  The defeate of the states Ar∣mie neere vn∣to Gemblours.
• * 1.10

  Louuain, Ars∣chot, Tille∣mon, Diest, Lewe and Si∣chem yeeld to Don Iohn.
• * 1.11

  The Duke of Aniou offers succors to the states.
• * 1.12

  1578.
• * 1.13

  Saint Guislain assured for the states.
• * 1.14

  Amsterdam yeeldeth to the states.
• * 1.15

  1578
• * 1.16

  Niuelle yeel∣ded to Don Iohn.
• * 1.17

  Many small townes in Henault yeel∣ded to Don Iohn.
• * 1.18

  Councellors displaced in Frisland vpon suspition.
• * 1.19

  1578.
• * 1.20

  A change of Magistrat 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Nether∣lands.
• * 1.21

  A mutinie at Maestrick pa∣cified and pu∣nished.
• * 1.22

  A decree made by the states to enter∣taine the paci∣fication of Gant.
• * 1.23

  Friars burnt •…•…or Sodomie at Gant and Bruges.
• * 1.24

  What Cor∣nellis a Fran∣ci•…•…an Friar of Bruges was.
• * 1.25

  1578,
• * 1.26

  Saint Alde∣gonds oration made at the assembly o•…•… the Princes of t•…•…e Empire hold∣en at Worms in the yeare 1578.
• * 1.27

  1578.
• * 1.28

  A small de∣feat of the Spa∣niards by the French.
• * 1.29

  The Spaniards beseege L•…•…m∣bourg.
• * 1.30

  1578
• * 1.31

  The Castle of Heude trea cher•…•…usly de∣liuered to the Prince of Par∣ma.
• * 1.32

  Octauio Gon∣zague pre∣uailes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…le in Henault.
• * 1.33

  The death of the Countesse of Egmont.
• * 1.34

  The duke of Aniou comes to succor the states.
• * 1.35

  1578.
• * 1.36

  An vnworthy and cruel •…•…act of captaine Pont and well reuenged.
• * 1.37

  Mary 〈◊〉〈◊〉 more worthy of commen∣dation then Lucrece.
• * 1.38

  Don Iohn re∣solues to charge the states at Re∣menant.
• * 1.39

  1578.
• * 1.40

  The great skirmish by Rymenant.
• * 1.41

  1578.
• * 1.42

  A tumult at Valencienes.
• * 1.43

  The duke of Anicus capi∣tulation with the States.
• * 1.44

  The duke of Anious 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.45

  1578
• * 1.46

  The states ar mie vnpr•…•…ta∣ble for want of pay.
• * 1.47

  The beginning of the male-contents.
• * 1.48

  A great skir∣mish neere vn∣to Louvain.
• * 1.49

  Three castles taken by the states at one instant.
• * 1.50

  Some compa∣n•…•… of m•…•…∣contents sur∣prized at Gaure.
• * 1.51

  Menin sur∣prized by the Male-contents
• * 1.52

  1578.
• * 1.53

  Temples gran∣ted in diuers place; to the Protestants.
• * 1.54

  Peace pro∣pounded to Don Iohn by forren Princes.
• * 1.55

  1578
• * 1.56

  Don Iohn re∣fuseth to make peace, but desi∣reth to haue a truce.
• * 1.57

  The causes that moued the Stats to tolerate them of the religion
• * 1.58

  The Protes∣tants request for a religious peace.
• * 1.59

  1578.
• * 1.60

  1578.
• * 1.61

  The states re∣solution tou∣ching a reli∣gious peace.
• * 1.62

  The preface of the religi∣ous peace.
• * 1.63

  1578.
• * 1.64

  The articles of the religi∣ous peace.
• * 1.65

  1578
• * 1.66

  1578.
• * 1.67

  1578.
• * 1.68

  The Gentle∣men in Brus∣sels present a request against 〈◊〉〈◊〉 religious •…•…ce.
• * 1.69

  Champigni committed to •…•…on.
• * 1.70

  1578.
• * 1.71

  Duke Cassi∣mires armie.
• * 1.72

  The Prelates and Nobles prisoners in Friseland es∣cape.
• * 1.73

  Secret practi∣ses in Arras.
• * 1.74

  Diuers com∣mitted to pri∣son in Arra•…•….
• * 1.75

  1578.
• * 1.76

  The names of fifteene Depu∣ties in Arras.
• * 1.77

  1578
• * 1.78

  The States of Arthois •…•…eld extraordina∣rily.
• * 1.79

  The Magis∣trats of Arras seaz•…•…d on.
• * 1.80

  The Magis∣trat•…•… of Arra•…•… i•…•…larged re∣ueng them∣selues.
• * 1.81

  1578.
• * 1.82

  The Seignior of Gosson be∣•…•…dded in Arras.
• * 1.83

  Duke Casi∣mire comes to Gant.
• * 1.84

  1578
• * 1.85

  The death of Don Iohn of Austria.
• * 1.86

  1578.
• * 1.87

  1578.