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

[illustration]

ALEXANDER FARNESIVS PARMAE ET PLACEN: DVX GVBERN: ET CAP GENER: BELGICAE.

ALEXANDER FARNEZE DVKE OF * 1.1 Parma and Placentia, Lieutenant and Captaine Generall for the King of Spaine.

Of all the Gouernor; that in the Netherland, (Wherof most were vnfit) did take their wars in hand, I was the only man, that rul'd them prudently: And longer then thē all maintaind the wars co•…•…agi∣ously. Like valiant champion, and h•…•…d a most great care My promise to fulfill: for such a royall minde I bare, That neuer in my life vnto my enemie, I falcified my word or faith, which was the cause that I A good report obtain'd, which was my recompence, Else gaind I nought, but for my paines was put to great exp•…•…nce. (Book 11)

The Argument of the * 1.2 eleuenth Booke.

ALexander Farneze Prince of Parma Nephew by bastardise to the King of Spaine, Sonne to his bastard sister, succeeded Don Iohn in the gouernment of the Netherlands: the Ganthois begin to mutine. The Prince of Orange is much troubled to reconcil•…•… them: the Duke of Aniou retires into France. The build∣ing of the disunion of Arthois and Henault the which is conc•…•…uded in the Prince of Parmas campe before Masstricht: Whervpon they make a more stricter vnion at Vt echt, betwtxt the Prouinces which continue in the generality. The King of Spaine hinders the Emperor and some Princes of Germany from treating of an accord, and generall reconciliation, wherevpon an assembly is made at Collogne, where they treat of it but in vaine, those of Holland▪ Zeeland and their Associats thinking it had beene only to circumuent them. Gant falls againe into troubles by the practises of Imbise the Burguemaster, the which the Prince going the∣ther in person doth pacefie by the absence of Imbise. The taking of townes and ouerthrowes at that time of ei∣ther part: the speech and aduice of the Prince of Orange to the estates of the generall vnion: the state of Friseland and Groninghen. The Duke of Aniou brother to the French King called for Protector, and partly Lord of the countries remayning in the vnion: the Archduke Mathias after thankes giuen him, retiers by reason of his insufficiency: the King of Spaine proscribes the Prince of Orange, & sets his life to sale: to eue∣ry point of which proscription the Prince makes answere. The vnfortunate seege of the states of Flanders before Ingllemoustier, defeated, and the signior of La Noue taken prisoner. Macklin and diuers other townes surprized by the States: the Prince of Conde comming from England into the Netherlands is at Gant: the Prince of Parma makes a vaine enterprize vpon the sayd towne, but not without great danger thereof: what past in Friseland at that time: St•…•…nwic beseeged by the Spaniard, victual•…•…ed and succored by the States. The death of the Earle of Reneberg and what he was: the taking and retaking of townes of either part in Friseland, Flanders and else where: the Prince of Parma hauing long beseeged and blockt vp the Cittte of Cambray, the Duke of Aniou comes in person to su•…•…cor it, and victuells it, the Spaniard re∣fusing to fight, whereas hee was receiued and acknowledged for Duke of Cambray and Cambresis, the signior of Inchy remayning Gouernor of the towne and Cittadell in the sayd Dukes name.

ALEXANDER Farneze Prince of Parma, the sonne of Duke Oc∣tauio and the Ladie Marguerite bastard to the Emperor Charles the fift being the yeare before come into the Netherlands, suc∣ceeded after the death of Don Iohn of Austria in the gouernment of the sayd countries, beeing before his Lieutenant: a Prince much more milde and temperate then the other, to whom the whole armie tooke their oth, and acknowledged for Gouernor in the campe neere vnto Namur. Yet through the death of Don Iohn the Spaniards affaires were somewhat crost and hindred, * 1.3 for the duke of Aniou imbracing this occasion, went to beseege Bins in Henault, the which hee battred and gaue an assault, and although hee tooke it not at the first, yet in the end hee forced it, the Spaniards beeing to much troubled in their campe for the death of Don Iohn, so as they neither had meanes nor leisure to succor it, and when they would gladly haue done it, it was too late, for it was forced and taken by assault, the French killing all that they found armed, spoyling the towne and Churches, the which happened the seauenth of October.

The same moneth the Ganthois meaning to build a fort in the Village of Lauwe a league from Menin, they sent three hundred Prioners and Pesants, with some of their * 1.4 companies, to labour there. The Malcontents hearing that this fort vpon the riuer of Lys should be a bridle vnto them, went & fell vpon these poore laborers and soldiers of Gant, whom they defeated, and cut some of them in peeces, & carried others prisoners to Menin: from thence they went to the village of Warneton, where there is a castle be∣longing to the Prince of Orange, betwixt Menin and Ypre, two leagues from the one & the other: a place very famous for the good cloth is made there, in the which there were two companies of the garrison of Ypre, whom they charged, and for a longe time found

good resistance, but the Flemings not able any longer to endure their force fled some * 1.5 [ A] to the Castle others where they could, in which charge there died of either side about three hundred men. Those in the castell yeelded the next day, being the seauen-teene, departing without armes: the Bourrough after that it had beene spoyled was most of it b•…•…rnt: from whence these Malcontents carried great booty to Menin: and from thence they went to doe the like to the towne and mount of Cassel in Flanders, where there is also a Castle.

Some of the cheefe of the towne of Gant, among others the Seignior of Rihouen great Baylife, moued at all these acts of Hostilitie of the Malcontents, and to bee reuen∣ged of their enemies drew forth of the towne the forth of October Maister Iames Hes∣sel in former times councellor of the councell of troubles in the Duke of Aluas time, * 1.6 and the baylife of Englemonere named Visch, whom they caused to be hanged on a tree [ B] aquarter of a leage without the towne, without any forme of Iustice therin obserued: the said Hessel had a long gray beard, the which was cut of, and the said Bay life ware it in his hat for a triumphe, entring in this manner into the towne: the which afterward: (thin∣king he had done a great peece of seruice, and that it would be an acceptable present) he sent vnto the Prince of Orange, who would haue beene gladder such an insolency had not beene committed, although that Hessel was a great enemy vnto him, hauing assisted the Attorny generall to make the Princes processe. This act was much displeasing to many good men, by reason of their manner of proceeding, although that these two men were wicked, peruerse, cruell and odious to all the world: some iudging that these executions were done vpon spleene, others to be reuenged of the extraordinary exe∣cutions [ C] that were done in Arras, vpon the Seignior of Gosson, Bertoul, Crugiot, and others.

The Prince of Parma hauing taken vpon him the Gouernment of the country and of the King of Spaines army, past the riuer of Meuse neere vnto Ruremonde withall * 1.7 his troupes in the beginning of Nouember, attending the returne of Duke Casimiers Army. In passing, Collonell Mondrágon with his Regiment of Wallons and Spaniards seazed vpon the strong Castle of Carpen in the terrytory of Cologne, after that he had battered it a whole day, he caused Captaine Byel to be hanged at the port, and six and thirty soldiers vpon trees, for that they would not yeeld when they were somoned, * 1.8 but would attend the fury of the canon. Then hauing taken Weert, Helmont, and Faul∣quemont [ D] he descended to goe to Eyndouen, and in like sort tooke the Castle of Grob∣bendonc{que} where they slue all that were Netherlanders borne, but they saued the stran∣gers liues, especiall the french, at the intreaty of the Seignior of Serre, a French cap∣taine seruing the Spaniard, who retired them-selues into Herental, where at that time the Seignior of La Noue remayned. The Arch-duke, the Prince of Orang and the States considering that Duke Casimirs going to Gant had caused these bad impressions in the Wallon Prouinces of Arthois Henaut, Lille, &c. as if by the alliances made with the Queene of England, the Duke of Aniou and Duke Casimire (whome it see∣med the Flemings had sent for) they would haue dismembred all the Netherlands, and all vnder pretext of religion: they sought all good meanes to purge them that we•…•…e * 1.9 [ E] infected with thee errors, and to pacifie the Malcontents, for that some nimble spirits (among the which was Valentine de Pardieu Seignior of la Motte Gouernor of Grauelinges reconciled to Don Iohn before his death, the Seignior of Capres, some prelats and others) interpreted sinisterly as tending to a dismembring, and so they perswaded others that were not yet moued, where-vpon the Arch duke and the States appointed the Prince to goe into Flanders, who arriued at Deudermond the twenty of Nouember, where hee entred to that end in conference with the Bour∣gue-maister Imbise, Borlut and others, as well Maisters of the companies, as cheefe of the Bourguers, to whome the States had the fourth of Nouember according vnto their [ F] resolution of the twenty of October, sent an act, conteyning in summe, that they did admit the free exercise of the Romish Religion throughout all Flanders: and the enioying of their possessions and reuenewes to all them of the clergie of the savd Religion, vpon condition that for their parts they should liue peacebly and faithfully,

without attempting any thing against the State, vpon paine of exemplary and rigo∣rous * 1.10 [ A] punishment, according to the which the Archduke, Prince and States, would * 1.11 labour to draw the other Prouinces to consent and to accept of like liberty of re∣ligion: and that they should haue a care that the Nobility were not contemned, nor held in any other esteeme or ranke then was fitting for gentle-men. That no Prouinces were oppressed nor their iurisdictions broken: that good iustice should bee administred to the gentlemen that were prisoners at Gant, as soone as the strangers were retired out of the country: And in the meane time they should send the said prisoners with a good gard into a neuter place, to whome there should bee no violence nor outrage offered. Which Articles if the said Ganthois would accept and entertaine, they should bee receiued vnder the protection and common defence of the Archduke, the Prince and generals estates against any force that should [ B] bee offred them. And they would deale so as the Wallon soldiars and Malcontents should retire out of Flanders, and should ioyne them-selues with the States army. But if the Ganthois refused to do it, they would seeke by all meanes to force and constraine them.

For the better perswading of them of Gant there came vnto them certaine depu∣ties from the magistrats and Collonels of the towne of Antwerp; who laid open be∣fore * 1.12 them, the oth sworne by them and the fruits thereof, how requisit and necessary it was to haue it obserued in all points, to chase the enemy out of the country, or at the least to make him retire beeyond the riuer of Meuse. That without the contry∣bution [ C] of Flanders it was not possible to entertaine the army, the which otherwise would breake and disperse to the ruine and desolation of Brabant, Flanders it selfe and other prouinces. That Brabant being in a manner all deuowred and eaten vp, the army must of necessity come into Flanders, which the Brabansons, should not be able to ayd nor succor, seeing that all their meanes were ingaged to the generality for the fower next moneths; wherein also the Geldrois could not assist them, seeing that for the payment of nine monethes, they had alredy furnished, sixteene thousand florins, being in danger of the enemy frontering vpon them. As for Friseland it was to farre from them, who also for their part, had (besides the said nine monethes) contributed, [ D] twenty three thousand florins. They of Holland and Zeeland through their long precedent warres were quite exhaust and drawne dry, with the great charges where∣vnto they were subiect, for the reparation and entertaining of their dikes, so as at the most they could not entertaine aboue twenty fiue or thirty companies forseruise. As for them of Arthois and Henault, that they sought money from others to pay their garrisons, and from whome they should rather feare a reuolt, then any good, where∣fore they of Antwerp did intreat the Ganthois, that (to shew them-selues conforma∣ble to the intention of the Archduke Prince and States) they would send some notable summe of mony to court, to releeue their country, in this extreame necessity, besides the three or fore hundred thousand which they had furnished in nine months. The tenth of Nouember the Duke of Aniou sent the Seignior of Boniuet to them of * 1.13 [ E] Gant, intreating them to remedy and reconcile their diuisions, for the pacefiing whereof they could not choose a more competent iudge them himselfe, who sought nothing more then to accord them with the Wallons Malecontents as hee had formerly pacefied the troubles in France. And as for the prisoners, that they should put them into his hands, with whome hee would deale, as by the common aduice of all good countrymen, and especially of the Queene of England should bee held iust and right.

The next day the comissioners of the Archduke, Prince and States, did exhibit their commission to them of Gant, and propounded that which they had to saye vnto them, with a deduction of many pregnant reasons, and inconueniences that might * 1.14 growe, if they did not yeeld vnto the Articles which had beene offred vnto them. The [ F] same day the Queene of Englands Embassador, according to her Maiesties letters of the twelth of October and the sixt of Nouember, gaue them to vnderstand that by their courses and manner of proceeding, they gaue occasion to all the world to thinke,

that they sought nothing more then to entertaine a mortall warre, whereof all their [ A] neighbours did so much desire to see an end. That it seemed they would not subiect * 1.15 themselues to any superiority or higher power, but would make a world by them∣selues, whereby some might bee easely moued to assist the States to force them to obedience. That they should bee carefull that for the appetit of some quarrells and priuate intrerests, the good and welfaire of the generality were not indangered, to fortefie the enemy, and to weaken their brethren and country-men, and of friends that were strangers to make them enemies. And although it was to bee presumed that Duke Casimir being come to succor the States by the meanes of the Queene of Eng∣land, had beene secretly called by them to ayde them, yet (said the Ambassador (her Maiesty found it very strange. The which made her thinke, that all this trouble might be easely pacefied, if the Ganthois would conforme them-selues to the councell of the [ B] Prince of Orange and the generall estates in three points: That is in the restitution of Clergie goods that are yet in esse; in the suffring of liberty of religion, and to deliuer into her maiesties hands (or of some other neuter Prince) the prisoners where they should bee kept with as good gard as the Ganthois could desire: wherefore her Maies∣tie sent them word that if therin they would not bee perswaded and yeeld, they should giue her great cause not onely to bee a stranger vnto them, but also to abandon them quite; wherefore they said Ambassador intreated them, that they would duly consider and resolue theron: Finally he required at their hands (in the Queenes name) a bond for forty fiue thousand pounds sterling, conformable to them of Brusselles, Antwerp, Bruges, Middelbourg, Dordrect, Amsterdam, Dunkerke and Nieuport. The thirteene [ C] of Nouember they of Brusselles sent their deputies also to Gant, to make the same * 1.16 complaints and propositions which they of Antwerp had formerly done, with some other reasons tending to make them leaue of their partialities and factions, producing many goodly examples at home of former times happened in the like occurrents.

Vnto all these propositions and aduises, of the Ambassador of England and the Deputies of Antwerp and Brusselles, the Ganthois answered the eighteene of the moneth. That they found not them-selues in any sort bound vnto the Articles and conditions that were propounded vnto them, vntill that their stipulations and promi∣ses had beene first propounded vnto the Archduke, Prince, and Generall estates, and * 1.17 by them accepted: That is, that the Ganthois should not bee bound to receiue the [ D] Romish Relligion, or to performe any of the Articles, if first of all the Wallons and Malcontents, did not desist from all acts of hosty lity, and retire out of Flanders. And when the other Prouinces had receued and admitted liberty of religion in effect, withall the other points and Articles, they said they would not sequester nor dismember them∣selues: but that they would acknowledge the Arch-duke as Gouernor generall, the Prince of Orange his Lieutenant, and the generall estates in all humility as their superi∣ors, and obey them in all Christian and reasonable commandements. And the rather for that they with the other members of Flanders had conceiued a singular inclina∣tion and affection, in the administration of mylitary discipline, with a naturall loue to their country, and especially to the profession of the reformed religion, from the [ E] which they protested they would neuer bee drawne, neither for life nor death: and to acknoledge for euer the good and sincere affections which the said Prince carried vnto his country, whereof he had giuen sufficient testymony in the late warres.

This answer of the Ganthois being seene by the States did not greatly please them, which was the cause of the Princes going (as we haue said) to Denremond, and from thence (after many conferences and contradictions) he came the 4. of december to Gant where being arriued hee sent for the deputies of the Magistrats of the towne to heare his propositions and demands, conteyned in sixe Articles. First that they should * 1.18 accept the articles of the act, which they had formerly sent vnto them touching [ F] the accord. Secondly that they should not forsake the union of the generall estats, but should ioyntly ayde to maintaine it. Thirdly that in the affares of the country, and of the Conty of Flanders touching the generality, they should not resolue any thing with∣out the aduice and consent of the 4. members of Flanders. Forthly, seeing that there was

no order set for the time togather in the common mony, nor for the prouiding thereof; * 1.19 [ A] that there should bee a certaine rule set downe, (to take away all suspition) as well for the receit as the distribution of the generall contributions. Fiftly that the affayres con∣cerning the gouernment of the towne and common-weale should bee managed by common voices, without disorder or confusion, according to their preuiledges. Sixtly and lastly that their should bee published a lawe of amnesty, or forgetfullnes, to take away all doubts, and that euery man may bee the more assured and content, to the end that their hearts might be vnited, and mutuall loue entertained.

These articles were approued by most of the Bourguers and Magistrats, who intrea∣ted the Prince that hee would perswade the companies of trades, and the members of the towne there-vnto, that no man might make any difficulty; for as for that which [ B] they pretended that two religions could not subsist in one towne, that had beene suf∣ficiently discoursed of, in a petition touching liberty of religion, exhibited by the pro∣testants themselues in the moneths of Iune and Iuly, going before vnto the Archduke, Prince and States, by the which they craue nothing more, but that they might freely exercise their religion, which free exercise being allowed them of Gant, it was rea∣son that therein they should agree with the Romish Catholikes, whereby euery one might serue God according to his conscience, and as he will answer at the day of Iudg∣ment, for the helth of his soule. As for the transporting of the prisoners out of Gant, to Antwerp, or any other place where they pleased, that they should make no further [ C] difficultie, seeing the towne drawes no proffit thereby, but only great charge and trouble to keep them, the which they were not resolued to send into any neuter place, without good caution and fideiussory bonds. To induce the Ganthois therevnto, the Prince alledged vnto them first the duty wherevnto they were bound, the inconueni∣ences * 1.20 that were like to growe if they were not vnited, the neighbourhood of the Wallons Malcontents, who practised a priuate reconciliation with the Spaniards; the oppressions which the lesser townes of Flanders were forced to suffer to contribute besides their ordinary taxes, to these wallons, so as they of Oudembourg had for a long time paid eighteene hundred florins a day. That the other members of Flan∣ders would not depart from the obedience of the Archduke, the Prince and States: [ D] that the other Poruinces, as Brabant, Holland, and Zeeland, might abandon them in danger of their enemies, who would soone bring them vnder, to their totall ruine. In the end so many goodly perswasions and reasons were made vnto them by the Prince and others well affected to their country, as the sixteene of December they agreed, and the free exercise of the Romish Relligion was established. By reason whereof certaine Churches were restored to the Catholikes for their deuotion and * 1.21 seruice, and liberty to go in procession within the Churches onely, and to carry the Sacrament in the streets without bells or other ceremonies. The religious men were restored to their Cloisters and couents, but if any would not returne by reason of their consciences, then the Magistrats should appoint them reasonable maintenance. And [ E] that for the greater ease and releefe of their poore, the foure orders of their begging friars should be excluded: some other cloisters and monasteries were made Colledges and scholes for both religions: none of the said religions might molest, disquiet nor scandalize the other in word nor deed. The Protestants might not enter into any Church of the Romish Relligion if they would not behaue and gouerne themselues as the rest: vpon festiuall daies limited, none should doe any worke publikly nor open any shoppe. In regard of opening of the butchery and selling of flesh, therein, they should obserue the auncient Statutes and orders of the towne. The subiects of both relligions should take an oth vnto their superiors, to bee obedient, and to helpe to punish the wicked, especially the breakers of this decree. And according to the same [ F] the Archduke Prince and States, shall hould them vnder their defence and protection. All commanders, collonels, captaines, and officers present & to come, shal swere to en∣tertaine * 1.22 al these points and articles, as also the cheefe of trades and companies with the ministers, those of consistories, clergimen, chapters, colledges and couents, shall also sweare the same. As for the prisoners, not any thing was determined, but that nothing

should be attempted against them without good knowledg of the cause. After this ac∣cord, [ A] the clergy-men returned euery one into the possession of his goods, dignities, * 1.23 Monasteries and Churches, but this good vnion continued not long, as we will show.

All things being thus reformed in the towne of Gant, the Arch-duke, Prince and States thought it good to treat and make an agrement with the Malcontents and * 1.24 Wallons that were at Menin, wherein they imployed some noblemen and gentlemen, whome they knew to haue some credit and authority among them, with the best perswations they could deuise to pacifie them, and to draw them to some good accord. But nothing was effected, for those that were the cheefe motiues of their alterasions for the kings seruice (as they said) that is Damp Iohn Sarasin Abbot of Saint Vaast of Arras, the Seignior of Capres, William of Vasseur Seignor of Valhuon [ B] and some others, tending to desiunction, as we haue said, alleding that by this liberty of Religion graunted by the former articles, the pacification of Gant and the vnion which had followed it, were violated, and were directly repugnant vnto them, where∣by they began to discouer that these alterations of the Malcontents, sought some other subiect or collour, to disioyne them from the generality, then the payment of their entertainement which they had alwaies made great shew of. The Marquis of Haurec and the councellor Meerkerke were sent vnto them, but nothing pre∣uayled, and this mischeefe so increased, as by little and little the said Abbot and others with the Seignior of la Motte woone sometimes one and sometimes an other. And in the end the Vicont of Gant fearing to loose his gouernment of Arthois, * 1.25 [ C] (which he knew the Seignior of Capres Gouernor of Arras did affect) ioyned with them: The Earle of Lalain gouernor of Henault, hauing suffered himselfe to bee per∣swaded, thought also to draw his Brother the Seneshall of Henault vnto them being afterwards Prince of Espinoy.

The Ganthois on the other side imputing all these actions of the Malecontents (where of the Seignior of Montigni Heze, Capres, la Motte and Alennes were the cheefe) to mere ambition, priuate profit, desire of rule, and hatred to the Protestants religion, and for their parts hauing tasted the sweetnes of ecclesiasticall goods which they had formerly seazed on, the which to fall to some agreement with the Malcon∣tents, they had left, seeing the practises of these gettlemen to continue that moued [ D] them to stirre vp the comons againe against the clergy, to breake and beat downe Images more then before, and their insolencie grew so great, as to breake vp tombes and to open the sepulkers of Princes, among others that of the Queene of Denmarke sister to the Emperor Charles the fift to haue the lead she was wrapt in, troubling the rest of the dead, who lay for a time vpon the pauement without sepulkers. Then they began to chase away all Preests, Monks and other Church-men, pretending that they had broken the last accord, in suffring Monkes to preach in their Churchs, whereas none but their Curats and Viccars should haue beene admitted. And in truth a Monke preaching sediciously in Saint Michaels Church was the cause of the first muti•…•…e. The like happened in march at Denremond and Oudenard, so as those [ E] Townes sell into a greater Labirinth of troubles then before. The States armie being as wee haue saide, broken and dispersed of it selfe, and Duke Casimiers troupes feeding vpon the poore countrymen all the winter about Tillemont, and Arschot, attending their pay. The Prince of Parma marched into that quarter with his army, and began to treat with them to make them retire, so as in the end they had a pasport to depart out of the Netherlands within fifteene daies; robbing, spoyling and carrying away all they could lay hand on in the villages where they past, hauing no entry giuen them into any towne. Duke Casimire being at Flessinghes at his re∣turne from England, hearing of the retreat of his troupes, followed them with all * 1.26 speed, taking no leaue of the Archduke nor of the States, being then assembled at Antwerp: who hearing of the departure of his army, they sent after them intreating [ F] the collonels that they might retaine still in their pay two or three thousand men, horse and foote but being already vpon the way they would not returne, the regiment of Lazarus Muller did also retire.

The Germains that were in Deuenter after that they had made as great resistance as * 1.27 [ A] they could, vnder the gouernment of the Seignior of Hauercourt a Bourguignon, and had held it from the end of Iuly to the twentith of Nouember, making many skirmishes, so as of 1200. men which they had, they were reduced to fiue hundred, after that the. Towne had beene battred three daies togither by the earle of Rheneberg Gouernor of * 1.28 Freezland, seeing the assault readie to be giuen, they yeelded vpon composition to haue their liues and goodes saued. The first of December the Earle of Swaertzenbourgh (of whome wee haue made mention before) being Ambassador from the Emperor, pre∣sented him-selfe againe vnto the States, by aduise of the Emperor, and of some Prin∣ces Electors, vppon the last propositions and treatie of Peace, demanding an answer * 1.29 thereof, with the which, for the desire he had to pacifie the warres, and to settle the Netherlands in peace, he transported him-selfe to the Prince of Parma, but they could [ B] not agree, so as it proued fruitlesse.

The one and twentith of the Moneth Maximillian of Henin, Earle of Bossu, generall of the Sates Armie, Lord Steward to the Arch-duke Mathias, Councellor of State, be∣ing taken with a burning feuer, died in Antwerp, who was much lamented both of the * 1.30 Nobilitie, soldiers, and common people. The fiue and twentith day the Duke of Aniou, defender of the libertie of the Netherlands (as he tearmed him-selfe) gaue the States to vnderstād by Monsieur Domartin, the causes which moued him to returne into France, & to leaue those countries. Among other points he alledged the instāce, which the king his brother made, by reason of some tumults which had hapned in France: and that in [ C] the Netherlāds they had giuen the people to vnderstand, that his Presence did hurt the general Peace that was in hand, & that hee sought to seaze vpon the townes of the said * 1.31 countrie, wherein he would disproue them, in deliuering vp all thinges after his depar∣ture into the States hands. He also made an offer, that where-soeuer he were, he would remaine alwaies well affected vnto them: In the end taking his leaue of them, he wisht them to remember the great charges he had bene at to succor thē: leauing Monsieur D'Espruneaux for his Ambassador Leeger with the States. The States being amazed at this sodaine and vnexpected departure, they sent the Seignior of Fromont, and Doctor Gilles Martini, Secretarie of the towne of Antwerp, to let him vnderstand how much they were greeued: beseeching him so to accomodate his affaires, as he might remaine [ D] in the Netherlands, and acknowledging the benefits and fauors they had receiued from him, they offred all seruice, with a promise of full contentment and satisfaction fit for his greatnesse. After his departure, a good part of his troopes retired to the Malecontents of Menin, especially of his footmen.

In Ianuarie 1579. Salentin Earle of Isenbrug Arch-bishop and Prince Elector of Cologne, leauing his ecclesiasticall dignitie, married with the daughter of the * 1.32 Earle of Arembergh. The Chapter and the Diocesse could not at the first agree vppon the election of a new Prince, yet in the end Trucses was chosen, but being also married, and seeking to reforme his Diocesse and to retaine the dignitie with his wife, there followed great warres, the Chapter hauing dispossest him: At the last Ernest the [ E] victorious Prince of Bauaria, hauing chased away Trucses, and dispersed his troopes, was acckowledged Arch-bishoppe of Cologne, Bishoppe of Liege, of Frissinghe, Hilessem & other Bishopprickes and great Benifices, and the Popes Legat in the lower Germany. The first of March the Prince of Parma caused his armie to aduance before Antwerp, trusting it may be vpon some intelligences, which he presumed to haue; pre∣senting him-selfe in the quarter of Deurne and Burgerhout, suburbes of the towne. The Burgers hauing drawne the chaines of their streetes, set their rounds of euery side, appointed euery man his quarter, and shewed themselues very resolute and vnited to defend the towne; saluting the Spaniards with their great ordinance, who were in skirmish with certaine companies of English and Scottish, in the trenches of those su∣burbes and of Berchem, whome they charged vntil night; but in the end they were for∣ced [ F] to retier by the towne canon, after they had lost aboue 500. men and 200. of the States. The Spaniards retired presently towards Louvaine, after that they had burnt some houses and milles of the Iurisdiction of Antwerp: The Captaines and chiefe

officers of the States side, that were either flaine or hurt, were brought into the towne: [ A] the dead were buried, and the rest were gratified by the Magistrates for their valour and * 1.33 good seruice: those of Antwerp complaining of the bad paiment the States made vnto the soldiers, considering the great summes of money which they had furnished to that end for their parts. Wherevpon not long after the English companies, suing for their pay from the generall Estates beeing assembled at Antwerp, seeing they delaid them too much, some forty of them attending the comming forth of the States from the Councell, about noone day, seazed vpon the Abbot of S. Michael, (a rich Abbay in the sayd towne) carrying him in the midst of them through the towne, vnto the hauen, where they imbarkt him in a ship among their men, threatning him, that if they were * 1.34 not payd by his meanes, to cast him into the water. But the Prince of Orange and the Collonels of Antwerp, did pacifie them, and vppon promise that they should bee speed∣dily [ B] paid, they deliuered the Abbot. Wee haue said that before the mutine of the dis∣contented Wallons, which had seazed vpon Menin (although that this seazure and sur∣prize was not done by the sole and onely authoritie of the Lord of Montigni him-selfe, * 1.35 but by a long pretended practise) was at the first colloured for their pay, and not (as they sayd) to alter any thing in the generall Vnion of the States: The which Montigni him-selfe shewed his letters written vnto the Arch-duke, and to the Prince of Orange. Where-vpon the said Noblemen were perswaded to send the Seignior of Bours, Go∣uernor of Macklin to treat with them, and to reclaime them: He went and propounded certain articles vnto them, yeelding vnto all they could demand. The Malecontents according vnto the articles which were granted vnto them vpon their demands, tooke [ C] a new oth. But the countries of Arthois, Lisle, Douay and Orchies, seeing the Dukes of Aniou and Casimire retired with their forces, and that the Malecontents were yet within Menin; refusing to leaue it (notwith-standing all the promises of the States, and their new oth) began then to make open shew of the desire they had to forsake the Vni on, the which they had kept secret since the moneth of August in the yeare before: when as they of Arthois failed to send their contribution for the entertainment of the army. And first of all, the Prelates of Arthois and Henault did corrupt with readie money the sayd Lord of Montigni, (of all which trafficke La Motte-Pardieu was the broker) for the which he receiued a hundred and fifty thousand florins: and as they of Arthois, thrust on by the Seignior of Capres, and the Abbot of Saint Vaast, and also by them of Douay [ D] (who had bene the first mutines) hauing torne the Arch-dukes letters, and committed the messenger to prison, could not do any thing without them of Lille, whereas the Seignior of Ville•…•…val was Gouernor, who seemed some-what suspect vnto thē, or atthe least hard to bee drawne; one of these Prelates sayd that he would giue 40000. florins for his part to be assured of him: Wherevnto a certaine Gentleman of Arthois replied, that he assured him-selfe that for that sūme he would draw him into their faction. And in the meane time the Seignior of Villeruall sent one Charles of Calonne an aduocate of Lille, vnto the Prince of Orange, with letters of the seuenth of August 1578. and goodly protestations that he would continue in the generall Vnion. The Seignior of Bours who had bene (as wee haue said) sent to treat with the Malecontents of Menin, * 1.36 [ E] suffred him-selfe also to be corrupted, deliuering the towne of Macklin to the Spaniard, as well in hope of a marriage which he afterwards obtained, as for that he had no grea∣ter aduancement from the States, nor the pension which hee expected from them of Antwerpe, hauing helpt to reduce the Castell. The Seignior of Mauny, Lieutenant Collonell of the Earle of Egmonts Regiment (being entred into Saint Omer and put the Burgers into a tumult, ready to cut one an others throat, when as some suffred them∣selues to be ouer-ruled by the perswasions of the Seignior of Rumenghien, newly crea•…•… Earle of Roeux) was also corrupted with money. The Seigniors of Heze and Alenes marcht in the same round. True it is, they said that al this money was to pay their Male∣contented [ F] soldiers, but since it was well knowne how they were paid. For the making of all these bargaines, the Seignior of La Motte treated long before they could agree with Alonso of Curiell a Spanish pay-maister, as it appeared by their letters which wee haue seene: Finally the capitulation being made in Grauelingh by the King of Spaines

Commissaries, made mention of seauen hundred thousand Florins (that is to say to * 1.37 [ A] buy our faith good cheape) whereof 200000. were payd to the Lord of Montigni, ac∣cording to the agreement made by La Motte at Mont Saint Eloy. Which accord was set forth by them, and printed at Douay by Iohn Bogard a sworne printer, the same yeare as followeth. Wee Emanuell of Lalain Baron of Montigni, &c. Do acknowledge and declare, that wee haue this day the sixt of Aprill 1579. concluded and agreed with * 1.38

Mounsier De la Motte Gouernor of Grauelingh in his Maiesties name, in the presence and with the reuerent consent of the Bishop of Arras, the Baron of Selles, and Mounsier de Valliuon, as well for our owne person as for that of the Lord of Heze, by vertue of the authoritie which he hath giuen vs, and also for all other Collonels, Captain•…•…s, Of∣ficers, & Soldiers, as well of foote as horse, which haue obeyed vs in Flanders and other places, for these seauen or eight moneths, being at this present about seauen or eight [ B] thousand foote, and some 400. horse, and certaine Pioners, to serue his Maiestie with that forme of oth which followeth. Wee sweare and promise to maintaine and enter∣taine the Chatholike, Apostolike and Romish religion, & to performe the obedience due to his Maiestie, and all according to the pacification of Gant, the Vnion which fol∣lowed and the perpetuall Edict, to which end wee promise to serue his Maiestie faith∣fully against all men, and to obey his Lieutenant and Captaine generall, whome soeuer he shall appoint, beeing pleasing to the vnited Prouinces, to maintaine them-selues in the aboue named points. To which Prouinces if his Maiestie giue reasonable assurance, and doth not retire the Spaniards, Italiens, Albanois, Bourguignons, and other men of [ C] warre not pleasing vnto the said Prouinces, by the day and time that shall be prefixed, we shall not be then tyed nor bound by vertue of that promise, as also we shall not bee bound to attempt nor vndertake any thing before the retreat of the Spaniards & other strangers out of the countrie: which oth we will cause to be sworne by our troopes, & according to the same we will deliuer into his Maiesties handes the townes of Menin & Castell, and all others which we hold, with their artillerie and munition, to be disposed of as shall bee thought fit for his seruice: And for the paying of what is due vnto the said troopes, and for the making of them more voluntary, orderly, and subiect to Marti∣all discipline, for the well seruing of his Maiestie. VVee Valentine de Pardieu, Seignior of La Motte, Gouernor of Grauelingh, promise in his Maiesties name, to pay and deliuer [ D] into the hands of the Baron of Montigni, the summe of two hundred and fiue thousand florins, that is forty thousand presently, threescore & fiue thousand by the sixt of Maie next, and the other hundred thousand by the seauenth of Iune following: in regard whereof, wee Lord of Montigny do promise to entertaine our troopes for all the moneths of Aprill and Maie next cumming, and to make a generall muster of the sayd troopes, to enter into seruice and ordinary paie in the beginning of Iune next. And we Seignior of La Motte do promise to cause them to be receiued in his Maiesties name, & to haue a moneths paie deliuered them, by the 15. of that moneth.

In witnesse whereof we haue signed these presents, and set to our seales of armes in the presence of the Vicont of Gant, Monsier de Capres, and of Monsier D'Allennes, the day [ E] and yeare aboue mentioned. This accord was published by the Baron of Montigni in * 1.39 an assemblie of the States of Arthois held at Arras, as followeth.

My Lord the Baron of Montigni, in an open assemblie of the States of Arthois, and deputies of the States of Henault, Lille, Douay, Orchies, held in the Abbaie of Saint Vaast in Arras the 7. of Aprill. 1579. hath shewed the contract & accord made by him with the Seignior of La Motte, the which declared that the oth mentioned therein, ten∣ded to no other end but to serue his Maiestie for the maintenance of the pacification of Gant, the Vnion which followed, & the perpetual Edict, especially for the reall retreat of the Spaniards out of al these countries, with sufficient cautions of a durable peace.

Behold vpon what coullor the disvnion was grounded, and the priuate reconciliation of them of Arthois, Henault, Lille, Douay & Orchies conceiued, the which burst forth [ F] and shewed it selfe the 29. of Maie following, although the first foundation was laid 9. moneths before, as it appeared, by the failing of them of Arthois in their taxation: & by the Estates of Henault the 15. of October 1578. by their instruction sent to the Prince

of Espinon their gouernor, and to them of Tournay and Tournesis, of the which we wil [ A] hereafter speake: meaning first to declare the course that was taken to attaine * 1.40 vnto the heigth of this diuision, wherof those of Lille made the first open demonstrati∣on by their resolution which they sent to the generall Estates assembled at Antwerp, the which wee haue thought good to insert, with the States answere to their letters, the tenor whereof was.

My Lords, we would not fayle to aduertise you of that which by a generall and ioynt * 1.41 consent of the members of state of this Prouince hath beene resolued and decreed in an Assemblie held this daie, as well for the vniuersall good and generall assurance of all these countries, as for the quiet and maintenance of this Prouince in particular, which is to seeke and imbrace the meanes to put the Spanish souldiars and other strangers out of the countrie, being the spring and original of al our miseries. Or at the least once [ B] for al, to take away al difficulties & doubts, if his Maiesties intention be to hold & effect that, which his deputies offer vnto vs in his name, or that those promises be but baites to diuide vs, and to reduce one by an other: the which breeds all these diuisions & dis∣trusts, which at this present do so miserablie dismember the whole country, as the clee∣ring therof may plainely cause a reunion, yea a full and absolute peace. And to this end, (as by our faith and oth we are al bound) we haue aduised and resolued to send deputies on our behalfe to the assembly of the states of Arthois; to the deputies of his Maiesty & the Prince of Parma, to let them vnderstand, that we haue alwaies bin and are yet ready to submit our selues to his Maiesties due obediēce, if it shal please him to cause the paci∣fication [ C] of Gant, the generall vnion and the perpetuall Edict to be really obserued, with good and sufficient assurances: giuing powre to our sayd deputies, if they find matters likely to be effected, to treat further of necessarie assurances. And as those points be the only foundations, for the vniting of these Prouinces, and that wee can pretend nothing more, vnlesse we will greatly offend; we hope that your Lordships wil find it verie con∣uenient, yea and will aduance it all ye can. And to the end there be no difficulty in the effecting thereof, and that during these treaties no inconueniences may happen, wee hold it fit, and will put to our helping hands to raise a great army, that in case the Spani∣ards and other strangers shall make refusall to goe out of all these countries, to imploy them more resolutely against them then euer. The which wee most humblie beseech [ D] your Lordships, to take in such part, as the true and sincere affection which we beare to the publike good of all these contries doth merit: the which shall receiue an incredible benifit thereby, either by being freed from their aduersaries (wherevnto they haue al∣waies chiefely aspired, and imployed all their meanes for the effecting thereof) or by such an explanation to bee out of all difficulties and diuisions, wherein we meane not in any thing to disioyne our selues, but rather to seeke the generall good, wherevnto wee haue alwaies aspired, as your Lordships may more particularly vnderstand by the act of the sayd resolution herevnto adioyned. And so pray vnto God &c. from Lille the last of March 1579. the subscription was, your most affectionat to please your Lordships the states of the towne and Chasteleine of Lille, Douay and Orchies, and the Clergy and Nobility of the same. Signed Fontaine.

[ E]

Such was their resolution. The 30. day of March. 1579. in the assemblie of the foure chiefe Iustices of the Chasteleny of Lille, the Aldermen and Councel of the sayd towne of Lille, representing the states of the sayd townes and Casteleines of Lille, Douay and Orchies, with the Prelats, Clergy and Nobility thereof: Deputies of the accounts, Of∣ficers of the gouernment of Lille and other preuileged persons: resolue touching the reconciliation with his Maiesty, and the maintenance of the Prouinces strictly vnited, during the treatie and reall effecting thereof. The said States, Prelats, Clergie, Noble∣men and preuileged persons, in the presence and with the aduice of Mounsier de Viller∣ual Gouernor of the sayd towne and Chastelenies, and of the Baron of Montigni, con∣sidering [ F] that the treatie of the sayd reconciliation begun long since on the behalfe of his Imperiall Maiesty had no successe: and that on the other side his Catholike Maie∣sty, as well by his Commissioners and deputies sent to the towne of Arras, as by the letters of the Prince of Parma, written vnto the states being in Antwerp the 9. of this

moneth, to entertaine and keepe in euery point the pacification of Gant, the vnion, and * 1.42 [ A] the perpetuall Edict, and to giue sufficient caution and assurance. Hauing also plainely discouered, that many of the other vnited Prouinces will not imbrace the sayd recon∣ciliation without interposing matters of religion. The sayd States, Prelats, Clergie, Nobles and preuiledged persons of Lille, Douay and Orchies, haue resolued to accept of the sayd offer. Alwaies prouided that the obedience demanded by his Catholike Ma∣iesty, be conformable and nothing derogating to the sayd pacification, vnion and per∣petual Edict. And as the first and chiefe point of the sayd pacification, vnion and Edict, and the onelie meanes to take away all iealousie and distrust, consists in the retreat of the Spaniards, Bourguignons, Italiens and other strangers men of warre, vnpleasing to the states; the sayd retreat shalbe really effected as soone as may bee, by his Catholike [ B] Maiesty; and the townes and forts held by them in the Netherlands, shalbe deliuered vn∣to them of the country. During the which there shalbe an army raised of them that are borne in the country, to preuent all inconueniences and to be imployd against the said Spaniards and other strangers in case they will not depart out of the countrie. His high∣nesse and the deputies of the states assembled at Antwerp, shalbe aduertised of this reso∣lution by letters, to take away al sinister opinions which they may cōceiue of the sincere intention of the sayd States of Lille, Douay and Orchies, tending to the sending away of all Spaniards and strangers, and the restitution of the townes and forts held by them, to them that were borne within the countrie: A most necessarie and profitable thing for all the Prouinces; the which with the fruits of the sayd reconciliation euery one [ C] may enioy if hee please, meaning to comprehend them therein. By meanes whereof the sayd reconciliation may rightly be called generall, and not particular. And for the effecting thereof, the sayd States, Prelats, Clergy, Noblemen and priuiledged persons, of Lille, Douay and Orchies, shall send their deputies vnto the assembly of the states of Arthois, Henault and others, with ample instructions. And to end and determine such difficulties as may rise by the sayd conference, there shalbe a councell of state held in the towne of Lille, whom the sayd deputies shall aduertise from time to time of all dif∣ficulties, and demand their councel and resolution. Thus made and concluded in the sayd assemblie the daie and yeare aboue mentioned. I being present. signed Fountaines. Wherevpon the generall Estates answered, as followeth.

[ D]

My maisters wee haue receiued your letters dated the last of March, with an act of the resolution taken by you the daie before, touching the reconciliation with his * 1.43 Maiestie. And although wee finde your desire and intention to bee commendable, to seeke and imbrase the meanes to free the countrie of Spaniards and other souldi∣ars strangers, the spring and beginning of all our miseries. Yet we thinke the haste you make to treate in particular, verie dangerous; seeing that by this meanes the progresse of the treatie of a generall peace is staied and hindred, beeing alreadie be∣gunne at our instance and request by his Imperiall Maiestie, and his Ambassador the Earle of Swartzenbourg, beeing greatly to bee feared that if you proceed in this priuate treatie with the enemie, in steede of procuring a good peace, you will [ E] kindle a more cruell warre against the other Prouinces then that at this present against the Spaniards: the which is the enemies onelie intent and drift, knowing well that it is impossible and verie hard for him to compasse his desseignes, if it bee not by the separation and distraction of the Prouinces: wherevnto by his flattering hee will seeke to allure you, not once thinking to performe that which hee promiseth. You remember the goodly letters and promises which the King made (as well in ge∣nerall as in particular) at the comming of the Duke of Alua, and what crueltie and mas∣sacres followed, when as the sayd Duke was once entred into the countrie, and when as hee had no collour to accuse or blame the subiects to haue offended his roy∣all Maiestie, as they doe now pretend: and since wee haue seene in what manner [ F] the Court of Spaine hath proceeded against the Noblemen of these countries, by the letters which the King did write vnto Rhoda: where hee was commanded to enter∣taine them, and to shew them a good countenance, vntill that hee were come to the end of his affaires: and in like sort commandement was giuen vnto Don Iohn of

Austria to doe the like. And it is apparent that he sent not the Spaniards out of these * 1.44 [ A] countries, before he was assured of the chiefe forts thereof, and of high Germaines and Netherlanders, being yet in seruice, to draw the Spaniards in againe when hee pleased. The offers and goodly promises which the Baron of Selles made, are also fresh in me∣morie, at his first comming into these countries, that the Catholike King would enter∣taine the pacisication of Gant, and yet he himselfe returning brought the contrary: that is, that the pacification of Gant was scandalous, and that they should not speake nor make any mention thereof. So as you cannot expect nor hope for any thing of these priuat treaties, but all fraude, circumuention and dangerous enterprises. Although they haue perswaded you that the retreat of the Spaniards and other strangers shalbe really effected with as much speed as may be, for it sufficeth the enemy to seperate you, and to [ B] hold you in suspence in this hope and expectation, that they may in the meane time hin∣der the common succors of Mastricht, and without their danger consume you, with a great bodie of an armie, which you intend to raise, and to frustrate vs of our contri∣butions. And moreouer by that meanes to encrease the distrust, and to incense the o∣ther Prouinces against you: who being of the one side assailed by their enemies, and on the other dra•…•…n into iealousie and distrust by the army which you shal entertaine (espe∣cially by reason of former letters & threates of them of Arthois and others) shalbe for∣ced for their safeties to enter into other leagues, and to leauie new forces, whereby a dangerous ciuill warre may grow, and the totall ruine of the Prouinces. And this is the end of their practises which propound this particular peace; wee therefore intreat you [ C] that you will haue regard and call to minde the oth and bond which you haue vnto the generalitie, and not to seperate your selues from it. But contrariwise leauing the sayd particular treatie, to assist the generalitie both with councell and money, as you haue so often promised, to shewe vnto the enemie by effect, the good vnion and force of the Prouinces: which is the true and only meanes to draw them vnto reason, and to at∣taine vnto an assured peace, for they that seeme most difficult, and haue their forces rea∣die to defend themselues, doe alwaies obtaine a better and more assured peace, then they which rashly and by themselues, leauing their allies, enter into particular capitu∣lations, whereby they do neuer reape the fruite which they expected by their seperati∣on, but thinking to purchase their liberty and peace, they fall into seruitude and misery. [ D] Moreouer examples and histories do shew, that Kings and great Potentates, to recouer their countries and authority promise wonders, and performe not any thing, especially to their owne subiects, whom they haue once held rebells. And wee wonder much that the sayd act of the 30. of March is grounded vpon the slacknesse of the Emperors trea∣tie and that the Prince of Parma had written vnto vs by his letters, that hee would en∣tertaine and effect in all points the pacification of Gant, and that many Prouinces would not imbrace the reconciliation, without entermingling matters of Religion: see∣ing that the stay growes neither from the Emperor, nor from vs, but from those Pro∣uinces which haue entred into priuate treaties, the which the enemie finding more a∣uaylable he hath delaied to treate with the generality, by the meanes of his Emperiall [ E] Maiesty. It is vntrue that the Prince of Parma did euer make offer vnto vs by his letters to effect the pacification of Gant, as you may plainely see by the coppie of those which he sent vs, and our answere therevnto. Moreouer other Prouinces haue beene carefull not to treat anything in particular with the enemie, or to make declaration vnto him that they would not haue the question of Religion handled. So as wee finde you are a∣bused by some wicked spirits, disciples of Escouedo, which seeke to diuide vs, and to stirre vp a warre for Religion, and to chase away and massaker one by an other; as here∣to fore hath happened in Germanie, England, France and else-where. Intreating you a∣•…•…aine •…•…o weigh and consider all things well, and to continue vnited with vs, to repulse the common enemy, and presently to send your deputies hether, to determine and re∣solue [ F] of publike affaires by a generall consent, and to send our deputies to Cologne, to make a good and assured generall peace. Wee for our parts doe promise to helpe and assist you in all things that shalbe needfull for your quiet and prosperitie: and entring into a generall treatie, to yeeld vnto all reasonable conditions, as wee haue offred to

the Prince of Parma, as you may see more at large by the coppie of our answer. Wher∣vpon * 1.45 [ A] we pray vnto GOD &c. From Antwerp the eight of Aprill 1579. vnder writ∣ten your good and affectionate friends, the generall Estates of the Netherlands. signed. A. Blyleuen. The superscription was. To the states of Lille, Douay and Orchies.

During all these practises of priuate reconciliation of thé of Arthois, Henault, Lille &c. The Prince of Parma holding Mastricht beseeged with a mightie armie, where as the * 1.46 sayd Prouinces had their deputies, who sollicited all they could, Peter of Melun, Prince of Espinoy, Seneshall of Henault (newly succeeded to the sayd Principality by the death of Charles of Melun his elder brother) gouernor; and the States of Tournay and Tournesis, according to the first practises, which were made in October 1578. and * 1.47 the instruction giuen vnto the signior of Charpesteau by the states of Henault, at the same time when as the states of Arthois and they of Arras began their broiles: which [ B] instruction we haue also thought good to insert in this place, before we proceed, as fol∣loweth. The signior Iosse of Cāpen squier, signior of Charpesteau, Ostregnis &c. at the•…•…e

quest and deputation of the states of the country and county of Henault, shall transport * 1.48 himselfe with all speed vnto the states of the country, towne and Citty of Tournay and Tournesis, and shall present vnto them the humble commendations of the said states of Henault & their letters of credit. According vnto the which he shal giue them to vnder∣stand, that we ought alwaies to stand vpon our gard, & to foresee al inconueniences that may happen; much more when we see the fire kindled, we must fly to the remedy, to hin∣der and preuent a greater ruine and combustion. It is most notorious, that although the [ C] Prouinces in these parts, laboring to recouer their liberty, and to free themselues from the Spaniards and their adherents, and from the yoake and seruitude, wherevnto they would subiect them, had treated a pacification with the Prince of Orange, and the states of Holland, Zeland and their associats: by the which it was expresly promised & sworn, not to attempt any thing that might be scandalous against the Catholike, Apostolike and Romish religion, vpon paine to be blamed and punished as troublers of the saith & publike quiet: & thervpon was made and sollemnly sworne a general vnion, contayning the same points: yet it appeeres plainly of all sides, that the sectaries and heretiks carry themselues most insolently, preaching and making publike exercises of their sects and [ D] pestiferous religions, ruining and profaning the holy Sacraments, Cloisters & Abbaies spoyling Churches and Images, and massacring Church-men and good Catholiks, sur∣prizing and doing outrage to monasteries, townes and castles, forcing, rauishing and a∣busing holy virgins and other chast wiues and maidens, applying to their owne vse, the goods and reuenues of the church, imprisoning & putting to death with great indignity, Bishops, Prelats & honorable persons, that were iust & innocent: subuerting al ancient order of iustice, gouernment, and lawfull Magistrats, bringing to that end both men and ordinance to field, and doing al acts of hostility. And they did not only exceed therein, but haue also attempted against the nobility with such fury, as it appeers painly (and as some of the chiefe of them haue shewed openly) that they are resolued and fully determi∣ned to ruine and roote them out, one after an other, and all good Catholiks for euer. [ E] It is certaine they had not beene forward and violent in their pernicious desseignes, if they were not animated and supported by them which haue most sworne, promised, signed and ratefied the said pacification, who at the least for their iustification, should * 1.49 seeme to bee displeased therewith, and helpe to suppresse and punish such outrages. Wheras contrariwise we see that he which is come mercinarily, & to the great charge of the country, to serue and succor it against the common enemies thereof, is gone with his forces to succor them, being called (as the brute goes) to be not only their Protector and Defender, but also gouernor or Lord of the country: leauing and abandoning both the campe and the country, in prey to the common enemie, if they had power to do it. The which wee ought to preuent in time, and to seeke all meanes (which is the Office of Christians) by a common course, and in discharge of the vnion so sollemnly sworne [ F] by the Prouinces, to suppresse such insolencies, rashe excesse, and outrages. The which hath not yet beene done: to the great preiudice, interest and decaie of our holie saith, Catholike and Romish Religion, and of all good men, and likely to

augment daylie and to continue, to the ruine and rooting out of all Pietie, Nobilitie * 1.50 [ A] and order of pollicy and iustice, if it be not preuented: fore-seeing therfore that the neg∣ligence of many Gouernors, the dissimulation of some, the secret practises of the chiefe, and the small zeale and courage, which they that hold the better partie, carrie to the preseruation of our sayd faith and Religion, and the helth and publike peace, may soone cause a ruine and generall desolution. The sayd states of Henault haue fore-seene, that it is needfull and more then necessarie, that those Prouinces which are least dismem∣bred, and haue maintained themselues till now vnder the pacification of Gant, and the sworne vnion, should imbrace the affaires with more earnestnesse, and resolue of some such remedie as should bee thought most fit and conuenient. Not to attempt anie new thing, or contrarie to the good of the common cause, but vnder an expresse pro∣testation to maintaine and de•…•…end themselues according vnto the termes of the sayd [ B] pacification and vnion, against the more then barbarous insolencie (exceeding the Spanish) of the sayd sectaries and of their adherents: and to preuent the rooting out (as they pretend) of our sayd faith and Religion, of the Nobilitie, and generally of all order and state. Beeing a matter greatly to bee considered, that the negligence of the good (if thereby all bee supplanted and rooted out) will purchase vnto them (be∣sides the irreparable losse) a perpetuall infamie, to haue bin so weake and faint hearted, hauing so good a ground and foundation in the cause, as it may rightly be termed plea∣sing vnto God, helthfull vnto men, and highly to bee commended before all Christian Princes, yea of the Catholike King our Lord. Moreouer they should shew themselues vnworthie of the succors and assistance of my Lord the Duke of Aniou, hauing so wil∣lingly [ C] imbraced the defence, cause and quarrell of the Netherlands, against their com∣mon enemies, if they should saile to make demonstration, how much they are displeased that a mercenarie (beeing called by the sayd treacherous sectaries) against the publike faith, and the intention of the Prouinces and the generall Estates, should take vpon him their protection, his highnesse beeing called, receiued and proclaymed with the title of Defender of the Belgike L•…•…ertie, as euery one knoweth. Wherfore for that we vnderstand that the Prouinces of Holland Zeeland, Flanders, Geldres and others, are entred into league: it is fit after the example of those Heretikes, which thus ioyne togither to doe euill; that in like manner the Catholike Prouinces of Arthois, Lille, Douay, Orchies, Tournay, Tournesis, Valenciennes and Henault should ioyne and vnite themselues [ D] strictly togither, and by a good and mutuall correspondency, seeke to maintaine them∣selues, defend the faith, and withstand and suppresse all such violence. The which being once vndertaken, and published, there is no doubt but the Catholikes that are driuen a∣way and opprest, yea many Catholike quarters and townes (wherof there are yet many) will declare themselues, and ioyne also, and assist withall their means and powre. And al∣though that this vnion and coniunction, which is not new, nor tending to any other end but to the preseruation & execution of that which was so sollemnly sworne and allow∣ed by the Prouinces, wil be sinisterly interpreted by the fauorers of the sayd seditious Heretiks & periured sectaries, yet it is not fit to suffer things to run to ruine & infamy, nor wilfully to cast away our selues, seeing that the end of this businesse wil be glorious, [ E] and by Gods assistance fruitfull, the ground being so iust and necessary: wherfore seeing that it concernes the honor, glory and seruice of God, the preseruation of our holie faith, and the Catholike Apostolike and Romish religion, togither with the Nobility & al good Catholiks, and their honors, liues, wiues, children & possessions. The said sig∣nior of Charpesteau shall do his best endeauor to represent them plainly & effectually vnto the Estates of Tournay and Tournesis: & to worke in such sort as they may yeeld vnto the said coniunction & vnion, as well in generall as in particular, laboring for their parts with the states and other Catholike Prouinces, to ioyne also in the said vnion, as∣suring them that they shal be therein faithfully seconded by the estates of Henault, who [ F] will not faile, to hold good and mutuall correspondence with them: this busines requi∣ring al dilligence, for that the mischiefe is at the dore, and that they may so long delay it, as it wil be to late, or impossible to preuent it: desiring to haue as soone as may bee, a good end and a fruitful resolution of their intention. Made at Mons in an open assembly

of the States, the 13. 14. and 15. of October, and signed vnderneath Carlier. * 1.51 [ A]

Vpon these points conteined in this instruction, being so inuectiue, and iniuri∣ous, they of Henault, Arthois, Valenciennes, Lille, Douay and Orchies, grounded their disiunction from the other Prouinces comprehended in the Pacification of Gant, and wrought their reconciliation with the king, laboring to draw the towne of Tournay, and Tournesis into it: but they did not consider that by this instruction they did secreat∣ly pourchase the kings indignation, in that they did so much protest against the retreat of the Spaniards and other Srangers his seruants in whome he most relyed for the preseruation of these countries, the which being retired they spoyled the King of his forces and authority, as if vnder collor of a reconciliation, they would prescribe him a law. And also in that they speake so heighly of the Duke of Aniou, giuing him [ B] the Title of defender of the Belgicke liberty: the which is a hatefull title to a naturall Prince and mutch suspected, when it is giuen to a foraine Prince: Iealousie holding no measure in that case, although for a time they dissemble and wincke at it. The Seignior of Chaerpesteau being come with this instruction to the Prince of Espinoy gouernor; and to the States of Tournay and Tournesis, he found but cold entertainement, and small acceptance of his speeches, notwithstanding that the Bishop of Tournay, called * 1.52 Pentaflour, made great instance, and was very importunate with the States and Prince, who being alwaies vnwilling to giue eare to priuate reconciliation, answered that to attaine vnto a generall one, hee would imploy both body and goods, but he would neuer disioyne him-selfe. That he had taken an oth vnto the Generality, against Don [ C] Iohn and his adherents, the which he would maintaine vnto the death vntill hee, were absolued and despensed thereof of by the said generality: that they knew wel the con∣dition of Kings that hold them-selues wronged by their subiects: that if hee had two heads he would hazard one of them for the Kings seruice, but hee had but one, no more then the Earle of Egmont: Where-vpon the Bishoppe replyed they would seeke to ob∣taine a generall peace: the Prince asked him how they would thinke of the question of relligion to attaine vnto the said peace: the Bishop then answered, alledging the par∣able of the husbandman, who suffred the darnell to grow among the good corne vntill the day of haruest: whervpon the Prince asked him againe when that haruest should be, when as the King had subiected all the country vnto his will? noe said the Bishop, but at [ D] the last day of iudgment. If then (said the Prince) you can effect that I will not spare any thing for my part to attaine vnto it: where-vpon the Bishoppe being retired, the Prince adressing his speeches to them that were in the chamber, his familiar friends (although there-were one that was a true Romish Catholike and so died) said, see how these men can apply the holy Scripture when as they thinke to make it serue their owne turnes? Thus the said Prince remayned vnto his death (being exiled in France) and the estats of Tournay and Tournesis, firme and constant, and would not disioyne them-selues, nor forsake the Vnion, vntill that the towne was taken by the Spaniard in the yeare 1581. Notwithstanding they of Arthois Henault. &c. continued the treaty of their reconciliation. Those of Brusselles who had beene alwaies wonderfully * 1.53 [ E] affected to the good of their country, as you may obserue in many points before men∣tioned, seeking nothing but peace and quietnesse, sent their deputies to Arras, to the estates of Arthois to diuert them (If it were possible) from the disvnion which was intreated, but not yet fully concluded. These deputies were Willian van Hecke tresorer, and Cornellis Artsens secretary of the said towne who were neither welcome nor well entertayned by the Seignior of Capres, Gouernor of the said towne, one of the cheefe Authors of the disunion.

The States knowing well that all these practises of disiunction were managed by the Seignior of La Motte Gouernor of Graueling, they sent the Seignior of La Noue * 1.54 their Marshall of the campe with sixe hundred horse and two thousand foote into [ F] La Mottes Gouernment about Graueling, in the quarter of west Flandes, the which he wasted, and hauing taken the forts of Lincken and Watenen, which are vpon the riuer going from Saint Omer to Graueling, hee entred into the Valle and iurisdic∣tion of Cassell, tooke the towne and castell, and then reduced all that quarter vnder

the States obedience, hauing fortified Cassel, Where he left the Seignior of Waroux [ A] and of Thyanti of the howse of Merod, for Gouernor. They of Holland, Zeland, Gel∣dres, * 1.55 Zutphen, Vtrecht, Freeseland, Ouerissel, and other their associats, finding in the end of the yeare 1578. by all the former treaties, that the duke of Parma sought onely to diuide the vnited Prouinces, and that the mutine of the Malcontents tended to no other end but to roote out the reformed religion, they resolued to make among them-selues, and with such as would ioyne with them, a stricter vnion and alliance, assembling to that end at Vtrecht, where it was concluded in the beginning of this yeare 1579. The tenor whereof followeth.

As it it notorious since the pacification made at Gant, by the which the Prouinces of the Netherlands were bound to succor one an other with body and goods, to expell [ B] the Spaniards their adherents out of the said countries: The said Spaniards, with Don Iohn and other their Commanders and Captaines hauing sought by all meanes (as they doe at this day) to reduce the said Prouinces as well in generall as in particular vnder their slauery, and as well by armes as by there practises to diuide and dismember them breaking their Vnion made by the said Pacification, to the totall ruine of the said coun∣tries, and continuing in their said desseigne, they haue of late by their letters sollicited some townes and quarters of the said Prouinces, hauing sought to make an irruption into the country of Gueldres; wherefore the Inhabitants of the Duchy of Geldres and conty of Zutphen, with them of the conties of Holland Zeland, Vtrecht, Freeseland and the Ommelands, bewixt the riuers of Ems and Lauwers, haue thought it expedi∣ent [ C] and necessary, to conioyne and vnite them-selues more strictly together: not to abandon the Vnion made at the pacification of Gant, but the better to confirme it, and to arme them-selues against all inconueniences, whereinto they might fall by the prac∣tises, surprises and attempts of their enemies: and to see how they may preserue and defend them-selues in such occurrents: and also to preuent any further diuision of the saied Prouinces, and the members thereof. The said vnion and pacification of Gant remayning still in force. According vnto the which the deputies of the said Pro∣uinces euery one for his part, hauing sufficient authority, haue concluded and set downe the points and articles which follow, prouided alwaies that they meane not in any sort to estrange, nor withdraw themselues from the holy Empire. [ D]

First that the said Prouinces make an alliance, Vnion, confederation together: as by these presents they are allyed, vnited and confederated together for euer, to conti∣nue and remaine so in all sorts and manners, as if all were but one onely Prouince, and that they may neuer hereafter disioyne nor seperate them-selues, neither by testament codicill, donation, cession, exchange, sale, treaties of peace, or mariage, nor by any other occasion whatsoeuer; remaining not-with-standing whole and absolute, without any diminution or alteration of the particular preuiledges, rights, freedomes, exemptions, statutes, customes, vses, and all other preheminences, which any of the said Prouinces, townes, members and Inhabitants thereof may haue, wherein they will not onely for∣beare to preiudice or giue any hindrance: but will assist the one and the other by all [ E] meanes, yea with body and goods, if neede shall require: To defend and maintayne them against all men that shall seeke to disturbe and molest them, Prouided alwaies that such controuersies, as shall grow betwixt the said Prouinces, Townes and Members of this Vnion, touching their preuiledges, freedomes, exemptions, statuts, ancient customes, vses and other rights shall bee decided by the ordina∣ry course of iustice, or by some amiable and friendly composition, and that no other countries, Prouinces, members or townes (whome those controuersies doe no way concerne) shall in any sort meddle, but by way of entercession, tending to an accord.

That the said Prouinces in confirmation of the said alliances and vnion, shall bee [ F] bound to ayde and succor one another, withall their meanes, bodies and goods, to the spending of their bloud, and hazard of their liues, against all attempts and inuasions which shall be made, vpon what collour soeuer made either by the King of Spaine or any other: or for that by vertue of the Treaty of the pacification of Gant they had

taken armes against Don Iohn, for for that they had receiued the Arch-duke Mathias for

* 1.56 [ A] Gouernor, or for any thing that dependeth thereon, or for all that hath followed or may follow. And were it vpon coulour to restore the Catholicke and Romish religion, or for the alteration which hath happened since the yeare 1578. in any of the said Pro∣uinces, members and Townes: or else for this present vnion and consederation, or for any such cause: and that in case they would make the said attempts and inuasions, as well in particular vpon any of the sayd Prouinces, as vpon all in generall.

That the said Prouinces should bee in like manner bound to ayde, succor and de∣fend one another against all Princes and Potestats, countries, townes, and fo•…•…raine common-weales, bee it in generall or in particular, that would molest, hurt or make warre against them. Alwayes prouided that the assistance which shall be appointed by the generalitie of this vnion, shall be done after knowledge of the cause. And the bet∣ter [ B] to assure the said Prouinces, members and townes, against all enemies force, that the fronter townes, and those which shall be thought needfull in what Prouince so euer they be, shall by the aduise and order of the generalitie of this vnion, be fortified at the charge of the townes of that Prouince where they bee scituated, being assisted by the generalitie with the one moitie. But if it bee found expedient to build any new fortes, or to demantell any in the sayd Prouinces, that it shall bee done at the charge of the generalitie.

And to supply the expences they must bee at in this case, for the defence of the sayd Prouinces, it hath beene agreed that through-out all the Prouinces there shall be im∣posed [ C] and farmed out from three moneths to three moneths, to them that will giue most, certaine customes or excises vpon all sorts of wine and beere, vpon the grind∣ing of corne vpon sal•…•…, and vpon cloth of golde, siluer, and wollen cloath, vpon cattle that shall be killed, vpon all horses or oxen that shall be sold or exchanged, vpon all goods that shall bee subiect to the great ballance, and vpon all other goods which by a generall consent shall bee thought fit, according to the orders and decrees which shall be set downe: and that to the like end they shall employ the reuenews of the King of Spaine, the ordinary charges deducted. The which meanes may bee augmented or diminished, raised or ab•…•…ted, according to the exigence of affaires, confirmed onely [ D] to supply the common defence, and that which the generalitie shall be forced to vn∣der-goe, the which may not bee applyed to any other vse, in any kinde or sorte what∣soeuer.

That the frontier Townes, and all others where need shall require, shall bee at all times bound to receiue such garrisons as the sayd vnited Prouinces shall thinke fit and conuenient, and that by the aduise of the gouernor of the Prouince, where those townes are, that require garrison, the which they may not refuse. And the sayd garri∣sons shall bee payed by the vnited Prouinces, and the Captaines and Soldiers, besides the generall oth, shall take a particular oth to the Towne or Prouince where they shall bee placed, the which shall bee set downe in the Articles of their entertainment. [ E] Also there shall be such order and discipline obserued among the men of warre, as the Bourgers and inhabit•…•…nts of the townes and countrey, as well Clergie as Laye-men, shall not bee ouer-charged, nor opprest, contrary to reason: which garrisons shall bee no more exempt from excise and imposts, then the Bourgers and Inhabitants of those places, where they shall be imposed, so as the generalitie of the sayd Bourgers pay them for their seruice, and giue them lodging, as hath beene done hetherto in Holland. And to the end that in all occurrents, and at all times, they may bee assisted by them of the countrey: the inhabitants of euery of the sayd vnited Prouinces, both in towne and countrey, shall within one moneth after the date of these presents, bee mastered and inrolled from the age of sixeteene yeares to three score, that the number being knowne at the first assembly of the confederates, they may determine for the better assurance and defence of the countrey, as they shall finde it most conuenient. No accorde nor [ F] treatie of truce nor peace to bee made, no warre begun, no imposts raised, nor any con∣tributions imposed concerning the generalitie of this vnion, but by the aduise and common consent of all the sayd Prouinces. And in all other things touching the

entertainement of this confederation, and that which depends thereon, they shall * 1.57 [ A] gouerne them-selues according vnto that which shall bee resolued by the pluralitie of voices of the Prouinces comprehended in this vnion, the which shal bee gathe∣red as they haue hetherto done in the generalitie of the Estates, and that by proui∣sion, vntill it shal be otherwaies decreede by the generall consent of the confederates. But if in the treaties of truce, peace, warre or contributions, the sayd Prouinces cannot agree togither, the sayd differences shalbe referred by prouision vnto the Go∣uernors and Lieutenants, which are now in the sayd Prouinces, who shall reconcile the parties or decide their controuersies as they shall finde most reasonable. And if the sayd Gouernors and Lieutenantes did not agree togither, they may call any to assist them whome they please, so as they bee not partiall: and the parties contending [ B] shalbe subiect to entertaine and performe whatsoeuer is determined by the sayd Go∣uernors and Lieutenants.

That none of the sayd Prouinces, Townes or Members, may make any cofedera∣tion or alliance, with any Noblemen or neighbour countries without the consent of these vnited Prouinces, and of their confederates. It is notwithstanding agreed that if any Princes or neighbour countries, shall desire to ioyne in League and con∣federation with these vnited Prouinces, that they shalbe admitted and receiued by the aduise and consent of them all. That touching coynes, in the course and valua∣tion of gold and siluer, all the sayd Prouinces should conforme and gouerne themselues according vnto the Orders which should bee set downe at the first oportunitie, the which the one cannot alter nor change without the other. [ C]

As for the point of Religion, they of Holland and Zeelande may carrie them∣selues as they please; and in regard of the other Prouinces of this vnion, they may gouerne themselues therein according vnto the Proclamation of the Archduke Ma∣thias Gouernor Generall of the Netherlands, set forth by the aduise of the Councell of State, and the generall Estates touching the libertie of Religion. Or else they may either in generall or in particular, set such order as they should thinke most fit and conuenient, for the peace and quiet of their Prouinces, Townes and parti∣cular members, both Ecclesiasticall and Ciuill, euerie one in the preseruation of his goods, rights, and prerogatiues: so as no other Prouince may giue them therein anie hindrance or let, euerie one remayning free in his Religion, and not anie waie [ D] to bee troubled or called in question, according to the pacification of Gant. That all Clergie-men or lyuing in conuents, according vnto the sayd pacification, shall enioye their goods, lying in anie of these Prouinces respectiuely: and if there were anie Clergie-men which during the warres of Hollande and Zeelande against the Spaniards that were vnder the commandement of the sayd Spaniards and haue since retired themselues out of their Conuents or Colleges, and are come into Hol∣land and Zeeland, that they shall cause sufficient maintenance to bee giuen them during their liues, from them of their sayd Cloisters or Conuents, and they shall doe the like vnto them of Holland and Zeeland, that are retired into anie of these vnited Prouinces. [ E]

That in like sort, entertainment shalbe giuen during life, according to the commodities and reuenues of their Cloisters or Conuents, to all persones of these vnited countries, that would depart, or are alreadie departed, bee it for Religion or for any other reasonable cause. Alwaies prouided that such as after the date of these presents, shall goe to liue in these Cloisters and Conuents, and afterwards would depart againe, the shall haue no entertainement giuen them, but they may retire if they please, and retaine that which they brought with them. And that all they that are at this present in the sayd Conuents, or that hereafter would enter, shall remaine free in their Religion, profession and habits, vpon condition that in all other things [ F] they shalbe obedient to their Generalls.

And if it should happen (which Almightie GOD forbid) that there should bee anie question or diuision made betwixt the sayd Prouinces, wherein they could not agree, that the same, so farre as it concernes one Prouince in particular

shall be ended and determined by the other prouinces, or by those among them which * 1.58 [ A] they should name: But if it concernes all the Prouinces in generall it shall bee deter∣mined by the gouernors and lieutenatns of the Prouinces, as it is said in the ninth Article, who should be bound to doe iustice vnto the parties, or to reconcile them to∣gether within one month, or within a shorter space, if the case so requires, after instance made vnto him by one of the parties. And that which by the other Prouinces or their deputies, or by the Gouernors or lieutenant shall bee decreed and set downe, it shall bee followed and accomplished, cutting of all other remedies at law, either by ap∣peale, releefe, reuision, nullity or any other pretensions whatsoeuer.

That the said Prouinces, townes and members thereof shall bee carefull not to offer any occasion of warre or quarrell to any of their neighbours, Princes, no∣blemen, [ B] countries, townes or common weales for the preuenting whereof the said vnited Prouinces shall be bound to doe good and speedy iustice, as well to forreners and strangers, as to their owne subiects and Cittizens. And if any one among them should faile therein, the rest of their confederats, shal seeke by all conuenient meanes to haue it done, & that al abuses that might hinder them or stay the course of iustice, may be cor∣rected and reformed, according vnto right and equity, and the ancient preuiledges and customes thereof. None of the Prouinces, townes or members, may impose any im∣position, mony for conuoy, nor any other like charge, to the preiudice of the rest, without the generall consent of all, nor surcharge any of his confederats, more then himselfe or his inhabitants. That for the prouiding for all occurrents and difficulties, [ C] that may happen, the said confederats shall be bound vpon somons made vnto them by such as haue authority, to appeere presently in the towne of Vtrecht, at the day appointed, to vnderstand that which by the letters of rescription shall bee declared, if the cause requires not secresie to determine thereon, or by a generall consent or plurality of voyces to resolue and decree, although that some appeere not: in which cause they that appeere may in the meane time proceed to the resolution and deter∣mination of that which they shall find conuenient and profitable for the publicke good of these vnited prouinces. And that which hath beene so decreed, shall bee accomplished by them that appered not, if the matter bee not of too great impor∣tance and may well be delaid. In which case they shall write vnto them that haue bin ab∣sent, [ D] to come at a certaine day limited, or else to loose the effect of their voyces, for that time. And when it is done, it shall remaine firme and inuiolable, although that some of the said Prouinces haue beene absent, yet such as shall haue no means to appeere, it shall be lawfull for them to send to them to send their opinions in writing, the which shall bee regarded in the collection of all the voyces. And to this end all and euery one of the said confederats shall be bound to write vnto them that haue the authority to assemble the said vnited prouinces of all things that may occurre, or that shall seeme vnto them to tend vnto the good or euill of the said Prouinces and confederats, that they may there-vpon call them together. And if there shall bee any obscurity or ambiguitie, whereby there may grow any dispute or question, the in∣terpretation [ E] thereof shall bee long vnto the said confederats: who by a generall con∣sent may explaine them, and decree according vnto reason. And if they agree not therevpon they shall haue recourse vnto the Gouernors and Lieutenants of Prouinces as is said before.

As also if it should bee thought necessary to augment or diminish any thing in the articles of this vnion, confederation and alliance in any of their points, it shall be done by the common consent of all the confederats, and not otherwise. All which points and articles and euery one of them in particular, the said vnited Prouinces haue pro∣mised and doe promise by these presents, to accomplish and entertaine, and to cause to be accomplished and entertained, without any opposition or contradiction direct∣ly [ F] in any sort. And if any thing shall be done or attempted contrary to the tenor there∣of, they doe presently declare it voyd and of none effect. Binding there-vnto their per∣•…•…ons, and of all the inhabitants respectiuely, of the said Prouinces, townes and mem∣bers, withall their goods. The which in case of contrauention may bee (in all places,

and before all Iudges and iurisdictions, where they shalbe found) seized on and arrested * 1.59 [ A] for the accomplishing of these presents, and that which depends thereon, renouncing to that end all exceptions, graces preuiledges, releefes, and generally all other benifits of law which contrarie to these presents may any way aide and serue them. And es∣pecially in the law which sayth that a generall reconciliation is of no force, if a speci∣all doth not proceed.

And for the greater corroboration, all gouernors and Lieutenants of the sayd Pro∣uinces, which are there at this present, or that may bee hereafter, togither with all Magistrates and chiefe Officers of these Prouinces, townes or members, shalbe bound to sweare and take an oth, to keepe and cause to bee kept, all the points and articles, and euerie one of them in particular, of this vnion and confederation. As also all bo∣dies [ B] and companies of Burgeses, shall take the same oth, in euery of the sayd townes and places of the sayd vnion. Herevpon letters shall bee sent out in forme, by the Gouernors, Lieutenants, members and townes of Prouinces, beeing specially required therevnto. This present vnion was made and signed in the sayd towne of Vtrecht, the 23 of Ianuary. 1579.

The fourth of February following this vnion was signed by them of Gant: the third * 1.60 day of May by the Prince of Orange in Antwerp; the eleauenth of Iune by George of Lalain Earle of Rhenebergh Gouernor of Friseland, Oueryssel, Groninghen and the Ommelands. After followed they of Antwerp, Bruges, Breda, and manie others. All this was done whilest that they of Arthois, Henault, Lille, Douay and Orchies labored [ C] their disunion and practised their priuate reconciliation, with the Prince of Parma, beeing then camped before Mastricht, excusing themselues to the other confede∣rates that they could not suffer any alteration in the Romish Religion, but for the rest they would duelie obserue the pacification of Gant. This vnion and confederation of Vtrecht, wrought not such good effects with some as they expected, euery one at∣tending vpon the treatie of peace which was labored by the Emperor, (as wee haue sayd) at Cologne, excusing themselues thereon. Among others Boisleduke one of the chiefe townes of Brabant strong and mightie, which diuides the Duchies of Gueldres, Brabant and the Earldome of Holland, which the states doubting, and hauing some ad∣uertisment thereof (assuring themselues to haue manie partisans) they sought first [ D] by gentle meanes, and then by practises to put in a garrison: which they of Antwerp * 1.61 did also pretend, sending some troupes of their Burgeses to assure themselues thereof. Afterwards Iohn of Horne, Barron of Boxtell was sent thether with commission to gouerne and to assure the towne for the states. But as by the changing of captaines he sought to bring in a new order and gouernment, hee found great oppositions and manie crosses by them of the aduerse partie, especially by one Henry Bloyman Bay∣life and by others of the olde councell of the towne, tending to their priuat proffit, and adhering to the Abbot of Saint Gheertrude, who was gone in the states behalfe, to the assemblie of the treatie of Cologne, and who passing that way had so perswa∣ded them, as they desired nothing more then the issue of the sayd treatie. The sig∣nior [ E] of Boxtel (found so great contradiction, and so mahie aduersaries, as hee thought it best to retire, leauing his Sonne Maximilian of Horne signior of Locren there. True it is, that before that time the libertie of Religion had beene brought in; and a sworne companic of Harguebuziers erected, most of all the which were yong men, who during the Spaniards gouernment were retired out of the towne and had serued the Prince of Orange: these men maintained the liberitie of Religion all they could and sought to reduce the towne vnder the vnion of Vtrecht, but therd grew such a iealousie and hatred betwixt the Protestants and the Harguebuziers of the one part, and the old Magistrates with the Catholike Romaines on the other: as when the sayd companie of Fencers had the gard of the port, the others placed an [ F] other of their faction in countergarde, so as in the end the vnion being proclaimed as it were by force, there followed such a great tumult betwixt both factions, as being come to armes, there were aboue a hundred slaine & hurt of both sides. Soone after the Prince of Parma beeing called by the Catholike Burgers, sent a trumpet to summon

the towne for the King of Spaine. Then did the Protestants insist more to receiue * 1.62 [ A] a garrison of English, Scottish or French, which should come from Brussells, of which three nations they might haue their choise: but for that they were strangers the Inhabi∣tants would haue none, although it seemed, they would willingly haue receiued that of Bryell. * 1.63

The next daie after, as their distrust increased, and the feare of the enemie increa∣sed more and more, the Protestants were aduised and did resolue to receiue a gar∣rison, so as they would leaue the ports open to suffer them that would depart; as if their chiefe and greatest feare had beene that they would retaine them. Wherevnto this answere was made. That if anie one did feare hee might depart, and goe where hee pleased. Wherevpon a great multitude went sodenly away out of the towne, one [ B] prouoking an other, as it is alwaies the vse and custome in such amazements: which feare did greatlie fortefie the aduerse partie: their retreate was not farre, to Heel, Heusden, Bomel, and diuerse other townes thereabouts of the Hollanders partie. Thus by the pollicie and practises of the one, and by the indiscretion and weakenesse of the other, this towne was abandoned by them of the states faction: and the two compa∣nies comming from the Brieyle were not receiued. And as the Spanish faction grew more shamelesse and insolent, they chased away the rest of the Protestants that were yet remayning: but they would not yet imbrace anie partie: but in the end they were perswaded for to reconcile themselues vnto the Noble Prince of Parma, and to receiue the peace of Cologne, so as they should not bee forced to receiue a∣ny [ C] garrison, without their owne consents: yet they found a great decaie in their com∣merce and trafficke.

Those of the townes of Amersfort and Montfort, vnder the iurisdiction of Vtrecht, as they also of Zutphen, refused also to submit themselues to the vnion of Vtrecht, wherefore meaning to force them, they beganne first with them of Amersfort, as nee∣rest vnto Vtrecht, beeing accused to bee of a partie contrarie to the states, to haue re∣fused to pay their partes of the contribution; to haue chased away the States garrison and the Protestants ministers, and to haue had secret intelligence with the enemie. Wherefore the towne was beseeged the seauenth day of March in the yeare of our Lord 1579. and the tenth daie following reduced vnto reason, manned with a garri∣son, [ D] the Magistrates renued, and the Protestants religion restored as before.

The vnion, and contract made in Vrecht, was signed by the gouernors of the sayd Prouinces, as first by Iohn Earle of Nassaue, gouernor of Gelderland and Sutphen, and then by the commities of the other townes and Prouinces, which was done in Vtrecht vpon the 23. of Ianuary, and vpon the fourth of February the deputies of Gant signed to the same. The third of May it was ratefied in Antwerp by the Prince of Orange, and the leauenth of Iune by George de Lalain Earle of Renebregh, gouernor of Freese∣land, Ouerissel, Groning, and the terretories thereof, and also by the townes of Bruges, Ipre, Breda, and others, and by that meanes those countries were called the vnited Pro∣uinces. This vnion made in Vtrecht, produced good fruites amongst the Prouinces and [ E] townes, but not so great as were expected, for that many in hope of the peace to bee made in Colen fell from it, and drew backeward, excusing themselues by the same, as in Vtrecht, where by meanes of the iealousie the one had of the other, vpon the tenth daie of Iune, certaine controuersies, did rise amongst them, whereby great hurt and insolencie was done in certaine Churches, where the Scoute, Burguemastérs, and the Councell of Estates of Vtrecht, desirous to maintaine both the one and the other Religion in peace and vnitie, and to separate the contentious persons one from the other, the better to withstand the common enemies, after diuers commu∣nications, and conferences had concerning the same, by consent of fiue Churches, with∣in Vtrecht, in the name of the whole spirituality of the one part, and of the Colonels, [ F] Captaines, and Commanders of the towne, in the name of Burgers, togither with them of the reformed Religion on the other part, and also by the aduise of the Prince of O∣range, gouernor of the towne, townes and terretories of Vtrecht, deuised a certaine con∣tract of a Religions peace, beareing date the fifteene of Iune, making mention of the

pacification of Gant, the vnion, and 38. articles more, whereby they of the reformed * 1.64 [ A] religion had foure Churches and more if need were allowed vnto them. The Catholiks keeping the rest of the Churches, and order taken for the buriall of the dead, maintay∣ning of peace, and such like things as you may see in the printed coppie.

In like manner those of Groningen refused. Wherevpon the Earle of Rheneberg * 1.65 Gouernor of Friseland and of the sayd towne, receiued commandment from the states to force them vnto it: for which effect he caused Delfs Ile, Winsum and other places there abouts to be fortefied. The Groningeois seeing themselues beseeged a farre off, would prepare to warre, but finding themselues most commonly beaten, and that the chiefe townes in Friseland were entred into the sayd vnion, they sent their deputies to treat an accord, giuing hostages, the which were led to Campen: and the 18. of Iune [ B] the Earle of Rheneberg raised his campe, and after the composition made he entred in∣to the towne as gouernor, deposed the Magistrates, and created new, and there the li∣berty of Religion was also brought in. They of Bruges being sommoned to receiue * 1.66 the vnion, the Clergy first oposed themselues, fearing to bee chased away (as they sayd had beene lately done at Vtrecht) to whom there ioyned some chiefe men, and some of trade being stirred vp by the seditious preaching of that reuerent Friar Cornellis (of whō we haue formerly made mention) notwithstanding that the Deanes had consented to the sayd vnion. The Magistrates of Franc whose iurisdiction extends into the coun∣try, banded themselues against the Magistrates of the towne, prouoking the Burgers to demande a Collonel of the company of Burgers, that were at their deuotion. Where∣vpon [ C] the second of Iune the Romish Catholiks came in great troupes to Burcht before the towne house, and speaking vnto George Verbrakelen signior of Hauteruie Bourgue∣master, they required to haue Ierosme of Mol signior of Watermael to bee giuen them for Collonel, a supporter of Friar Cornellis.

The Burguemaster was amazed at this demande, and would willingly haue delaied it vntill the afternoone, or till the next day, that hee had assembled the councell. But they vnderstanding that the Protestants were at their sermon, they would haue him to name the sayd Collonel presently. The Bourguemaster seeing all the gard that was there as∣sembled in armes to bee Catholiks, who would not depart, was forced to yeeld vnto them. This Collonel thus made in hast accepted the charge, and presently cassired the [ D] foure companies of souldiars that were leuied at the towne charge, displaced the eigh∣teene * 1.67 deputies, which were men of good account, and put others in their places that were Catholiks; he would reforme all, and make them take a new oth, and committing many insolencies, hee sought for the Minister, who was a Wallon, to kill him, and not finding him, he beate his wife and troad her vnder his feete. The Magistrates and Bur∣guemasters seeing this disorder and outrages, and fearing some greater inconuenience would follow, caused their foure companies of souldiars to come, commanding cap∣taine Hans Flyesch to ceaze vpon the East-gate, and captaine Reinen Winckelman of the Bridge which goes to the same Port. Captaine Remy Artrik had charge to seize vp∣on the East-shambles, and Anthony Outreman of the bridge of Oake in the fullers street, [ E] these three last looking directly vpon the Market-place. One of the quarter-masters or captaines of the Burgers, ioyned with the souldiars that were at the East gate with two hundred men. The Catholiks seeing this, put themselues also in armes, to keepe the sol∣diars from ioyning. But seeing them to make barricadoes whereas they were in gard, and that captaine Hans Fleysch had turned the Cannon towards the towne, keeping the port open to receiue in succors: they went with the ayde of them of Franckford to be∣seege the Burcht, they tooke the Magistrate prisoner in their towne-house, and kept the Protestant Burgers from ioyning with the soldiars.

Both parties being thus in armes one against an other, in danger of great effusion of bloud, by the meanes of some that were more temperate, they fell to parle, so as by [ F] night the Magistrate was released, vpon condition that the inhabitants should leaue their barricadoes, the which happened in regard of captaine Winckelman: and then the accustomed gard entred the market-place and the Burcht which the Catholiks would keepe. But they could not send any gard to the East-gate, whether Winckelman was

Collonell knowing how the Protestants had fortified themselues, did also seaze vppon * 1.68 two bridges, with whom many of Franck and of the Nobility did ioyne. In the meane [ A] time eyther party did send for succours abroad: the Catholikes called the Siegnior of * 1.69 la Motte, and the malcontents, who approached as nere as Roullez, and the Pro∣testants sent to the States, who were in campe at Tournhout, and vsed more expediti∣on, so as the next day morning eyght companies of Scotishmen of Balfors regiment with an 150. horse were at the East-port and entred the towne, marching directly to the market place and the Burcht, from whence the Catholikes fled. Collonell Nol aban∣doned also his Barricadoe, and thinking to saue himselfe by a hole through the towne ditch, was taken being in the water vp to the chinne. All they of Franck were taken pri∣soners except the Siegnior of Breda and Nantius. There were also some of the chiefe mutines prisoners, the which after that the tumult was pacified, and the towne well as [ B] sured, were deliuered, wherin the Burgers did carry themselues more modestly thé they of Arras, in their rash and hasty executions: In the meane time the churches remained shut vp, and the Priests were fled away, since the which time the Catholikes remained, to whome the exercise of their relligion was allowed, so as it were done without any brute or scandale. The Malecontents seeing that they were come an hower to late returned to Menin, burning that goodly Borrugh of Roullez for despight: the which was much to be pitied, being one of the most famous places of Flanders, for the infinit store of fine linnen cloth, that was vsually made there.

They of Brugges, hauing found them of Franck faulty in this and other things, de∣termined [ C] vpon very good reasons to breake the member of Vrie, being one of the foure members of Flanders, and to bring the most part of it vnder the member of Bru∣ges, but Noel Carron Seignior of Schoonewall (who that daie had beene impri∣soned by the mutines in the towne house, and in daunger of his life, by reason of certaine letters of credit, sent vnto him by the Prince of Orange, which the mutinous companies, would conster as pleased them) resolued together with D. Nansius, and Mounsier Withs, Schoti, and Capelle (that had not medled with the said vprore) to seeke the liberty of the said Vrie or Franck, and at the last proceeded so farre therein, that they of Bruges granted to their desires, and the rather, for that they saw, that they of [ D] Gant, and of Ipre pretended to draw the best part of the Vrie vnto them, and by that meanes the member of the Vrie or Franck by there diligence, wisdomes, and authori∣ties, was againe restored to the former State. Whilest that these things were in ma∣naging, and that the one were laboring to vnite them selues; and the other to disioyne and reconcile them-selues, the Prince of Parma lost no opportunity: for hauing ga∣thered to gether all his forces, hee went to beseege (as wee haue said) the towne of * 1.70 Maestricht, which he sodenly caused to be inuested by his horse men; then his foot-men being ariued he camped of either side of the riuer of Meuse, causing forts to be built vpon all the approches.

The beseeged had within the towne a thousand soldiars, French, Wallons, Scot∣tish and others, and twelue hundred Bourgers well armed. The Prince of Parma's [ E] army approching, some two thousand peasants with there wiues and children fled into the towne for their safeties, as into a place well assured. These poore men did great seruice in ramparing and countermyning, whereas the greatest part of them were slaine. The Seignior of la Noue was sent thether, but to late by reason of the great dilligence and speed the prince of Parma made to inuest it round, so as la Noue turned to Antwerp: Captaine Bastien a Frenchman, who comanded in the towne, did his best endeauor to defend it, affronting the Spanish campe dayly in diuers skirmishes, and annoying them greatly. The Prince of Parma (by the gene∣rall consent of all his Commannders) was aduised, to plant his cannon, whereas the towne seemed most weake, and vnfurnished of defence and the ditches narrow, that they might haue the better meanes to go to the Assault. But they that gaue him this [ F] councell, did not consider, that on the same side there was a great and large voyd place within the towne, where they (if they were industrious and tooke paines) might easelie make a new rampar and a double ditch: yet hee did batter

it with about fifty peeces of ordinance, cannon, demie cannon and culuering. His first * 1.71 [ A] breach was made towards Liege, being ready to giue an assault, those that went to dis∣couer the breach, found the ditch to be good and large, filled with powlder and peeces of yron; which the besieged had layed there, to set fire on comming to the assault. Which the Spaniards seeing, they did forbeare, changing their batterie to another quarter, where hee also made a great breach. This done the Prince of Parma hauing taken councell of his Collonels, resolued to assaile the Towne on both sides: The first assault was giuen to the Tierce or Regiment of the holy League (being so called for * 1.72 that they had beene with Don Iohn of Austria, at the defeat of the Turke, in the Strait of Lepantho) the second was giuen to the Tierce of Lombardie. Before they began to goe to the assault, they shotte eight houres continually at either breach. Collonell Mondragon was on the other side of the Riuer, shooting continually with two field [ B] peeces, vppon them that presented them-selues to defend the second breach. Frst the Italiens of Collonel Fabio Farneze aduanced vnto the first breach: The Spaniards seeing it, being iealous that the honor of the victorie should bee attributed onely to the Italiens, ranne so sodainly to the assault, as they aduanced the others, and came to the toppe of the breach, fighting veryfuriously, whereas they were as couragiously resisted.

Before they went to the assault, they sette fire to a Myne, but it wrought small effect. The combat was so furious on either side, as the one would not yeeld nor giue ground * 1.73 to the other, nei her was there euer place better assailed nor better defēded▪ the assault was but newly begū at the first breach, when as a horse-man came first alone, & then two [ C] others after crying to their men, that the second breach was wone; and in like manner messengers went to the second breach, crying that the first was forced: The which was but an inuention to incourage the assaylants, and discourage the defendants, hearing that their companies had beene forced on the other side. But whether the besieged discouered the practise, or that they were all resolued to die, & that to abandon it and to flye, could not preserue them, they defended them-selues so waliantly as after the losse of many men, the Spaniard was forced to retyer. The greatest slaughter which the besieged made at these two breaches, was by six shippe peeces, and certaine hargue∣busses a croke, which flanked both the one and the other breach, from a Tower which [ D] the Spaniards could not beate downe; shooting continually, being charged with cham∣bers, * 1.74 so as standing still firme, they neuer altred their marke, but were as sodainly char∣ged as they were discharged. In this assault there died fifteene Captains and fiue En∣seignes Sp•…•…niards: thirteene Italien Captaines, and about 3000. soldiers; For besides that they within the towne fl•…•…e very many, fire fell into certaine barrells of powlder through the indiscretio of some soldiers going to fil their flaskes. There died many also of them within the towne but most part Peasants, whome Mondragons two peeces did wonderfully annoy. The besieged gaue the States to vnderstand how they had carryed them-selues in these two assaults, requiring succors, the which were promised them: for the effecting whereof those of Antwerp did their vttermost indeauors, euery Bur∣ger and marchant, contributing a portion to relieue it, and to hasten the succors. [ E] But as in such affaires wee see (insteed of expedition) there is most commonly an iff, a when, or a how: Matters were so protracted and delayed, as after the Burgers * 1.75 had their mony disburc'd the succors could not be made ready vntill the Towne was out ofhope, and in the end lost: yet it held out very long, and resisted this mighty army beyond mens expectation.

Whilst that the Prince of Parma was thus busied before Maestricht, those of Gant being very desirous to doe some seruice to the publike cause, and to doe an affront vnto those prouinces which laboured for a priuate reconciliation, which might hinder the conclusion: They sent foure companies of Wallons, to make an enterprise [ F] vp•…•…on the Towne of Douay, with the intelligence which Captaine Cosne Pesarengis 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…ntois (who had beene sometimes a Lombard in the said Towne) said hee * 1.76 had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 many of the baser sort.

These foure companies (whereof I had the leading and charge) the first being

that of the sayd Cosme, the second of captaine Mathew Villers, the third of captaine * 1.77 [ A] La Croix, and the forth of captaine Alladio, with about thirtie horse, the which cap∣taine Hubert did command, parted from Dynse, a little towne three leagues from Gant, as secretly as they could, and marched daie and night without any rest vntill they came about mid-night before Douay, on that side of the port of Ock, whereas they placed themselues in a great Farme, attending the breake of day, and the ope∣ning of the port. There was within the towne fifteene souldiars and a Sargent cal∣led Vetspecke, attired like marchants, who on the Thursdaie morning before Easter∣daie should seize vpon the port. But beeing open, these souldiars hauing staied too long at break-fast, (to put themselues in heart) two poore women going towardes the town, did aduertise a coūtry-man being at plough, that this farme was ful of Spaniards. [ B]

This honest laborer (to whom the name of a Spaniard was odious) vnharnised one ofhis horses, and ranne to giue aduertisement to the towne: Captaine Villers fol∣lowing him as fast as his horse could runne cryed to him to staie, who still making hast (as captaine Hubert and my selfe aduanced with ten or twelue horse to seize vpon the Barre) hee discharged his pistoll at him: at which noyse they that were in gard at the port shut the Barre, which kept vs from entring: and in the meane time the fifteene souldiars that were within the towne, came vnto the gate, and were readie to seize thereon, but hearing the bell ouer the port giue the alarum, and seeing the Barre shut, they retired backe into the towne, and saued themselues by the other ports, all but the Sargent, who was taken flying to the Rampar, and suffred for all the rest. The enter∣prise [ C] hauing thus fayled, wee put our selues notwithstanding in battaile, and sommo∣ned the towne to receiue a garrison for the Archduke and the States. It seemed that some of the Burgers would haue yeelded therevnto: but the signior of Hertain made vs no answere but with the Cannon, which forced vs to retire, marching away like sol∣diars without any losse.

The Malcontents of Menin and Lanon, hearing that the souldiars of the foure mem∣bers of Flanders were gone so farre vp into the countrie with so small a troupe, ment to attend vs in our returne, and knowing that wee were lodged at Blandin, a league from Tournay, they came with three hundred horse and some eight hundred foote to charge vs. But wee beeing intrencht within the Church-yard, and hauing stopt vp [ D] all the passages with Barricadoes, these Malcontents hauing made diuers attempts from nine of the clocke at night vntill three in the morning, and could not force vs, beeing couered with the wall of the Church-yard, hauing set fire of the Parsonage house, the hospitall, of the lodging of the signior of Courtenbus, and of some other parts of the village, hauing lost aboue a hundred men, they retired, carrying awaie seauen or eight Wagons full of hurt men, fearing least at the breake of daie, those of Tournay (who had all the night heard their charges) should come to succor vs: Daie being come wee past by the suburbes of Tournay with the consent of the Prince of Espinoy, the Malcontents coasting vs on the other side of the riuer of Escaut, neere vnto Audenarde. I had commission from the Magistrats of Gant for the order that [ E] should bee held in Douay, if the enterprise had succeeded. I cannot say whether it were resolutly or rashly done to attempt so great a towne with so small a troupe, but I am sure the Prince of Orange (without whose priuitie this enterprise was made) told mee at our returne, (relating vnto him the whole attempt) that wee were hardiefooles.

The 28. of May on Assention day, the Clergie of Antwerp being growne bould, and presuming vpon the presence of the Archduke Mathias Gouernor generall, and some * 1.78 Noblemen that were Catholiks, notwithstanding the perswasion of some to desist, for feare of an inconuenience and to be satisfied in making it in our Ladies great Church, would needs make their procession generall throughout the towne, after their accusto∣med [ F] manner. But as they thought to passe by the Mill-streete, the Burgers that were in gard, by their captaines commandement, withstood their passage. Wherevpon some Italien Marchants drawing their rapiers, would haue caused the procession to passe by force. The Burgers making head against them, discharged some shot, so as there was a

man and a woman slaine, the Priests & the whole procession flying towards the Church, * 1.79 [ A] in so great a presse as one troad vpon an other: which tumult caused a generall Alarme throughout the Towne, and did much perplexe them that had saued them-selues with∣in the Church.

The Prince of Orange arriued with his Guard, and pacified the multitude, who cryed continually Pape vuit, Paye vuit, that is to say away with the Priestes, away with the Priests. The Arch-duke & his followers who were at the said procession, were in like sort retired into the Church, whome the Prince brought forth, promising that no Priests should come out, vntil it were otherwise decreed, within three houres, which the people limited, vpon promise that in the meane time they should not offer any violence: but afterwards they demanded to haue them all chased out of the Towne: which the * 1.80 [ B] Prince & the Collonells of the Towne refusing so to doe, the people to oke all the Cha∣noyns, Priests and Monkes to the number of sixe-score, and ledde them to the Ha∣uen, where they shipt them, and carried them two Leagues of from the Towne, suffe∣ring euery one to go where he pleased: The Arch-duke, Prince and States tooke this act of the confused multitude in very ill part: Where-vppon and for the new beating downe of Images at Vtrecht and at Macklyn, the Malecontents tooke an aduantage, gi∣uing some Noblemen occasion to ioyne with them, among others the Earle of Egmont and the Baron of Fresin. The fourth of Iune the Earle who as yet did couertly hold the party of the Malecontents and Spaniards, came early in the morning with his Regi∣ment before the Towne of Brusselles, where giuing them to vnderstand that he went to * 1.81 [ C] seeke the enemie, who had certaine disseignes (for in that quarter of Brabant there was no speech of any Malecontents, nor other enemies, but Spaniards) hee drew all his Re∣giment into the Towne by the high gate, causing them to aduance vnto the market place, and to a place called Kantesteen.

The Burgers were on the sodaine much amazed at these vnexpected troopes, seeing them to seaze vppon the chiefe parts of the Towne; where-vpon they went to Armes, euery one comming out of his house halfe vnready, and ioyned with certaine compa∣nies of the Regiment of Oliuer vanden Timpell Seignior of Corbeke, Gouernor of the towne, being there in garrison. VVho being incouraged, and fortified, shut vp the Earle of Egmont and his men, with wagons, carts, tables, formes and other thinges fit [ D] for that purpose, being in the market-place and elsewhere, so as they could not aduance any further into the Towne, hauing Barricadoes made against them. And whereas the saide Earle left some threescore soldiers at the Port, the Seignior Bemberghe Col∣lonell of the Burgers, went to charge them in the flanke on either side of the Rampar, so as they were forced to abandon the sayd Port. In the meane time the Seignior Vanden Timpell fortified the Court with some of his Regiment. The Earle being thus besieged in the midst of the Towne, and taken like a mouse in trap, the Burgers were wonder∣fully incensed, and ready to fall vppon him and his men: In this Estate hee pleading sim∣plicity, and speaking them fayre, and the Burgers being in armes, they stood one against another two daies and two nights, vntill the Seignior of Lissieldt, Councellor of State, [ E] and other Deputies, being sent from the Arch-duke and the Prince of Orange, did paci∣fie the Burgers: who in the meane time did great affronts vnto the Earle, shewing him the place whereas his father eleuen yeares before on the same day that hee attempted this enterprise had his head cut off by the Spaniards, whose party hee held; with a thou∣sand other reproches: telling him that if he did but vnpaue a stone or two, he should yet see his fathers bloud: The which did so vexe him, as hee wept for griefe that his enter∣prise had bene so vnfortunate. By this meanes he was forced, and very willingly to re∣tyer with his men, without any effusion of bloud of either part, yet not without great danger: For all the time hee remained thus coopt vp, they had great difficultie to restraine the Burgers, who were once resolued to sette fire vppon all the hou∣ses [ F] about the Market-place, and soe to burne him and all his men, but a better aduice hindred it.

The Prince of Parma hauing receiued so great losses (as we haue said) in his affaults before Maestricht, as wel of men that were slain, as of them that were wounded & made

vnfit to fight, and that all his Artillery was not sufficient to batter so great a townes hee * 1.82 [ A] intreated the Liegeois to lend him twenty peeces, the which they not onely granted * 1.83 with all munition requisite, but they also sent him 4000. pioners. Being then resolued not to rise from before it vntil he had taken the towne, he drew all the men he could out of the garrisons that were nere vnto him, with the which he sortefied his campe. And seeing that he preuayled little by mine, battry or assault, hee caused a high Caualier to be made close vnto the towne, whereby hee might discouer all that was done within: without doubt the Prince shewed himselfe in al his preparations and attempts very ac∣tiue and diligent: and the rather for that hee did see the States protract the succors * 1.84 which they had promised vnto the sayd towne: and the bad order there was among the Commanders in the conduct of this warre by their weake resolutions, rather hindred [ B] by contrarieties, then aduanced as was fitting: which caused the people of Antwerp to murmur greatly, hauing contributed so much to succor them. Notwithstanding all this, the beseeged fainted not: besides they were aduertised that they came to succor them and to raise the campe, with a hundred Ensignes of foote and 3000. horse. There was a little Island in the midest of the riuer of Meuse: the Spaniards beeing of opinion that if they were masters therof, it would auaile them much, wherevpon they went into it and intrencht themselues: but they were so anoied and galled from the towers and walles of the towne as they were forced to retire, and to abandon it.

Moreouer there was a great rauelin ioyning without the rampar, with a large ditch, the which did defend the courtine of the sayd rampar, the Spaniards would gladly [ C] haue seized thereon, that they might go more freely to the assault of the Courtine. It was sorely battred and often assaulted, yet could they not carry it in thirty daies, not∣withstanding that the ditch towards the campe was filled vp with bauins and earth. In the end the Spaniards gaue a most furious assault, continuing and fortifying it still * 1.85 with fresh men, so as Maugre any resistance, they forced the defendants to retire vnto the rampar, at which assault, the signior of Hierges Earle of Barlaimont Collonel of a regiment of Wallons, a braue knight, was shot with a Harguebuse, whereof hee died soone after.

The States knowing well that the beseeged had neede of many things, thinking to victuall it, they found that all the passages were held by the enemies, and that there was [ D] no accesse vnto the towne by land, so as they resolued to send their supplies by the ri∣uer of Meuse, in the midest whereof the Spaniards had a great shippe of warre, well armed, to stoppe the passage. But the high waters, and the swiftnesse of the streame, forced them to way anchor, and to haue giuen passage to the states shippes, if they had come in time (the which by their delay was neglected) it had beene effected, but in the meane time the Spaniards gaue them other lets. The beseeged made many signes in the night, to let their confederats vnderstand in what extremitie they were. But see∣ing they fed them but with vaine hopes, and that the states did not greatly affect their succors, they beganne to growe somewhat cold, and to loose part of their first resoluti∣on, which they had shewed in so many hard assaults, which they had defended: and find∣ing [ E] that they wanted poulder, and that they had lost many men, and withall that the plague and other diseases did daily consume more, they began to giue eare vnto the e∣nemy, seeming willing to accept of reasonable conditions, wherevnto the Spaniard see∣med to incline, so as during these parlees they became more remisse and carelesse, and did not performe their duties at their gards as they had beene wont.

In the meane time the Spaniards hauing beene so often chased from their rampars, did not returne to a new assault, but filling the ditch with earth, they came and lodged close to the wall, so as they might incounter the beseeged with stones, and in this man∣ner they did often skyrmish. But the beseeged relying much vpon their treatie of an accord, which they did hope soone to obtaine, were no more so actiue nor vigilant as [ F] they had wont to bee, wherevpon the Spaniards and Germaines creeping closely by the breach vnto the toppe of the rampar, did note and obserue the countenance of the beseeged, and what was done within the towne, and that all the gard was almost a sleepe with their great toile, whereof they made report vnto the Prince of Parma: the which

he vnderstanding, although they were readie to part, yet hee commanded that they * 1.86 [ A] should goe and assaile them in diuers places as couertly as they could: so as the 29. of * 1.87 Iuly the Spaniards, Wallons, Italiens and Germaines beeing put in battaile, they ad∣uanced without any brute by the breaches to the toppe of the rampar, and cut the Corps de garde in peeces; so as notwithstanding any resistance they forced the towne and carryed it with a terrible furie, putting all to the sword, they incountred for three houres space, sparing neither men nor women, young nor olde, vntill that the Prince commanded them to cease from killing. Then they began to take the Burgers priso∣ners and to ransome them, yet this was a deere conquest vnto them, for they lost many men there: few of the states soldiars escaped the sword, but all were slaine. Captaine * 1.88 Bastien who commanded there, was sore hurt and brought prisoner to the Prince of [ B] Parma, who for his valour receiued him courteously.

Swartsenburg of Herld was there slaine, and so Mastricht, after foure monthes siege was won, being one of the resolutest, and valiantest defended townes, (considering the small meanes that it had) of all the former townes that were won by the enemy. Since that time the towne is wholy wasted, and in a manner desolate for that there stayed not aboue 300. Burgers therein, which afterward likewise went away, in whose places ma∣ny Liegoeis came thether, and is yet a ruinated towne, the inhabitants beeing most sol∣diers that lie there in garrison, who afterwards burnt vp the emptie houses, for fire∣wood: with this siege, the Prince of Parma's forces were much weakened, so as after that victorie hee could not attempt any thing of importance, and hee himselfe was ve∣ry [ C] sicke.

The losse of this towne caused many to murmur, and to accuse the states of negli∣gence, for that they had not releeued it in time, as they might well haue, if they had vsed diligence and done their endeauors. During this siege they of Arthois and Henault, Lille, Douay, Orchies, Valenciennes Macklin and some castles of Flanders, hauing their deputies in the campe with the Prince of Parma, obtained their reconciliation, the which was concluded the seauenth day of May, and confirmed by letters pattents the twelfth of September as followeth.

Philip by the grace of God, King of Castille, Leon Arragon &c. To all them to * 1.89 whom these presents shall come greeting. As after the retreat of our deare and wel∣beloued [ D] brother Don Iohn of Austria (deceased) vnto the castle of Namur, beeing then Gouernor and captaine generall of our seauenteene Prouinces; there had happened many dislikes and discords betwixt him and the generall Estates of our sayd Prouinces, the which not beeing able to bee pacified, by the conferences that had beene made to that end, had bred (to our great griefe) a great and cruell warre, to the ruine and deso∣lation of a good part of our countrie. Beeing therefore desirous to doe the part of a father and a good Prince hauing since these last troubles alwaies sought the meanes of reconciliation. Finally by our deere and welbeloued Nephew the Prince of Par∣ma and Placentia, Lieutenant, Gouernor and Captaine generall of our Netherlands, with our Prouinces of Arthois, Henault, Lille, Douay, and Orchies, hauing to that [ E] end sent the reuerent father in God, Mathew Moulard, Bishoppe of Arras, Iohn of Noricarmes Knight, Barron of Selles a gentleman of our priuie chamber, and Lieute∣nant of our gard, and William le Vasfeur, signior of Valhuon, hath offred vnto them in our name, the entertainment of the pacification of Gant, the vnion which followed, and the perpetuall Edict, as also vnto the deputies of our other Prouinces in our towne of Antwerp, by letters of the twelfth day of March last past. Which offers beeing reiected by the deputies of some Prouinces, and otherwise interpreted then was our intention; had by the sayd three Prouinces of Arthois, Henault, Lille, Douay and Or∣chies (vnderstanding better our sincere intention) beene imbraced: the sayd three Pro∣uinces hauing resolued vpon certaine points and articles, thereby to purchase a good [ F] reconciliation, which points after many conferences held in our Citty of Arras, be∣twixt the deputies of our sayd Nephew, & the deputies of the sayd 3. Prouinces, the 17. of May last past haue bin concluded: which being presented to our said good Nephew in our campe before Mastricht, to haue his consent and approbation, there was some

difficulty found in them: where-vpon it was decreed that comissioners should be depu∣ted * 1.90 [ A] on our behalfe and for the said Prouinces to explaine the said difficulties: and that according to their resolution, the agreation and oth should be allowed which our said Nephew the Prince of Parma tooke the twenty nine of Iune last past. According to the which, there was sent on our behalfe, to our towne of Mons, our deere and faithfull cousine the earle of Mansfeldt, Baron of Heldrune, knight of our order of the golden fleese, of our councell of State, Gouernor & Captaine generall of our duchy of Luxem∣bourg, and marshal of our campe, and our beloued and faithful knights Iohn of Noyelles Seignior of Rossignol of our councel at war; and Adrien of Gomicourt Seignior of the same place a gentleman of our houshold, together with Iohn of Vendiuille, and Anthonie Houst Doctors of the law, councellors and maisters of request in ordinary of our priuie [ B] councell, and George of Wezendorp a Doctor also of the law, and one of our councell in Freesland, who hauing conferred there-vpon with our well-bee-loued and faithfull cousine Robert of Melun Marquis of Rombais, Seneshall of Henault, vicont of Gant. &c. Gouernor and captaine generall of our country and Conty of Arthois, and of our towne and Baylewike of Hesdin: and with our deere and welbeloued the Deputies of the country of Arthois, and with our deere and faithfull cousine Philip Earle of Lalain, Gouernor, captaine Generall and great baylife of our country and conty of Henault, and our deere and wel-be-loued the Deputies of the said country: our most deere and faithfull Maximilian Villian Baron of Rassengien Gouernor and Captaine generall of the townes and Castells of Lille, Douay and Orchies: Adrian Dogines knight, Seignior [ C] of Villerval, and our deere and welbeloued the Deputies of the said townes and Castles, with other associates assembled in our said towne of Mons, haue concluded and resolued vpon the said doubts and difficulties: wee therefore make it knowne that the premises considered by the aduice and councell of our said good nephew the Prince of Parma, and of our councell of State being with him, haue conformable to the said Articles, for vs, our Heires and Successors, ordeyned and decreed, ordeine and decree, in forme of a perpetual edict irreuocable for euer, the points and articles which follow.

First that the treaty of pacification made at Gant, the Vnion, perpetuall Edict, and ratification which followed on our behalfe shall remaine in their full force, and vertue, and shall be really effected in all points. And the better to vnite our said subiects in a [ D] good vnion and concord, for the seruice of GOD, maintenance of the Catholike, Apostolike and Romish Religion, obedience due to vs, and for the quiet, good and tran∣quility of our said countries: we haue granted, and doe grant a perpetuall forgetfullnes of either side, of all that hath bene said or done, in what sort or manner soeuer, from the first alterations, or by reason thereof; freeing them from all reproch or serch of iudges and other officers, as for matters which had neuer hapned: ordayning that all sentences and decrees made to that end, as well in these countries as where-so euer vnder our iurisdiction, by reason of the troubles past, shall be disanulled and razed out of the re∣gesters, as an absolute discharge of all those hauing followed the one or the other party that doe contract. To which end wee haue defended and doe defend all men indiffe∣rently, of what quality or condition soeuer, to reproch one another, by reason of that [ E] is past; yet not comprehending in this abolition or forgetfullnes, the common enemies of vs and the said reconciled Prouinces, being banished or called to answere, for that they had conspired against some townes. Not-with-standing wee haue ratefied and doe ratefie and allow that which in the said reconciled Prouinces hath beene promised and granted by our Brother, and Nephew the Archduke Mathias, the estates and the councell of State, so farre forth as the ordinary authority of our Gouernors and Lieutenants generall in our Netherlands hath hethereto streched. And in regard of prouisions especially reserued vnto our selfe, at the instance, request and intreaty of the said estates, wee haue in like sort confirmed and doe confirme them for this time [ F] only, vnlesse it appeers that such as are aduanced be no Catholikes, and not qualified as is fitting, to excuse the said offices, and that they be not repugnant to the pacification of Gant, Vnion, perpetuall Edict, and the rights, preuiledges and freedomes of the coun∣try, as well in generall as in particular, reseruing not-with-standing all prouisions that

might be made since the 17. of May last past, the which shalbe held for voide, not com∣prehending [ A] therein any of our Councellors of state or treasor. Wee will not prosecute * 1.91 or call in question, nor cause any one to be called in question for the demolition or bea∣ting downe of any castles or forts, which castles or forts may not be reedified nor built vp againe in the reconciled Prouinces, without the expresse consent of the Estates of e∣uery Prouince in particular. Item wee doe grant, decree and ordaine, that all our men of warre as well Spaniards, Italians, Albaneses, Bourguignons and other stangers, not pleasing to the States, accepting this present treaty, shall depart out of our sayd Ne∣therlands, and out of the Dutchy of Luxembourg, six-weekes after the publication of this present accord, or sooner if the army before mentioned, may be leuied & on foote; and in case that prouisions necessary for their departure may bee sooner made ready: [ B] but howsoeuer they shall depart within sixe-weekes, for that the sayd Estates haue promised vs to imploy them-selues with our counties withall dilligence and without fraude, for the leuying of the sayd army against the time of the departure of the sayd strangers, who within six-weekes after shall goe out of our county of Bourgondie, and neuer returne more into our sayd Netherlands, nor any others to bee sent thether, vn∣lesse we be ingaged in some forraine warres, and generally hauing no vrgent necessity the which shalbe well knowne and aprooued by the sayd Estates. And in like sort the the sayd Estates shall cause all French, Scottish or other strangers, ouer whome they haue any command or authority, to depart out of the country.

And the sayd men of warre, Spaniards, Italiens, Germains, Bourguignons and others, [ C] at their departure out of any townes and castles shall leaue all victualls, artillery, and munition there being. And such Ordinance as hath beene drawne out of any forts, they shalbe bound to returne them to the same places, from whence they were taken, with the first oportunitie, and not to transport them out of the country, which townes and castles of the sayd reconciled Prouinces, with all the victualls, artillerie and munition that shalbe in them, wee shall put (that is to say those that are vnder the gouernment of Henault within twenty daies after the publication of these presents, and the rest wheresoeuer they bee seated within twentie daies after) into the hands of them that are borne in the Netherlands, qualefied according to the preuiledges thereof, and plea∣sing vnto the Estates of the reconciled Prouinces respectiuely. During the which [ D] time of the retreate of the sayd strangers, wee with the sayd reconciled Prouinces shall at our cost and charges raise an armie of them of the countrie pleasing to vs and the sayd Prouinces. Prouided alwaies that the sayd Prouinces shall assist vs by contribu∣tion according vnto the twentieth article following, for the maintaynance of the Ca∣tholike Aposto like, and Romish Religion, and the obedience due vnto vs, according to the pacification of Gant, vnion, perpetuall Edict, and this present treaty, in all points and articles. We command all Estates and gouernors both generall and particular, Con∣sulls and Magistrates of Luxembourg and Bourgongne to maintaine in full force and vertue, the perpetuall Edict and this present treaty, and to take an oth and giue a suffici∣ent act of all aboue mentioned. As also the Estates shall for their parts doe their duties [ E] reciprocally; for to the end the trafficke and comerce may be free betwixt the sayd coun∣tries, as it hath beene in former times with all assurance. All prisoners shall be deliue∣red of either side presently after the publication of this treaty, so far forth as it shalbe in their powre, without paying of any ransome. And in regard of goods seized on, arrested and detained of either side since the pacification of Gant, as well in our sayd Nether∣lands, as in Bourgongne and els where; euery one shal presently reenter into all his im∣mouable goods, and as for the mouable, euery one shal be also repossest, if they were not alienated by authority and order of iustice, or by the Magistrats, being forced therevnto by some popular tumult, wherein shalbe comprehended the goods of such prisoners as are detained by them of Gant and their adherents. And as for rents charged vpon the [ F] sayd goods, they shall gouerne themselues according to the 14. 15. and 16. article of the pacification of Gant, beginning at the feast of S. Iohn Baptist. 1579. Wee haue and doe maintaine all new Gouernors of countries townes, places and forts that are recon∣ciled, as before the retreat of our deceased deere Brother Don Iohn at Namur.

As also those shalbe maintained that haue beene aduanced to any Gouernments that * 1.92 [ A] were voide by death. And as for such Gouernors as haue beene placed by prouision by reason of the imprisonment and detention of some Noblemen. They shalbe continued vntill the release and returne of the sayd prisoners. Alwaies prouided that if the sayd prisoners should chance to die, prouision should bee made according to the eighteenth Article, promising for our part not to displace any one, so as hee hath held the partie of the Estates during these alterations, and maintained the Catholike and Romish Religion, according to the pacification of Gant, the vnion which followed, and the perpetuall Edict, and shall not hereafter do any act that may be preiudiciall to this present treaty of reconciliation.

And for better assurance we haue and do ordaine according to the leauenth article of the perpetuall Edict, that the sayd Estates of the vnited Prouinces and all persones in [ B] any dignitie, Gouernors, Magistrates, Burgeses and Inhabitants of Townes and Bour∣roes, whereas thereis any garrison, and the souldiars ioyntly with them, and also all the Inhabitants of any townes and villages, whereas thereis not any garrison, withall o∣thers that haue any Estates, charges or Offices of warre or otherwise, shall take an oth to maintaine the Catholike Religion, and obedience due to vs, according to the sayd pacification, the vnion which followed, the perpetuall Edict and this present treatie. And not to receiue change or admit any garrison without the priuitie of the gouernor generall of the Prouince, and the aduise of the Estates of euery Prouince, or of their de∣puties. Alwaies prouided that in case of vrgent necessitie, the sayd Prouinciall Go∣uernor, [ C] may haue garrisons in forts whereas they haue beene accustomed to bee, ha∣uing taken an oth and being at our seruice in euery Prouince.

Wee promise not to charge nor cause to bee charged the townes nor countrie of the sayd reconciled Prouinces, with any strange souldiars, nor with them of the coun∣trie, vnlesse they shall desire it by reason of warre or some iminent dangers, or that they haue beene vsually accustomed to haue them, in which case the garrisons shall bee of the naturall borne of the countrie, pleasing to the sayd Estates respectiuely. Wee will and ordaine that in all Townes and Borroughs where the Magistrates haue beene renewed, extraordinarilie since the beginning of the troubles, shall bee resto∣red [ D] according to the customes and preuiledges of euery place, obserued in the time of the happie and glorious memorie of the Emperor Charles our Lord and father. And that order bee giuen the sayd Magistrates bee respected and obeied, as is fit, for the auoyding of all new inconueniences.

Wee promise to imploy alwaies in the generall gouernment of our Netherlands a Prince or Princesse of our bloud, hauing the partes and qualities requisite for so great a charge, wherewith our subiects ought in reason to bee satisfied, who shall gouerne with all Iustice and equitie, according to the lawes and customes of the coun∣trie, taking a sollemne oth to maintaine the pacification of Gant, the vnion which followed, the perpetuall Edict, and this present treatie, in all points and Articles, and namely the Catholike, Romish Religion and our due obedience, fore-warning the [ E] sayd Estates as wee haue accustomed of our choise; meaning that our Nephew for sixe moneths (for the great desire which wee haue aboue all things, to procure the peace and quiet of our good subiects) shall doe his best endeauor to aduance and ef∣fect the retreat of the strangers and the deliuerie of places, to bee presently receiued in the gouernment generall of our sayd Netherlands, obseruing the accustomed sol∣lemnities. And for the better satisfaction of our sayd Estates and subiects, hee shalbe serued by them that are naturall borne in the countrie, and by as fewe strangers as may be. And the more to gratefie them, we desire that hee shall not entertaine aboue 25. or 30. strangers, who shall not in any sort deale with the affaires of the country. Hauing notwithstanding such a gard, as precedent Gouernors, Princes or Princesses of our bloud haue beene accustomed to haue, of Archers and Halbardiers borne in the coun∣trie, [ F] or Germaines, vnder Commanders of qualitie of the countrie, with which our sayd Nephew, the Estates shall hold good correspondencie from hence-forth, and shall aduertise him of all things that shall passe touching the execution of the sayd treatie,

and al that which depends thereon, all commissions, prouisions and Edicts being made [ A] by and in our name onely. At the end of which sixe moneths, if we haue not aduanced * 1.93 to the said gouernment, either him or some other of thelike quality (to the end that no disorder nor confusion shall happen) it shall bee gouerned by the councell of estate, attending a new provision.

Which councell of estate shall consist of twelue men at our choyse, as well noblemen & gentlemen as lawyers, borne in the contry, as hath bin accustomed: wherof two third parts shall be pleasing to the sayd estates, and such as haue followed their party from the beginning vnto the ending. Of the which fiue shall haue an accustomed commission from vs, and the other three but a simple prouision for three monethes, at the end whereof we may (if wee please) continue them, or chose others of the like quality, to l•…•…aue a meanes for the Prouinces to reconcile them-selues. And with the resolution [ B] and aduise of the sounder part of them, (who shall be bound to take the oth aboue men∣tioned) all dispatches shall be made as in the time of our most honored Lord and father, the Emperor Charles which shall be viewed by one of the said councellors, to preuent all inconueniences. That to all Gouernments which hereafter for sixe yeares to come shall fall voyde in the said prouinces reconcyled, we shall preferre such as are borne in our Netherlands, or strangers, either of them being pleasing vnto the estates of the said Prouinces respectiuely, capable, fit and qualified according to the preuiledges thereof.

And as for our priuie councellors, of the treasor, and other officers of im∣portance, we will aduance such as are borne in the country, or others to the good like∣ing [ C] of the said estates, who before their reception shall be bound to sweare sollemnly this present accord, and promise by oth in case they shall discouer any thing that is treated to the preiudice thereof, to aduertise the estats of the Prouinces, vpon paine to be held periured and infamous. We haue also ratified and do ratifie all constitu∣•…•…ions of rents, pensions and other obligations, assurances and other impositions, which the said estates by the accord of euery Prouince haue made or past, or shal make or passe, to all those that haue assisted or furnished them with mony to releeue their necessities, and payment of debts contracted by reason of the warres and troubles past, conforma∣ble to the eighteene Article of our perpetuall edict. And hereafter they shall not bee taxed nor charged in any other sort nor manner, then they haue beene in the time [ D] and raigne of our deceased Lord and Father Charles the •…•…ift, and by the consent of the Estates of euery Prouince respectiuely.

That all priuiledges, vses and customes, as well in generall as in particular, shal∣bee maintayned, and if any haue beene violated, they shalbee repaired and restored. The sayd reconciled Prouinces shalbe bound to renounce all leagues and confede∣tions which they may haue made, since the beginning of the changes and alterati∣ons. And for that the sayd Estates held themselues bound vnto our deere sister, the Queene of England, and to the Duke of Aniou Brother to the most Noble and Christian King, for the good assistance that they haue receiued from them. Wee will send (two moneths after that our said Nephew the Prince of Parma and Placentia [ E] shall bee entred into the Gouernment generall) persons of quality vnto them to doe all good offices, and the confederation and ancient amitie with our said Sister shall bee continued reciprocally. And to in crease and augment the loue and affection which Princes ought to beare vnto their subiects, and that they may bee the better inclined to the respect and obedience which they owe vnto their naturall Prince; The said estates haue humbly intreted vs to send as soone as time and oportunity will serue one of our Children that may succeed in the Netherlands to be norished and instructed there according vnto their maners, in all piety and vertue. Whereof wee will haue such regard as shall be fit. [ F]

We are content that al prouinces, Chasteleines, townes or priuate persons of our said Netherlands, that would enter into reconciliation with vs, vpon the conditions of this said treaty shall be receiued by vs, and receiue the same benefit with the reconcyled

Prouinces, so as they come freely within three moneths after the reall departure of the * 1.94 sayd Spaniards out of our Netherlands. [ A]

Wee haue consented and agreed, and doe consent and agree, that the sayd Estates may beseech his Holinesse: our most deere and welbeloued good Brother Nephew and Cousin the Emperor: the Archbishops of Cologne and Treues and the Duke of Cleues, as Zealous of the good & quiet of the Christian cōmon-weale, that they wilbe pleased to looke and haue a care that this treatie and accord may bee in all points ef∣fected, accomplished and inuiolably obserued. And if in the execution and accom∣plishment of this pacification there shal grow any difficulty or questiō to be decided af∣ter the publication thereof, wee and the Estates of the sayd reconciled Prouinces shall depute respectiuely commissioners to heare reconcile and execute. Alwaies vnder∣standing, that by those words Agreeable to the States, put in many articles of this treaty [ B] those that are naturall borne of the country shall not bee excluded, hauing followed ei∣ther partie contracting. And to the end that of all and euery point and article aboue written, made, concluded and determined in our towne of Arras the seauenteenth of May last past, examined, made plaine and resolued on in our towne of Mons the 11. day of September, may be well and really obserued, fulfilled and executed, and that all that is conteined in the sayd articles, may bee firme, stable, permanent and inuiolable for e∣uer. Wee haue caused, this present treatie to be signed by our deere and faithfull Cou∣sin the Earle of Mansfelt and other deputies aboue-named on the one part; and the Gouernors and deputies of the sayd Prouinces and other associats on the other, pro∣mising [ C] to ratifie all in due and accustomed forme, within three moneths after this day. Giuen in our towne of Mons the twelfth of September 1579.

To this reconciliation ranne those of Macklin, which towne the signior of Bours (lea∣uing the partie of the generality) deliuered into the Prince of Parmas hands: but soone after fearing that through his lightnesse he should do as much as he had done with the castle of Antwerp, he was displaced, and the signior of Rossignol his Cousin put in his * 1.95 place. The towne of Niuelle in Brabant, the towne and countrie of Allost, the towne and Chasteleny of Bourboure, and manie priuat persons ioyned likewise: The rest of Brabant, Flanders, Geldres, Holland, Zeeland, Vtrecht, Ouerissell and Groninghen, re∣mayning yet firme in the vnion of Vtrecht. Whilest the campe laie before Mastricht, [ D] in the moneths of May, Iune, Iuly and August, there met (at the pursute of the Duke of Terranoua Ambassador for the King of Spaine) in the Citty of Cologne, the Emperors * 1.96 Ambassadors with the Electors of Treues and Cologne, and some deputies from the Duke of Cleues, as intercessors, to finde some meanes of an accord and peace, betwixt the King of Spaine and the reconciled Prouinces, in whose name appeered the duke of Arschot and some Noblemen with the deputies of euery Prouince, and withall the de∣puties of the generall Estates which continued in the vnion of Vtrecht. But the con∣ditions of the duke of Terranoua being long debated of either side, were not receiua∣ble by them of the vnion of Vtrecht. [ E]

The King of Spaine (among other points) refusing to allow generally throughout all his countries, of any other Religion, then of the Romish, and they of Holland and Zee∣land would by no meanes be depriued of the reformed Religion, wherof they had made free and open profession for some yeares, so as they could not agree, wherevpon the deputies of the generall Estates of the sayd vnion retired without any effect, hauing a stronge impression that they sought onelie to circumuent them by this offer of a peace; who beeing retired, the Noblemen which remayned, (among the which was the duke of Arschot and the deputies of the reconciled Prouinces, with the sayd duke of Terra∣noua) concluded certaine articles, which they quallefied with the name of a peace. The sum wherof was, the obseruation of the Romish Religion, & obedience to the King. Moreouer that all Officers should be restored to their Estates, to the which the King would in no sort admit them of the reformed Religion. And that those of the reformed [ F] Religion, if they would not submit themselues vnto the Romish profession should de∣part the country hauing liberty to enioy their goods which they should leaue behinde them, or to sell them, as they should thinke best, which peace was signed by the duke

Of Arschot, and the Deputies of Arthois, Henault, the Chasteleine of Lille. &c. Mac [ A] klin and Boisleduc. In the meane time Iohn of Imbise Bourguymaster of Gant, after * 1.97 their brech of the relligious peace, plaid the mad-man in spoyling of Churches and Monasteries, seazing of their rents and goods, selling their mouables and timber trees, which his fauorits bought at an vnder rate: to conclude he would gouerne all at his * 1.98 pleasure, without the aduise and councell of his Bretheren and companions in the law. He forced Mounsiere de la Noue (for that he could not allow of his actions) to depart out of Gant in the night: and brought into the said towne the twenty eight of Iuly great numbers of foote and horse at his deuotion, and being fortefied and supported by them hee displaced the magestrates, and created new, confirming him-selfe of his owne priuat authority, in the dignity of the first Bourguymaister, vpon whome commonly depends the cheefe mannaging of affayres and the gouernment of the [ B] towne. This done hee causeth his reasons to bee Printed, all which were grounded vpon iealousies and Cauillations. The Prince of Orange being aduertised of all these practises, writ vnto them of Gant that hee would come in person, to take knowledge and to order all things. The which Imbise fearing, knowing where his soare did pinch him, he sought with his partisans to preuent it, where-vpon hee caused to bee printed fower articles of the reasons why it was not fit the Prince should come: yet the Seignior of Ryhuen great Baylife of Gant and his faction, being contrary to Imbise, with the members of the towne, thought it fit the Prince should come, vpon promise that hee shold neither bring nor leaue at his departure any garrison: that they should enioy their preuiledges: that he should leaue the cheefe of the trads in their Offices, and the estate [ C] of religion as he should find it: that he should not call any man in question for what was past, and that hee should signe and seale this promise vnto them. The Prince not respecting all these Articles which they would haue him promise, came to Gant the first of August: Imbise hearing of his comming, pretended some excuse, and retired to∣wards the Sas, where hee was pursued on the Princes behalfe by captaine Monault, but too late: for Imbise hauing caused the bridge to bee drawne vp after him, imbarked for Flessinghe, and from thence went into Germany to Duke Casimir, where hee remained vntill the Ganthois called him home againe, as wee shall hereafter shew. The Prince being at Gant, was much troubled to create any other Magistrate then Imbise, and to repaire the disorders which had happened by his bad gouernment, yet he redrest some [ D] part as well as he could. Peter d' Ahene a Flemish Minister, a great partisans of Imbises, retired also, being in feare of his life, for a certaine Inuectiue which in fauor of Imbise, he had written against the Prince in the Dutch tongue.

The Malcontents had at that time an enterprize vpon Gant, whereof hauing fayled, they marched towards Renay, where there was a garrison of them of Gant, whom they defeated and slue many of them, as they did also at Bosserode, which they burnt and a∣bandoned. After that the Prince had ordred some thing in Gant, he went to Bruges, to * 1.99 settle their affaires, the which he did, suffring himselfe to bee perswaded vpon certaine conditions to accept of the gouernment of Flanders, and then he returned to Antwerp. The Prince of Parma some-what to satisfie the contract of reconciliation with them of [ E] Arthois, Henault, Lisle, Macklin &c. sent the Spanish forces out of the countrie, retay∣ning still some Italian horse. But they went not so farre but vpon the first occasion hee called them back againe: yet this their short absence mooued many of the Noblemen in like sort to reconcile them-selues.

The Earle of Rheneberg gouernor of Frisland, hauing by seege, (as we haue sayd) re∣duced the towne of Groninghen vnder the vnion of Vtrecht, marcht with some troupes and three field peeces towards Couoerden, the which was then but a Bourrough with a castle, giuing charge to captaine Cornput to fortefie it: the which he began with great ditches large and deepe, making fiue Rauelins, but this worke surceased for that time, * 1.100 the which was afterwards finished by the Drossart Ens, (vpon the same foundations [ F] which Cornput had laied) for the Kings seruice, The Germaine companies of the sayd Earle of Rheneberg, lodging in the countrie of Oueryssel, feeding vpon the poore coun∣try-man at discretion, for want of pay, the Peasants put themselues in armes, and chased

away the companies of horse of Dodo Van Laer and Rhynswoud, Bartell Entens went to * 1.101 [ A] charge these clownes, and rescued the bootie which they had taken from the horse-men: yet hauing fortified them-selues more then before, they in like sort chased away Cont Hohenloos troopes. But the Earle returning with greater forces, defeated them neere vnto the Cloyster of Sion, and cutte some 700 of them in peecees; so as hee forced them to lay downe their Armes, and redeeme them-selues from spoyle.

After the Treaty of Cologne (which some did quallefie with the name of peace) the reconciled Prouinces, with the Malecontents of Menin, supported by them of Macklin, thought to cut of the passages to the towne of Brusselles, and to take away their victualls, thereby to force them to reconcile them-selues with them. And as the Malecontents carryed a conuoy of fifty waggons with all sort of munition to Mack∣lyn, * 1.102 [ B] hauing two hundred horse and foure hundred foote, they were incountred about Alost, with fiue hundred horse & about one thousand foote of the States, who defeated them, and brought all the bootie to Brusselles.

The Estates seeing the towne of Macklyn in the Spaniards hands, did forbid all per∣sons by a publike proclamation, to carry any thing thether, vppon paine of forfeyture of body and goods; summoning them of Macklin to returne vnto their Confederation with the generallity, within four daies. This did much trouble the Burgers, and mo∣ued them against their Magistrates: Who vppon feare they had of the Estates, re∣quired * 1.103 a Spanish garri•…•…on: The which the Burgers refused, saying that they would hold them-selues neuters, and keepe the towne: Seeing that they found them-selues [ C] able ynough, without receiuing of any garrison: yet in the end they were forced to accept of one. In the meane time Mounsier de la Noue Marshall of the Estates Camp, to free the Riuer which goes from Antwerp to Brusselles, went by commandement from the Prince of Orange, to charge the Germaines who began to make a Fort at Villebrouck, at the mouth of the great Riuer of Eschaut which runnes before Ant∣werp, who hearing of his approach, left the place, and passing the Riuer at Macklyn, * 1.104 cast them-selues into the towne, La Noue finding of what importance that place might be, caused the fortifications to bee finished with all speed. The Prince of Parma being grieued that this place had beene thus wone, sent some troopes to recouer it; but they came to late, for it was finished: Whereas some companies of his horse-men were [ D] defeated by Captaine Mornaut; but whil'st the victors were busie at the spoile, and pursued not their victorie, the Spaniards being rallyed againe togither, charged them & defeated all Mornaults company, who saued him-selfe, with the losse of 40. of his men slaine vpon the place, and the rest prisoners.

The reconciled Prouinces of Arthois, Henault, &c. Hauing raysed the body of an Armie, as it had beene promised by the Treatie of their reconciliation. The Prince of Parma went to besiege the Bourg and Castell of Mortagne in Henault, where there were certaine companies of the Estates, both English, Scottish, and * 1.105 Wallons, the which hee tooke by force; whereas Captaine Sohey brother to Collo∣nell Sohey was slaine: From thence hee went to set vppon the Bourg and Abbay of S. [ E] Amand; which he likewise tooke, whereas Collonell Morgan an Englishman was ta∣ken prisoner. About that time they of Brusselles and other garrisons thereabouts, did subtilie surprize Niuelles a towne in Brabant, at the opening of the Port: whereat the beginning they made some little resistance, and some were slaine. The Seignior of Gli∣mes great Bayliffe of Wallon-Brabant Gouernor of the towne, was taken there, being * 1.106 found hidden in a stable: the towne was partly spoiled, & part ransomed, the Abbesse & religious women were also prisoners and carryed to Brusselles. This enterprise was made by the commandement of Olliuer vanden Timpell Gouernor of Brusselles, who came thether, and after hee had taken order for the garrison, hee left his brother Denis vanden Timpell to command in the place. The Seignior of Glimes had beene [ F] aduertised of this enterprise the night before, but regarded it not. About that time Collonel Martin Schenck of Nydecken a Gentleman of Gelderland, grew to great cre∣dit: in his youth hee had beene Page to the Lord of Iselsteyen, and after that hee ser∣ued the Prince of Orange with two horses, but after the pacification of Gant

hauing taken the house of Blyenbeek, neere to the riuer of Meuse, lying beyond the [ A] Towne of Graue, from his Cousin, pretending an interest therein, and could get no pro∣tection * 1.107 from the Estates, hee fell from them, and hauing stabd an Ensigne-bearer, hee put himselfe into the Prince of Parmas seruice, forcing the whole countrie of Gelder∣land to pay him contribution, and likewise the riuer. Wherevpon the Estates caused captaine Hogheman to beseege it, but the Prince sent both horse and foote to releeue him, so as they were forced to retire.

As the Malcontents in the beginning of their warre had taken a great rich village in Flanders called Menin lying vpon the riuer of Lice, which by their chiefe commander called Emanuel of Lalain barron of Montigny, was made stronge, (calling it his first con∣quest) from whence they ouer-ranne all West Flanders, and made them giue contribu∣tion, [ B] so they lost it againe in the like manner, for that in Menin there was a brewer cal∣led Peter Vercruissen, who was much troubled and molested by the Wallons, for harbo∣ring of a preacher in his house, so as at the last they ment to proceed against him, as a cryminal offender by order of law. For which cause he diuised a means to get out of the fort, and early in a morning, beeing appareled like a countrie-man went out, and being to passe by a sentinell, hee tooke his halbert out of his hand, and slue him, with the which also he killed two other sentinells, and by that meanes escaped, from thence hee went to the Bourguemaster of Bruges, called Iaques Broucqsanke, shewing him, by what meanes hee might free the country from their oppressions, which hee esteemed an easie matter to effect and that with very fewe men: which the Bourguemaster im∣parting [ C] to Colonel Balfour, hauing receiued charge and commission to effect the same, from the Archduke, and the Prince of Orange, the sayd Bourguemaster, and his sonnes, Peter and Ioas, caused a certaine number of ladders to bee secretly made in his garden-house, to serue for that purpose; and al things being readie prepared, vpon the one and twenty of October in the euening, Colonel Baulfour went vnto the Scottish companies that lay in Rousselase, and the next morning about foure of the clocke went with them vnder the walles of Menin, ioyning vpon the stone-way or causie that goeth from thence to Renselase, and with them the sayd Peter Vercruyssen: At the same time also, there came certaine Flemish companies by shippe from Cortrick, which set vpon Menin on that side, and so on both sides they secretly clome vp to the rampar, and [ D] there valiantly killing the sentinels, forced the gard to flie to saue themselues, where∣by, (without losse of men, or any great resistance,) they presently got the fort, for that they within knew themselues to bee to weake; for that part of their garrison were gon out, about the like exploit, and therefore they fled and saued themselues by the bridge that past ouer the water to Halewin; but it is not to be wondred at, for that the Wallon garrisons there-abouts, as at Wastene, Werwicke, Comene, and part of those * 1.108 of Menin were all as then (by counsell and procurement of the Lord of Erpe) gon to∣wards Cortrike, beeing led by Monsier d' Allennes, in the like sort, and at the very same time to take and spoile it, the which garrisons beeing before Cortrike, and busied to take the depth of the ditches with their halberds and pikes, the chiefe Baylife of Cor∣trike [ E] beeing as then in the top of the towers of the castle of Cortrike, to heare the alarum, that should about that time bee giuen to Menin, called vnto the sentinell in the Bulwarke, asking him if hee had not heard any thing, (not knowing that his e∣nemies were so neere,) wherevnto the sentinell made answere and sayd, no, where∣with the Baylife sayd, that the time drewe neere, which words Mounsire d' Allennes hearing, suspected that his enterprise was discouered, and that those wordes were spoken to that end. For which cause hee went to his companie to consult further with them, and presently there-withall hee heard the alarum giuen at Menin, which made him withall speed to returne backe againe to helpe them, and that if Menin should chaunce to bee taken, to set vpon them, and to take it againe, while the soul∣diers [ F] should bee busied about the spoile, but aproching the fort, and by reason of the darkenesse of the morning) beeing not able to iudge whether the pikes hee saw were launces or not) hee thought their enemies had some horse-men there, so as hee was glad to alter his determination, and with his affrighted souldiars to goe to Werwicke,

whereby the Scots and the rest of the soldiers had the better meanes, to take the spoile * 1.109 [ A] in Menin, and to deuide that, which the Wallons in lo•…•…g time had gathered togither, whereby you may iudge if the spoile were small.

Vpon those newes, the Prince of Orange caused certaine English and French compa∣nies that lay in Willebrook & other Flemish companies to march thether, conducted by the signior of La Noue, to preserue their victory, who vpon the foureteenth of Nouem∣ber came to Werwicke, wherein were two of the aforesaid Wallon companies, that had insconsed themselues in the Church, and two more in the castle, that lay on the o∣ther side of the riuer, thereby keeping the bridge free betweene both, those in the Church were inclosed by the French men, and shot at by the souldiars that stood a∣boue in the houses, and leueled at them through the Church-windowes, they with∣in [ B] shooting likewise at them, and defended them-selues as well as they could, in such sort, as they without tooke counsell what they should doe, and whether they were best to batter the Church with ordinance, for that they within made no signe nor shew of yeelding, hoping to bee relecued by the garrisons there abouts, for that to the same end, there were fiue companies comming out of Halewin, but they of Menin hauing inteligence thereof, gaue a hot and furious charge vpon them of Halewin, putting fire in their Court of guard, whereby they were in such a great agonie and feare, as they were to send for their fiue companies backe againe, and it was aduisedly done. For that Mounsire De la Noue, vnderstanding that the Wallons assembled them-selues togither at Comene, was fully resolued, if they entred into the field, to set vpon [ C] them, with his horse-men, whereof hee gaue notice vnto all the Flemish companies, but perceiuing that they came not forward, (to loose no time) hee scaled the Church with ladders, so as about 4. of the clocke in the afternoone hee tooke it, where the Fle∣mish soldiars were much commended for their valor, especially one that carried a tar∣get, who at the taking of the Church, receiued seauenteene bullets vpon the same: at there entry they slue fortie of the Wallons, the rest beeing about 140. were all taken prisoners, one of their captaines was Caroudolet Lieutenant to the Earle of Egmont, the other Croisset, but neither of them both was found amongst the rest. They within the castle expecting no better vsage, in the same euening set it on fire, and fled to Comendé. [ D]

The sixeteenth day of Nouember Mounsire de La Nove, being about three hundred horse and foure hundred French foote-men past ouer the riuer of Leye to seeke some aduenture: and marching towards Halewin, met with foure cornets of horse, the one beeing the duke of Arschots, the other the Earle of Lalains, and the rest newe cor∣nets, which hee presently charged with such fury, as at the first incounter they were wholy broken and disperced, and presently beganne to flie, where they were fol∣lowed * 1.110 till they came to Marquette: and if it had not beene so late, fewe or none of them had escaped, and yet the greatest part of them were slaine, as it apeared by the horses and the prisoners, which the Scottish captaines Seton and Mornou brought into Menin. Which they of Halewin vnderstanding, without longer staying set [ E] fire on the houses, and presently fled away, the houses burning downe to the ground. The garrison of Becelare, and Wastene, left them places likewise, which forts La Noue presently manned with garrisons, and diuers other places thereaboutes, In which exploit his French souldiars were so furious, as hearing that their paie was come to Menin, they refused to receaue it saying, that it was then no time to receaue monie, but to fight, thereby to shewe their valors, and to doe their dueties.

In the meane time the Prince of Orange seeing how negligent and carelesse the E∣states were of their affaires, whilest that the Prince of Parma did domineere and •…•…orte∣fie himself from all parts, and that in the end al would go ill being loth to lay the blame [ F] vpon any particular person, & not knowing where their griefe lay, desirous to prouide for it in time, he would first adresse himselfe by admonitions and exhortations vnto the Estates of Holland and Zeland, being assembled in the towne of Delf, whom he thought

his reasons should be of more waight, and haue more credit and respect, to whome hee [ A] discoursed in this manner. * 1.111

My maisters although I am not ignorant of your good affection to preserue that * 1.112 souerraigne good which it hath pleased our Lord God to giue vs in this countrie: yet seeing you are now assembled in this towne, I thinke that this good occasion doth ad∣monish and bind vs to confer together to vnder-stand more particularly and more certenly, what meanes wee may find to repulse the attempts and inuasions of our enemies, as well by sea as land: and what orders may bee set downe to attaine vnto so great a good: for it is more then necessary to prouide for it. And there is no doubt but the enemies imploy all their forces and meanes to this end, to see if they [ B] may dant your resolutions, and finding no preparation answerable to oppresse and ruine you, and so attaine to that which they pretend, I make no doubt but the King of Kings that great God, conductor of armies, will finish the worke which hee hath be∣gun pouring out his blessings vpon vs: yet it is necessarie that wee should acknow•…•…edg the meanes which he doth giue vs, and by his grace will giue vs hereafter, and that we should vse them to his glory: other-wise our neglect and carelessenes, our ingratitude & rashnes together with a contempt of his graces, cannot but prouoke his iust iudgement against vs and our posterity. As if a man desirous to keepe the water in his cesterne, would suffer his house to burne and not vse it, or referring him-selfe to the prouidence of God for the mayntenance of his life, would not eate the bread which God sends [ C] him to sustaine him-selfe. And the better to vnderstand and prouide for all dangers, it is necessary first of all to knowe what the enemies forces bee, and the end where-vnto they tend, and direct all their desseigns: For my part I cannot conceale from you what I vnder-stand, that we may fore-see and not fall into the confusion of those foolish buil∣ders, and warriors whereof IESVS CHRIST makes mention, who wanted meanes to finish their worke. In the meane time my intent is not any waies to terefie you, or make you faint, and abandon the worke begun: but that the consideration of their desseins and meanes should open our eyes, and incline our hearts, to apply the remedy and meanes to preuent it and to maintaine our selues happely. And in truth this pre∣uoyance and disposition may cause two very notable effects and of great consequence: [ D] first it is most certaine that our enemies hearing our firme resolution to defend our selues, and to imploy all the means which GOD hath giuen vs to mainetaine and pre∣serue our liberties together with a fit and conuenient order which shall bee concluded by a wise deliberation: they will bee greatly amazed and discorraged, so as such a re∣solution will serue for a sharpe counterpoyson to ouerthrowe, at the least to weaken much the force of their fraud, conspiraces and attempts: and discorage them from attempting any thing vpon vs and our country. Secondly such a resolution and con∣iunction of courrages, with a due order, will giue vs great satisfaction, assurance and resolution in this worke, great increase of desire to imploy our selues, and great faci∣lity in the execution of all things requisit and necessary. And which is more it shall [ E] be a meanes to free vs from all remorse of conscience, sorrow before GOD, and re∣proches before the world, feeling in our selues, and hauing made it knowne, that we haue executed those charges where-vnto GOD hath called vs, for the perseruation of so great a people, relying vpon our wisdoms, vigilance, dilligence and fidelity. The which shall bee also a reputation and honor vnto vs with all men, yea with our pos∣terity, by the relation of Histories, which shall yeeld a testimony of our holy affecti∣on, constancy and magnanimitie, to haue consecrated our selues wholy, and imploy∣ed our meanes faithfully in a cause so holy, so iust, and of such importance, for the glory of GOD and the helth of men: whereas contrariwise our negligence and faintnes would draw a horrible callamity vppon our posteritie, with blame and reproch [ F] gnawing our consciences all our liues, and blemishing our honors after death: be∣ing put in histories in the ranke of those which haue shewed themselues to be more worthy to be slaues and sheepe then gouernors and pastors. To come then to our ene∣mies forces, without flattering of our selues, you know that they vnderstanding of our

preparations as well in Germanie and Fraunce, as England and Scotland, haue also for their [ A] parts vsed all diligence to gather forces together, as well in these Netherlands, as in Germany * 1.113 and Spaine: So as they haue together ninetie Ensignes of Wallons, sixtie of Spaniards, a∣bout * 1.114 fortie of Germans, and some fifteene or twentie of low Dutch. It is also most certaine that they haue made a great leuie of horse in Germanie. There are also many aduertisements from sundrie places, of the preparation which is made in Spaine, for the kings comming into these countries, or at the least of a great armie which shall come from thence. Wee know al∣so, that the hatred to religion, and insatiable desire to tyrannise, and to inrich themselues with the spoyles of these countries, makes them resolute and obstinat to continue the warres, with∣out any touch or apprehension of the ruine of the countrey. Behold briefly and truely what wee may consider of their parts: Let vs now come to our selues. First the iustice and equitie of our cause, and consequently the assistance and protection of that great and mightie God, [ B] should greatly comfort, incourage, and fortifie vs. Moreouer, besides the forces which wee now haue, the readie meanes which are offered to recouer greater, and the which are partly drawne together, are not to bee contemned. God hath also giuen vs the superioritie and com∣maund of the sea, and hath assigned vs a countrey strong of it selfe, and easie to bee guarded. And besides all this, it is certaine, that as for money and victuals, there is sufficient if it be well imployed: so as if wee will vse the graces which God puts into our hands, wee may (with his blessing) not onely defend that which wee hold, but in a short time chase the enemie out of the whole countrey. For if we will more strictly examine the forces of our enemies, the Wallons for the most part are souldiers newly raised, by reason that the old regiments by their bad intreatie, as also through the sieges of Harlem and Alcmar, three or foure defeats which [ C] they haue had in Zeeland, and the miserie which they endured at Middlebourg, and else∣where, are dispersed and dead. As for the Spaniards, although they bee many Ensignes, yet for the former reasons they are not verie strong, and the best souldiers are slaine or hurt. Tou∣ching the Germans, it may bee their companies are compleat and full, but the most part for the small meanes that is giuen them, although they be in townes, are male content and dis∣couraged, to see that their nation which hath beene heretofore so much respected, is now contemned and reiected, and that the enemie entertaines them rather to make a number, than for any exploit or combat. And as for their leuie of horse, it shall bee a more charge for them, than danger for vs, considering the nature of the countrey. Wee know also what meanes and commoditie of victuals they haue, and how ill affected the people bee to∣wards [ D] them, discouering daily more plainely their tyrannous intentions. And who doth not vnderstand that they seeking to inuade the countrey of the one side, they feare a reuolt on the other.

These things are propounded vnto you my masters, not to lull you asleepe and make you carelesse and negligent, but rather to quicken and encourage you, and to the end you should vnderstand what aduantage wee should haue ouer our enemies, if there were a true resoluti∣on in vs to imploy the meanes, which God hath giuen vs, couragiously. And if a good and conuenient order were established in the conduct of these affaires, how should the enemies counsels bee troubled, how should their hearts bee daunted, and their forces weakened, and [ E] those which to their great griefe groane vnder their insupportable oppression, how much should they bee persuaded and incouraged to ioyne with vs? To the end also wee may feele what a reproach it shall bee vnto vs, to contemne such a blessing and fauour of God, letting slip and relecting the meanes which hee puts into our hands, for our preseruation, and the happie accomplishment of the entire deliuerance of our countrey. How can wee answer be∣fore God, for the desolation and cruell oppression of the people, whom hee hath recommen ded and committed vnto vs, and who depend vpon vs, if willingly by our negligence (e∣uery one regarding and respecting his owne priuate interest, more than the generall cause) our enemies preuayling in their enterprises, should plant their tyrannies ouer this coun∣trey.

[ F]

To conclude, the estate of our affayres, and the disposition of our enemies is such, as if wee resolue to imploy the meanes which God hath giuen vs, as wee ought, wee haue reason to hope (by the blessing of God) not onely to preserue our selues, but also to ad∣uance our affayres, and to make the enemie to loose all hope to compasse his designes.

And contrariwise if we stand vnresolued, we are halfe shaken, and the least thing will ouer∣throw [ A] vs, and cast vs into ruine and fearefull desolation. And if wee doe not speedily pro∣pound * 1.115 a course, imploying the meanes which we haue receiued from the Lord, to attaine vn∣to it: our aduersaries are not so void of vnderstanding, courage, nor force, but it will be verie easie for them that haue no other defence, but a general and confused desire to preserue them∣selues. Finally considering seriously in what estate wee are, and that you haue warre against mightie enemies, seeking to tread you downe, and to tyrannise ouer you; You must first ad∣uise if you feele in your selues a firme and constant resolution, to preserue your selues, and to aduance as much as possible you may, that incomprehensible good which God hath giuen you, changing that tyranny of bodies, consciences and goods, vnto so happie a libertie which you now enioy. Then, whether you be resolued to imploy those meanes willingly, which the [ B] Lord hath giuen you, to attaine vnto so great a good, and to maintaine it. Thirdly; if you be resolued, to settle a course, to find and furnish the meanes, which may bee such, as there may bee assurance to vse and enioy them, and that there may bee consideration not to charge the poore more than the rich, that God bee not displeased with vs, curse vs, and ouerthrow all our enterprises. And for the fourth point, if you bee resolued to settle such an order for the conduct of affaires; that there neither bee confusion nor delay, in the execution thereof. If all these resolutions concurre ioyntly in you, I beseech you in the name of God to declare it plainely and openly, to the end that all the people relying vpon you and mee, bee not in the end, yea sodainely drawne into extreame calamitie, which would bee a griefe vnto vs, and cause a remorse of conscience before God, and a reproach before men.

[ C]

I should also bee verie sorie, that through my negligence, standing without any assured re∣solution, all the blame and reproach should fall vpon mee, in recompence of my affection and zeale, to imploy both the life and goods of mee and mine in the seruice of this cause•…•… hauing no intent to continue, vnlesse I first vnderstand your wills, and whether the course, meanes, and order, which you shall set downe, shall be sufficient to ground a hope of our preseruati∣on against our enemies. Desiring rather and beeing more reasonable, to giue it quite ouer, and to saue our reputations by some appointment whatsoeuer, and what wee can of our liues and goods, than to see our selues, as it were, melt away in languishing, and fail into the cruell hands of our enemies. But contrariwise if you feele your selues resolued, aduise if it shall not bee more expedient, to depute three or foure among you, to examine, weigh, debate, and treat [ D] of the meanes with mee, and of the order which shall bee necessarie; and then afterwards to bee authorized and put in execution by you and mee, if it bee thought fit and conuenient: For my part I will not dissemble that I desire it greatly, to the end that without any longer di∣lation, which is dangerous and preiudiciall in our affaires, wee may determine that which shall bee most fit and conuenient to attaine to the end of our desires. Intreating you, for my conclusion, to consider within your selues, that it is against you and your natiue countrey, wherein you dwell, and ouer which God hath made you gouernors, that the enemies bend all their counsels and designes, to the end that you may vnderstand, that it is you that must im∣brace the action and the burthen, and not imagine that the propositions, admonitions, and de∣maunds, which are made vnto you by me, be like vnto the kings, which are made vnto the e∣states [ E] of the whole countrey, who excuse themselues, and auoid charges as much as they can, and refuse all they can of what is demanded of them. They haue some reason, for it is not so much their fact and benefit, as the kings. But you know that your condition is otherwise. Pro∣pound then vnto your selues, that I am absent, consider what resolution you would take, and whether on a proposition made by any of you, the rest of you, any masters the Estates, would grant the least you could, excusing your selues, although all should go into confusion and dis∣order, not regarding if that which was demaunded were profitable and necessarie for the con∣duct of the affaires, and the preseruation of you and the countrey: My presence doth not trans∣port your fact and dueties vpon me. True it is, that I am readie for any part to imploy my selfe, yea to expose my life, but remember it is not for my priuat interest, but for the whole [ F] countrey.

And if God hath called mee by your meanes, to serue you, leaue not therefore to embrace the cause, touching the meanes, beeing more yours than mine owne, And if this bee well vnderstood and practised by you, there shall bee no more cause for the Estates to excuse them∣selues

vnto me, but (as if you were all but one head) hauing in charge the preseruation and [ A] gouernment of the countrey, you will ioyntly and sincerely seeke all fit and necessarie meanes * 1.116 for your defence and aduancement. And so euerie man imploying himselfe faithfully in his charge, I hope that God will blesse vs, to the confusion of our enemies, & the comfort and con∣solation of vs all.

The prince of Orange seeing that the treaties of peace at Cologne, whereon they hoped, was vanished to smoke, did wish, that the Estates wold haue embraced their affaires with more zeale and earnestnesse, that through carelesnesse (and to speake the truth they went but lazily to worke) they might not fall into those inconueniences, which through the diligence of the Spaniards were to be feared. By reason wherof, for that in al assēblies of Estates the deputies of euery prouince or town, were bound (as it is said by the treatie of the vnion made at Vtrecht) to aduertise their masters of all propositions, & to attend the answer, during which time manie [ B] good occasions were lost, and before the matter could be fully concluded, the Spaniards had some vent thereof (God knowes by what meanes) so as no good action could be attempted, or if they did attempt any, they had most commonly bad successe. Wherefore hee was de∣sirous * 1.117 they should erect a counsell of Estate, the which might absolutely dispose of all occur∣rents, without so many sendings and losse of time: and either to fight with the enemie, or to prouide for their defence. And therefore hee thought it fit they should alwayes haue a small flying campe, either to giue some camisadoe to the Spaniards, or to stop their courses: for otherwise with so many reiterated assemblies of the Estates, so many delayes, and losse of time in sending to and fro, such diuersitie and contrarietie of opinions in such a multitude of men of diuers humors and dispositions, hee said (and truely) that it was not possible to [ C] determine any thing that was good, and to execute it with celeritie. Greeuing that their hearts were no more inflamed to their owne safetie and defence, as they were in the begin∣ning, when they had to doe with so cruell and tyrannous an enemie, as the Duke of Alua, and Dom Frederic his sonne, and when they had not the meanes to make head, and to assaile as they had now: For which cause some forreine princes which might haue come to their aide grew cold, and would not haue to doe with so great diuersitie of opinions: and none of those townes which the Spaniard held in his iurisdiction and keeping, sought to ioyne with them.

He said moreouer, That it was not possible to subsist long, without an armie alwayes rea∣die of twelue thousand foot, and foure thousand horse, besides the ordinarie garrisons, with [ D] sufficient artillerie: and that to haue good old souldiers, they must giue the colonels suffici∣ent assurance for their pay. For to thinke to make warre with a multitude of raw souldiers, or with their aduenturers (whom they call Free-boters, that is to say, such as liue vpon the spoile, who seruing without pay, vpon danger of hanging, were neither tied by othe nor honour, see∣king nothing but spoile) it were a folly, and would nothing aduance the common cause.

All townes that had any cause of complaint, or to demand succors, came vnto the prince, but he could not relieue them, nor prouide for that which they required: so as there was great need of this counsell of Estate, the which should be erected of men of good qualitie, well ac∣quainted with affaires, couragious, resolute, and faithfull, with an armie of old souldiers, wher∣by [ E] they might resist the Spaniards, and maintaine the countrey without feare in all safetie: if not, they must looke for a totall ruine of all their affaires.

These admonitions of the prince made in an open assembly of the generall Estates at An∣tuerpe, were well accepted by them, but not greatly followed, whether it were for that the Estates feared the excessiue charge, or that there was enuy and iealousie among the great men, yet the said counsell of Estate was established.

The peace of Cologne broken off in such sort, as there was not any hope of peace to be ex∣pected from thence, vpon the 28 of September past, the prince of Orange, being then in Gant, caused this counsell and aduice to be put forth in print, which he had giuen, vpon certaine ar∣ticles propounded vnto him by the Estates, concering foure points, which were touching [ F] treatie of peace, contribution, their dealing which they sought to haue with the duke of An∣iou, and the gouernment of the land.

Concerning peace, he complained verie much, That he should be charged by certain men, to be the onely cause that it tooke not effect, whereas to the contrarie he had alwayes giuen

counsell, and did yet counsell them by all the meanes they could to procure the same, as know∣ing [ A] well, that otherwise they were to expect farre greater warre and bloudshed than euer they * 1.118 had: but he perceiued the matter to be brought to that passe, as those of the reformed religi∣on were wholly bent, not to forsake nor flie the country any more, and that there was nothing else sought nor desired by the treatie of peace, than to raise more diuision in the countrey, as by consenting and desiring to continue the pacification of Gant, which before in the treatie with the baron of Selles, they held and esteemed to bee bad and vnlawfull, and that for the same cause they ought to bee rooted out: referring himselfe further therein, to that which had beene answered thereunto by the generall estates. Adding thereunto, That the enemie vn∣der that pretence of treatie of peace, sought nothing else but the liues and goods of the inhabi∣tants of the Netherlands, when as all the townes and forts should be deliuered ouer into the [ B] hands of such as offered them no other securitie, but the simple and meere othe of those that had so much forgotten their honours, as they had vndertaken to beare armes against their na∣tiue countrey: which othe should by the same persons (that were much harder and worse af∣fected than the Spaniards themselues) soone and verie lightly be dispensed withall, as it ap∣peared by diuers examples in Fraunce, and in the Netherlands in the yeare 1566. Further pro∣testing before God and all princes, potentats, and the whole world, That no man could pre∣tend, protest, or prooue himselfe to haue suffered more losse and hinderance by the warres, than he: and that no man more wished, desired, nor thought it more profitable or necessary, than himselfe, it being sufficiently and manifestly knowne, what lands and inheritances were by the enemy forcibly kept and withholden from him, without any recompence: As also that [ C] the detaining of his sonne the earle of Buren, who against all reason was a prisoner in Spaine, could not chuse but moue his fatherly heart, who without a peace was wholly out of hope euer to see him againe; which he notwithstanding, next to the honour of God, and the wel∣fare of his natiue countrey, most desired, for that he (as other fathers) bore all naturall loue vn∣to his sonne.

Secondly, That he had as then attained to those yeares, which well deserued rest and quiet∣nesse, after so many labours and troubles by him endured: but for that many men, not onely such as made profession of the reformed religion, but those also that seeke the freedom of their naturall countrey, wholly relied vpon him, he could not hearken nor consent to any peace, but onely to that which tended to the securitie of religion, freedome and priuiledges of the Ne∣therlands, [ D] and such as might be firme and permanent: against the which desired peace, for dis∣charge of his conscience, he certainly affirmed and acknowledged, that the articles propoun∣ded at Cologne, were wholly repugnant, tending to the ouerthrow and abolishing of the re∣formed religion, and the liberties of the Netherlands, as he shewed and declared by many rea∣sons, which were ouerlong as now to be rehearsed, and therein I refer the reader to the prin∣ted copie.

Touching the contribution, he referred them therein to that which was done by the assem∣bly at Vtrecht, as it appeared more at large by the answer by him made vnto euery particular article of the same.

Concerning the duke of Aniou, considering the great endeuors and earnest meanes sought [ E] by the Netherlands, to attaine vnto a good peace, and that on the kings behalfe, there had not as yet been any signes nor shewes of any kind of good will or liking thereunto, much lesse vn∣to the reformed religion, and that there was nothing but all oppression, and the ouerthrow of religion, to be expected at his hands, He said, That if it so fel out, that the prouinces of the Ne∣therlands wold chuse another prince, that there was no prince nor potentat, that could as then be found, whose authoritie or means could effect more good vnto the Netherlands, than that of the queen of England, or of the aforesaid duke of Aniou: for that notwithstanding that the princes of the empire had seuerally and oftentimes beene moued and desired, to take and re∣ceiue the Netherlands into their protection, and that the emperors Maiestie likewise, by letters both from the arch duke Mathias, and the generall estates, as also by diuers men of good quali∣tie [ F] and condition, sent vnto him, had beene most humbly intreated to grant thereunto, yet would neither his Maiestie nor the said princes of the empire, once bee stirred or persuaded, to giue any aid or assistance to the Netherlands, notwithstanding, that the said prouinces are a member of the said empire.

Secondly, that he had many and seuerall times vnderstood, and made triall of the queene of [ A] Englands meaning and intent, not onely touching the defence and protection of the Nether∣lands, * 1.119 but also concerning the good affection, and great fauour that shee bore vnto the said duke, hauing written in his behalfe vnto the generall estates: therefore (vnder correction, and for the good of the vnited prouinces and townes of the Netherlands) hee said, That there was no other meanes now remaining, than to haue their refuge vnto the aforesaid duke, and the ra∣ther, for that such an honourable worke required a prince that might personally effect the same, vpon condition, that the Netherlands might bee will prouided of souldiers, and sufficient meanes to withstand the Spaniards, with securitie of religion and the priuiledges, and euerie prouince to remaine in their old and antient rights and customes, without any al∣teration. [ B]

And that if the countrey thought it more conuenient to chuse any other prince, he refer∣red himselfe therein to their iudgements, promising and offering his seruice according to his abilitie, for the defence of the countrey: in the meane time wishing them to consider of the best meanes that might be found, for the withstanding of such an enemie.

Touching the gouernment of the countrey, hee referred that to the discretion of the pro∣uinces, as also concerning that which they should please to ordaine, touching the person of the archduke Mathias: but for himselfe, he said, hee could not let slip certaine manifest imperfe∣ctions, which vntill that time were not by any meanes to be remedied, for want of obedience, the which had caused great complaints to be made by diuers persons, some for want of vn∣derstanding, and others of meere hatred and malice. Hee likewise said, That besides that the [ C] disobedience commonly shewed, was and had beene the cause of much euill, the money that was to be imploied in the warres not being brought in, but vsed otherwise than it ought to be, or politikely and deceitfully withholden, was no lesse: and that therefore he for his part had beene vniustly charged and blamed for such disorders, for that without money and aid, he could not effect the thing they desired: and that such as slandred him therin, soughtnothing else but the ruine of the land, and yet were beleeued and credited by many. And although hee perceiued the vnthanfulnesse of them (in whose presence his sonne was taken and carried a∣way, and for whose sake he had lost three brethren, and run himself into great debt, his lands & goods being taken from him) that persuaded him to accept such reasonable conditions as were offered vnto him, during that treatie of peace, and otherwise: yet notwithstanding, for the ho∣nour [ D] of God, and to preferre the welfare of this countrey, hee had not esteemed thereof, but rather with great paine and labour (and almost without any) meanes, vpon good credit that hee had amongst the souldiers vntill that time, had hindered the enemie from making any fur∣ther inuasion into the countrey, although he had not ceased by all policie, subtile deuices, and force, to seeke to inuade the same.

And whereas the vnited prouinces offered him the office of Lieutenant generall of the Netherlands, hee well knowing and considering what crosses he had had therein, gaue them to vnderstand, that for his part, he was content that the same should bee laid vpon some other man, whom it should please the said prouinces to nominat and appoint, promising, accor∣ding to his power, to doe his best endeuour for the seruice of the countrey, as hee had former∣ly [ E] done. Neuerthelesse, for that it was their desires to haue him to accept of the said Lieu∣tenant generals place (as hauing wholly deuoted himselfe to the seruice of God, and their natiue countrey of the Netherlands) hee wished and desired the said Prouinces, to giue eare and hearken vnto the causes of the aforesaid disorders, that better order might bee taken therein.

Saying first, That there was no prouince nor towne, that had beene required to receiue gar∣risons, but as much as in them lay, refused the same, and that hauing receiued any garrison, did not presently make all the friends they could, to bee discharged and vnburthened thereof a∣gaine: whereby whole prouinces and townes were lost, as it appeared by Aeth, Alost, Me∣chelen, and others. [ F]

And whereas at that time all the townes were persuaded to take in garrisons, yet in so small numbers, as they were not able to make any sallies, by that meanes to molest and trou∣ble the enemie, but were forced to stay within their townes, and by that meanes vnexperi∣enced in armes and martiall affaires, so as the enemie did what hee would in the playne

countrey euen to the verie gates of the said townes: And for that cause also the small townes [ A] and villages, how neere soeuer they lay to the great townes, were forced either to haue garri∣sons, * 1.120 or else must be lost: meane time the poore countrey man was on all sides •…•…ansacked and vtterly spoyled.

Secondly he said, That the disorder daily more and more increased, by means that the pro∣uinces (in regard that they were so much wasted and spoyled) were not able to raise and bring in their contribution, wherewith they were taxed.

Which to preuent, he said, There was no fitter nor more conuenient meanes to bee vsed, than to keepe good and strong garrisons within their forts and townes, which might hinder and keepe the enemie from spoyling of the champion countrey, whereby the rest of the coun∣trey might be assured and vnburthened of so many vnnecessarie small garrisons, and the soul∣diers [ B] better paid, in such sort, that fourteene or fifteene companies well paid, and kept in good discipline, would doe lesse harme, and not commit so great disorders in a towne, as three or foure companies vnpaid did, considering that without pay they were not to bee kept in any good order. And therefore he desired first, that hee might haue full power and authoritie to take order for the garrisons of the frontier townes, as he should thinke good, not onely for the defence and preseruation of the said towns, but also with more conuenient meanes to inuade the enemie.

Desiring also, That they would consider what in times past had been done in Holland and Zeeland, where the townes made no difficultie to receiue garrisons into them, so that they were not onely defended, but did also greatly annoy the enemie. Also desiring (thereby to [ C] auoid and preuent all secret practises, and vnexpected inuasions of the enemy, whereof hee should be secretly informed) that he might passe out and in with any souldiers, through any towne whatsoeuer, without let or contradiction.

Desiring also, That for the auoiding of all delayes in the execution of things, there shold be a counsell of state erected.

He said moreouer, That great difficulties were growne for want of money to maintaine the charges of the warres, and that thereby all good meanes, occasions, and aduantages (to driue and expell the enemie out of the countrey) were vtterly lost, which the enemie himselfe by his intercepted letters confesseth that he should haue beene forced to haue done. As also that the contribution money ordained to be paid, was not gathered: and that if it were gathered, it was [ D] disbursed againe at euerie mans disposition: and therefore he thought it necessarie, that when any contribution should be granted, all particularities that were found faultie in the paiment, or that refused to pay the same, should presently be forced thereunto by order of law. Alwaies prouided, that they shall haue leaue to haue their recourse vnto the generality of their prouin∣ces and townes.

Thus much I thought good to set downe touching these articles, thereby to shew the estate of the countrey at that time: he that desireth to see more, may read the articles themselues.

The prince caused this his counsell and aduice with all speed to be put in print, that euerie prouince and towne might read and consider thereof, to the end, that at the next assembly of the generall estates in Antuerpe, they might be sent with full power and authoritie, for the ful [ E] determination of that which should be found requisit and necessarie to be done, according to the vnion and contract made: yet many things were not then determined of. For which cause, vpon the ninth of Ianuary 1580, the generall estates being assembled in Antuerpe, the prince once again shewed them of the difficulties and troubles that were like to fal vpon the Nether∣lands, * 1.121 if speedie remedie were not had, especially for that there was not a counsell of estate ap∣pointed, that had authoritie to determine vpon things that concerned the generalitie, for that as then euerie particular prouince and towne did that which they thought fit and conuenient for their owne particular benefit, without respecting what they & the country in general lost, by not aiding & assisting euery particular towne when need required, which proceeded from want of a bodie, or chiefe assembly, wherunto the particular members ought to bee subiect. [ F] Saying, That it was sufficiently knowne vnto them, how often he had desired and sought, that they should entertaine certaine horse and footmen in continuall pay, which if they had done, the countrey of Tourney and West-Friseland should not haue fallen into so great extremitie as they then felt, neither should the towne of Mastricht haue beene lost, but they might haue

beene able to set vpon the enemie, or else haue caused him to haue broken vp his siege: For [ A] that to make an army out of the garrisons, he said it was impossible, without a counsel of estate * 1.122 that had authoritie to dispose therof, for that otherwise euery prouince and towne, would dis∣charge and send away their garrison, hauing no need thereof, and they that had need, would not suffer their garrisons to depart out of their townes, prouinces, or commands: and many o∣ther such like disorders, he said, would arise, onely by that means, which by a counsell of estate that had full and absolute authoritie, might be preuented.

By the which and such like disorders he sayd, That diuers good men were discontented, and vnderstanding not the ground of the cause, layed the blame vpon them that were most blamelesse, whereby it fell out, that they were forced to see and behold first one towne, then another, to reuolt, and to be lost, and that those that were most zealous, became faint and [ B] weake hearted: also, that no prince, potentate, nor any strange nation, offered to ioyne them∣selues with them, neither yet any of the enemy once came to yeeld to them, or take their parts, all making excuses, vpon their bad resolution, so that it was to be wondered at, that the coun∣trey endured no greater losse.

Seeing then, that their bad resolutions were the onely causes of the aforesaid difficulties, and the bad accomplishing of that which was resolued vpon, therfore (he said) it was requisit that the same should be foreseene and amended, before all other things whatsoeuer: for that there were yet many good people in the Netherlands, that would earnestly proceed therein, e∣specially for that as then there was much more disorder found to be amongst the enemy, than was amongst them, as want of money, powder, and all kind of munition, contention, factions, [ C] and dea•…•…h of all things amongst the souldiers, wherewith their townes flowed, whereby they might easily reape profit and commodity, if the prouinces (hauing means & strength ynough) would once determine to bring an armie into the field of foure thousand horse, twelue thou∣sand footmen, and twelue hundred pioners, with artillerie and munition fit for the same, be∣sides the garrisons: in which case, it were requisit to shew vnto the colonels, captaines & com∣maunders, what means they had to pay their souldiers, for that otherwise no good nor honest souldiers would offer their seruice, and bad souldiers (that come more to get meat and drinke, with impouerishing of the land, than of any good will or desire to do them seruice) were not fit for their turnes at such a time: and that if they could not well get any other horsemen, but Dutch, they should be carefull to take order what colonels they should chuse, and that if they [ D] ought them any thing for their fore-passed seruices, that they should see them satisfied.

In the collections of the contributions (he said) there was likewise great disorder, for that euery prouince receiued and vsed their owne mony for their best aduantages, and not for the profit and commoditie of the generalitie: as also, that some collected their common taxes with too much partialitie, whether it were to draw more traffique vnto their townes, or els by reason of negligence or carelesnesse.

That there should great respect bee had touching the oath that was vsually taken of the colonels, captaines, officers, and common souldiers, for that many of them, which were in seruice, were of opinion, that by reason of the oath they had taken vnto the king, they might enterprise and vndertake any thing against the estates. And that therefore (for more secu∣ritie) [ E] there was a certaine forme to be vsed, which was, what style should bee obserued in all proclamations, ordinances, decrees, and other acts touching the titles of the soueraigntie. And for that by reason of the reuolting of the most part of the nobilitie and naturall borne gentlemen of the Netherlands vnto the enemie (to his great griefe) they were not sufficiently prouided of men of quality to be commanders, they ought to be very carefull what colonels they should chuse, and that they might be well vsed and payd, thereby to encourage them, to be the willinger to do the country good seruice.

Touching all these points, he said, it was more than requisite to be considered of; and that many things would be repaired and amended, if they would follow his aduice, and chuse cer∣taine persons that should haue the ordering and managing of al causes, with assured and faith∣full [ F] promise to be made by them which should be so chosen, to be obedient in all things, that they should not need so often to heare the ordinarie answere and excuse (which hath disap∣pointed and hindered all good counsels and resolutions) which was, that we haue no com∣mission nor charge from our townes or prouinces: not that we should (sayd hee) giue such

deputies authoritie to appoint and ordaine new impositions, or power to deale in all causes, [ A] according to their owne wils and pleasures, or such like things, but onely to take order about * 1.123 the collection of the generall meanes of contributions, publickly agreed vpon, or that should be ordained and appointed, and to dispose them for the most profite and aduantage of the countrey; to cause the souldiers to assemble together, and the same againe (when occasion ser∣ued) to send into garrisons, and to take knowledge of all politicke causes, for the seruice and welfare of the Netherlands. And whensoeuer this should be done, he doubted not, but that in short time they should find a good alteration.

The deputies of the estates being assembled together in Antuerpe vpon the thirteenth of Ianuarie, there was another matter propounded vnto them, touching the changing of their so∣ueraigne * 1.124 lord, that they might make report thereof vnto their townes and prouinces, that so [ B] the generall estates might once againe be assembled with full power and absolute authoritie, to resolue thereupon, which was in effect, as hereafter followeth.

For that the present estate of the Netherlands was such, as they could make nothing but a defensiue warre, which was, onely to defend their townes and prouinces, and yet very hardly and with great difficultie, by reason of the bad vnitie and concord which was amongst them, together with the euill order which had beene taken touching the countries causes, both for warre and otherwise, as also the delaying and deferring of matters, wherby all good occasions and oportunities were let slippe and neglected; and although good order were taken in all things, yet they could not (as it is said before) make nothing but a defensiue war, which might well endure long, and yet they must of necessitie loose more than they should win therby, for [ C] that many would be tyred with the warres, thinking, that no townes which were once besie∣ged by the enemie, could be relieued, and therfore would reuolt, and cause more suspition and distrust.

And that further it was to bee considered, That the continuall spoyling of the countrey would weaken and decay their power, and take from them all meanes of money, and other necessaries: and that therefore it was requisite, resolutely and couragiously to resolue vpon making of peace, or else of proceeding with the warres. As for peace, they found that it could not be made, vnlesse they yeelded themselues once againe, by as good meanes as they could, vnder the king of Spaines subiection.

Touching the king of Spaines meaning and intent, they sayd it was well and sufficiently [ D] discouered by the articles of peace, propounded in the towne of Cologne: which articles, they said, could not be receiued nor accepted, without bringing the Netherlands into immi∣nent danger, to be reduced and subiected vnder the Spanish yoke, more than euer it had been before, to the vtter ouerthrow and ruine of an innumerable company of the inhabitants of the land, especially those that made profession of the reformed religion, which would breed great confusion, misery, and destruction to the Netherlands, together with the abolishing of al trade of marchandise; so that there was no other means to be propounded for their security, but on∣ly to maintaine warre.

And for that it was impossible (in mans iudgement) to vphold the warre in such sort as it had in times past beene done, therefore it was requisite, that they should resolue vpon some [ E] other proceedings, thereby to shorten the warres, and to rid the countries of the enemie. And for that of themselues they could not find the meanes, they must be forced to seeke it by some other potentate, and (rebus adhuc stantibus) the sooner the better, before they fell into greater danger: for that it was to be doubted, that they in the next Summer (being vnpre∣pared and not readie) either should be ouer-run by the enemy (which they well knew made himselfe strong) or else forsaken by their reuolting friends, wherein their enemy vsed all the meanes and subtill practises he could deuise.

That in all Christendome there was no king, potentate, nor prince, that had offered them more fauour and friendship than the duke of Aniou, brother vnto Henry the third, king of Fraunce, who likewise had the best meanes to annoy and hurt their enemie vpon the borders [ F] of Fraunce, from whom they were to expect most aid and assistance, and who of himselfe would willingliest vndertake the same with lesse feare and prompter resolution.

And therefore they were to determine, whether they should yeeld themselues into the hands of the said duke, vpon such conditions as should be propounded vnto him, or not:

the principall causes why they had so long borne armes being these. [ A]

First, for the reasonable and lawfull gouerning of the Netherlands, vnder the command of * 1.125 naturall borne inhabitants of the same.

Secondly, for the restoring, and perpetuall vpholding of the rights, lawes, statutes, priuiled∣ges, and freedomes of the land.

Thirdly, for the eschewing and auoiding of all vnreasonable persecutions, and for the per∣mission of the exercise of the reformed religion, which was found requisite and necessarie to be suffered, for the common peace and quietnesse of the same. All other causes (in respect thereof) being of much lesse importance: and therefore it was to be considered, whether they could agree better with the king of Spaine, than with the duke of Aniou, touching the same. [ B]

First, it was most certaine, and (without all doubt) plainely and manifestly to be seene, that the will, meanes, and power to bring the Netherlands into subiection, and vnder a strange yoke, were (without comparison) greater in the king than in the duke, for that the king would haue all the lords of the land, commaunders, and other officers (whom he would appoint and ordaine at pleasure) at his deuotion, and vnder his subiection, so that euery one would striue to be the first that should be receiued into his good grace and fauour; not they alone, that of long time had been affected vnto his seruice, and hoped for reward, but also those which had alwayes beene his enemies: for that it had beene seene, that a great number of those which had beene most earnest against the Spaniards, had suffered themselues to be seduced by Mon∣sieur de la Motte, and, vpon hope to be made rich, were reuolted from the other prouinces and [ C] townes, and so were bound and vnited together by oath. Whereby euery man might easi∣ly iudge, what was to bee expected from them, and such as they are, if they (besides the passions which had drawne them thereunto) should adde the respect of their duties, whereby they should thinke themselues bound vnto the king.

To the contrary, the duke of Aniou could not in many yeares purchase so great credite with the people, as the king had alreadie obtained, for that the king had many townes in his hands (whereby hee had more meanes to attayne to his desire, than the duke of An∣iou, although his will were good) being likewise much mightier, especially, if hee once recouered Portugall into his hands: whereby his power would euery way be too great for the Netherlands, if they sought not another protector, or else tooke better order in their af∣faires. [ D]

That the kings euill will towards the Netherlands, was manifest, for that hee was greatly mooued and incensed against the same, and therefore (whether it were to maintaine his ho∣nor, or to giue the rest of his subiects an example and warning, that they should not hereafter attempt the like, or else of his owne nature & desire of reuenge) he would espie and watch all oportunities, to be reuenged vpon the Netherlands, as addicted thereunto by nature. Which by his former actions and proceedings in the country of Granado, India, and Italie, and espe∣cially in the Netherlands, appeareth to bee most true: for that the bloud of the principallest lords (most lamentably brought vnto their ends by sword, torment, and poyson, against all lawes of God and man, and his owne promises) was yet in a manner warme: besides many [ E] gentlemen, and great multitudes of the common people, that with fire and sword, and most cruell torments, ended their liues; with great numbers that were forced to flye out of the countrey, and to liue miserably in other strange countries, with their poore wiues and chil∣dren; whereby the trade of the land, and diuers kinds of manuall occupations, were carri∣ed into forraine countries, and the wealth and welfare of the Netherlands much hindered and impaired.

It was likewise seene, that vnto those, against whom he had the greatest spleene, and was resolued to punish them, hee wrot the most pleasing and gracious letters that could be deuised. And whereas hee made shew, as if he had altered his mind, and seemed to begin another more pleasing and peaceable manner of gouernment, then did hee by his [ F] letters, that were written in cyphers, and with double instructions plainely and euident∣ly shew, that he attended but some more conuenient and fit meanes, to vse his extreame rigour against the Netherlands, as it appeared by his instructions sent to Dom Iohn, and others.

It was likewise found by example, and many histories, That such kings and mightie poten∣tates [ A] as he, neuer, or very sildome, let their countries escape vnpunished, when time and opor∣tunitie * 1.126 serued, although for a time they seemed to winke thereat. For which cause, king Salo∣mon giueth vs warning, saying, That the kings wrath is a most certaine dore or entry vnto death, as it appeared not long since in Fraunce, whereas neither the peace of two yeres, the de∣liuering ouer of all the townes, forts, and castles, nor yet the mariage of the kings owne sister, could moue the king to refraine from taking reuenge vpon the admirall, and so great a number of gentlemen, and other persons of diuers estates and qualities, whom he caused to be murthe∣red without compassion.

And in the Netherlands, they themselues had seene, That the emperor Maximilian, grand∣father to the deceased emperour Charles the fifth, notwithstanding the peace which had been [ B] made by meanes of the princes of Germanie, who had signed and sealed the same, and Maxi∣milian himselfe had bound it by an oath, yet neuerthelesse hee was so reuenged vpon Bruges, and thereby satisfied his humor, as euery man that heareth therof yet vnto this day, is stricken with feare and terror: and yet Maximiltan was one of the most mild & courteous princes that had liued in many hundred yeares.

What then was to be expected from the king of Spaine, that would not hold nor keep his promise? vnlesse it were to assure the countrey in time to come, and not to fall again into such great costs and charges, as all potentates vse to do, when they feare a reuolt, & especially when as they thinke they haue receiued any disgrace or vndutifull seruice at their hands, as the ex∣ample of Gant in Anno 1539 well witnessed.

Besides that, it was euidently knowne to euery man, That all the proclamations, promises, [ C] contracts, and oaths &c. that could or might be deuised, might be broken and disannulled by the Popes Bull, as long as it was a certaine decree, That no faith nor promise was to be holden with heretickes, as he accounted them all to be. And that in their gouernment it is holden for a Maxime, or an vndoubted rule, That whatsoeuer the king should promise and graunt vnto his subiects that were reuolted from him, he was not bound nor tyed to obserue nor fulfill the same, for that they were not esteemed nor accounted to be right and lawfull enemies, but re∣bellious peace-breakers, and (as they call them) traytors, with whome (according vnto the lawes of nature) no man is bound to obserue any promise: as those, who at this day write against vs (beeing both Diuines and Lawyers) sufficiently declare, as Cornelius Calidius [ D] Chrisopolitanus, Iohannes Leuseius Cunerus, bishop of Leeuwerden, and many others.

And if it were so, that the king were content to keepe his faith and promise, yet it is manifest, that the Pope of Rome and the Inquisition of Spaine would not suffer him, but still would put him in feare of conscience, and compell him to root out and vtterly extirpe all here∣tickes, as it is well knowne that they brought the king of Fraunce thereunto; so that with∣out all doubt, the massacre of Paris was first hatched and inuented both in Spaine and Italie.

Besides all this, it was to be considered, what thing had mooued the king vnto such wrath and bitternesse against the Netherlands: for that if it were meerely of his owne nature and disposition, then there was no hope of any better to be expected, for that there is no suddaine action of man, but that nature can expell it; but if he be naturally giuen to be gracious, peace∣able, [ E] mild, and gentle (as some men report him to be) then it might be, that hee was mooued thereunto through zeale of Religion, or by the counsell and prouocation of those that are enemies vnto the Netherlands, as the Pope, and the Inquisition of Spaine. If it were zeale of Religion that moued him thereunto, then the same zeale was not diminished (because hee was persuaded, that Religion was the onely ground and foundation of all the rebellion) but had rather attained vnto the highest degree. Whereby (from thenceforth) it was apparent, what was to be expected from him, for that those that had persuaded and incited him there∣unto, were then more exasperated against the Netherlands, and bare more hatred and malice vnto the same than euer they did, esteeming the inhabitants to bee reuolters, rebels, here∣tickes, [ F] peace-breakers, and mutinous persons. What securitie, what freedome of the coun∣trey and priuiledges, and what libertie of conscience and Religion were there then to bee hoped for of the king? and what the king might do in a countrey, where he yet had so ma∣ny townes vnder his commaund, and so many adherents and well-willers, the example of

Dom Iohn had sufficiently declared, when as hee might easily haue made himselfe master of [ A] the land, if he could haue behaued himselfe somewhat closer and secretlyer for a while: or * 1.127 that his letters (by great fortune) had not fallen into their hands, or if that, in steed of going to Mechelen, he had gone to the castle of Antuerpe, and had taken it.

Now it was to be examined on the other side, if that those points might bee found in the duke of Aniou, or not.

As for him, he should haue much lesse meanes, he being a stranger, and suspected of the inhabitants, hauing no correspondence in the Netherlands, as also that he had neither towns, forts, nor any of the chiefe noblemen of the land at his commaund, nor would not lightly vndertake any bad enterprise, out of his owne countrey, vnlesse he were better assured.

Touching his power, it was alreadie declared; concerning his will, it was easie to be percei∣ued, [ B] that it would stand him more vpon, to win the hearts and good wils of the inhabitants of the Netherlands, than to bring them into distrust or hatred against him: and as he should be brought in by the good and well minded, he should alwayes haue cause to bee fauourable vnto them, as hauing no cause of bitternesse or reuenge against the countrey. And touching the Religion, hee was sufficiently accustomed to see the exercise of both the Religions in France, yea, and that in his owne house, hauing diuers of the Religion that were his seruants, and causing the religious peace to be obserued in his owne countrey; so that both in matters of Religion, and in politicke gouernment, all securitie was to be expected at his hands, in re∣gard that good conditions & contracts should be offered vnto him, which by no means could be done with the king of Spaine. [ C]

Touching his nature and disposition, he was reported to be peaceable and courteous, ha∣uing behaued himselfe in very good sort both at the time of the massacre, and in many other troubles, hauing giuen good testimonie, that he was displeased thereat, not without the dan∣ger of his life; yet at the last beeing mooued and prouoked, he also bare armes against the Huguenots, which was one of the causes of a peace, which he sought to vphold and main∣taine.

But howsoeuer it were, such care and diligence might bee vsed, and hee should haue such conditions prescribed vnto him, as that if he would bee mooued or procured to follow any euill counsell, he should not by any means be able to effect it; and so much the rather, for that he shall continually haue the kings followers and adherents opposite vnto him, which will be [ D] a meanes to make him more desirous to win the peoples hearts, and by that meanes he would also haue an especiall regard vnto those of the Religion in Fraunce, and not seeke to molest them; so that (to speake after the maner of men) there was no better nor conuenienter means in the world than that, to cease the warres in the Netherlands, for that the Spaniards (hauing Fraunce their enemie) would be wholly vnable to proceed with his warres, as hauing their prouision, munition, and money most brought vnto them, by the way of France, as it appea∣red by their siege of Mastricht, which by reason of their prouision gotten out of Fraunce, was lost. By that meanes likewise he should be barred from bringing of his Spanish and Italian souldiers and his money into the Netherlands, especially if the king of France (either secretly or openly) would declare himselfe to be enemy vnto Spaine. [ E]

On the other side, it were to be hoped, that they of Arthois and Henault would seek to vnite themselues with the estates, when they should see & perceiue, that it would be too chargeable for them to maintaine warre on both sides, or that they could hardly let the states souldiers frō inuading them: by which means they should get great store of forcible contribution from thē, and so require the iniury done vnto those of Flanders. The duke likewise should haue no cause to prefer the Wallons before other prouinces, which vntill that time had most beene vsed, and would be much more, as it euidently appeared, if the Spaniards once got the vpper hand: and further it concerned the estates much, carefully to take heed least the Wallons should procure the said duke to hold on their side. And if any man should maintaine, that the duke would not obserue the pacification of Gant, or that the countrey might therby moue the Q. of England [ F] against them, they said, that it was very vnlikely, that the duke would make any difficultie tou∣ching the pacification of Gant, as being made most against the Spaniards. Wherein the exam∣ples of the dukes of Burgundie might serue them for instruction, which were likewise brethrē of France, and with whom in times past the Netherlands made no difficultie to treat.

Touching the queene of England, they knew she had rather haue the duke than the king [ A] of Spain to be her neighbor, especially then, whē as he had gotten the kingdome of Portugall, * 1.128 whose power were to be feared, being the onely lord both of the East and West Indies, and so mightie a prince. Besides, the queene shewed her selfe not to haue any bad opinion of the duke, in regard that she had proceeded so farre as to parle, and did yet parle with him about a mariage to be made betweene them; and although the same tooke no effect, yet the English lords (that were most addicted to the religion) would not be displeased, but rather desire to see some good proceedings in the affaires of the Netherlands. Besides, that it was to be thought, that Spaine would prouide so much worke for Fraunce, as England should not neede to feare Fraunce, especially when as their intent was, to include the queene of England in that contract. [ B]

And whereas some might perchance suspect, That the said duke should haue secret intel∣ligence with the king of Spain, that was not likely: but it was most true, and without doubt, that the king of Spaine would alwayes rather take the Netherlands againe into his owne hands, vpon such conditions as thē were offered vnto him by the estates, thā to stand to such hazard, and after that be forced to receiue his country again at the king of France his brothers hands, with many harder conditions than were then offered vnto him: besides, that all his dealings, letters, and actions shewed the contrary, so that there was no cause why any such sus∣pition should grow in any wise mans head.

Therefore the prouinces were requested once againe to resolue vpon that which they thought best to bee done, that such meanes might be wrought, as the Netherlands might [ C] once againe bee released and vnburthened of their continuall miseries, feares, troubles, and warres.

These reasons and arguments being long debated and consulted vpon both by the townes and the generall estates, at the last they resolued and agreed to accept the duke of Aniou for their soueraigne lord, as hereafter shalbe shewed.

In September past, the captaine (which commaunded for the estates in Bryel) made a bar∣gaine with the captaines male contents of Athois and Henault, to deliuer vp vnto them the towne and Island of Bryel; but it was with an intent to surprise thē: the which they thinking to effect, with some ships of Grauelinge, appointed like vnto them of the Hollanders, they approched neere vnto the Island, but they were charged by them of Holland, and all slaine [ D] or drowned.

The seignior of Alennes (mad for the disgrace hee had receiued at Courtray, which was * 1.129 redoubled by the losse of Menin) dreamed of nothing but of reuenge: for the effecting whereof, he sent a captaine of Henault, called Ieams Corbetiers, who (attyred like a pesant) went to view the weakest parts of the towne, the which he found to be betwixt the castle and the rampar of the towne. D'Allennes meaning to make a tryall, his enterprise succeeded so hap∣pily as for want of a greater garrison, he became master thereof by force. The 28 of Februarie the town was spoiled, and the bourgers put to ransome. A little before, the foure members of Flanders had sent them four companies of Wallons thither, but they excused themselues, say∣ing they had no need of them, which was the cause of their ruine. It happeneth so most com∣monly, [ E] that to auoid a small discommoditie, they fall into great miserie.

About the same time, Monsieur de la Noue being generall of the Frenchmen, and of all other * 1.130 souldiers that remained in Flanders, hauing intelligence, that the earle of Egmont, with his wife, mother, and brother Charles, with diuers other gentlemen, were in Ninouen, which is a small towne lying betwixt Alost and Geersbergh, and not very strong, nor very well manned: th•…•…y tooke it in the night by scalado on the 28 of March, with small losse on either side. It was taken before the earle heard any alarme, being in bed with his lady; who hearing the noise cō∣ming vp to his chamber, rose in his shirt, and as the seignior of la Noue entred, hee only asked, if his men had made no resistance: to whom they answered yes; but it was the fortune of the warre: then recommending the honor of his wiues women (who were also in bed) he intrea∣ted [ F] they would do them no wrong: which Monsieur de la Noue promised; yet the Frenchmen filled their pockets with their chaines and iewels: which done, they tooke him & the rest priso∣ners. The earle remained long prisoner in Gant, & afterwards in the castle of Ramekins in Zee∣land. The ladies and his brother Charles were soone released againe.

Many troubles and vprores rising in Friseland, and thereabouts, the prince of Orange went [ A] to Dort in Holland, the archduke Mathias going with him to Breda, he entertained him there * 1.131 very honourably, from whence the archduke went backe againe to Berghen vp Zoome, and so to Antuerpe: the prince going to Campen, to set all things in good order, for that the country pesants in Drenth, and thereabouts, were risen vp in armes against the Estates commanders of their forces, and the rest of Casimires horsemen, where being very strong, they denied their con∣tribution, seeming to leane and to be affected vnto the articles of peace made at Cologne. The earle of Rennenbergh reuenged himselfe likewise vpon the pesants vnder his commaund, and threatened them of Linghen and Oldenzeel, because they would not accept of the religious peace. Bartel Entens plagued them of Berghe, and those of the bishopricke of Munster. Die∣ricke Sonoy, gouernour of North-Holland, also compelled them of Zutphen to receiue in [ B] garrison.

The earle of Rennenbergh a little before began to encline, and to haue some intelligence with the prince of Parma, and for that cause had encouraged the pesants of Drenth and O∣ueryssell against the souldiers, whereunto he was persuaded by his seruants and his kinred in Henault, with whom he secretly dealt, and was a great seeker vnto the Estates, to procure, that the articles offered at the peace of Cologne vnto the said Estates, might be accepted. And af∣ter that, a certaine vprore being made in Groning by the Catholickes (that would force the towne to allow of the said articles, which by those of the Religion was soone pacified) he per∣ceiued thereby, that he might there haue a factious partie; which to procure, he secretly set the hostages of Groning at libertie, being all affected to the Spaniard. About the same time also [ C] there was an vprore in Campen, wherupon likewise he took occasion to procure some of that towne to be of his faction.

Things proceeding in this sort, vpon the one and twentieth of Ianuarie Cornelia de Lalain, his sister, with the baron de Monceau her husband, came to visit him, bringing with her his par∣don and reconciliation from the prince of Parma, with certaine money, and many faire pro∣mises, as to be created a Marquesse, and that he should haue the Countesse of Meghen for his wife, of whom he was enamoured. But the said earle being doubtfull what to doe, his sister neuer ceased to admonish him, and to persuade him, not to damme his soule, by suppressing the Christian faith, and by beeing a principall leader and captaine of heretickes and rebels, and to suffer himselfe to be ruled by a multitude of weauers and other occupations, whereby he [ D] should lose all his lands in Henault, the loue of the Countesse whom he sought to marry, the fauour of his mother, the good will of the earle his vncle, by whom he had the earledome of Rennenbergh, as also of the king, and such like things. Whereby at the last, by reason of his youth, want of experience, and by means of the Religion wherein he was brought vp, he was moued to turne his coat, and yet not without great trouble and contrarietie in mind, dissem∣bling the same as long as he could.

But the prince of Orange & the Estates of Friseland hauing had many causes to suspect him, * 1.132 thought it better to begin with him, than he with them, and for that cause, in the moneth of February, determined to assure themselues of the castle of Leewerden, and secretly caused Bo∣winga and Ferno with their companies to inclose it behind, and with the bourgers to fall on it [ E] before, placing the priests, monkes, and all the souldiers wiues that lay therin, before them, and so began to insconce themselues, and to fill vp the ditches: but captaine Schaghe (who after the death of Matenesse, was made gouernour of the castle) seeing the slackenesse of the souldiers to make resistance, being terrified, yeelded it vp, with assurance of life and goods, and promise of a yearely pention. But the townesmen entring into the castle sooner than they expected, were not satisfied, vntill they had throwne downe the wals that were next vnto the towne, & ioined the rest of the wals thereof vnto those of the towne. This castle was built in Anno 1499, at the charges of the towne, being thereunto forced and compelled (the towne being besieged) by Willeboort van Schouwenbergh, generall for the duke of Saxonie, so that it had stood about 80 yeares. Whilest that the bourgers were busied about the rasing of the castle, the companies of [ F] souldiers that were without, came into the towne, and fetched all the friers out of their cloy∣sters and so led them orderly in their ranks, euery souldier hauing a frier or a monke to follow him, with pipes and drums out of the towne.

The next day Beninck Camminga, and others, with foure companies, went to Harlingen, and

incamped themselues in the towne, as then not walled, and summoned the castle to yeeld vn∣to [ A] them, but they within denied it, and shot against the towne, and held it, vntill the earle of * 1.133 Rennenbergh hearing thereof, much abashed, sent Baly his secretarie to Leewerden, with se∣cret instructions and authoritie to deale in that matter as he should thinke good, and as time & * 1.134 occasion should serue, thinking all had been well there. Balie being come thither, was present∣ly taken prisoner, and being searched, they found certaine blankes about him that were signed by the earle of Rennenbergh, they of Leewerden compelling him to write in one of those blankes vnto the lieutenant of the Drossart Ozenbrighe (who as then was at Groning) in the earles name, to will him to deliuer the castle of Harlingen into their hands: who suspecting nothing, and knowing not, that he ought to haue bin thrice commanded so to do, vpon the 5 of February yeelded vp the castle, which was likewise demanteled on that side that lay next to [ B] the towne. This castle was first built in anno 1496 by the townesmen of Groning, when they were masters of Friseland, and by the Friselanders the same yere beaten downe againe, vntill that Albert duke of Saxony built it vp againe in anno 1500, so that it had stood seuentie nine yeares.

After that, Sonoy gouernor of North Holland, with certaine deputies, and four companies of souldiers went to Staueren, where they summoned the castle to yield vnto them, which the Drossart Pipenpoy hauing receiued a good warrant and discharge from the prince of Orange, deliuered vnto them, which they presently (without good aduice) demanteled, before they * 1.135 fortified the towne; which afterward was their own disaduantage, for by that means the earle of Rennenbergh tooke it from them againe. This castle was first built by Albert of Leyden [ C] earle of Holland, in anno 1397, and after that being cast downe in anno 1522, it was again new built by George Schenck, in the emperour Charles the fifth his name, and so had stood 57 yeares.

While this was done, the earle of Rennenbergh being in Groning, was in great perplexity, perceiuing, that he could not performe his promise with the prince of Parma, which was, to yeeld vp all his gouernment into the kings hands, and that at his owne costs and charges. But while he kept this close to himselfe, he made complaint to euery man of the breaking of the religious peace, the rebellion in Friseland, and the great wrong & disgrace that had bin done vnto him, shewing his great seruices done for the Estates, in Mechelen, Valenciennes, Gro∣ning, and before Campen, Deuenter, and other places: and that for recompence therof, he had [ D] that great affront and dishonour done vnto him, as if he had bin a traitor, with many such like speeches. Poppo Vlfkins and Iohn Cornput (both well addicted to their country and the Estates, and hauing great familiaritie with him) gaue him counsel to go to Vtrecht to the prince of O∣range (whither he had bin sent for) there to make his complaints, and to remooue all suspition conceiued of him, & by that means the lost places should be restored vnto his gouernment a∣gaine. And touching the breaking down of the castles, they told him, that he knew long since, that the same rested at the will and pleasure of the Estates, and had then bin done by their ap∣pointment, & that therfore he had no cause to complaine thereof, but only of the manner and forme of the action, for that it was done in his gouernment, and without commission frō him. Not long after, as some of his practises were discouered, and that he and his adherents sought [ E] to bereaue Poppo Vlfkins of his life, the said Vlfkins left the town, not without acquainting him with his proceedings, in presence of the deputies of the country, as also of his friends, praying some of them, namely, captaine Cornput, to giue the earle good counsell, and to persuade him to be constant, in regard that he shewed himselfe to be wauering; which the said captain did, praying him to take better order in his gouernment, that the countrey people might not haue cause to turne their hearts from him, and that from thenceforth he would be ruled by the ge∣nerall Estates, & not follow the secret counsell of Oyenbrugghe, Gruyter, Cottereau, Baly, & such like, that were suspected by the country; and especially, that he should without all delay go to the prince and the deputies of the Estates at Vtrecht, thereby to put himselfe out of all suspiti∣on, if he could discharge himselfe thereof, especially when as he might be persuaded, that the [ F] king could not giue him more than he had already, for that no prouince in all the Netherlāds was to be compared to that, whereof he was gouernor; the which, besides so many fair towns, was also enriched with fiue great, and as many small sea ports, whereby it was impossible to be wholly lost or taken from him by the warres, for that if it so fell out, that the country should be

ouerrun, yet these townes would be able to maintaine themselues by traffique at sea, whereas [ A] to the contrary, the places that were vnder the kings commaund, must in the end of force be * 1.136 constrained to yeeld: for that their champian country being spoiled, all their hope & traffique were gone, for want of hauens, to bring in necessary prouision; saying, that the king could giue nothing but bare titles, that were no better than smoke, and deare honors without profit. And that if the Catholicke Religion moued him thereunto, he might well suppose, that he should bring no more to passe by force, and with his owne ouerthrow, than the kings of Spaine and France, by so many fires, executions, and ruine of places had done: and therefore he gaue him counsell to keepe that he had, and so quench the fire that the houses of Lalain had begun to kindle, remembring their deuice, De Lalain sans reproche, and to remain in the vnion with the prince and their associates: and that if he did to the contrary, it was to be feared, that he should find himself ruined, when he least suspected it. The earle all this while hearkened vnto the said [ B] counsell with great patience, oftentimes changing colour, and at the last made answere with griefe, in such sort, that the teares fell from his eyes, and said, that he was desperat, complaining of the obstinacie of the Friselanders, and the disobedience of Bartel Entens, making shew as then, as if he would be constant vnto the Estates, but his sister still heartened him on, whenso∣euer he seemed to make cōscience of his oath, wherby he had bound himself vnto the Estates, and yet he dissembled and concealed it as much as he could.

After that, it fell out, that the Estates sent letters and commissions vnto Abel Frankena, Do∣ctor of both the lawes, which was gone to Groning about the Estates affaires: which letters the earle of Renenbergh had caused to bee taken away from the post, as he entred into Gro∣ning: in the which letters he foūd the commission, that the Estates had sent for Bartel Entens, [ C] to commaund ouer his regiment, which grieued him much: for which cause he sent for Fran∣kena, and caused him to be kept prisoner in a chamber, although it was told him by diuers, that it was against the lawes of all nations, to shew any such rigor to an embassadour; but not long after Frankena got out at a window, and so escaped away, by which dealing the said earle suf∣ficiently discouered his intent. For which cause, amongst others, captaine Cornput (who was also of the said earles regiment) secretly counselled some of the magistrates and bourgers of Groning (especially the bourger M. Iacob Hillebrand, and others of the reformed Religion) to make themselues masters of the town, before their aduersaries should attempt it, offering to be their leader, and to put the earle in safe keeping: but they made answer, that as yet there was no need to do it, and that they were the strongest party, and would bee carefull ynough thereof, [ D] whereupon he protested, that he had giuen them sufficient warning, and so should be dischar∣ged of their imminent ruine, and that if they would not do it, he said he would not hazard his life any longer in that place, and so went out of the towne, from whence Vlfkins not long be∣fore was likewise gone. The earle for his part knew so well how to flatter with them of Gro∣ning, who by reason of the countrouersie they had with the territories therabouts, were so blin∣ded, as Iacob Hillebrand, bourgomaster, who was chiefe commaunder of the kings chamber in Groning, and the chiefe man in the towne, and he on whom they of the Religion did chiefly relie, the euening before the towne reuolted to the king, supped with him, and told him very plainly of the report that men made of him, saying, That he hoped he had no such bad entent [ E] in him; wherewith the earle wrung him by the hand, and said, What, my good father, whom I trust so well, haue you such an opinion of me? and with such like faire speeches smoothed the matter so well, that the same euening the said bourgomaster being in company with certain of the magistrats and those of the reformed religion, assured them of the earle of Renenberghes good meaning & intent towards them, & yet caused them of the religion to keep good watch in their owne houses, wherby they thought to be sufficiently assured. But the earle of Renen∣berghs practises being more and more suspected, he began to feare, that the prince of Orange would enter into Groning with his guard, & therfore durst not protract his design any longer, although as then he was not sure of any reliefe: for that not long before he was certified, that certaine souldiers that were comming to Campen, should aid him, who (as they were passing [ F] ouer the Rhin) were by the Drossart of Recklinghuysē & others ouerthrown: for which cause, vpon the 2 of March he assēbled his houshold seruants, & diuers bourgers affected to the Spa∣niards, & certaine souldiers that he had kept secretly, & in the morning (when by his espials he vnderstood, that the watch held by those of the reformed religiō, were asleep) at 5 of the clock

being armed at all points, he rode out of his house, with all his adherents (euery man hauing [ A] a white scarfe vpon his left arme) into the market place, and hauing his sword drawne in his * 1.137 hand, he sayd, Stand aside, stand aside, good bourgers, this day am I right gouernour of this towne, let vs now accomplish and effect that which is requisite for the kings seruice, and our owne defence, and therwith caused diuers trumpets and drums to be sounded, & a great noise to be made. The aforesaid bourgomaster Hillebrand putting himselfe presently into armes, with some of the reformed Religion, marched thither, saying vnto him, How now sir? is this done as a good gouernour ought to do vnto the people? but one of the earle of Renenberghs boyes shot at him, and slew him presently: whereupon the rest began to flie, whereof some were taken prisoners, and some fled into their houses; but there was no more killed, but only a bourgers sonne of Breame. After that, they ran through the streets, shooting at all that looked [ B] out at the windowes; that done, they went and made search throughout all the towne, and tooke all those prisoners that were not well thought on by the Spanish affected bourgers, be∣ing at the least two hundred of the best townes men, wherof some were very hardly vsed, who notwithstanding afterwards by diuers meanes were set at liberty: all the preachers and diuers other good bourgers got secretly away.

The earle hauing in this sort gotten Groning into his hands, presently changed the magi∣strats, and caused their reconciliation with the king and the prince of Parma to be proclaimed, and the townesmen to sweare, to be true vnto the king, writing vnto the territories therabouts, to moue them to ioyne with him, with commandement, to arme themselues to withstand the mutinous regiment of Bartel Entens, and others. But the ioy and triumph made by the earle [ C] and his adherents, endured not long, for that the same day they found themselues inclosed and besieged, for that captaine Cornput the same morning hauing intelligence thereof, by cer∣taine that fled out of the towne, presently caused Olthofs company of Dam, and the companies of Suyetlaren, of Vliet, Schaghen, and Weda, to march towards Groning, that if peraduēture * 1.138 those that were affected vnto the Estates within the towne, could find any meanes to relieue themselues, they might be readie to assist them; who got good bootie in the cloyster of Essen, for that Aelkin Ousta (who had maried the earle of Renenberghs aunts daughter) and Asin Entes that lay at Vries, the same euening were come to the cloyster of Essen: and for that Corn∣put feared least they of Groning should kil their prisoners, he wrot, that if they did so, he would reuenge it vpon their friends and adherents. At the same time the earles letters were intercep∣ted, [ D] wherein he wrot vnto all the great and small townes in Oueryssel, and in the best manner he could shewed them of his enterprise, hoping by his subtile persuasions, and by aid of those that were addicted to the Spaniards, to induce them to ioine with him; but he was preuented, for that vpon the twelfth of March (by meanes of the bourgers which were addicted to the Estates, and by the procurement of Sonoy) they of Campen receiued Hans Pluyms companie into the towne.

The townesmen of Deuenter likewise rose vp in armes, and brake downe the Images and * 1.139 the cloysters, in despight of the Spanish faction. The like did they of Swool, as also of Vtrecht and other places round about, a moneth before. They of Friseland, and the territories, and those of Drenth brake down the Images in euery place, and sold their cloyster lands & goods, [ E] and draue some of the priests out of their townes: so as the earle of Renenberghs reuolt pro∣cured much harme vnto the Catholickes.

The smaller townes, as Oldenzeel, Steenwicke, Hasselt, and others, still held with the earle of Renenbergh, although they made shew to be for the Estates. But the prince of Orange lying in Campen, sought by all the meanes hee could to keepe those of Oueryssel in obedi∣ence, willing Sonoy, with Cornputs and Wynegards companies, to goe to Coeuoorden, to keepe the passage that way, and also by Wedden, that they of Groning might haue no aid. Sonoy forthwith fortified Coeuoorden, wherein he vsed an enginor of Alcmar, and inclosed it with seuen bulwarkes, letting the castle (that was begun by Cornput) lye as he found it, in regard, that the countrey would not endure to haue any more castles: but not long after the male∣contents [ F] built it vp.

This worke begun by Sonoy (for want of mony) was afterwards neglected, as also the new fortification, with the fiue bulwarkes, made in the middle of Boertange, whereby the country not long after endured much spoile and great trouble.

At the same time the prince of Orange sent the earle of Hohenlo once more against the [ A] pesants that held with the Spaniards, as also to take the small townes aforesaid, who vpon the * 1.140 tenth of Aprill tooke the towne of Oldenzeel vpon condition, & from thence went to Ling∣hen, but did little there. Meane time Bartel Entens had besieged Groning with thirteen com∣panies of foot, and two cornets of horsemen, which before were of the earl of Rennenberghs regiment, and euery day insconced himselfe neerer to the towne, making a dam in Reediepe, and certaine bridges ouer the other waters, whereby hee thought in short time to famish them out, where many skirmishes were giuen on both sides. They of Groning hauing raised certaine companies of their townes-men, fortified the suburbes and two myll-hils without the towne, by which meanes euery day they draue their cattell to pasture in the meddowes. But for that there was little done in that siege, which Bartel Entens was told of, and in regard of a certaine controuersie betweene him and those of Duwsum, in the territories of Groning, [ B] the Estates sent the earle of Hohenlo thither, with seuen companies of Christopher van Iselstein his souldiers, and nine companies of the regiment belonging to William Lodowic, earle of Nas∣sau, sonne to Iohn earle of Nassau, as then made a colonel, which disliked Bartel Entens, in re∣gard that he thought to haue had all the honor, thanks, and profit vnto himselfe, but it fell out otherwise: for that vpon the seuen and twentieth of May, being at Rolde with the earles of Hohenlo and Nassau, where he had drunke and made good cheare, he rode with a drunken head vnto the campe before Groning, saying, That he would doe something, that men might speake of him: and when he came thither, and found the captains consulting together about some enterprise to be done, he checked them as if they had been boyes, and bad them follow [ C] him, saying, That he would either enter the Scuytendiep, or the suburbes of the towne: and so without any more stay went thither with the couer of a butter barrell on his arme, in steed of a targuet, in scorne or mockage of his captaines base courages, as he thought: and being fol∣lowed by diuers of them, and at the same time taking the Loopesconce, where certaine cap∣taines and commaunders were hurt, some of them told him, That it was impossible for them to take the Scuytendiep without ladders, or else by a breach. Whereupon he stood stil behind the loope-holes of the sconce, where one leuelled at him with a fouling piece, and shot him through the head, whereof he died. His body was buried at Midlestam, where he was borne. * 1.141 His father likewise long before was stabbed by one of Wigbols men of Duwsum. He had been a student in Groning, and commonly went apparrelled in white, and there had consumed [ D] most part of his patrimonie amongst women, and by other riotous meanes: and in anno 1571 he went with other freebooters to sea, where he played his part so well, as for his share alone, he had gotten a hundred thousand dollars in his purse: and in anno 1572 he went with the earle vander Marke to take the Bryel, where hee was his lieutenant colonel, and after that went with certaine companies to besiege Ter-Goes in Zeeland, where (for want of experi∣ence, and before he saw the enemie) he fled shamefully away, as soone as he heard that Mont-Dragon had passed through the water, to aid them of Ter-Goes. After that, when Harlem was besieged by Dom Frederic, sonne to the duke of Alua, hee and the earle vander Marcke, with two companies of foot and some horsemen marched against the enemie, without any order, forgetting to take the rest of his companies with him, where he was ouerthrowne, but [ E] he put the fault thereof in the prince of Orange and the Estates. For which cause, he hauing brought the said earle vander Marcke to be so insolent, as he began to make no account of any superiors, the Estates committed him to prison in Delft. But the said earle vander Marcke see∣king to carry him forcibly out of the towne, he was likewise taken and committed, where they remained prisoners a whole yeare after, and there Bartel Entens spent all the money he had gotten, vnprofitably. After that, being released in anno 1576, hee once againe went to sea, by consent of the Estates, and did a certaine enterprise vpon Oostmahorn, where (in the beginning of May) he made a sconce: but for that his mind was more vpon couetousnesse than any other thing, vpon the eighteenth of Iuly Monsieur Billy draue him from thence. Af∣ter that the pacification of Gant being made, and that Monsieur Iselstein had committed 2 or 3 [ F] murthers, that regiment of foot, and a company of horse, was giuen vnto him by the prince of Orange, by the intreaty of Vlfkins; which being discharged within 3 months, Bartel Entens ran away with their pay: for which cause he had like to haue bin taken prisoner (with the cōsent of the prince of Orāge) by the Markgraue of Antuerp; but hauing intelligēce therof, he escaped.

Not long after that, he holpe himselfe, by meanes of the controuersie betweene the towne [ A] of Groning and the territories, for which cause (hauing done some things against Groning) * 1.142 he was by them taken and committed to prison, where he lay a whole yeare, but after that, he was againe entertained into seruice, and so remained (as I said before) vntill his dying day. He was a man much giuen to drinke, women, and playing at tables, setting fifteene hundred gul∣derns vpon a game with the lord of Koutsbach. He made no account of any Religion, and yet his conscience accused him of his bad life, and especially for the drowning of diuers mar∣chants, which in his time he had throwne ouer-boord, whereof he was wont to tell, that once a dead body swam a great while after his shippe, wheresoeuer it went. At the last, he began to leaue off his great drunkennesse, and to looke more after getting of money, both from the pe∣sants, and euery man else, in such sort, as he left great summes of money behind him, and yet [ B] spent and consumed much vainely. He had made Delf-Ziel inuincible, as he thought, and began to giue commission for men to goe to sea, and had bought the Island of Rottumrooge, and caused great store of stones of the broken cloysters to be carried thither from all places, intending to build a castle there, and thereby to commaund the riuer of Ems, presuming in time to become master of Groning, and the territories therabouts, and with his ships to domi∣niere ouer the sea, which he could not refraine to boast of. This and much more was reported of him both by his friends and kinred, as also by others that knew him well, which is here set downe only for an example vnto others.

The earle of Rennenbergh and they of Groning were exceeding glad of Bartel Entens death, and yet sorry, because the warre by that meanes should be conducted by wiser colo∣nels; [ C] the earle of Hohenlo being appointed to that charge, but for that he could not wellat∣tend it, Escheda was by prouision made his lieutenant colonel. At the last, they of Groning were driuen out of two sconces, and yet although they heard bad newes, That Mechelen, Willebrooke, & other places were taken from the prince of Parma, and also that the succours promised them by the said prince, & had been gathered about Carpen, were ouerthrown, and that they saw more men and ordnance brought before the towne, and all things deare within the same, yet they would not heare of any composition: for that receiuing letters daily, they were promised by the prince of Parma to be relieued. The territories thereabouts were very importunately desirous to take Groning, to that end raysing great taxes amongst the pesants, and seizing vpon the cloyster goods, which for the bignesse of the countrey are in greater [ D] numbers there, than in any other part of the Netherlands. They of Drenth put themselues in the vnion of Vtrecht, and contributed three thousand gulderns the moneth: and they in Frise∣land reformed their estate, changing their magistrates in euery place, and sold the lands and goods of religious houses. They likewise built much, about Harlingen, which by Sonoys meanes they begun to fortifie, making a great new hauen thereunto; but they let Staueren, Sloten, Docom, and other places remaine as they were. These three territories notwithstan∣ding could not resolue vpon the fortifying and repayring of the passages of Coeuoorden and Boertange, whereon most of their defence consisted, to keepe the enemie out of the coun∣trey. But what meanes soeuer Sonoy, Corneput, and others vsed, still either the one or the other of the said prouinces drew backward, without any resolution, although they daily heard of [ E] the new preparation made by the prince of Parma, to relieue Groning and the earle of Ren∣nenbergh, as hereafter shalbe shewed.

As soone as the prince of Parma had newes of the earle of Rennenberghs proceedings in Groning, he caused a great troupe of souldiers to be gathered together about Carpen, who hauing lyen long there, and much burthened the countrey, and thought with certaine horse∣men to passe by Nuys ouer the Rhin, they were by Philip, lord of Hohensapen, Iselsteen, and Hegeman, with certaine horsemen, set vpon and slaine, and those that escaped, driuen backe againe beyond Nuys, where the gentlemen of Bercke and Marcke likewise stopped their passage. After that, for that they ouer-runne and wasted the territories of Cologne, and would pay nothing for that they tooke, and for that the Elector had giuen them war∣ning [ F] to dislodge from thence, and yet they did it not, he commaunded the pesants to chase them away, so as vpon the sixt of Aprill some of them were slaine about Lins and Eyndo∣uen, with losse of eight of the Electors men, whereof two were gentlemen: the rest with∣drew themselues into the earledome of Manderscheyet.

After that, in Iune, the said troups were once againe renewed, and by the diligence and [ A] charges of Bucho Aytha, prouost of S. Baefs, there were fourteene companies of Dutch foot-men * 1.143 assembled together at Ghenet, and by him named the Friseland regiment: wherof Billy * 1.144 was colonel, and in his absence Martin Schenck, that ioined his horsemen vnto them, as also old captaine Thomas (a Grecian, or Albanoys horseman, much spoken of, for that he had beene at the winning of six battailes) with three other Albanoys launciers, and a cornet of Carabins, being in all about three thousand foot, and six hundred horsemen. All these went ouer the Rhin, with a monethes pay, but without any ordnance, and made great marches towards Linghen.

The states of Friseland willed the earle of Hohenlo to march against Martin Schenck, and to that end assembled their souldiers about Boccholt, and caused some of earle William of Nas∣saus regiment [ B] to ioyne with the earle of Hohenlo, and left the rest before Groning with their colonel, to whom they sent Sonoy, to aid and counsel him in the siege, little esteeming Schencks forces. The earle of Hohenlo would gladly haue had more foot-men, and to that end wrot vnto the campe before Groning for more: But they of Entens regiment were vnwilling, and those that were sent came too late. And so vpon the sixteenth of Iune he went to Vtsen, and that night to Coeuoorden, with full resolution to set vpon the enemie. But for that they of Swool would take in no garrison, the bourgers that were addicted to the Spaniards, against Schencks comming, had drawne certaine of the peasants of their faction, into the towne, and hauing armed them, certified Schenck thereof: but those of the reformed religion, and such as * 1.145 were addicted to the Estates, being led by captain Vlger and others, presently insconced them∣selues [ C] against them, taking the market place, S. Michaels church, the Lamper gate, and the red tower, sending likewise for helpe to Campen and Deuenter. And although the messeng•…•…rs which they sent were cruelly murthered, and some cut in peeces by the peasants, yet vpon the sixteenth of Iune in the morning, there came some of the garrison of Campen, and about two companies of the bourgers of Deuenter, into Swool: whereupon diuers of those of the Spa∣nish faction were in great feare, and fled, whose houses were presently ransackt. And not long after there was a companie sent thither out of Holland.

The villages and places of Wastenbrook, by reason of their faction and holding against the States, were for the most part burnt downe, whereas they of Ouerissell also burnt the castle of Geelmuyden, which the emperour Charles the fifth had caused the keeper of the castle of [ D] Kuynder to make vpon the entrie or mouth of Swartwater on the South sea.

The enterprise in Swool fayling, Schenck kept still by Herdenbergh, and the earle of Ho∣henlo departing from Coeuoorden, marched towards him, wholly against some mens opini∣ons, that dissuaded him from fighting, giuing him counsell onely to cut off his passage from hauing any prouision, and so force him to retire, and that it was to be hoped, that for want of victuals, money, and by mutinie, they must of force depart from thence: as also that the ad∣uenturing of a battaile was daungerous for him, in regard that he was too weake of foot-men, and had but a few pikes, so that he was wholly vnprepared for a battaile: But others prouo∣ked him thereunto, especially his horsemen, which caused him in great hast to set forward, in the hot time of the day, and to passe ouer a dry heath, where they could find no water, so that [ E] many of them fainted for want of drinke, and by reason of the great heat; and amongst the rest Iohn van Duyuenuoord, a strong yong gentleman: whereas Schencks souldiers had rested themselues in the shadow three howers together, and eaten well, and had foureteene bar∣rels of beere spare.

But as soone as the earle of Hohenlo came thither, presently without long stay, hee placed his men in order of battaile, hauing with him Sedenesca his owne Ensigne bearer, with his companie that came out of Oldenzeel, and Iselsteen with seuen of his, and sixe of the earle of Nassaus companies, led by lieutenant Kunigam; Wingardens companie, and an hundred men of Cornputs companie he placed on the right hand, which stood Southwestward, and with them the earle of Nassaus companies, and Iselsteen with Sedenesca on the left side, hard by a field [ F] wherein were diuers trees. Captaine Wingarden would willingly haue had the earle to haue taken the village of Herdenbergh, or the field, for their aduantage, and to haue stayed a while to rest themselues; but his counsell would not bee heard. All those foot-men were not full eighteene hundred men. Before those two battailes were placed three cornets of shot, belong∣ing

to Eustaes, Rinswouden, and Asin Entens, all well appointed. On the other side stood the [ A] carle of Hohenlo himselfe, with seuen peeces of ordnance, and the horsemen led by Holstein, * 1.146 Adelsdorf, Rampt, Transwits, Pier, and others, & Huybert van Kemen, with three hundred horse, that had promised the Estates twelue hundred horse, so as they were not aboue foureteen hun∣dred horse. The village of Herdenbergh, which was not farre from them, lay but a mile from Coeuoorden, and foure miles from Swool, vpon the riuer called the Vecht. The battails bee∣ing both placed in order, it was then about noone day, so as Schenck standing towards the Southwest, had the sunne at his backe: and the earle of Hohenlo comming Eastward, the sun in his face, the wind being still and verie calme. When the earle had prayed, the souldiers ca∣sting vp their hats, signes being giuen, and the ordnance shot off, the three companies of the earle of Hohenloes Friseland horsemen, rod forth, against two cornets of Schencks Albanoys * 1.147 [ B] lanciers, whereof the one was in a manner sodainly ouerthrowne, and the other with great losse wholly scattered, which the Dutch horsemen pursued, and therewith Schencks footmen began to giue backe: so as it seemed as then that the earle of Hohenlo should haue had the vi∣ctorie, but as the Friseland horsemen began to place themselues in order againe, readie to giue a new charge, and that another company of Schencks lanciers, and some good harguebusiers, set forward towards the earles footmen, who had no hope of any assistance to bee giuen them by their pikes, because they had so few, they gaue back towards the field, wheras some of them yet were, but al the rest fled away like a sodain flash of lightning, through the midst of the trees, and which way they could ouer the moore to Coeuoorden. The horsemen seeing this, were as readie to flie as the footmen, Schencks men following them: Captain Wingarden staid figh∣ting [ C] till he was slaine, and Niuelt the Ensigne bearer, with diuers other commaunders, gentle∣men and souldiers. Captaine Niuelt, Renoy, and some lieutenants, with others, were taken pri∣soners. Pompeius Vlskins thinking to flie away in a wagon, was pulled backe, and slaine. Schenck got all the ordnance, and a little baggage, the greatest part being left at Coeuoorden. The earle of Hohenlo went to Oldenzeel, to secure that: the horsemen and footmen got most to Coe∣uoorden, which was not aboue an houres march from thence, and brought both footmen and horsemen prisoners with them. Captaine Cornput who was left in Coeuoorden with 50 men, stood at the turnepike, and would not suffer the horsemen to enter, vnlesse they would first sweare to stay there by him, and helpe to keepe the passage: but hauing gotten in they kept not their words, but road out againe at the other turnepike, towards the Drenth: They were [ D] so much amazed, as they regarded not what he said or did. At the last there came some of the captaines and commanders flying thither, who as well as they might caused the horsemen to stay, so as there assembled together about seuen hundred foot, and foure hundred horsemen, Cornput and Stensel of Namslo persuading them to stay all together at Coeuoorden, and there once againe to gather a new head, saying, That they would presently send for the foureteene companies that lay before Groning, but many were of contrarie opinion, because the place was not strong, & that the aduantage of the riuers was then nothing, by reason of the drouth, whereby men might passe cleane ouer them: as also that they had no necessarie prouision, nor any bisket: and for that cause they determined to leaue the place, which they did about mid∣night, and Cornput also with them, & went most to Oldenzeel, to the earle of Hohenlo. Schenck [ E] durst not go far from the place where he was, esteeming the victorie not to be altogether won, fearing that some ambuscadoes might be laid along the passage, and at Coeuoorden, but being certified of the contrary, the next day he went thither, where he found neither inhabitants nor souldiers. The companies that lay before Groning made fires, and shot off their ordnance, as if the earle of Hohenlo had gotten the victorie, to moue them of Groning to yeeld vp the town, but when as the companies heard that Schenck was in Coeuoorden, they could not be persua∣ded, neither by the earle of Nassau, nor by Sonoy, to stay any longer there, but presently they set their sconces on fire, and went into diuers places to lye in garrison, as to Doccum and Col∣lum, * 1.148 and some into Steenwick: and the walls of Oxlagh being newly repaired, Sonoy put com∣panies into it. This place lay about halfe an houres march from Nieuzeel towards the sea, vp∣on [ F] the South side of the Reedeipes, and belonged to Wigholdt van Encosum, lord of Nieuoort, that had his salt kettles there, & was by him in the time of the lord of Billy, made strong against the water Gueux, but in the earle of Renenberghes gouernment it was againe cast downe, as many others likewise were.

This victory thus won, Schenck staied not, but went to Groning, where hee was receiued [ A] with great triumph, and after that the towne had bin besieged three moneths and a halfe, vpon * 1.149 the 7 of Iuly he and the earle of Renenbergh went to Delfziel, which they presently inscon∣ced, and tooke in the mouth of the hauen, where the old castle once stood, for that Bartel En∣tens had made the fortification inwards, cleane contrarie to all other mens opinions; otherwise the walls were indifferent strong, being high and thick, with 4 bulwarks, but no casamates: the ditch was about 110 foot wide. The souldiers that lay in it, were three cōpanies that had bin of the earle of Renenberghes regiment, whereof many were yet addicted vnto him: which being besieged, the earle of Renenbergh went with the rest of the forces to besiege Oxlagh, before it was prouided of victuals, and other munition: Which to preuent the Estates sent the compa∣nies of Rinswouden and Escheda thither: but Rinswouden was incountred by the earl of Renen∣bergh [ B] vpon a ditch, and his companie being ouerthrowne, he himselfe was taken prisoner, and Escheda retired back againe. Not long after that, Oxlagh was yeelded vnto the earle of Renen∣bergh, and the 5 companies of souldiers that were therein, went out vpon certaine conditions. From thence he went to Collum, and thought to get Doccum, in regard that it lay open, for that, since Iohn Golstein Drossart of Gueldre, in an. 1523, gaue it vp vnto the lord of Wassenare, and George Schenck, the walls and the castle were broken downe, and laid open, and neuer since fortified, it being neuerthelesse a place of great importance, and a frontier sea towne. Thither the earle of Hohenlo went, and caused it to be insconced, & gathered a great troup of soldiers together, at which time also he caused Oostemahorn, a mile frō Doccum, to be fortified. The Diep right ouer against Collum he defended by the peasants, which done he insconced Doc∣cumsiel. [ C] The earle of Renenberghes troups on the other side, as Ens Drossart of Coeuoorden with two companies of souldiers, and diuers peasants went to Meppel, and made it strong, and repaired the walls of Kinckhoorst, lying hard by the towne, which in ann. 1536, being yeelded vp by Mager Hein, were broken downe: but they of Campen ouerthrew those two compa∣nies, and tooke Meppel and Kinckhoorst from them againe.

Meane time they of Delfziel were so hardly besieged, and the hauen so well inclosed, as not any man could passe neither out nor in, and yet the Hollanders sent at least 50 ships of warre, with the admirall Duyuenuoord, into the riuer of Ems, to keepe the enemie from victuals that might be brought them from Embden: and the earle of Hohenlo did all hee could to relieue them, but he was not strong ynough, for that his men were not al assembled together: he wrot [ D] vnto them to stay yet certaine daies longer ere they yeelded it vp, saying, That his men were on the way, but his letters came not to their hands: but for that there were diuers vnwilling soldiers therin, vpon the 29 of Iuly they yeelded it vp without any reason, & that vpō shameful * 1.150 conditions, going forth with white wands in their hands, without any armes, leauing the cap∣taine and chiefe commander prisoner, and yet had bin but three weeks besieged, & had good store of butter and cheese. In the meane time the earle of Hohenlo comming from Delfziel, went to Doccum againe, where he left the earle of Renenbergh, and besieged Oxlagh againe, which not long after yeelded vnto him, and Monickerziel also, which the earl of Renenbergh had insconced. About that time, in hope to releeue Delfziel, the States sent Sir Iohn Norris in∣to Friseland, with ten companies of English, and diuers commanders, as captaine Morgan, Cot∣ton, [ E] Bishop, Fitzwilliams, Chatterton, Dale, and others, & one company of horsemen, and Michael Caulier, with six companies of Wallons, vnder Iohn Petin, Grenu, Noir, Iasper, Cressomiere, and a companie of Dutch horsemen, al which cōpanies ioined with the earl of Hohenlo at Noord∣horn: There were likewise 4 companies more comming vnto him, but they were met by the earle of Renenberghes horsemen, and ouerthrowne, but two of the companies with their co∣lours were presently againe relieued by the English. With them also ioined Iselstein, and the earle of Nassau, with either of them ten companies, so that the earle of Hohenlo beeing verie strong with those companies, he went towards Groning, and draue the earle of Renenberghs souldiers out of their strong sconce of Ponterbrugge, and so kept the passage of Hornedeip, where Renenbergh lay very strong with his souldiers, and could easily haue let the said pas∣sage. [ F] The earle of Hohenlo being past, both parts placed their men in order of battaile, but the earle of Hohenlo hauing placed his battaile very politikely, and inclosed it wel with horse and footmen, and hauing three field peeces, and besides that hauing laid diuers secret ambusca∣does, when he had prayed, and signes of battaile being giuen, the earle of Renenbergh retired

close vnder the walls of Groning, there to defend himselfe, perceiuing that the States had [ A] more forces there than they had vpon Herdenbergh heath, leauing good store of baggage * 1.151 and munition behind him. The next day the earle of Hohenlo went close to the ditches of Groning, where they of the towne discharged their ordnance at him, and there was a hot skir∣mish, where Sir Iohn Norris behaued himselfe valiantly; and there the enemy lost 70 men. At which time they tooke counsell whether they should besiege Groning againe, but after they had well considered thereof, they found it not conuenient, and so vpon the tenth of August, they went and lay at Zuyet, and North-Laren, and •…•…conced the way to Pontenbrugge, where Cornput began to fortifie the great castle of Weerdenbras againe, which was built by Edsard earle of Embden, as generall for George duke of Saxonie, in anno 1505, to stop the pas∣sage that no corne might be carried through Drenth to Groning, and after that was throwne [ B] downe againe by Euerwin earle of Benthem, lieutenant to the same duke in anno 1516. The earle of Hohenlo went to Coeuoorden, whereas Iselstein with six companies tooke it: and a∣bout euening when it was late, the earles of Hohenlo and Nassau past ouer the towne bridge, to the bulwarks of the castle, from whence William Lodowick, earle of Nassau was hit with a faulcon shot, on the left leg hard by the knee, for which cause they were forced to carrie him in a coach to Swool, where he was cured of that wound. At the same time also was slaine the Ensigne bearer Quaet, beeing that day newly released from imprisonment in Groning, vpon paiment of his ransome.

The next day the earle of Hohenlo sommoned them to yeeld vp the castle of Coeuoor∣den, and they within, being 150 souldiers, after counsell taken, although they had bestowed * 1.152 [ C] two moneths time to fortifie the same, and had ordnance, powder, and prouision ynough, yeelded vp the place, with safetie of liues and goods, being sworne not to beare armes against the Estates in three monethes after. Blomart van Breda, that once led Montdragon through the water to releeue Tergoes, & two commanders more were taken prisoners there. From thence the earle of Hohenlo sent some of his souldiers into diuers garrisons, and went himselfe to be∣siege Linghen, and there left the English regiment to lye before it, and with the rest of his for∣ces went to Weeden, and for that the castle would not presently yeeld, hee left certaine forces to besiege it, with two peeces of ordnance; and went from thence to Slochteren, hauing great desire to get Delfziel againe, which he sought to effect by all the meanes he could: but the di∣uiding of his forces, and the taking of too many things in hand at one time, was the meanes to [ D] worke his owne ouerthrow.

The earle of Renenbergh hearing that he was gone to Coeuoorden, marched againe with * 1.153 all his forces, and some ordnance, to Oxlagh, which place was wel fortified and furnished with all things necessarie: but the garrison being a company of new souldiers, vpon the first of Sep∣tember, for want of experience yeelded it vp, with safegard of liues and goods; and so issued with their rapiers only, about two weekes after they had been besieged, and but once shot at, contrarie to the opinion of the earle of Hohenlo, and diuers others: which being taken the earl of Renenbergh brake downe the walls thereof, and so in all hast went to Slochteren, where in a morning betimes hee sodainely set vpon the regiments of the earle of Nassau, and Michiel with his light horsemen, where colonell Michiel had like to haue beene taken prisoner, but [ E] by his great diligence the souldiers were brought into order of battaile againe, and so retyred still fighting, till they came to Heilegerlee, and Winschoten, where they found the earle of Hohenlo with the German horse, and so in hast past by Weeden, to get to the Bourentang, where diuers times they bad the enemie battaile: but when as Renenberghes whole forces came together, he was forced to retire, and being pursued by Renenberghes launciers, many of * 1.154 them were slaine, and the eight companies of footmen, and a cornet of horse, with the ord∣nance that lay before Weeden were all taken, and great store of their armes lost, and throwne away. Meane time the earl of Renenbergh hauing left the new companies of the Drossart Ens, and Blanckenuoort in the abbey of great Auwart, they did ouer-run all the countrey therea∣bouts, and went towards Collum, the which cloister they tooke vpon the 8 of September, and [ F] slew at the least 300 of them, besides those that were taken prisoners, but fearing to bee forced and spoiled by their enemie, they abandoned the cloister, with al the prouision therin, because they could not beare it away.

The earle of Reuenbergh went presently to Coeuoorden, which beeing not fortified, vp∣on

the 20 of September, after that they had begun to dig through the water, was yeelded vnto [ A] him, with safetie of liues and goods. From thence he went to Oldenzeel, wherein were the * 1.155 companies of the lord of Sneeten, and Fisher of Amsterdam, both beeing about two hun∣dred men, * 1.156 and the horsemen of Elleborn, lieutenant to captaine Goor, their gouernor being the lord of Eck, a yong gentleman of the East countrey. This towne of Oldenzeel is a reasonable pretie towne, lying fiue small miles from Coeuoorden, and six miles from Deuenter, in the Eastland way, it hath no riuer, but a great high stone wal with towers, after the old maner, with a ditch, and without that an earthen wall, and another ditch, whereby it should seeme to be ve∣rie strong, and yet it hath no bridge, all the water in the ditches being kept in by dammes, by which means it may wel be let out, and hath no bulwarks at all on Benthen side (from whence it lyeth but two miles and a halfe) it hath on the one side a hall full of bushes, and on the other [ B] side it is verie easie to be besieged. The earle of Renenbergh came sodainly before it, and pre∣sently burnt the gates, and gaue a great and furious assault, but with the losse of 300 of his men, and certaine captaines, for which cause they being in a feare, he was forced to leaue the town: but the bourgers being most of the Spanish faction, which for that cause had been much tro∣bled by the garrison, fearing worse, sent after him, and deliuered the towne into his hand, vpon condition, that the garrison with all their prouision and goods, should depart out of the same, and sweare not to beare armes against the king in three moneths after. This was done vpon the 24 day of Septemb. as the Estates were making preparation to releeue it. From thence he went to Swool, which he besieged round about, where he ouerthrew Petin, lieutenant colonell to Michael Caulier, & captain Cressomiere, that thought to haue entred therin, and both were taken [ C] prisoners, but staying for more men that were to come ouer the Rhin, which he feared would be incountred and spoiled, he went to meet them, as hereafter I wil shew, & so went to besiege Steenwick. There was also about this time a double treatie plaid against the male-contents of Arthois & Henault, in the towne of Bouchain in Henault. The seignior Villers, brother to the lord of Hautain, hauing in former time beene gouernor of Nyuelle in Brabant, where (as wee haue said) he had caried himself valiantly, was then gouernor of Bouchain. The male contents, among the which one of their cōmanders was the baron of Selles, brother to the lord of Noir∣carmes, who treated with a lieutenant of a company of the towne, called Grosbedon, whom he thought he had won at his deuotion, to deliuer the said towne to the king of Spaine: whereof the seignior of Villers being well informed by this lieutenant, suffered him to treat, & to man∣nage [ D] this businesse, in such sort, as at an appointed houre they should haue a port open, where∣by they might enter. This enterprise was in Iune when the dayes were longest. At the appoin∣ted day the baron of Selles, with good troups of foot and horse, among the which there were many butchers of Doway, carrying the standerd of S. Meurant their patron, presented them∣selues at the port, which they found open. The gouernour Villers, to the end the vndertakers might be assured of their enterprise, had the day before sent forth his horsemen as it were by chance: whereof the male-contents being aduertised, were the more assured. In the mean time they of the towne had prepared a banquet, to feast them at their entrie: After they had suffe∣red as many to enter as they thought good, and as their forces would beare, the which they might easily defeat: the which being entred to the number of fiue or six hundred, with the ba∣ron [ E] of Selles and these butchers, the portcullis being let down, and they cacht as mise in a trap, they of the garrison began to shew themselues, and to discharge their muskets, and the canon plaid vpon them that remained without, who the horsemen which went forth the day before came and charged behind, and chased them euen vnto their ditches, beeing in hope that their men which were entred should become masters of the town, vpon the report which was made vnto them of the small garrison which remained. Thus both they within and they without were defeated, whereof there was some 150 slaine, and the rest within the towne were taken prisoners, among the which was the baron of Selles, whom the seignior of Villers sent with some other chiefe prisoners to the castle of Cambray, to the end that not keeping them with him, they should haue no desire to besiege him. Afterwards the baron of Selles and the earl of [ F] Egmont were carried to the castle of Ramekins in Zeeland, where the baron died, & yet the E∣states had offered to deliuer him, the earle of Egmont and the lord of Champigni, all three to∣gether, in exchange for monsieur de la Noue, & some other prisoners of mean quality, which the king refused: wherein the Estates made shew of their loue and affection to strangers that came

voluntarily to serue them: and on the other side, the king his ingratitude to such great perso∣nages, * 1.157 [ A] his naturall vassals, being prisoners for his seruice: Whereupon the baron of Selles ex∣claimed at his death against the king of Spaine, that forreine enemies were more respected by him, and held in greater esteeme, than his naturall subiects, and faithfull seruants.

The earle of Egmont in like sort for despight and hearts griefe, that the king would not ex∣change him for la Noue, grew distracted of his wits, and during his frenzie, hee so hurt the ba∣ron * 1.158 of Selles his fellow prisoner in the throat, as he died thereof: so as to bring him againe to his right sences, and to comfort him, at the suit of the lady Francis of Egmont, his sister, he was transported into Holland, where he was well intreated, vntill the king should free him from his imprisonment, the which made him recouer his sences, which before were much trou∣bled. In the end he was set free in the yeare 1584, for the said seignior of la Noue, yet vpon [ B] promise (so much they feared him) that during his life hee should not beare armes against the king of Spaine, vnlesse it were by the commandement of the king of Fraunce his master, with some other conditions, vpon paine of an hundred thousand crownes, for the which the duke of Lorraine was his caution and pledge, and the king of Nauarre his counterpledge.

This kind of rigorous proceeding in the exchange of such prisoners, gaue great occasion to the nobilitie of the Netherlands, the kings subiects, to murmure at his ingratitude, and of the esteeme which hee made of them, and of their liues, which they so willingly exposed for his seruice.

The male-contents hauing receiued this affront and losse at Bouchain, to bee reuenged thereof they went in August following to besiege it, and did batter it with such furie, as the * 1.159 [ C] seignior of Villers hauing no hope of succours, nor meanes (the place beeing verie little) to rampar or intrench himselfe within, either by halfe moones, new rampars, or otherwise (fea∣ring it should be carried by assault, and the Spaniard in like manner doubting to come to it) he yeelded it by composition, to depart onely with their armes. And as the accord had been sim∣ply made, without the reseruations necessarie in the like case, the said seigniour of Villers had left a peece of a match secretly burning in a barrel of powder, among diuers others, which con∣tinued some houre or two, vntill that he and his men were retired towards Cambray, where being neere, fire tooke this powder, which carried away a part of the rampar, did much harme to the towne, and slue some thirtie souldiers: wherewith the Spaniard beeing iustly incensed, sent to pursue them, and to cut them in peeces if they might ouertake them: but it was too [ D] late, the seigniour of Villers and his troupe beeing safely and without all daunger retired into Cambray.

The Estates knowing their owne forces by sea, and vpon the riuers, and what the Spani∣ards were at land, they resolued by meanes of their ships of warre to hinder the passage and di∣stribution of victuals, and munition, by the riuers of Rhin and Meuse: Wherefore they sent their ships well appointed and manned, euerie one carrying eight, ten, or twelue great peeces of brasse, besides the lesse, and hauing his pinasse: wherewith they held the same riuers subiect, and cut off the passage, both for men and victuals, that were appointed for the country of Gro∣ningue. The which did much trouble the princes of the Rhin, who also manned out certain ships of warre, to chase away those of the States: But for that they would not incense these [ E] princes, nor contest against them, they caused their ships to fall downe in August, the which before were vsually accustomed to mount vp aboue the towne of Cologne, to Bonne, yea further.

Macklin beeing reuolted from the States, and hauing committed many insolencies, this * 1.160 yeare they sent the Englishmen that were in Liere towards Macklyn, with their colonell Sir Iohn Norris, a valiant gentleman, and with these Englishmen (the which would not leaue Liere without their pay) the Estates sent Oliuer vanden Temple, gouernour of Brussels, with his gar∣rison, and that of Viluoord, and Charles of Lieuin, lord of Famars, with his cornet of horse. These troupes came vpon the ninth of Aprill in the morning, before the towne, where the Englishmen giuing an alarme on the one side, in the meane time monsieur de Temples soul∣diers, [ F] and the rest, climing ouer the Brussels gate, got into the towne, where they fought a good while before they could force open the gates, to let in the horsemen, who being entred, the bourgers, with diuers monks and fryers, being in armes vpon the market place, defended themselues vntill that manie of them were slaine: whereof Peter Wolfe, a mutinous fryer (who

had before drawne them from the States) was one, who being well armed fought with a hal∣berd [ A] in his hand. The gouernour Rossignol, and Boeskerke the scout, with certaine Albanoys, * 1.161 got out at the gates as soone as the towne was taken, where there was about an hundred soul∣diers, but most bourgers slaine. They began to ransacke the towne, notwithstanding that the bourgers had made a composition with the English (who were the greatest number, beeing eight hundred strong) to giue them certaine monethes pay: but that condition was not per∣formed. And although the generall (for that the sacke had continued certaine dayes) would gladly haue taken some order therein, yet he could by no meanes do it. This towne was so mi∣serably sackt and spoyled, as no towne in all the Netherlands had suffered the like during all the ciuile warres: for that the English men (who had no measure in their doings) spoyled the churches and religious houses, without any pitie and compassion; for the which the rest of the [ B] souldiers were much offended.

After that, the chiefe commanders, as monsieur Timpel, and the lord of Famars (then made gouernour) fell out with colonell Norris, and would gladly after the sacke haue gotten the En∣glish men out of the towne, but they being the strongest, had gotten the keyes into their hands, and for a moneths space did what they would putting the bourgers to ransome, and still spoyling their houses, sparing not the bells nor the great dyall, which was many times for∣bidden to be touched: they tooke likewise the stones that lay vpon the dead, and carried ma∣ny hundreds of them into England by ship. At the last the Estates hauing great occasion to vse souldiers (for that it was generally thought that for want of those souldiers la Noue had bin ouerthrowne and taken by Inglemunster) they persuaded Sir Iohn Norris to leaue Macklin, [ C] who at that time was fallen into such a quarrel with monsieur Timpel, that (although they were strangers there) hee would not march out first: for which cause they were forced to set some bourgers of Antuerpe, and of the towne, in the market place, and else where, to guard it vntill that at the sound of a bell they both went out at seuerall ports, the which was not with∣out some trouble; which happened by misunderstanding, by reason of the commanders high minds, which was the cause that the Englishmen with much hurt and losse were driuen out of the towne the sixth of May. Monsieur de Famars was left there for gouernor, who sought by all the meanes that hee could to restore the towne of Macklin to his former estate, and to re∣people it againe.

Henrie of Bourbon, prince of Conde, hauing with great difficultie retired himselfe out of [ D] France into England, where hee was verie gratiously entertained by the queene, after hee had staid there sometime, meaning to goe into Germanie to leuie men, hee resolued to passe into Flanders, and so into Brabant. He first arriued at Scluce, and from thence hee came to Gant the thirteenth of Iulie, where hee was honourably receiued by them of the towne, who sent fix companies of the regiment of the baron of Mortagne, to meet him, beeing feasted by the magistrats of the towne in their State-house. The Vicent or Bourgraue of Gant (newly crea∣ted marques of Ronbay by the king, in recompence of his seruice) whether that he had intel∣ligence of the princes comming to the towne, or not, had gathered together about foure regi∣ments of foot, and sixteene cornets of horse, the which hee caused to march presently the same night, thinking to surprise it by a camisadoe, at a rauelin called by the name of Imbise, [ E] not farre from the port of Bruges, the which was onely shut in on the out-side with a pallisa∣doe, and certaine planks, being laid open in the day time, to carrie the earth out of a new ditch which was made right opposit against it, into the towne: which pallisadoe foure or fiue men might easily haue pulled downe with halters. The marques aduanced so fast with his horse∣men, as about two houres after midnight he came before the said rauelin, which at that time was verie ill guarded, for of a whole squadron there were but fiue or six souldiers of captaine Roses companie at the guard: but by reason of the continuall raine all that night, the foot∣men could not aduance so fast, but the day begun to approach. The seigniour of la Motte lighted from his horse, and going ouer the ditch came to the foot of the rampar, and ap∣proaching neere the rauelin, hee tried to pull downe the pallisadoe, and to make passage for [ F] the horse, which should not haue gone aboue the knees in the water.

A poore countrey man beeing without, came to giue an alarme to the towne, but la Motte slew him presently, wherewith beeing discouered, hee was shot with a harguebuse in

the arme. Then the alarme growing verie hot, all the six companies of the colonel Mortague, [ A] and the prince of Conde himselfe came with his traine with the first vnto the rampar: from * 1.162 whence a canon was discharged through a squadron of the marquesses horse ioyning vnto a mill: who seeing that for want of footmen he could not doe any thing, retired. And soone after his footmen arriued so weary and wet, as they could haue no great courage to fight. The marques in his retreat (cursing his misfortune) burnt all where hee past in the territories of Gant.

I wonder at some writers, both Flemish and French, which say, That the marques was en∣tred a good way into the towne: the which is false, for if it had beene so, hee would haue kept vs (for I * 1.163 was there at that time) holding that great place which they call Eckerghem, from comming neere the rampar, and his horsemen might haue giuen his footmen leasure ynough to haue entred in like manner. Wee must notwithstanding confesse the truth, that without [ B] this raine the towne had beene in danger to be lost, not without great effusion of bloud. The lieutenant to the said captaine Rose, called Chastelet, for the bad order which was at the guard, was put in prison, and grieuously tortured, yet there was no treason found in him, but verie great negligence.

After the retreat of the marques, the prince of Conde parted the same day to goe vnto Antuerpe, beeing conuoyed by the cornet of the seigniour of Rihouen, and the voluntaries of Gant: but hee was not halfe a league out of the towne, when as there was a false alarme giuen, which made him returne backe vnto the towne, least they should say hee had led a∣way their horsemen: but hearing that it was nothing, hee continued his iourney to An∣tuerpe, [ C] where hee was honourably receiued by the prince and the counsell of Estate. Ha∣uing rested there some dayes, during the which they made him rich presents, hee tooke his leaue, and continued his way into Germanie, to the faire of Francfort, from whence he retur∣ned into France by Switserland.

Monsieur de la Noue being general of the Estates forces in Flanders, had gathered a small ar∣mie together, and staying for the Englishmen that came out of Macklyn to ioyne with him, in * 1.164 the moneth of May he besieged Inglemunster, which is a smal castle, which the malecontents had taken, lying vpon a riuer called Mander: where hauing planted his siege, and giuen charge to batter the same, leauing the lord of Marquette to commaund in his place, hee was put in mind of an enterprise to be done against Ryssel, which hee resolued to attempt, and for that [ D] cause marched thither with certaine foot and horsemen: but finding himselfe to be too weake to effect it, for that the burgraue of Gant, called Marques de Richeborgh, or Ronbay, with fif∣teene cornets of Albanoys horsemen, and certaine footmen, made towards him, hee retyred backe againe to his campe before Inglemunster: and beeing on the other side of the riuer of Leye, he was forced to goe somewhat further downeward, whereas the Mander falleth into the Leye, and that night lodged in a village called Wackene, the burgraue of Gant still fol∣lowing him: and while la Noue passed the Leye at Cortricke, hee tooke a new way to In∣glemunster, which la Noue perceiuing, hee made all the hast he could to ioyne with his camp, but by reason that his men were wearie, hee was forced to stay all night at Wackene, which was two miles from Inglemunster, where his campelay: yet fearing least the enemie (hauing [ E] but a little way to march) might charge his campe before hee got thither, hee rod that night with certaine horsemen to his campe, commaunding the lord of Marquette with all speed to breake downe the bridge that went ouer the riuer of Mander, that the enemie should not fall sodainely vpon them: but for all his commaund, they that kept the bridge thought it not re∣quisit to breake it downe, but meant to keepe it strong, contrarie to all marshall discipline, which monsieur de la Noue notwithstanding would haue done.

The burgraue of Gant knowing that the Estates forces lay that night at Wackene, made towards the campe which lay before Inglemunster, with all his troupes, and fell vpon them. La Noue perceiuing that, and hauing sent for his men to come from Wackene with all speed, defended himselfe as well as hee could, although hee had not aboue fiue or six hundred men, [ F] and two or three cornets of horse, which were easily defeated. The Scottish souldiers bee∣ing commaunded to hold play with the enemie as long as they could, and to discharge their peeces one after another, were too hastie, and shot all together: which hauing done, they

gaue backe. Certaine French companies, that had not aboue ten or twelue men in a compa∣nie [ A] (the rest of their companions beeing at Wackene) kept all together like old souldiers, and * 1.165 defended themselues in such sort, as they escaped without any hurt, the rest were all slaine and spoyled. La Noue himselfe, thinking it a shame to abandon the artillerie, and beeing yet in good hope that it would bee better when the rest of his men came (which he still attended) * 1.166 from Wackene, fought valiantly, and did what was possible for him to doe, vntill that hee was furiously charged, and taken prisoner, hauing sent his sonne Tiligny to hasten his men forwards, by the which meanes hee, with the most part of the horse and footmen escaped. The lord of Marquette was likewise taken, to whom the greatest blame of that ouerthrow was imputed, because he caused not the bridge to be broken downe, as hee was commaun∣ded, but trusted vnto others. Hee lay long after prisoner in Henault, till at the last, after cer∣taine [ B] yeares imprisonment, he brake out of prison.

Monsieur de la Noue being the burgraue of Gants prisoner, prince de Espinoy brother to the margraue, wrot from Dornicke in his behalfe vnto those of Flanders, who vpon the eleuenth of May wrot their letters vnto the burgraue, to intreat him to vse la Noue well, who by his letters from Cortricke the twelfth of May, promised no lesse; and yet notwithstanding hee gaue him vnto the king, at which time the regiments of Hesse, Egmont, and Capres, mu∣tined, and would haue had the earle of Egmont discharged for la Noue: for which action the burgraue was much blamed, as knowing well that hee should not bee set at libertie for any ransome or exchange whatsoeuer, during the wares, besides the want of so braue a soul∣dier, whereof the Estates had great need, and yet hee was allied to the burgraue, who had [ C] beene the cause of seending for him out of Fraunce, to serue the Estates, when hee himselfe held with them: but pride, hatred, and spleene made him doe it; whereof hee made shew vpon some gentlemen that were taken prisoners, amongst the which one was la Noues steward, who beeing brought before him, hee stabbed him with his owne hands, when as all the fu∣rie was past, which an Albanoys souldier refused to doe, commaunding his men to doe the like to all the rest.

The ordnance, munition, and eighteene Ensignes (whereof most of the men were as then absent) were all taken, wherewith he rod triumphantly into Cortricke, and with him mon∣sieur la Noue his prisoner, whom hee sent to Berghen in Henault, vnto the prince of Parma. The number that were slaine was not great, so as the Estates had more misse of such a cap∣taine, [ D] than any losse, in regard it was a great hinderance to their proceedings: but they assem∣bled their souldiers againe with all the speed they might, by that meanes to keepe the enemie from a further inuasion after their victorie, who made shew as if they would set vpon the towne of Niuelle.

About this time William van Horne, baron de Hesse, sonne to William lord of Gaesboeeke, of the house of Horne, brother to the earle of Vtkercken, practised in the behalfe of the Estates, and the duke of Aniou (with whom the States were in a maner agreed) to reduce certaine places vnder the Estates commaund, or else to doe them some other seruice. With whom consented also Iong Warrous lord of Thian, gouernour of Cassel, who likewise thought to deliuer Cassel vnto the Estates: but their practises were discouered, and Thian flying esca∣ped [ E] away, but the baron of Hesse was by the said burgraue, and the baron de Montigny taken * 1.167 prisoner, and not long after, his processe being made, by command from the prince of Par∣ma (who by that meanes knew how to set the noblemen of the Netherlands together by the eares) was beheaded at Quesnoy in Henault, vpon the eight of Nouember, beeing a lustie young gentleman, but wauering and inconstantly minded. The lord of Haussy likewise of the same conspiracie, beeing sommoned to appeare, was forced to flie, and came to his house at Liedekerke by Brussels, which he deliuered into the hands of the Estates: but afterwards by meanes of his wife, being found wauering and inconstant, and much suspected by the Estates, hee was by them committed to prison, yet by meanes of Oliuer vanden Temple, go∣uernor of Brussels (who had maried the lady of Weerdenborgh, his wiues sister) hee was re∣leased [ F] and went into France.

The eight of Iune in the morning, the garrisons of Herentales, Brussels, and Macklyn, with their captaines, and colonell la Garde, with a Spanish captaine called Alonso, secretly and so∣dainely

climed ouer the walls of Diest, vpon the marsh side; and beeing gotten vp slew the [ A] guard at the port of Sichem, where they let in the Spanish captaine (who serued the Estates * 1.168 faithfully) with the horsemen. Within were two companies of Wallons, that made great re∣sistance, but three companies of Dutch men (among the which one was a companie of the * 1.169 earle of Lodrons regiment, that had serued at least foureteene yeares in the countrey) which valiantly resisted, and diuers times caused their enemies to retire; but at the last they were most of them slaine, in the same place where they fought, without once retiring a foot, fighting to the last man, which is not often seene. On the Estates sides also there were certaine captaines slaine, and many men hurt. Sichem and Arschot were likewise taken by the Estates: Halen was for saken by the enemie, but perceiuing that the Estates proceeded no further, they retur∣ned thither againe. [ B]

The like enterprise the malecontents of Henault (not long before) purposed against Brussels, thinking to take it vpon Saint Iohn Baptists day, being mooued thereunto by a captaine of the bourgers, called Otto de Barker, Iaques le Court, a proctor, who had dealt with the earle of La∣laine, the baron de Montignie, and the bourgraue of Gant, hauing deliuered them the print of one of the keyes of the towne gates, so as they came thither with good troupes of horse and foot: but the foresaid parties hauing made it known vnto the prince of Orange, monsieur Al∣degonde, and monsieur Temple the gouernour, they made great preparation for them with shot, secretly placed vpon the high way, and other places, and within the towne there were diuers souldiers, secretly lodged in the houses, not farre from the said gate, monsieur de S. Aldegonde standing readie at the portcullis to let it fall when they should thinke good: but for [ C] that it had rained all night long, and by that meanes the souldiers could not keepe their mat∣ches light, and being wearie with so long and tedious a march, hauing made great hast, and some of them being behind, the rest for that cause were verie vnwilling: but when as day began to appeare, whereby they might easily haue beene discouered, many of them came to the port, which (according to promise) they found open, yet durst not enter, but went backe againe, they of Brussels shooting after them with their canon, and from thence went to the enterprise of Gant aforesaid.

About the same time they of Brussels, with diuers horse and footmen hauing victualed Ni∣uelle, * 1.170 as they returned backe againe, met with certaine cornets of Albanoys horsemen (which are a kind of people, that when the Turke won Grecia, being driuen from thence, entred into [ D] the kingdome of Naples, where they won a peece of the countrey, and there inhabited and dwelt, still keeping their owne language) whom they ouerthrew, and brought thirtie of them into the towne of Brussels; and yet the towne of Niuelle was not long after taken by the prince of Parmaes troupes, where the earle of Mansfield vsed very great and barbarous crueltie.

In the moneth of August, the duchesse of Parma and Plaisance, the old regent, mother to the prince of Parma, came into the countries of the Netherlands, being sent thither by the king of Spaine, to accomplish the treatie made with the vnited prouinces: or for that it was thought that her sonne was not sufficient ynough to take so great a charge vpon him, and to gouerne so many young headed noblemen, the mother was thought fitter for the place, as [ E] beeing better acquainted with the affaires of state, and the humours of the nobilitie and the people of the countrey, than her sonne; who departed out of the Netherlands, to the great discontent of the people, who would willingly haue had her staid. Being come to Namur, and there visited by her sonne, there grew some iealousie betweene them touching the go∣uernement, for that the prince of Parma, hauing left his wildnesse, which he had vsed in the Netherlands, for the which hee had beene much spoken of, being come to more staiednesse, hee had so insinuated himselfe into the peoples fauours, as they held him worthy of the go∣uernment himselfe, and to rule alone, for that the countrey had more need of a cheefe and a captaine generall, than of a woman: and therefore the Spaniards were of opinion (as knowing well, that nothing is more subiect to hatred than gouernement, and what preiudice might [ F] thereby grow) that the duchesse should returne backe againe, with smooth and good excuses, as shee did in the yeare following: And by that meanes the prince of Parma kept the go∣uernment of the country alone, with the great good liking of the Wallon prouinces, where

he behaued himselfe verie wisely and vnpartially, betweene the Spaniards, Italians, and Ne∣therlanders, [ A] as also amongst other nations, vsing all Italian manners in his dealings, thereby to * 1.171 procure the good will both of friends and foes, in such sort as hee did the king exceeding great seruice, more than al the rest of the forepassed gouernors, with their Spanish crueltie and pride euer did.

I said before, That the generall Estates had resolued to chuse a new soueraigne prince to go∣uerne * 1.172 them, and that they found none more fit for them than Francis of Valois, duke of An∣iou, Alanzon, &c. the onely brother to the French king: Whereupon the Estates sat in con∣sultation all Summer, and at the last, in Iuly, they concluded with full consent of the prouin∣ces, townes, and members of the vnited prouinces, to yeeld the countrey vnto him vpon cer∣taine conditions. Whereupon the deputies of the prouinces of Brabant, Flanders, Holland, Zeeland, Macklyn, Friseland, and the territories associat, beeing assembled in Antuerpe, vp∣on [ B] the twelfth of August they deputed and sent their commissioners with full instructions in∣to France, whose names were monsieur S. Aldegonde, the seignior of Dohain, doctor Hessels, Francis seigniour of Lauenborgh, Iaques Tayart, pentioner of Gant, Woel Caron, seignior of Schoonewall, bourgmaster of the Vrie, or Franc of Bruges, and Iasper van Vosberghen, bai∣life of Campeuere, to treat with the said duke: which they effected vpon the 29 of September. The articles were concluded vpon at Plesis le Towers, the contents whereof (beeing 27 in number) were as followeth.

1 First, That the Estates of the vnited prouinces had chosen & appointed the duke of An∣iou * 1.173 for their prince and soueraigne lord, with the names, dignities, and titles of Duke, Earle, Marques, &c. and with such soueraigntie as their forepassed princes in former times had, with [ C] prouiso, That all alliances made by the house of Burgondie and the Netherlands; not onely with the empire, but also with the kingdomes of Fraunce, England, Denmarke, and all other alliances, in no sort contrarie to that contract, should continue in their entire and full force, without any alteration.

2 That his lawfull issue, males, should succeed him in the said countrey of the Nether∣lands, and that if hee happened to haue more than one sonne, the Estates of the Nether∣lands should bee at their libertie to chuse which of them they would haue to bee their soue∣raigne lord.

3 That if his heire were vnder yeares, the Estates should appoint him a gouernor, and keep [ D] the administration of the said gouernment in their owne hands, vntill hee should attaine vnto the age of twentie yeares, or that it should be otherwise determined by aduice of the Estates: and that if he and his heires should die, that then it should be lawfull for the Estates to chuse a∣nother soueraigne lord.

4 That he should possesse and enioy the demaines and reuenues therof vpon certaine con∣ditions, and without raysing of them, vnlesse it were by consent of the Estates, according to their priuiledges, and that if they were too much ouer-burthened, the Estates should find meanes to appoint a conuenient entertainment for him.

5 That the said duke should hold and maintaine all their old priuiledges and customs, and namely the vnion which was made at Vtrecht, so as it were not preiudiciall to the said [ E] treatie.

6 That he should ratifie and confirme all the decrees made by the arch duke Mathias, and Estates, as well in generall as particular.

7 That the generall Estates should be suffered to assemble once in a yeare at the least, and at all other times when they shall thinke good.

8 That he should be resident in the Netherlands, vnlesse it were vpon some great occasion, and that if hee stayed long out of the countrey, that hee should appoint one of the naturall borne Netherlanders to gouerne in his place, such a one as should bee pleasing to the Estates, and that with their consent.

9 That he should haue a counsell of Netherlanders, such as the prouinces thereof should [ F] appoint, or haue appointed, without aid or assistance of strangers, French men, or others, vn∣lesse it were one or two, with the consent and liking of the prouinces, to whom alwayes the gouernment should be referred.

10 That the principall officers in the Netherlands, should bee naturall borne sub∣iects,

and others of meaner offices, as it should please him, with condition, that the gentlemen [ A] should be Netherlanders. * 1.174

11 When any officers were to be chosen for the gouernment of the prouinces, and forts, and in the chiefe offices of the Netherlands, the said prouinces should nominat three persons vnto him, whereof he should chuse one.

12 That hee should promise to vphold and maintaine the reformed religion, and the religious peace in the Netherlands, in such sort as it then was holden, or as it should be orday∣ned and appointed by the States of euerie particular prouince, and namely in the prouinces of Brabant, Guelderland, Flanders, Vtrecht, Macklyn, Friseland, Ouerissel, and the territories of Drenth and Twenth, without any alteration to be made by him.

13 That Holland and Zeeland should remaine as they then were, touching religion and otherwise, alwayes prouided, that touching the money, mint, contribution, and the priuiled∣ges [ B] of the said prouinces and townes, they should subiect themselues vnder the said duke and the generalitie, according to the accord made by aduice of the generall Estates, or else to follow the old customes, rights, and priuiledges.

14 That he should not permit nor suffer any man to bee molested nor troubled for his conscience, vnder pretence and colour of religion, receiuing both the religions vnder his protection.

15 That hee should procure the French king to aid him and his heires with his forces and power, thereby to strengthen him, and the contracted prouinces his subiects, against their enemies, whether it be the king of Spaine or any of his adherents, and that the said king shold [ C] not permit nor suffer any aid or assistance to be giuen out of his kingdome vnto the enemy, but that the Netherlanders should haue free passage in the frontier townes, with fauour and leaue of the gouernors of the same.

16 After that the said duke should be in possession of the Netherlands, hee should worke such meanes, that the said prouinces should be vnited with France, and they to make war to∣gether, by common consent, against all those that would inuade any of the said countries: prouided alwayes, that the Netherlands should not bee incorporated with France, but still remaine as they were, with their priuiledges, customes, rights, contracts, and lawes.

17 That for more assurance against the common enemie, and others that should seeke to contradict their said contract, as also for the vpholding and encreasing of the good agreement, [ D] amitie, and concord, that it hath pleased the queene of England, the kings of Denmarke, Por∣tugall, Sweden, Scotland, and Nauarre, the princes of the empire, the Hans townes, and o∣ther princes, potentats, and commonwealths, townes, and allies, to hold and make with them, he should seeke meanes (together with the Estates) to enter into a more strict league with them, for the common good of the countrey vpon the articles and conditions that should and might bee agreed vpon with the said seuerall kingdomes and estates, with all se∣curitie.

18 That hee should bind himselfe to make warre, and to maintaine the contrey by such meanes, as hee should haue from the king his brother, and of his owne patrimonie, where∣unto the Estates should yearely contribute two millions, and foure hundred thousand gul∣dernes, [ E] out of the which the souldiers of the Netherlands, and their garrisons, in conuenient numbers, should first be paid.

19 Touching the commaunder generall ouer the forces of the Netherlands, the said duke should take order therein, by consent of the Estates, and should appoint a generall ouer the French forces, such as should be well thought on by the Estates.

20 That he should not place any Frenchmen, nor other strangers in garrison in the towns and strong places of the Netherlands, without the consent of the prouinces wherein such pla∣ces should be, and touching the naturall borne subiects, he should place them by aduice of the aforesaid counsell.

21 But for better and necessarie reliefe of the souldiers, the prouinces should ordaine and [ F] appoint fit and conuenient places for the said souldiers to lie in, in the Winter time.

22 That all forreine souldiers, both French and others, should bee bound to depart out of the countrey, whensoeuer the generall Estates should desire the same of the said duke.

23 That he should make no alliance with the king of Spaine, either by mariage, or other∣wise, [ A] neither yet with any other prince or country not vnited vnto them by contract of amity, * 1.175 but by aduice, consent, and approbation of the said prouinces, nor yet make any other alliance or contract to the preiudice or hinderance of the Netherlands, or this treatie.

24 Prouided alwaies, That the other disunited prouinces, townes and places, that would subiect themselues vnto him, and ioyne with the contracted Netherlands, should at all times be receiued and accepted into that contract.

25 And touching those that should be compelled therunto by force, the said duke should dispose of them, by consent of the generall Estates, as it should be thought conuenient, whe∣ther they were of the disunited prouinces, or others within the said Netherlands.

26 That he and his successors should take the accustomed oath vsuall to be made in euery [ B] prouince, beside the generall oath to be made and taken, for the obseruing and maintaining of the said contract: and that if it so fell out, that he or his successors should faile in the per∣formance of any of the points of the said contract, that then the said Estates should therby be presently discharged of all faith and subiection towards him or them, and should or might chuse any other prince, or dispose of their affaires, as they should thinke good.

27 Lastly, That whereas the archduke Mathias had beene requested to come into the Ne∣therlands, and had acquited and behaued himselfe in good sort, according to his promise; the said duke and the Estates should consult together, by what meanes they should satisfie and content the said archduke.

These articles were in this sort passed and signed on both parts, although with reference, to [ C] be further treated and considered of, thereby to auoid all controuersie and dislike.

At which time there was certaine counters made in memorie thereof, on the one side ha∣uing a Lyon with a collar about the necke, bound to a pillar, whereon stood the Image of a conquerour, which collar a mouse knawed in sunder, with this inscription, Rosis Leonem loris mus liberas, that is, The Lyon being bound, is made free by knawing of the mouse: on the o∣ther side stood the Pope and the king of Spaine, who (with promise of a holy peace) sought to put the collar againe about the Lyons necke, with this inscription, Liber reuinciri Leo pernegat, that is, The Lyon being at libertie, will not be bound againe. And at Gant there were coun∣ters made, whereon there was a ring shutting with two hands, wherein was written Iehoua, and round about it, pro Christo, Lege & Grege, that is, for Christ, the Law, and the people: on [ D] the other side, Religione & Iusticia reduce, vocato ex Gallia pacata duce Andegariensi, Belgicae liber∣tatis vindice, that is, Religion & Iustice restored, the duke of Aniou being called out of France, for the defendor or reuenger of the freedome of the Netherlands.

The archduke Mathias, brother to the Emperour, gouernour of the Netherlands, finding himselfe to be abandoned by part of the prouinces, as namely the Wallons, who had sent for him out of Germanie, and were now reuolted from him, and perceiuing that the peace of Cologne tooke no effect, as also that no manner of aid nor assistance was procured neither from the emperour, his brethren, kinred, nor friends, nor yet from the princes of Germanie, notwithstanding both his priuat and publick admonitions made vnto his friends of the house of Austria, whereby the generall Estates were compelled to seeke aid elsewhere, he thought it [ E] fit and conuenient to take an honourable farewell, finding, that both his and the Estates ad∣monitions, giuen vnto the Emperor, the king of Spaine, and the whole house of Austria, were all in vaine, although it concerned them very neere. For the same causes being moued to re∣signe his gouernment, vpon the two and twentieth of Iuly he shewed the Estates by writing, deliuered vnto them by the prince of Espinoy, That it was not vnknowne vnto them, that he hauing beene called thereunto by diuers of the chiefe of the Netherlands, and after that with a generall consent accepted and receiued, and all articles by him promised, well kept and ob∣serued, had behaued himselfe in that miserable estate and troublesome condition, as time and oportunitie serued, without any regard of his owne particular profit, and that with the danger of his life: yet he was grieued, and much moued, that he (by reason of the vnfortunat successe [ F] of the time) could not haue the power and meanes to reduce the Netherlands vnto their pri∣stinate freedome, prosperitie, vnitie and quietnesse, whereunto neyther diligence, care, nor good will was wanting in him: and for that the generall Estates were then assembled to de∣termine vpon the last extremitie, touching the relieuing and releasing of the Netherlands

from their miseries, he said he would not prescribe them any law or rule therein, nor yet be a∣gainst [ A] their profits, but onely aduised them, not rashly to subiect themselues vnder a strange * 1.176 yoake, and doubtfull change or alteration, forgetting the Romish empire, and other great alli∣ances, but to consider of his noble house of Austria (and his great loue shewed vnto them) * 1.177 whereof he was a member, praying them openly to tell him, what they pretended touching him and his house, that he might determine thereon accordingly: saying further vnto them, That their promise (touching the charges of his gouernment) had not beene performed. Lastly, he shewed them his good will and great desire to doe them good, offering them all the seruice he could.

Touching this declaration, the Estates thought it conuenient to giue the said archduke all good contentment, with an honourable reward, as also to pay him that which had beene pro∣mised [ B] him for his entertainment, and that he should enioy the reuenues of the bishopricke of Vtrecht. In the articles contracted with the duke of Aniou, they made mention of him, say∣ing, That whereas he had beene called to the gouernement of the countrey, and therein had well and vprightly behaued himselfe, and that the countrey (together with the said duke of Aniou) should take aduice, touching the best meanes; to giue him honorable and reasonable satisfaction: which being long in question, and still deferred, the archduke (by that meanes) stayed there vntill the next yeare.

And for that in the meane time many and great complaints were made touching the disor∣ders amongst the souldiers, the archduke Mathias and the Estates set down certain new orders * 1.178 concerning better gouernment to be obserued in martiall discipline. [ C]

In Antuerpe they made new orders touching the watch of the towne, it beeing deuided into eight colonies and regiments, each colonie hauing vnder it tenne companies, besides six companies of the Guild or brotherhood of the towne, being in all 86 companies: no man was freed from that watch, but the magistrats and other officers, and the marchants of other nati∣ons, as Easterlings, Englishmen, and Portugals, according to their priuiledges; all other nations were forced to contribute to that watch, at the discretion of the colonels, as also the old men that were aboue threescore yeares of age. There were likewise diuers articles (which were very necessarie to be vsed in that watch) published to be obserued, vpon paine of great pu∣nishments. They also built vp diuers guard houses, where the ordinarie guard vsed to conti∣tinue night and day, which are called corps de guard, and in euery corner of the streetes they [ D] made certain small centinell houses for the rounds, wherein euery night, and when they prea∣ched in the church, tenne of the neighbours vsed to watch, whereby the bourgers became expert in martiall discipline, and at euery tumult and alarme were presently readie in armes▪ euery man knowing his owne quarter. They likewise entertained diuers old experienced souldiers, which vsed to traine them, and to practise them in their armes, being as well proui∣ded of all manner of armes, as any towne in Europe whatsoeuer. Vpon euery great corps de guard stood written, Excludere facilius, quam expellere: which is, It is easier to shut out the ene∣mie, than to driue him out. Vpon the market place, Saepius laesa patientia, that is, Our patience hath beene often wronged. Vpon the meere bridge, Agere aut pati, that is, Either it must bee preuented, or suffered: and vpon the Oeuer, Si in bello securitas, that is, If there be security in [ E] warre, then it consisteth in watching or resistance. And in euery street (where need required) there hung great heauie chaines, which could easily be crossed ouerthwart the streets, where∣of certaine in euery companie had charge; which chaines were so great, strong, and so many, that they were esteemed to be worth aboue a hundred thousand gulderns. They likewise for∣tified the towne dayly, and made their ditches deeper and broader, and the wals thicker, plan∣ting trees all along the same, and made diuers turne pikes, appointing officers for euerie one of them. They likewise made orders about fires, how euery man should behaue him∣selfe, when any fire happened within the towne, as also touching the plague, and such like things; the which many other townes in Christendome (since that time) haue fol∣lowed. [ F]

And touching their seafaring, for that it is one of the principallest and profitablest commo∣dities of the countrey, they made an order, That no shippes should goe to sea, vnlesse they were well prouided, armed, and manned, euery one according to their burthen, thereby to be freed from all danger of pyrats, and that euery prouince and towne should haue their ships of

warre ready; whereby they haue much encreased their shipping and seafaring, which the En∣glishmen, [ A] Frenchmen, and Easterlings had almost taken from them, during their warres: so * 1.179 that then againe they sayled out of Holland, Zeeland, and Antuerpe, into Spaine and Portu∣gall, and there traffiqued freely, vsing secret and discreet dealing, so that as then it seemed, as if there had beene no warre betweene Spaine and them, but onely with the Spaniards that were in the Netherlands, being for the most part well vsed and entertained by the inhabitants of Spaine and Portugall, and at that time also certaine Spanish shippes (such as durst) came into Zeeland, & were welcome vnto them, hauing free libertie to saile both out & in, but they durst not long continue, for feare of sea rouers, and other shippes of warre. The cause why the Netherlanders were so much made of, and welcommed into Spaine, was, for that Spaine consisteth much of trade of marchandise, as well as the Netherlands, thereby to vent their [ B] wares, fruits, and other commodities, hauing need of the Netherland handyworks, and other marchandises, therby to maintaine their seafaring and trade into the Indies, whereby the king bringeth his gold and siluer from thence, and much encreaseth his customes, the gentlemen and common people in Spaine hauing most of their liuings thereby; for that much of their reuenewes consisteth in wine, oyle, fruit, wools, and such like commodities. But afterward in the banishment or prescription made against the prince of Orange, wherein was mentioned, That all the said prouinces ayders or adherents, their goods and debts whatsoeuer should bee forfeit, in what place soeuer they should be found, they feared that some stricter course would be taken for the search of such things in Spaine, but nothing was as then done therein; the E∣states of the Netherlands giuing warning therof vnto the marchants and sailers, wherby from [ C] thenceforth they did traffique more discreetly, dealing vnder other mens names.

They of Zeeland at that time (in remembrance of their great care and watchfulnesse to be had) caused certaine counters to be made, on the one side hauing their armes, which is a lyon rising out of the waues of the sea, with this inscription, Vos terra, at ego excubo Ponto 1580, that is, Watch, or take you care for the land, for I keepe watch vpon the sea: On the other side stood a man, planting of young trees, and behind him hung his hat vpon a launce, signifying freedome, with this inscription, Si non nobis, saltem posteris, If they serue not for vs, yet they shall serue for our posteritie.

The marchants of the Netherlands (for the furtherance of their trade of marchandise, which as then they vsed in England) according to the contracts and intercourses made in [ D] times past betweene the said countries, perceiuing, that by reason of the troublesome times and warres, they could haue but small aid or reliefe out of the Netherlands, or from their ma∣gistrates, erected a fellowship amongst themselues in England, thereby to maintaine their pri∣uiledges (according to the contracts) in all princes courts, whereof they obtained licence from the chiefe magistrates in the Netherlands, bearing date the ninth of Iune 1580, which was after confirmed vnto them by the duke of Brabant and Aniou, and after that, in ampler sort by the king, vnder the gouernment of the duke of Parma: by vertue of which graunt, they chose gouernours and assistants amongst them, for maintenance whereof, they gathered cer∣taine small contributions amongst themselues; but that was soone left off by the losse of the towne of Antuerpe, which was taken by the prince of Parma, whereby the marchants were [ E] scattered into diuers places; by which meanes the officers in England respected the Nether∣land marchants no more than the strangest nation that came into England, without any con∣sideration of the reciprocall contracts and intercourses, or that their marchants in the Nether∣lands still enioyed all their priuiledges, conditionally graunted vnto them, that they should vse the Netherlands in like sort, according to the priuiledges giuen them by diuers seuerall townes.

They of Steenwicke obseruing the earle of Reneberghs proceedings, after that he had got∣ten Groning wholly at his deuotion, hauing a care of their preseruation, they sent for some of the States men, the better to defend themselues: so as the 21 of Iuly captaine Herman Olthof entred with his company, who vsed all diligence to repaire the wals and rampars, and to pro∣uide [ F] for all things necessary to maintaine a siege.

This yere in October, the prince of Orange had an enterprise vpon the town of Maestricht, which he thought to surprise by scalado, but his men being come vnto the towne ditch, they were discouered, and so returned as they came without any effect.

The fiue and twentieth of the same moneth, the prince of Espinoy (gouernour of Tour∣nay) [ A] caused the towne of Conde in Henault to be surprised by the Seignior of Estrayelles, * 1.180 his lieutenant: but when hee had taken it, hauing no meanes to furnish it with all thinges necessarie for a siege, knowing that the malecontents were not farre off, he presently aban∣doned * 1.181 it.

About this time the lord of Anholt, and Martin Schenck, that held the castle of Blyenbeeke, tooke a ship laden full of silkes, and other costly wares, that was comming downe the Rhine, and held it as good prize, which they diuided amongst the soldiers, and yet most of the goods belonged to Italians.

The earle of Renenbergh being master of the field in Friseland (as I said before) and ha∣uing besieged Swool, intending to take it, as he lay before it, he thought good to send for his [ B] new regiment of souldiers, which was comming vnto him ouer the Rhin, especially for that he was in doubt, that hee should not so soone get Swool (although he had secret intelligence therein) in regard that the towne is strong, and situated in such sort, as it might easily bee relieued: as also hearing that the earle of Hohenlo had againe renewed his forces in the field, and that he lay about Deuenter, and that all the frontier townes were well furnished with garrisons and other necessaries, for which cause he raysed his siege. The regiment that was comming ouer the Rhin to the earle of Renenbergh, he called it the Guelder regiment, for that it consisted of Gueldrians, Vtrechts, Oueryssellers, and others, their colonel being Iohn Streuf van Emmericke: the captaines were Iacob van Brouckhorst and Batenburgh, sonne to Anholt, with two companies, and Balthasar van Rossum, Boeck•…•…holt, Ties•…•…inghen, Wurtselman, [ C] Redenueldt, with two other companies, that were very strong: and for that Anholt serued a∣mongst those companies, and had reuolted from those of Guelderland, captain Hegeman issu∣ing out of Nimmeghen tooke the towne of Anholt for the Estates, which he sacked, notwith∣standing that it belonged to the empire.

The earle of Renenbergh beeing fortified by this new regiment, thought easily to haue taken Deutichum, being neyther strong, nor well prouided of garrison: but finding more resistance there, than he expected, as also for that the Englishment of Doesburgh and Michels regiment did much annoy him, he left it, and put a garrison into Grolle, and so vp∣on the eighteenth of October went before Steenwicke, a weake town, and wherin there was but one companie of souldiers, being altogether vnprouided of necessaries (which town con∣cerned [ D] him much) thereby to free the Drenth, and so to haue free passage into Friseland and Vollenhoue.

This siege of Steenwicke I will particularly set downe, yet as briefely as I can, because it was a notable attempt, and is very profitable for them to read, that are accustomed to follow the warres.

To besiege Steenwicke, the earle of Renenbergh had eight and twentie companies of souldiers, whereof foureteene companies were of the Friseland regiment, whose lieutenant * 1.182 colonel (called Hans Mon) was slaine in a skirmish, in whose place succeeded Iohn Baptista Taxis; nine companies of the new Guelders regiment, for that the lord of Anholt stayed with two companies at Anholt and Bredeford; and fiue companies more of the earls owne [ E] new regiment, those eight and twentie companies being at the least sixe thousand strong, for that the companies in those quarters are commonly aboue two hundred men, the horsemen were about foureteene cornets, most part lanciers.

In Steenwicke lay captaine Olthof with his companie, captaine Cornput hauing charge to goe thither with his companie: but some of Steenwicke being of the Spanish faction (not∣withstanding this charge from their friends and allies) would not suffer him to enter: for which cause he entred by force, being let in by Olthof his companie: but before he went in, he caused his souldiers to sweare (after certaine speeches vsed vnto them, and the better to effect the Estates businesse) That none of them should once speake a word of yeelding vp the towne, or deale in any sort with the enemie, before that hee himselfe first spake or [ F] mentioned thereof, vpon paine presently to bee stabbed by him which stood next vnto him: Which oath beeing taken, they went into the towne the day before it was besie∣ged: and for that the earle of Hohenlo had raysed certaine high Dutch companies with long pykes, seruing well for an armie, the Estates sent two of those companies, ledde

by Plaet and Stupers lieutenant, called Iohn van Berenbroeke, scout of Guelders, into Steen∣wicke, [ A] they being fresh, wild, and disordered souldiers: the garrison being glad, that they had * 1.183 a piece of seruice whereby they might get some credit, issued out on both sides of the towne, and burned downe many houses that lay too neere it, and got good store of powder and mu∣nition by ship into the same.

The garrison was about six hundred men strong, besides the bourgers, that were about three hundred, amongst the which, fiftie were such as might well be trusted: they had no gouernor in the towne, nor almost any ordnance, neither any horsemen, onely twelue or fourteene hor∣ses belonging to the captaines and commaunders, whereof they had greatest want, to assayle the enemie, as it appeared by the seruice they did. The gouernours place was supplied by all the captaines together, the bourgomaster being ioyned with them, who made diuers orders, [ B] both concerning their wants of ordnance and of powder (which they appointed to be made of Salt-peeter and brimstone) as also for all kinds of fireworkes, and diuers instruments, both offensiue and defensiue; that they should not be too lauish of their powder, that the souldiers should be content with their lendings, without burthening the townes-men. They likewise tooke order about corne and victuals, as also touching fire, which to auoid and preuent, they caused all their hay, straw, turfe, and all other things subiect to the fire, to be layed in the open ayre, and brake downe all the houses couered with thatch, that stood neere vnto the wals: and aboue all other things, decreed to make as few sallies as they possibly could, not onely for the losse they should thereby receiue, and make the souldiers vnwilling, but also to spare powder, and to keepe the enemy from hauing any intelligence of the estate of the towne: which ordi∣nances [ C] were not so well obserued as they ought, for want of a gouernour.

As soone as the earle of Renenbergh had intrenched himselfe before the towne, and had made bridges of boats ouer the riuer of Aa, they of the towne were desirous to send present∣ly to the Estates for to be relieued; which captaine Cornput would not consent vnto, saying, That they should write onely touching the estate of the towne, and the enemies campe, with∣out speaking of any reliefe, and that especially for two causes, the one, that the Estates might conceiue no bad opinion of their valour, the other, that the bourgers & souldiers should haue no doubt of themselues, and their security. This notwithstanding, vpon the three & twentieth of October they wrot a letter, which they sent in the night time to Campen, by a bourger cal∣led Mathias Kys, wherein they charged the Estates with slacknesse, and wrote expresly, That it [ D] was impossible for them to hold the towne aboue eight daies. This letter was signed by cap∣taine Olthof, Plaet, and Coen Dierickson, a bourger, and an old souldier, but yet selfe-willed and vntractable; the bourgomaster likewise set his hand to the letter, & at the last they got captaine Berenbrocke to signe it likewise, but Cornput would by no meanes do it, saying, That it was not onely a dishonorable thing, but worthy punishment, to bewray vnto the Estates their so small experience & iudgement, seeing that as then they had not any need of reliefe; and that princes and lords built and made forts, & put garrisons therein, to defend them frō their enemies, & to keepe thē from doing any further hurt in the country, and not to yeeld, & giue thē ouer at the first summons, but to giue them time with all conueniencie to assemble their forces, & so with better meanes & ground of reason to worke their deliuerie; saying, that their improuident and [ E] rash writing might giue the Estates cause to seeke to relieue them with some smal forces, wher∣by they might faile of that which they so much desired, for that in so short a time it was impos∣sible to prouide a sufficient force, wherwith to relieue them. To this letter the Estates made an∣swer with very comfortable words & speeches: but not long after captaine Cornput wrote the contrary vnto the Estates, saying, That as yet they had no need, and that they were sufficiently prouided of all things for 6 moneths, and yet that they should prepare to relieue them with all conuenient speed, in regard of the impatience of the bourgers & souldiers, more than for any other cause. For which letter the said captaine Cornput was much hated of many of the bour∣gers, but at the last he got Berenbrocke & diuers others to concurre and hold with him.

About this time, two of the Estates companies of Iohn van Escheda and Roeloef van Ling∣hen, [ F] lying in the Kuyndert, vpon the three and twentieth of October the earl of Renenbergh sent Aert van Gemmen, Snater, and others out of his campe, to charge them by night, by whome (after some small resistance) they were forced, and the fort taken, in regard that it was not very strong. There Escheda was taken prisoner, and his ensigne torne

in pieces, but Rodolph van Laughen escaped with some others, but his ensigne was taken, and [ A] most of the souldiers slaine in their beds, and some taken prisoners, after the which they sacked * 1.184 the village, and so left it. The ensigne they brought with them to the campe, and there drew it at a horse taile round about Steenwicke, with great triumph, and musicke playing be∣fore it.

The earle of Renenberghs souldiers that lay before the towne, in despight that they with∣in the towne had burned a myll which stood without, determined by night to burne the pa∣lisado before the Gasthouse gate, and for that cause they made many musket shot at the centi∣nell of the towne, to force him to retyre, and so (with straw and a barrell full of Tarre & brim∣stone, which they placed there) they set it on fire, and so left it, without any hurt vnto thēselues, onely one man was slaine: which they within the towne perceiuing, and knowing it to bee [ B] some hinderance vnto them, one of Cornputs souldiers offering himselfe, was let downe from the wall, who carrying a leather bucket in his mouth, swum ouer the ditch, and then taking water vp with the same, went easily to the fire, and pulling away the barrell of tarre, quenched the fire by often casting water vpon it. Which the enemie perceiuing, shot at him as thicke as * 1.185 haile, and yet (not without great wonder) none of them hit him, and although the fire bur∣ned very bright, neuerthelesse he went easily to the place, calling them villains & theeues, and said, I am Arent van Groeningen, a brewers sonne: and so hauing performed his work, he swam ouer againe, and when he had gotten vp on the wals, he was rewarded by captaine Cornput with a handfull of dollars.

The same euening there came a high Dutch souldier to the palisado before the wall gate, [ C] where hee called and cryed out with despightfull words against the Estates and the earle of Hohenlo, therewith vsing many prowd words and blasphemies against God: but one of the souldiers creeping in the darke to the place where hee heard the noyse, leuelled at him with his peece, and shot him full into the mouth, and cut that member in two, wherewith hee had blasphemed, which by all men was esteemed to bee a iust punishment of God, lay∣ed vpon him for the same. His dead bodie (which his companions would verie gladly haue drawne away) was borne into the towne, and so it was seene where hee had beene shot.

The seuen and twentieth of October, the earle of Renenbergh himselfe came into the campe, with charge from the prince of Parma, not to leaue the siege, before he had taken the [ D] towne, and the next day summoned them in the kings name to yeeld it vp, with safetie of life and goods, and to carry all they had away with safe conuoy; but he had a sufficient and respe∣ctiue answere giuen him: whereupon he caused fiue peeces of ordnance to be planted before the towne. The bourgers in the meane time laboured hard, to make the wals and the rampars thicker, fearing the Ordnance: but captaine Cornput shewed them by many reasons, that they might assure themselues better, and with lesse labour, if they would first make a secret way without the ditches, vpon the counterscarpe, whereby the ditches would be so much the wider, and all sallies and retreats thereby much furthered; as also the breaking of the yee, if it should chance to freeze, and all assaults made by the enemie, might thereby bee hindered, with diuers other aduantages: which way being made vp, they might easily make bulwarkes [ E] or rauelins in conuenient places, before the wals, and out of the ditches, first breast high, and then to fill them with earth out of the ditches, and so make them thicker and higher: which worke (he said) the enemie could not hinder with his Ordnance, and that they should not forget (in making the bulwarkes) to place in the shoulders or sides thereof certain casamates, which are low loope-holes, from whence they might free the dammes, whereon the gates stood, from filling vp, and from vndermining or digging vnder: which counsell hee conti∣nually gaue vnto them: but the bourgers (seduced by one Coen Dierickeson, vpon whom they much depended) would not hearken therunto, but got captaine Plaet with his souldiers to ioyne with them.

In the meane time they of Friseland sent foure companies of foot, and some horsemen in∣to * 1.186 [ F] Seuenwolden, to keepe the passage, and to stop the earle of Renenberghes souldiers from running into the countrey, to force them to contribution; against them, the earle sent Iouw Botma, and the companie of the towne of Bolsweert. Which they hearing of, left the place, leauing onely Ferno and Steyn van Malsens companies (with certaine horsemen) to keepe the

place, who defended themselues as well as they could, but they were forced, whereas Iohn van [ A] Fer•…•… and his youngest brother were slaine. From thence the earles souldiers went to Sloe∣ten, * 1.187 which was but slenderly fortified, for which cause the two companies that were in it, left it, but they were pursued as farre as Balck, where one of their captaines (called Martena) was taken prisoner: Peter Andreas Greitman van Volega, with his company, lying in the Lemmer, which neuerthelesse was insconced, left it, and went to Enchuysen. The earle of Renen∣berghes forces beeing increased, went from thence to Staueren, and made the castle vp againe (which they of Friseland, without any forecast, threw downe, before they had fortified the towne) and built a sconce at Macklin, running euery day before Harlinghen, Franycker, and Bolswort, and forcing the pesants to pay contribution: and although they were of opinion, to let the water ouerflow the champian countrey of Friseland, it was not as then to bee done, [ B] both because the weather was too drie, as also for that the wind serued not. This is all which was done in October: now I will shew what they did in the campe. In the beginning of No∣uember there issued fiftie men out of the Gasthouse gate, and set vpon a guard, which lay in a hollow place by the loop-sconce, and killed one and twenty of their men, and brought three prisoners into the towne. They without intrenched themselues night and day, and beganne to make a high mount, not farre from the Gasthouse gate, whereon they placed seuen sconce∣baskets, wherewith they of the towne beeing in some scare, filled vp the gate with earth, not∣withstanding that captaine Cornput spake against it, saying, That the gate so filled vp with earth, beeing battered, would fall downe, and so the enemie might the easilier climbe vp, and haue means to myne, and that the loope holes of the gates, were good defences for the town, [ C] which they ought not to take away, saying, that it belonged to the enemie so to doe, and that they ought not to cut off their owne armes for that the loope-holes in a towne serued as well for their defence, as mens armes serue to defend their bodies; and that to assure and defend the gates well, there was no better meanes than to make the secret wayes, and the high coun∣terscarpes which he spoke of before; or if that they would not doe so, then (for their better securitie) they might make a high mount within the towne between each two gates, in forme of a sharp pointed bulwarke, with conuenient loope holes, the which they might doe, with∣out any danger, which mount would not onely serue to defend such breaches as might bee made, but also to defend themselues from the shot, wherby the enemie should haue no means to shoot with field peeces for their defence; which mounts beeing fully made (if need were, [ D] that the enemie should come to digge vnder the water, and to vndermine the wall) might bee ioyned together by a wall of earth, made along from the one vnto the other, and so would it be a new wall or fortification within the towne. But those reasons could not sinke into the bourgers heads, the captaines were willing thereunto, and began the mounts; but the bour∣gers (to spare their houses) were vnwilling, and so the worke went slenderly forward: captaine Cornput with the other captaines (to make the souldiers willing to worke) agreed, that billes should be giuen them, to pay them sixe pence a day for their worke, after the towne should be releeued, but the bourgomaster opposed himselfe: yet at last, beeing compelled by necessity, and finding that the counterscarpes could not be missed, in regard that it was hard frozen, and that they must be forced to breake the yce, vpon the seauenteenth day of Nouember they be∣gan [ E] in all hast to make the counterscarpes. At which time once againe the impatienter sort within the towne wrot vnto the Estates for some reliefe, but Cornput and Berenbroek wrot to the contrarie, and willed them not to be too hastie, but to worke wisely and securely: Cornput also sent them his cyphers, and also a meanes how to speake one vnto another with lanthorns and firepans, and by day with broad clothes.

The Estates to make some shew of relieuing the towne, sent captaine Stuper with his com∣panie to Swart Sluys, and sixe companies of Hegemens regiment, to lie in a cloyster by Vollen∣houe called S. Iohns campe, which vpon the seauenteenth of Nouember were set vpon by the earle of Renenberghes forces, where, for that the cloyster hath no ditches (although they de∣fended themselues valiantly) they were slaine, taken prisoners, and put to flight, where three [ F] captains, Iohn van Vianen, Gedeon van Roderen, and Hans Wichmans were taken prisoners, wher∣by Stuper was forced to leaue Swart Sluys. These were the fruits of the impatient letters writ∣ten and sent out of the towne.

The eighteenth of Nouember, the earle of Renenbergh began to batter the Ga•…•…house [ A] gate with the powder that they had taken from Hegemans souldiers, and shot downe all the * 1.188 toppes or defences of the wals, and after that, the houses beeing discouered, they shot 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bullets with wild fire into the towne, which presently set the houses on fire, and the soo∣ner, for that many of the houses were thatched, and diuers of them full of strawe, haie, and turfe, whereby the fire was growne great, before they perceiued it: they imagining, that the fire had beene made by treason within the towne: but at the last, when they perceiued from whence it came, the souldiers ranne all in armes vnto the walls, the bourgers in the * 1.189 meane time doing their best to quench the fire, and to saue their goods; but by reason that the wind was great, there was at the least threescore and tenne houses burned, and certaine barnes with hay, strawe, ri•…•…, and barley, and (to say the truth) a twelfth part of the towne. [ B] The fire was so great (by reason of a strong Easterly wind, which then blewe) as it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the flame quite ouer the walls, whereby the souldiers were forced to leaue a third part of the walls vndefended, euen in the very same place where the yce in the ditches was not broken: but although the enemie stood round about the towne, ready to giue an assault, yet because of the fire and flame, they durst not venture, thinking that they within would flie out of the flame vpon them, as Foxes doe, when men put fire in their holes: but the souldiers stood like Lyons. Doubtlesse it was a fearefull thing to see, and yet a great mercie of God, that the exhortations of the captaines gaue the souldiers such courage, and the bourgers •…•…o much comfort; as also that it chaunced by day, for if it had beene in the night time, it had beene impossible, but the enemie would haue taken the towne, as eight and fiftie yeares [ C] before it happened in the moneth of December, in Anno 1522, when as they of Guelder∣land (after the old manner) shot fire into it by night, and by that meanes tooke and sac∣ked it.

This was the second time that hath been heard of, that such fire was shot with burning bul∣lets into a towne, for that it was done by Stephanus Battor, king of Poleland, against Dan•…•…ke, but in another manner it hath beene oftentimes done.

After this fire, the earle of Renenbergh sent two trumpets, to summon the towne to yeeld, offering them all the grace and fauour he could: but captaine Plaet answered boldly, where∣by at that time he did especiall good seruice to the towne; for which cause the bourgers be∣gan to murmure, and yet at the last got Plaet to agree with them, and thought to haue had a [ D] generall assembly, and to consult vpon the yeelding of the towne: which Cornput refused, saying, That hee would not agree to deliuer vp a towne which was not theirs (for that a young maid which beginneth to parle, is halfe gotten with child) and that hee would not yeeld neither for life nor death: Berenbroeke and Lazarus Austria (Olthof his lieutenant) said the like: so as after many words and much dispute it was agreed, with hands and promi∣ses thereunto made and giuen, That they would not yeeld vp the towne, as long as there was any victuals within it to be had. But the next day (beeing the 20 of Nouember) the bour∣gers fell into a mutinie, and assembled together vpon the market place, and with them diuers of the souldiers: which captaine Cornput hearing of, hee caused a great number of the souldi∣ers to arme themselues, and he himselfe beeing armed vnder his clothes, went with Beren∣broeke [ E] and them into the market place, and spake to the bourgers (who were encouraging one another to yeeld vp the towne) saying, Get you home to your houses, you villaines, and stand not prating and telling of lies here, to discourage our souldiers, who know what they haue to doe, and are wiser than you thinke they are: and when some of them went away, and abut∣cher standing still, said, What shall bee done then, when wee haue nothing more to eat? cap∣taine Cornput answered, That time is not yet come, and when it doth, then wil we first eat such a knaue as thou and thy fellowes are, before wee will yeeld. With which words and many more, they were all driuen home againe, and all good order and discipline obserued by such as were of good gouernment.

They without shotte diuers times more fire into the towne, but they within the towne tooke an order for the same, that in euery street and house, both night and day, the bourgers [ F] kept watch, and so did the women and children, and when they saw where a bullet did light (which the hole and the smoake shewed) they drew the same with yron hookes out of the

way, and then hauing woollen gloues (which they first wet in the water) they tooke vp [ A] the bullet with their hands, and (without danger) cast it into the street, where it could * 1.190 doe no hurt.

In these and many other actions, the moneth of Nouember was spent: meane time the wauering and mutinous minds of some of them within continued still; for that captaine Plaet was wholly of their faction, whereas Cornput and Berenbroeke opposed themselues, whom they sought to bring in hatred with the townes men, who for that cause were com∣pelled to set their hands to the letters which they did write vnto the Estates, to bee relieued, and were likewise forced to graunt, That a stampe, with the armes of the towne (which is an anker) should be set vpon their money, which should be a token, that the same was raysed halfe as high againe as it was. The captaines would willingly haue had new money mynted as it went in Hasselt (the better to content the souldiers) but the magistrate was against it, [ B] notwithstanding that thereby all things were raysed in their prices, and became deerer, and they which bought any thing for vnstamped money, had it much better cheape than others, wherby the bourgers themselues were forced to pay much money for the souldiers lendings, and for their worke.

In the beginning of December it began to raine, and want of money made the souldiers in the earle of Renenberghs campe to bee wearie of camping, whereby they within the towne made many valiant sallies vpon the enemie, which proued very successefull, and for that cause they opened the gates againe, which they had mured and rampared vp, and cap∣taine Plaet, and others, that were against the making of any loope-holes vpon the counter∣scarpes, [ C] were the meanes to procure the making of them vp againe.

In the meane time the prince of Orange and the Estates tooke counsell how they might re∣lieue Steenwicke, although they saw their forces to be small, and they very vnwilling, for want of pay, for that the prouinces, and especially Guelderland and Oueryssell (whome ne∣uerthelesse it most concerned) did not then shew themselues as they ought to haue done: for which cause, some were of opinion, That it was in vaine to spend money or men about the relieuing of so weake a place. Others were of the contrarie mind, and said, That it was re∣quisite * 1.191 to be relieued, as being a key of Friseland, Vollenhoue, and Drenth, which with the marishes held the countrey round about inclosed, and that the enemie hauing gotten it, might thereby cut off Friseland from the other prouinces, and trouble the seas, hauing alrea∣die [ D] gotten Swart Sluys, Vollenhoue, Blockziel, Kuinder, Lemmer, Staueren, Hindelopen, Worcum, Mocum, Reediep, and Delfziel, all coast townes, and most hauens. For which cause it was determined to rayse a strong armie, and to gather money for the same, to relieue the towne: and to that end Sir Iohn Norris (an Englishman) was appointed generall thereof, who comming with his forces to Swart Sluys, set vpon a new raysed companie of the ene∣mies (their captaine beeing Otto van Saut) and killed the most part of them, and vpon the fif∣teenth of December set fire on their fort. From thence he went to Meppel, with twentie three companies of footmen, which were not aboue eighteene hundred men, and a few horse, leauing but three companies in Swart Sluys: for which cause, the earle of Renenbergh sent eleuen companies of foot, and six cornets of horsemen thither, to passe ouer the yce, and so to [ E] take it: but they within defending themselues valiantly, Sir Iohn Norris had time ynough to come to relieue them, who draue the enemie from thence, so as many of them were slain, and diuers drowned on the yce, and amongst the rest, Arent van Gemeghen, a selfe-willed captaine. There Sir Iohn Norris got two of the enemies ensignes, and armes for fiue hundred men▪ one of the ensignes he sent into Steenwicke, with about fortie souldiers, that carried about 7•…•…0 pounds of gunne-powder in leather bagges vpon their shoulders. In a certaine skirmish made by them of the towne, captaine Plaet being slaine, Berenbroeke was made captaine in his place, by commaundement from the Estates, but chiefely by recommendation from captaine Cornput, Michael Hage beeing made lieutenant of Stuper his companie in his roome, and with those commissions there was sixteene hundred gulderns in gold sent to [ F] pay the souldiers. And after that, vpon the last of December, Sir Iohn Norris fell vpon the enemies campe behind through the marishes: whereupon they of the towne also issued foorth valiantly, and caused the enemie to flye, breaking some of his ordnance in pieces with hammers.

During this siege, in December, the earle of Renenbergh had certaine enterprises vpon [ A] other places, as against Hattum, whereas by meanes of Lodowicke van Monthort, the Drossart, * 1.192 he caused fortie souldiers that went out of the castle of Blyenbeek, belonging vnto Schenck, which were conducted by Sergeant Foncheco and the Drossarts sonne, to get into the castle of Hattum by night: meane time the Drossart himselfe made the Estates souldiers (beeing but fortie in number) all drunke, and shut them vp in a chamber, whilest they of Blyenbeeke en∣tred. With those souldiers the Drossart the same night came downe and tooke captain Haen, that was but a traueller through the towne, and two other gentlemen out of their beds, and carried them prisoners into the castle. Which the bourgers vnderstanding, and some of the souldiers that kept watch in the towne, they supposed, that their enemie within the castle had b•…•…ene stronger than he was. They of Swool being aduertised thereof, sent captaine Iacob [ B] van Mechelen thither with certain souldiers, at which time also they of Deuenter and Elborgh sent aid, and so they began to batter the castle of Hattum with six peeces from the towne, and presently made a breach therein (although the wall were foure and twentie foot thick) so that vpon the eighteenth of December they were forced to yeeld vpon composition, by entrea∣tie of captaine Hegeman, which was, that the souldiers should depart with their liues, and the Drossart and his sonne should remaine prisoners, who afterwards had his processe made by the Estates of Guelderland, and so both he and his sonne were b•…•…headed & quartered, because they had sworne to be true vnto the Estates.

The third of Ianuarie, Sonoy (by commission from the Estates) came out of North-Hol∣land to Blockziel, with shippes of warre, and diuers souldiers, and all kind of prouision fit [ C] to make a sconce, where in a short time he made a strong sconce, which after serued the E∣states to good purpose, beeing but a myle from Steenwicke, from whence hee could make signes to them within Steenwicke, which reuiued their courages, as being very impatient. And when as Sir Iohn Norris wished them to send him a man of some experience in the warres, to speake with him about the relieuing of the towne, they sent Coen Dierickeson vn∣to him, with an instruction, where (amongst other things) it was set downe, that hee should set vpon the enemie, or that if he would not attempt it rashly, he should secretly send them a thousand men into the towne, and they would set vpon the enemie themselues: against the which Cornput and Berenbroeke opposed, saying, That the diuiding of an armie (which was neither great nor strong of men) was not likely to doe any good, or to relieue them, the e∣nemie [ D] being so neere; whereof they also aduertised the Estates, and how that they were forced to signe to such an instruction. The like contention and discord was dayly in the towne, oftentimes writing, to haue leaue to yeeld vp the towne, if they were not relie∣ued in short time, saying, That they had not victuals within the towne for aboue sixe dayes.

The like tumults and vprore was amongst them in the enemies campe, who were kept night and day in continuall alarmes, in exceeding cold weather, and with want of money, for the which they often called: so that at the last the earle of Renenbergh was forced to absent himselfe for a while, vntill he had gotten some money for them, wherewith he con∣tented his souldiers, with many faire promises. The like contention hee had with Schencks [ E] horsemen, that once before had left the campe: so that on both sides they were in great ex∣tremities.

Vpon the nineteenth of Ianuary the earle of Renenbergh sent a trumpet with a letter, sig∣ned by Martin Schenck and Iohn Struef, wherein they vsed all manner of persuasions, to moue the towne to yeeld; but they had an answere to the contrary by word of mouth. Euery day they did what they could to annoy one another, and vpon Shroue-tuesday they without the towne hauing often asked them within, if they had almost eaten vp all their horses, they with∣in mounted souldiers vpon all the horses they could get (being about threescore) with laun∣ces, and when as they had therewith braued vpon the wals, they went secretly out of one of the gates, and gaue an alarme vnto the campe, and so went in againe at another port, [ F] crying vnto them, and saying, That they had gotten in a new cornet of horse; so as they shewed themselues to haue resolutions, and no want of any thing. The like ieast was vsed by the earle of Renenbergh (whereby captaine Cornput had like to haue lost his life) for that he wrot him a letter, the contents whereof were these.

Honourable and worthy gentleman, for that by reason of the present frost, you can doe no [ A] good in the trenches, nor cannot passe the time away by drawing your ring vp and downe vp∣on * 1.193 your finger, because you haue beene forced to lay the same to pawne, to pay the souldiers, and besides that, haue not wherewith to set your teeth on worke, or to cleanse your maw, and yet should haue something to busie your selfe withall, therewith to passe away the 〈◊〉〈◊〉; ther∣fore we send you the letter here inclosed, to please your humour, dated in the kings campe before Steenwicke the fifteenth of Ianuary. In the letter there was a booke printed in French, made by Assonuille, or some other, whereof the title was▪ The prince of Orange his letters interpreted, which he sent to the duke of Alanson, with many annotations in the mar∣gent, which the prince in his Apologie maketh answere vnto. By this letter, certain of captain Cornput his enemies in the towne, thought, that the enemie had sent some reasonable con∣ditions [ B] of yeelding vp the towne vnto him▪ and that he for that cause would no•…•… let them see them, and therefore were desirous to haue them, and so made a tumult against him, which was hardly pacified. To this letter captaine Cornput made as good an answere, and also sent some Annotations vpon the marginall notes of the printed counterfeit. Let∣ters.

Besides this, to passe away the time, captaine Thomas (an Albanois captaine) sent to Sir Iohn Norris, to challenge him to fight hand to hand with him, either with launce, pike, sword, * 1.194 or curtleax: whereunto captaine Williams, his lieutenant colonel, made answer, that he would fight with him at all the said weapons: which vpon certaine conditions was vndertaken: and hauing giuen sureties on both sides, and both the armies standing in order of battaile, they two [ C] (in presence of them all) met together, and after certaine blowes giuen both with launce and curtleax, without any harme to either party, according to the agreement, they drunk one vnto another, and so departed.

The seuenteenth of Ianuarie, vpon the importunacie of them of the towne vnto Sir Iohn Norris (as also by the dayly intercession of Coen Dierickson, that was with him at Griethorn, saying, That for want of victuals they within the towne could not hold out foure dayes) hee determined to doe some enterprise vpon Steenwicker Woldt, being in all (with his English regiment, the regiment of the earle of Nassau, and that of Michiel Caulier, and some compa∣nies of Hegeman and Stuper) not aboue two thousand men: which he certified vnto those of the towne, who with the halfe of their men issued foorth when it was darke, whereby [ D] they missed each other, and so did themselues hurt: and Sir Iohn Norris (for his part) did nothing, for that he came into a field full of trees, the which was inclosed with a ditch, not farre from the towne. Which the earle of Renenbergh perceiuing, brought certaine field-peeces thither, and first hauing made his prayer, he gaue a terrible assault against the same, but he was valiantly repulsed, so that he thought it best for him (that euening) to returne backe againe vnto his campe, thinking to find him there the next day: but Sir Iohn Norris perceiuing in what danger he was, in regard that hee had neyther victuals no•…•… horsemen, and that he might (perchance) haue beene ouerthrowne, if the enemie had in∣closed him, was much mooued against Coen Dierickson, that had made him beleeue, that the towne was in so great necessitie, and therefore thought good to goe vnto Blockziel, [ E] to Sonoy his fortifications; where he vnderstood by certaine persons, that the towne was sufficiently prouided (with all things necessarie) for a while: for which cause hee deter∣mined to stay for the Friseland ayd, which he likewise certified vnto the towne. The earle of Renenbergh once againe summoned the towne to yeeld, writing them a comforta∣ble letter, which captaine Cornput answered with many annotations, and caused it to be sent him againe; which letter was openly read before the campe, in great despight to the earle of Renenbergh. After that, vpon the foure and twentieth of Ianuarie, the earle of Renenbergh vnderstanding, that Sir Iohn Norris with all his forces lay in the cloyster, cal∣led S. Iohns campe, he went thither with a great force, where he besieged him round a∣bout, and battering the place, thought to take it, before he should haue ayd out of Frise∣land: [ F] Sir Iohn Norris presently had great need of victuals, whereby hee was constrayned and enforced to eat his horses, although Sonoy sent him some victuals from Blockziel, whereas two of his companies ouerthrew two of the enemies, which were of the like number.

Wighbolt van Eusum, lord of Nyenvenoort, hauing made a contract with the Estates, to le∣uie [ A] souldiers at his owne costs and charges, the which he should entertaine by contribution, * 1.195 enforced vpon the enemie, the Estates wrot vnto him, to helpe to relieue Steenwicke, who to that end came with six companies of his owne, and six Friseland companies, vnder the con∣duct of Adrian Meningh (lieutenant colonel to Merode) to Blockziel, with waggons and victu∣als, being in all fifteene hundred men: which the earle of Renenbergh vnderstanding, hee went secretly away in the night time. At his departure from the cloyster, he left the wounded, dead men, and his prisoners, and great store of victuals behind him, hauing besieged the cloi∣ster three daies, and burned the village of Griethorn. After that, there grew a great mutinie amongst his souldiers, which within certaine daies was pacified with some money, each soul∣dier hauing receiued 21 styuers.

The last of Ianuarie Sir Iohn Norris came to Oldermarckt, a myle from Steenwicke, with [ B] all his troupes: for which cause the earle of Renenbergh made diuers other sconces, and left his lodging in Steenwicker Woldt: they of the towne (for that their gates were battered, and annoyed with sconces) resolued at the last to make a new gate, betweene the wall and Ostergate, on the North side, which they called Cornputs gate, because hee had alwaies gi∣uen them counsell to make it there, that they might receiue their victuals therein from Sir Iohn Norris.

The fourth of Februarie three Wood-cockes (others say Partridges) came flying into the market place of Steenwicke, and were there taken by the souldiers, and eaten. Which being * 1.196 told to captaine Cornput, he said presently: God sent the vnbelieuing Israelites such kind of [ C] meat, and he for certaine will relieue this towne; but for that there are three, so it shall not happen vntill three weekes be ended, because we will not beleeue him. This prophecie of Cornput (which the common bourgers made more question of than the rest) was taken in euill part, as if that he would prescribe so long a time for their deliuerance: which hee see∣med to haue spoken, onely to lessen the great longing and desire that the bourgers had there∣unto, neuerthelesse it appeareth, that God spake by his mouth, although he knew it not him∣selfe; for it was true, for that euen the same day three weekes after, the towne was sufficiently victualled by Sir Iohn Norris.

The same day Sir Iohn Norris, the earle of Nassau, Merode, Nienort, Michiel Caulier, Iselstein, Hegeman, and Stuper, with sixe and fortie companies of footmen, being about three thousand [ D] fiue hundred men strong, and six cornets of horse went to Steenwicker Woldt, and encam∣ped himselfe in the East end, in a conuenient place, called Heddinbergh, where there stood many small trees, which serued for trenching or sconces; but in the North end, where it was open, he made a defence of wagons: they of the towne might discouer his ensignes, and know them, being but 2400 paces from thence, and nothing betweene them but plaine fields, medowes, heaths, and marishes, in the middle wherof there stood a new sconce made there by Renenberghs souldiers vpon the 31 of Ianuarie.

To resist them, the earle of Renenberghs souldiers put themselues in order of battaile, and at the last (after they had stood so vntill the next day after noone) they went with their ord∣nance to assaile Sir Iohn Norris campe behind, not thinking to find the Wagon sconce, & gaue [ E] a furious assault, where captaine Hendrike Suater (their leader) was slaine, they of the towne in the meane time issuing out into the enemies campe, did them great hurt, and got good store of bootie.

The sixt or seuenth of February there was a search made in euery house within the town, to know what prouision of victuals they had, and they found corne and other victuals sufficient to serue them two moneths, as well amongst the rich as the poore, who thought they should not haue bin so narrowly searched, as the rich men, each man being allowed 6 pound of bread a weeke: for which cause captaine Cornput shewed the forestallers therof in what danger they had brought both the countrey and the towne, for that the souldiers fearing want of victuals, were like to haue fallen into a mutinie, and bin discouraged, and thereby made the enemie to [ F] thinke that they were in great necessity, and gaue them more courage: as also that the Estates (through their impatient writing for reliefe) had bin almost compelled to aduenture a battail, which (as it appeared) would haue fallen out badly for them: but notwithstanding al this, they of the towne were still very impatient, and wrot importunately for reliefe.

Euerie day they skirmished, and the earle of Renenbergh stil made more sconces between [ A] Sir Iohn Norris campe and the towne, which they first began vnder the defence of certain wa∣gons * 1.197 laden with dung, which they placed there by night, and so made their trenches behind them: All the heapes of turfe the earle of Renenbergh caused to be burnt, that the way might be discouered, yet for all their great light, they could not intercept one letter or messenger that came out of the towne, the which was verie strange. At the last captaine Cornput caused cer∣taine * 1.198 bullets to be made, of two pound weight apeece, thereby to preuent the danger of their messengers: which bullets were shot into Sir Iohn Norris campe. These bullets had two holes, the one to thrust in the letter, the other to put in the fire worke, for that by the smoke thereof they might the better be found.

Vpon the fourteenth of Februarie, Sir Iohn Norris sent them of the towne word, that they should make three bridges ouer the riuer of Aa, and he would giue the aduenture to releeue [ B] them, appointing his men to place wagons along on both sides, and so to conuey the victuals into the towne, wherein captaine Cornput vsed great diligence, to cause certaine sconces to bee made without the towne, and it seemed as though hee would haue had sconces made cleane through from the towne, to Sir Iohn Norris campe: but all he desired was not done, notwith∣standing they within made sconces without the towne, in the West part, with great toyle, hewing the hard frozen earth with hatchets and pickaxes, & made a bridge ouer the Aa, and so lay in the field without the towne; but after signes giuen on both sides▪ touching the begin∣ning of the enterprise, Sir Iohn Norris in seeking to effect it, found great difficultie, which was, that the wagons could not passe ouer the hard knobs of •…•…osen earth, which lay in the marshes; [ C] neither could they effect it without great noyse, and therefore for that time he staied, but they of the towne finished their worke, and hindered the enemy from making their sconces against them, taking his dung wagons from him, they kept the field night and day.

The seuenteenth of Februarie the great frost began to thaw, which did much comfort them of the towne, who were in good hope they should not now haue so much cause to feare their enemies horsemen.

The 18 of Februarie Sir Iohn Norris began to make a trench of a thousand paces without his camp, along by the old Aa, which was done with great labour & toile, for want of pioners, and necessarie prouision. This trench was battered and assailed by the earle of Renenberghes souldiers, but to no end. [ D]

The twentieth of February, a bourger and foure souldiers about noone time, went out of the towne, and past betweene the enemies centinels and the trenches, yet were not hurt, al∣though * 1.199 they were shot at, and pursued from all places round about them; whereby Sir Iohn Norris souldiers were shewed the way how they should releeue the towne: and vpon the one and twentieth of Februarie Sir Iohn Norris by the same way sent certaine souldiers with those fiue persons, laden with an hundred and fiftie cheeses, three hundred and fifty loaues of bread, with powder and match bound together: who hauing thrown it or laid it all vpon the bridge, went presently backe againe: for the preuenting whereof, the earle of Renenberghes men came thither, but it was too late. The diligence and resolution of these fiue men, was rewarded by the captaines with certaine peeces of gold. [ E]

The next night Sir Iohn Norris made another trench of two hundred seuentie two paces long, which drew somewhat neerer the towne, whereby his trenches and the towne trenches were but eight hundred ninetie six paces one from the other, the earle of Renenberghes scon∣ceslying betweene them, distant from the towne seuen hundred seuentie six paces, the enemie seeking to draw their ordnance through certaine places of the Aa, where it might stand better and do more seruice, but it sunke, so as they could hardly get it out againe. And the same night they made another defence of dung wagons, ouer against the new bridge, thinking to make a new sconce, which they of the towne sought by all the meanes they could to hinder them from effecting it.

They of the towne going on with their trenches, vpon the two and twentieth of Februarie [ F] there happened a skirmish on all sides, for that Sir Iohn Norris began to skirmish in diuers pla∣ces, prouoking the enemie to issue forth, whereupon they placed themselues in order of bat∣taile. In the meane time they within the towne, passing ouer the new bridge, carried away all the enemies dung wagons into the towne, wherewith the skirmish grew hot on all sides, the

ordnance thundering on both parts. They of the towne also fell vpon the enemie in diuers [ A] places, and yet were many times driuen backe by the enemies horsemen, but by means of their * 1.200 trenches they alwayes got safely, and with aduantage in againe, in regard that it thawed so fast, that the horsmen could not passe alouer the way. This continued for a while with great furie, whereby it seemed they would fall to a generall battaile. The enemies began to bee wearie, and to bee hungry, which began about noone time, and so they drew backward, especially the footmen, who after their old maner, in a thousand diuers names cryed out for money, so that the horsemen could make no longer resistance, but withdrew themselues after the losse of many of them.

Three howers after noone, when they had scarce rested themselues, they of the towne per∣ceiuing Sir Iohn Norris souldiers to issue out of their trenches, came out with diuers hurdles, [ B] and drawing them along the bridge, laid them vpon the morish slipperie way, being neerer to Sir Iohn Norris trenches than the towne: whereby men might perceiue the diligence of those that were in extremitie, and such as were willing to helpe themselues: Which done, diuers of Sir Iohn Norris horsemen, and a great number of peasants horses came foreward, all laden with corne, meale and powder, wherewith they went vnto the bridge, and casting it downe vpon straw that lay there, ran to fetch more. Many footmen also brought bread and cheeses. While this was doing, the sconces that lay in the way were assailed by captaine Cornput and certaine souldiers, in the which they threw great store of straw, and burning pitched ropes, shooting brauely into them, with two companies of souldiers that fought like Lyons: but they of the next sconces shot lustily at them, yet the townes-men gaue it not ouer, hauing gotten the ord∣nance, [ C] wherewith they shot at the bridge, which they began to draw towards the towne: but the earle of Renenberghes horsemen being sent thither, forced them to retire againe into the towne, hauing slaine and wounded many men within the said sconces, whereof the next day they found seuenteene dead. In the meane time it began to be darke, and euery man with∣drew himselfe.

The earle of Renenbergh being moued at this furious assayling of his sconces, and for that it began to thaw verie fast, finding his men also vnwilling to lie any longer, and the town twice * 1.201 victualed before his face, he determined to raise his siege, causing his ordnance and other pro∣uision to be secretly gathered together in the night time, abandoning all his sconces: hee as∣sembled his men in West-Wicke, which neither they within the town, nor Sir Iohn Norris did [ D] once discouer, by reason of the darke night, hauing also no thought of his retreat: and so vpon the three and twentieth of Februarie hee left the towne of Steenwicke, and went to a place called Onnen, marching in order of battaile all that day. In the morning Sir Iohn Norris com∣ming to the towne, went after him, but yet found it not conuenient to charge him.

They within the towne entred into the enemies forsaken campe, where they found many beasts, flesh, wine, and beere: and the foure and twentieth of Februarie all the victuals that Sir Iohn Norris had brought with him, was carried into the towne: And by that meanes the towne was deliuered from the siege, vpon the last day of the three weekes, as captaine Cornput had foretold it, after they had beene besieged foure moneths; and then was all the hidden corne and other victuals brought forth, the bourgers complaining of their great impatience, [ E] and yet the money they laid out, was repaied them againe by the Estates, and meanes made vnto places round about, in charitie to releeue them; and besides that they were acqui∣ted of all burthens with the generalitie. But they enioyed their goods not long, for the which they were in so great feare and care, for that the most part of them within one yeare after died of the plague, which happened in the towne, by reason of the stinke of bloud, and of the dead bodies that lay vnburied in diuers place: and the goods that they left, fell afterwards into the hands of their enemies: So that this distrust in God (without cause) was not left vnpunished, as it had beene shewed them out of the holy Scriptures.

The souldiers that had so long defended Steenwicke, thought they should haue had some reward giuen by the Estates; but captaine Cornput and Olthof, after long attendance, could [ F] hardly get their pay, yet the other two companies of Dutch men vnder Stuper and Beren∣broeke, to whom there was not much due, were well paid. But it was to be supposed, that want of money was the cause of it. Captaine Cornput, with the rest of the valiant captains, bourgers, and souldiers, got great honour, prayse, and glorie, amongst all wise men, in regard of their

industrie, constancie, resolution, diligence, carefulnesse, labour, and dangers, considering with [ A] what people they had to doe, as also what small meanes they had, beeing simple people, that * 1.202 wanted a gouernour, ordnance, and horsemen. During this siege Sonoy with a few souldiers, had besieged both the houses of Vollenhove, wherein the earle of Renenbergh had garrison, which were soone yeelded vnto him.

The Englishmen, Wallons, and Iselsteins souldiers, were sent vnto the Kuynder, and there besieged the church, which within few dayes vpon composition; was yeelded vnto them. The companies of the Friseland regiment, vnder the lord of Merode, went before Lemmer and Sloten, which being battered, yeelded vp, and after that, the Englishmen and Wallons were diuided into seuerall garrisons.

The lord of Nienoort went presently into the territories thereabouts, wheras they of Gro∣ning [ B] had besieged his sconce at Winsum, which heat his comming thither releeued: by the which sconce at Winsum, and those at Winsumerziel, Warsum, Warsumerziel, and other pla∣ces, he held a great part of the countrey vnder contribution. The earle of Renenberghes soul∣diers were then come into the territories of Steenwick, and lay at Midlesum, where the lord of Nienoort thought to hem them in, but they beat him from thence, and shut two companies conducted by Renoy and Vercken into a church, who were forced to yeeld, vpon safegard of life and goods, because their captaines were absent.

Oyenbrugh, whose reuolt was ascribed vnto the earle of Renenbergh, at a skirmish before Loppersum, was shot in the leg, whereof he died in Groning. The earle of Renenbergh him∣selfe, with a companie of souldiers, went into Zeeland, and tooke the house of Boxburgh, forti∣fied [ C] Goore and other places, and tooke great store of bootie with him.

Hauing related what was done in the campe before Steenwicke, and in other places there∣abouts, I will now returne and shew what was done in the later part of the yeare 1580.

The king of Spaine hauing setled it in his imagination, that the prince of Orange was the * 1.203 onely man that crost his designes in the Netherlands, and that he could not reduce Holland, Zeeland, and their associats vnder his obedience (for as the secretarie Escouedo had written vn∣to him, he must first begin with the islands) hee thought, that so long as the said prince should liue, he should neuer see an end of those troubles. Wherefore seeing he could not attaine vn∣to it by armes in the time of the duke of Alua, and of Dom Louys de Requesens, nor by the poli∣cie and practises of Dom Iohn, whereas the townes of Holland and Zeeland in generall, were [ D] not at the said princes deuotion, nor allied with mightie neighbors, as the prouinces of Guel∣dres, Vtrecht, Friseland, and Ouerissel, he resolued at what price soeuer, and whatsoeuer shold chance vnto him, to practise the meanes to attaine vnto his pretended end, and to haue the said prince of Orange dispatched, by what way soeuer: yet something to colour and excuse the fact and the execution thereof, he would vse a kind of forme of proceeding, as depending vp∣on the order of iustice, vsing first a proscription or banishment decreed against the said prince, whom afterwards he leaues as a prey, abandoning him to all the world. Of which proscripti∣on we haue thought good for breuities sake, to set downe the substance and chiefe points, be∣ing proclaimed by the prince of Parma in two seuerall languages, vpon the nineteenth day of Iune. [ E]

Philip by the grace of God, King of Castile, Duke of Bourgoigne, Brabant &c. Hee * 1.204 sheweth first, how gratiously and fauourably the late deceased emperour Charles the fifth, of famous memorie, his lord and father, had dealt with William van Nassau to procure him the

succession of Rene of Chalons, prince of Orange, his cousin: and although hee were a stran∣ger, had aduanced and furthered him in all he could: as also the king himselfe, hauing made him knight of the order of the golden Fleece, and gouernour of Holland, Zeeland, Vtrecht, and Bourgoigne, colonell of a regiment of horsemen, and a counsellor of Estate: declaring further all other the fauours that had beene done him: And to the contrarie how vnthankfull hee had beene, in moouing and procuring the confederat gentlemen to present a petition vn∣to him, bringing in of the reformed religion, with the exercise of the same, and the casting [ F] downe of images, rooting out the Catholike Romish religion, and chasing away the cler∣gie. And lastly, bearing open armes against his soueraigne lord: and that hee had resisted and withstood all treaties of peace, and had broken the pacification of Gant, and the perpe∣tuall

edict, carrying himselfe in most tyrannous manner, ill intreating all the chiefe nobilitie [ A] of the countrey, that hee might rule and dominier more absolutely among a furious and tu∣multuous * 1.205

multitude, the good being chased away. And for that all this confusion and mise∣rie, which his subiects, he said, suffered, are found to proceed from the counsel, persuasion, and instigation of that wicked hypocrite, by his turbulent spirit, who put all his felicitie in the trouble of his subiects: For which causes being (as he said) iust, reasonable, and according vnto iustice, vsing in that regard the authoritie which he had ouer him, by vertue of the othes of fealtie and obedience, which hee had often made vnto him, for all his peruerse and wicked acts, beeing the sole author, head and contriuer of those troubles, and the chiefe disturber of all his Estates; he declared him a rebell, heretike, hypocrite, like to Cain and Iudas, hauing his conscience obdurat, a villaine, head of the Netherland tumults, a plague to Christen∣dome, and an enemie to all mankind: And as such a one did proscribe and banish him for e∣uer [ B] out of his said countries, and out of all his other estates, realmes, and seigniories: forbid∣ding all his subiects, of what estate, qualitie, or condition soeuer, to liue or conuerse, talke or conferre with him, openly or secretly, nor to receiue nor lodge him in their houses, nor yet to releeue him with meat, drinke, fire, or any other necessaries: Giuing all his goods, lands, life, and liuing, to them could take it. And that it might bee the better effected, and brought to passe, and thereby to release and deliuer the poore people from his tyrannie, de∣siring to reward and recompence all good actions, and to punish and chastise the bad, and such as are offendors and transgressors, hee promised vpon the word of king, and as the minister of Almightie God, That if any one would bee of so generos a resolution, and [ C] so zealously affected to his seruice, and the publike good, as to put in practise and executi∣on the foresaid edict and decree, and to free him from such a plague, deliuering him the said William of Nassau, prince of Orange, either aliue, or dead, or else to bereaue him of his life, that hee would giue vnto him or to his heires, either in money, land, or annuall rent, twen∣tie fiue thousand crownes of gold, and therewithall forgiue him all crimes and offences whatsoeuer hee shall haue formerly committed and done: yea if hee were no gentleman, to make him a gentleman for his valour: Promising reward and aduancement to all them that should assist him in the execution thereof, according to their estates, degrees, and qualities.

Hee likewise declared all those that were his associats and adherents, to bee banished per∣sons, [ D] and their honours, liues, and goods, confiscated, if they did not abandon and forsake him within one moneth after the publication of the said proscription: and their goods, wheresoeuer they should bee found, either in Spaine, or elsewhere, marchandise, debts, actions, or inheritance, to be good prize to them that could take them, &c.

This banishment and proscription the prince of Parma commaunded to bee published throughout all the townes of the king of Spaines obedience, by his letters written to the go∣uernors and the Prouinciall counsels.

This ignominious proscription which the king of Spaine made against the person of * 1.206 William of Nassau, prince of Orange, did not much aduance his affaires, as wee may see by the progresse of the hystorie. Many men of great qualitie, that were Neuters, and good [ E] Catholikes, did wonder much to see the prince of Parma cause it to bee published and prin∣ted, seeing that he could not passe without an answere, which would touch both the king of Spaine and him to the quicke: For as soone as the prince of Orange had seene a coppie thereof, hee made an Apologie, the which hee caused to bee printed in diuers seuerall lan∣guages, and did dedicat and present it to the generall Estates of the countries of the Nether∣lands, assembled in the towne of Delft, vpon the thirteenth day of December, to whom he submitted his authoritie, life and goods, and made them judges of his seruice and answere, whereof I will make a briefe recitall.

Touching the point of ingratitude, wherewith hee doth charge him, for his aduance∣ment * 1.207 to the succession of his cousin Rene of Chalon, prince of Orange, hee said, That [ F] therein hee was not bound neither to the emperour, nor to the king of Spaine, for that hee was his fathers brothers sonne, and that hee might giue him his lands in Bour∣goigne, and the principalitie of Orange, by his last will and testament, according to the

priuiledges of Burgoigne, called the French countie, whereas they may freely giue their lands [ A] by testament to whom they please, and yet the said king Philip detained them from him, wher∣in * 1.208 he had beene wronged to the value of two millions of gulderns.

He also complained of the sentence giuen against him for the seigniory of Chasteaubellin, the arrerages whereof amounted to 3 hundred and fiftie thousand gulderns. And touching the principalitie of Orange, he said, That no man had any thing to say thereunto, for that hee held it of no prince whatsoeuer, but was his owne freely, without any superiour soueraigne: and that in regard of that principalitie hee had no need of any princes friendship and fauour, but of the king of France.

Then he shewed what seruices his predecessors of the house of Nassau had done to the * 1.209 house of Austria. First, cont Engelbert his great vncle, with the baron of Roemont, wonne the [ B] battel of Guynegast, for the emperour Maximilian, with many other great and notable seruices.

Then followed his vncle Henrie of Nassau, who in a manner had planted the imperiall dia∣dem vpon the emperour Charles his head, he beeing absent in Spaine, and the princes electors making often motion to send for the king of France, to make him emperour; wherein hee was such an iustrument, as Charles inioyed that dignitie: whereof there could no tokens of thank∣fulnes be shewed on Spaines behalfe, as other kings and princes had done, and were yet to bee seene by some peeces of ordnance which the king of Hongarie had giuen to his ancestors, as a testimonie of their valour and seruice against the Turke, the which were forcibly taken out of their house in Breda, by the duke of Alua.

After him followed prince Rene, who restored the losse which the emperour Chales the fift [ C] had sustained by the ouerthrowe of an armie, and recouered him the duchie of Gueldres, and in the end died at his feet in his seruice.

Saying moreouer, that prince Philibert of Chalon, had alone in a maner gotten him the du∣chy of Milan, and the kingdom of Naples, and with the duke of Bourbon assured him Rome, keeping the pope prisoner.

And whereas he proclaimed him to be a villaine, and a traitour, he desired him to tell what villaines, and who they were, at whose commaundement the cardinall Granuelle should haue poisoned the emperour Maximilian the second: and that he knew what the said emperor had said vnto him, and how that he after that time had so much respected the king and the Spani∣ards, [ D] as he durst not after that make profession of the reformed religiō, which he notwithstan∣ding held to be the best.

Touching the gouernments, honours, and titles, which had beene giuen him by the empe∣rour and the king, he said, they had beene exceeding chargeable vnto him, hauing spent aboue an hundred and fiftie thousand florins, without any recompence; and that beeing generall of the armie, he receiued but three hundred gulderns the moneth, which was not sufficient for them that pitched his tents.

Touching the order of the Golden Fleece, he faith, That he had beene chosen by the chap∣ter * 1.210 of the said order, & that he was most beholding to the brothers of that order for the same. Saying moreouer, That the king himselfe was fallen from that dignitie, in that he had broken the oath which he had taken, by the death of the earles of Egmont and Horne, the marquesse [ E] of Berghes, and baron of Montigny, all knights, whose proces ought not to haue been iudged but by the knights of the same order, as had beene seene in Philip duke of Burgoignes time, by Iohn lord of Luxembourg.

And for that he was of the counsel of state, he said, That he had often refused it, but that the * 1.211 cardinall of Granuelle and others, had laboured to haue him called, onely to assist them with his authoritie with the people.

And whereas his mariage with the ladie Charlotte of Bourbon was obiected vnto him as * 1.212 dishonourable, in respect of her profession: he answeres, That the duke of Montpenser her fa∣ther [ F] (a prince who was an earnest Romish Catholike) was very wel pleased therewith; and in like manner all the princes allied to his second wife, had giuen their consents: neither had he concluded the said mariage rashly, nor without good premeditation, the which (although she were an abbesse) was held lawfull, by the opinions and iudgements of learned diuines and lawyers, and therefore no iust cause why the king of Spaine should take any exception a- 〈2 pages missing〉〈2 pages missing〉

cepted. He complained of the reuolting of the male-content Wallons, who had taken vpon [ A] them to make warre against their vnited friends, contrarie to their oths, & at such a time, when * 1.213 the forreine souldiers and the enemie should haue beene driuen out of the countrey, and the * 1.214 towne of Mastricht releeued. He likewise complained of the reuolted noblemen and gentle∣men, who being descended of noble houses and antient families, should discouer their light∣nesse and inconstancie: First, seruing the duke of Alua, and the great Commander, like merce∣narie slaues, and making warre against him, after that they reconciled themselues vnto him, and became enemies to the Spaniards. When Dom Iohn came into the countrey they followed him, serued him, and practised the princes ruine. Dom Iohn hauing failed of his enterprise at Antuerpe, they forsake him, and call in the prince, whom presently they abandon againe, and without any counsell or aduice send in all hast for the arch duke Mathias, whom they present∣ly [ B] left, and without his priuitie called in the duke of Aniou, promising him wonders. But see∣ing they could not persuade him to be their head against the Estates, and them of the religion, they forsake him, and ioyne with the prince of Parma and their enemies, whose counsellors they had so long held prisoners, which shewed their lightnesse and inconstancie.

Whereas they obiected, That he had made himselfe to be chosen by force and tumult go∣uernor of Brabant, he shewed, that he had refused it, and that in regard of the lieutenant gene∣rals place, he would not accept thereof, without the consent of the commanders that were in the armie, which they sent him signed vnder their hands: The gouernment of Flanders he al∣so refused, notwithstanding the instance that was made vnto him by the foure members of the countrey. [ C]

And whereas this proscription found the vnion of Vtrecht of very hard disgestion, he said, There was no better remedie against the disunion of the male-contents, than this vnion, and no surer antidote against the poyson of discord, than concord: Confessing, that he had procu∣red, aduanced, and sought to entertaine it. As touching the receit of money, hee said, he neuer medled therewith. And the rest of the accusations, as the chasing away of the nobilitie, hypo∣crisie, distrust, and the offers that were made him, being of lesse importance, he refuted. At the last he came to the sentence of banishment, saying, That al those stormes of thunder and light∣ning, did not amaze him, and that if any Spaniard or other affected to them, of what qualitie or condition soeuer, had said, or should say, as this infamous proscription had published, that he is a traitor and a villaine, had spoken falsely, and against the truth: And although the vse of [ D] water and fire was forbidden him, yet he would vse the same so long as God should giue him leaue. And touching the twentie fiue thousand crownes, with recompence of gentry and par∣don for all offences, promised to him that should attempt to murder or poyson him, hee said, That he doubted not, but God had and would preserue him, so long as he pleased: wherin his enemies had shewed their basenesse, that not able to vanquish him by the due course of arms, they seeke dishonourably to murder or poison him. And although hee feared it not, yet if it should so happen (which he hoped God would not permit) he said, there was not so meane a gentleman to be found in any nation, where they knew what belonged to gentrie, that would eat and conuerse with such a wicked and infamous villaine, as had murdered any man for money: And that if the Spaniards esteemed such for gentlemen, and that men by such [ E] meanes were aduanced to honour in Castile, he said, That it was no maruel if all the world be∣leeued, that the most part of the Spaniards (especially those that held themselues nobles and gentlemen) descended from the Moores and Iews, and obserue that good qualitie, as ingraf∣ted in them from their forefathers, that betrayed our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ, and gaue Iudas money to deliuer him vnto them, that they might crucifie him: For which cause he said, he would beare that misfortune the more patiently, if it so fell out. Wherefore hee gaue the States to vnderstand, that their peace and quiet depended vpon his death: for that so long as hee was among them, their warres should neuer haue end, and therefore he wished that his death might free them from the miseries which his life procured, the which should be a sweet and acceptable death vnto him. That for their cause hee had suffered his lands and goods to [ F] be taken from him, lost his brethren, yea and his sonne, and yet hee desired to purchase their freedome and libertie with his bloud, and that if they thought it fit and conuenient, they should presently command the same: saying, That his head was readie, ouer which no prince nor potentat had any command, but onely they, whereof they might dispose as it pleased

them, for their welfare. But if they thought good still to vse him, and his experience, woon [ A] by continuall toile and trauell, together with his life and goods, hee was desirous to imploy * 1.215 himselfe in theirs and the Netherlands seruice, wherein he desired their resolution.

Whereunto the generall Estates vpon the seuenteenth of December, made answer, as fol∣loweth. * 1.216 The generall Estates hauing not long since seene a certaine proscript made and publi∣shed by the enemie, against your Excellencies person, whereby they seeke to charge you with some slanderous and vnworthy crimes, thereby to bring you into hatred, as if by vnlawfull meanes and practises your Excellencie should haue sought the dignities and gouernments

which you now enioy: and withal abandoning your person as a prey to them that would be∣reaue you of your life, and thereby depriue you of your honour: Hauing in like sort seene the answer made thereunto by your Excellencie, wee find, That for as much as concerneth the [ B] Netherlands, it is plaine and manifest, that the aforesaid crimes, and false imputations, are vn∣iustly laid vpon you. And touching the place of Lieutenant generall, & the particular gouern∣ments which your Excellencie now enioyeth, that a lawful choice and election being made of you, you would not haue accepted thereof, but at our earnest intreaties and desires, and haue still continued therein at our requests, with the full consent and liking of the countrey, seeking the same at your Excellencies hands, with intreatie still to continue and hold the same, promi∣sing all helpe, aid, and assistance, not sparing any of their meanes, together with all obedience vnto your Excellencie. And for that the said Estates are well & sufficiently assured of your Ex∣cellencies good and true seruice done vnto the Netherlands, and which from henceforth they expect and attend of you, they offer and present vnto your Excellencie a cornet of horsemen, [ C] for the better safetie and guard of your person, desiring you to accept thereof from them, who acknowledge themselues bound to defend and preserue you. And for that which concerneth the said Estates, and wherein they find themselues taxed by the said proscription, they are re∣solued with the first opportunitie to iustifie themselues. Giuen in Delft, &c.

This answer being printed in diuers tongues, was sent to all the princes of Europe, to iusti∣fie himselfe of the accusations laid vpon him in the said proscription, and to shew who had bin the first motiue and the cause of the troubles in the Netherlands.

This yeare died Frederick Schencke of Tautenbergh, bishop of Vtrecht, beeing president of the chamber at Spiers, who in the yeare 1559 succeeded Iordan van Egmont, in the said bishop∣ricke, and was the 61 bishop of Vtrecht: Which bishops had gouerned that countrey 884 [ D] yeares, from anno 696 till anno 1580. This Frederick was a man of great learning, as doth ap∣peare by his writings.

The eight and twentieth of December died Gerard of Grosbeke cardinall, bishop and prince of Liege, who (contrarie to the disposition of the Liegeois) had openly defended the Spanish faction. Some thought he died of griefe, for that the countrey would not yeeld to the contribution which he demaunded. The Estates would haue had some prince aduanced, who had beene better affected to their partie, and aboue all the archduke Mathias, who was then in the Netherlands, whereunto they recommended him, but the partisans of Spaine car∣ried it by voyces for Ernest, sonne to the duke of Bauaria, bishop of Fresingen, who had be∣fore laboured to haue the bishopricke and electorship of Cologne, the which hee had, toge∣ther [ E] with the Postulat of Munster, with other great dignities: So as we may truely say, That the said Ernest is at this day one of the greatest prelats in Christendome.

In Nouember past, colonell Balfour, generall of the Scots that were vnder the States ser∣uice, being in garrison at Bruges in Flanders, went forth with a troupe of horse, and set vp∣on in the village of Wassenare (in Franc of Bruges) certaine light horsemen of the prince of Parmaes, the which hee defeated: but succours comming, Balfour, who had but threescore horse, after that hee had fought valiantly, was defeated and slaine, but not without great slaughter of the Spaniards. His bodie was carried to Bruges, and honourably interred. Hee was much lamented for the good seruices which hee had done in Flanders: neither died hee poore. His wife was brought in bed soone after in the same towne. [ F]

In the beginning of May, the deputies of the prouinces of the Netherlands, that were sent into Fraunce to the duke of Aniou, returned backe againe, hauing made choyce of him for their soueraigne Lord, although some articles of the contract were not fully agreed vpon, as that the king for his brothers sake shold make war against the king of Spain, which the Estates

did much desire, with some others. But the duke found many in France, that did crosse his [ A] proceedings therein, beeing of the Spanish faction: for which cause about this time he made * 1.217 a declaration, and putting it in print, he sent it to all the courts of parliament of France, shew∣ing his firme and constant resolution, touching the defence and freeing of the Netherlands from troubles, shewing, how honorable it was, and what profit it might bring to the kingdom and crowne of Fraunce.

About this time there was an enterprise discouered in Brussels, by a miller, which carried letters, who being put to the racke, and tortured, accused the seigniour of Haussy, and his wife, of certaine practises, for the which they were committed to close prison, with the lady of Waerdenburch, sister to the said ladie, and others: who were soone after released, except the said lord of Haussy, who continued for a time in prison, with doctour Cornet. But afterwards by the meanes of the seigniour of Timpel, gouernour of the towne, who marri∣ed [ B] the said ladie of Waerdenburch, the seignior of Haussy was set at libertie, and went for a time into France.

And not long after there was an vprore begun and made by meanes of a preaching monke (that had been banished out of Gant) called Anthony Ruyskenueldt, who seruing there in a cer∣taine parish, by meanes of his preaching he drew diuers adherents vnto him, who laboured to frustrat and disannull the good resolution which the Estates had taken for their protection and defence, some of them hauing before consented to the enterprise made by the earle of Eg∣mont, and of others, as of doctor Ioos Butkens, Andreas Anderlech, the lord and lady of Haussie, and Iohn Cob an English man, who not long before had bin hanged and quartered in the said [ C] towne. For which cause the magistrat of Brussels sought diuers secret means to get that monk out of the towne, but all in vaine: at the last he being more and more suspected, it was resolued that he should by some means or other be forced to depart: which comming to his know∣ledge, he and his adherents caused a great number of people to assemble together before the gouernors house, which seditiously cried out, That they being Catholikes, neither could nor would endure, that their peacher should be driuen out of the towne, saying, That they would sooner suffer themselues to bee cut in peeces, with many such words more: but for that time they were pacified with faire words: but in the afternoone the magistrat being come thither, they began another great outcry amongst them, and in great rage they began to plucke vp the stones in the street, and made a great vprore with their weapons and the stones, the Amptman [ D] hauing a hatchet throwne at his head: but the garrison, and the well affected bourgers arming themselues, the vprore ceased. And after that, further information being taken therein, it was found, that diuers seditious enterprises had bin practised & inuented in the cloisters, vnder pre∣tence of going to masse, as also at the like assemblies of the said seditious preacher Anth. Ruys∣kenueldt; for which cause, by full consent of the townes men and members of the same, they caused the said Ruyskenueldt and some of his adherents to depart out of the town: determining further, to shut vp the cloisters and the churches, that no more such violences should bee vsed by such tumults, as also that by authoritie of the magistrats, all the images in euery place of the towne, should bee broken downe, and that the best part of them should bee sold with most aduantage, towards the charges of the towne, and the reliefe of the poore. [ E] Whereupon a proclamation beeing made, shewing the abuses and dangerous practises of the Papists within the towne, it was decreed by the Amptman and magistrats of the * 1.218 saide towne, for the peace, vnion, and securitie of the said towne, not to permit, nor al∣low of the exercise of the Romish religion, in any church or chappell of the same; and that therfore it should wholly be suspended & forbidden, vntill that other order should be ta∣ken in the causes concerning the said town & the country, and that therin they should follow the necessitie of the time, as they of the aforesaid Romish religion, certain yeres past, vpon smal occasions, had forbidden the exercise of the reformed religion, & namely in an. 1566, and ma∣ny times after, & for many other causes, which the aforesaid magistrats thought not conueni∣ent as then to be declared. The said magistrats therfore command, that euery man shal gouern [ F] himselfe according to their resolution aforesaid: and that euery one should behaue himselfe peaceably, without vpbraiding or crossing one another, for any forepassed action, in what sort soeuer it had been done, for that the magistrats by their said proclamation did decree, a gene∣rall forgetting and forgiuing of all actions on both sides, receiuing and taking euerie one, of

what religion soeuer they were, into their safegard and protection, except three or foure that [ A] were the chiefe motiues of the last tumult of Ruyskenueldt aforesaid. And if, after that, any * 1.219 man were found to haue proceeded against any part of the said ordinance, wherby the com∣mon peace of the said towne, as also the authoritie of the said magistrats might bee hindered or disturbed, they should bee punished as common breakers of the peace, and enemies to the welfare of the towne. And that noman might pretend ignorance therein, the said magi∣strats had appointed the same to bee published. Dated in Brussels the first of May, in the yeare 1581.

In the end of May captaine Iames of Rensy (hauing first acquainted them of Ypre in Flan∣ders with his enterprise) surprised the castle of Douxlieu, vpon the riuer of Lys, neere to Este∣res, belonging to the seigniour of Vendeuille, whereof hee was made gouernor by the foure [ B] members of Flanders, the which he fortified against them of Arthois, and the Chastileine of Lille, which did much trouble them in their nauigation vpon the said riuer: so as in the end la Motte went to besiege it with foure peeces of ordnance, and the place was yeelded vnto him vpon hard termes, the said Rensy going forth (not without great feare) after that he had seene seuen or eight of his souldiers hanged, who before had held the Spanish partie, hee him∣selfe doubting that he should not haue so well escaped.

The 7 of Iune M. Iohn Scheyf knight, chancellor of Brabant, died in Antuerpe, hauing a little before his death resigned his place to the seignior of Lysueldt, counsellor of State. He left a lit∣tle booke, in forme of an Apologie, which he had written for his iustification, against the slan∣derous and infamous letters written against him by the cardinall Granuelle. [ C]

In the same moneth they of Gant had an enterprise vpon Lille, thinking (with the helpe of some intelligence which they had) to surprise it earely in a morning with bridges and ladders: but they were discouered too soone, and all their designe turned into smoke: for the which one Iohn Drumez, a notable merchant of the said towne, was accused, with some others: Drumez being found guiltie by his own confession, was beheaded, others were hanged, and some lesse guiltie were banished.

About the same time there was beheaded at Mons in Henault, M. Iohn Gilles, register of the king of Spaines Exchequer, a reuerent old man, hauing a little before resigned his place to Cronendal his sonne in law. Hee was accused to haue written letters to them of Brussels, aduertising them of some designe which the prince of Parma might haue vpon their [ D] towne.

The warre was mannaged somewhat strangely at that time in Brabant, for want of disci∣pline and good pay: whereupon the Scottish men did mutine at Viluoerden, chasing away their colonell Stuart, so as they had much adoe to pacifie and content them. The like happe∣ned in the fort of Villebrouk, the which they could by no meanes appease, so as in the end they were forced to bring the canon from Antuerpe. The like fell out at Berghen vpon Soom, so as for want of money the Estates and the prince of Orange had so smal authoritie and com∣mandement ouer the men of warre, as it was a pitie to see. And although the king of Spaines souldiers were not much better paid, yet was he better obeied, for that hee endured the inso∣lencies and oppressions which they committed in all places where they came, as well in the [ E] champian countrey, as in good townes, and in their garrisons, without any respect, which on the other side was the cause that inhabitants went away, towns were vnpeopled, and all trades of merchandise and traffique decayed. True it is, that there came great aboundance of treasure out of Spaine for the king, as well in readie money, as by letters of exchange: but it came but slowly, and with great charge, besides that the warre which hee had in Portugall to assure that kingdome, was of an excessiue charge: Wherefore as the meanes were small of either part, it made them of Brabant, Flanders, and Friseland, to maintain themselues with small means, and small forces, all the yeare 1581.

In May some troupes of base Flaunders, vnder the commaund of colonell Moriant, borne at S. Omer, hauing an enterprise vpon some places of Arthoys, demaunded passage by [ F] Menreuille, a great Borough vpon the riuer of Lys, confining vpon the countrey of La∣leuwe three leagues from Bethune; the which being too indiscreetly refused, they forced a passage by the sword, the towne was spoiled, and then burnt, and some which had saued them∣selues in a church, were there rosted. You may see what the wilfulnesse of fiftie or sixtie men

preuailed to defend a turnpike or a paltrie barricadoe, against fiue or six hundred men, which [ A] was the cause that goodly and rich place was quite spoyled. Those troupes passing on by * 1.220 the village of Wattou (their designe vpon Arthois beeing discouered by their long stay at Menreuille) where they thought to force some souldiers of the male-contents, which had fortified themselues in a church, hearing that succours both of horse and foot came vnto them, they abandoned it, marching towards Dixmuyden, where they were pursued and o∣uertaken, before they could recouer the towne, so as they were charged and put to rout, and some were burnt in a barne, whither they had retired themselues with their horses: so the bur∣ners were themselues burnt.

The male-contents in Iune seized vpon the castle of Baerle in Campeigne, which * 1.221 they caused to bee fortified by the neighbour villages, they lodged in the meane time at [ B] Hoochstraten, and Tournhout, vpon the passage of Breda. The seigniour of Stakenbroeke, gouernour o•…•… Breda, deuised how hee might take it againe, and to that end went to besiege it with some troupes, and two peeces of artillerie: but he had not made fortie shot for a triall, to see if they would yeeld or not, and seeing no shew thereof, he retired.

After that, the Estates of Brabant sent the seigniour of la Gard, a French colonell, with his cornet of horse, and foure or fiue hundred foot to seize vpon the castels of Hoochstraten, and Tournhout, the one he tooke by composition, the other by force, which made them of Baerle quit the place and burne it. La Gard marched from thence towards Tillebourg, and Lhoon opt sandt, which he tooke in like sort with Osterhout, and other forts thereabouts, ho∣ping to make some good attempt vpon Eindouen, and Boisleduc. He began now to aduance, [ C] whereupon the prince of Parma sent the lord of Hautepenne and colonell Schenck, with his horsemen, where there were some skirmishes: but Hautepenne and Schenck returned to Boi∣slleduc, to attend a designe, which they had vpon Breda, as followeth.

Charles of Gaure, knight, baron of Fresin, afterwards earle of Beaurieu, brother to the seig∣niour of Iuchy, gouernour of Cambray, had beene generall of the Vitailes, and of the coun∣sell of the generall Estates; who for some intelligence he had with the Spaniards, was put in prison. First hee was sent to the Ramekins in Zeeland, and afterwards was brought to the castle of Breda: In the end being tired with his long imprisonment, he began to deuise some meanes for his deliuerie, and seeing his guard not to be verie great, nor yet the whole garri∣son of the castle, with the which in time hee was growne familiar, by little and little hee cor∣rupted [ D] fiue or six of them, whereof some hauing beene prisoners with the Spaniard, to pro∣cure their speedie deliuerie, and good cheape, had promised to doe him some good seruice in the towne or castle of Breda. These souldiers beeing thus woon, the baron of Fresin sent word to the seigniour of Hautepenne of all their designe: whereupon a day was appointed on the seuen and twentieth of Iune, to put it in execution. These souldiers had giuen them notice of a certaine reparation that was made in the rampar of the castle, where they might mount on foot. The time appointed was the verie day when these souldiers should bee in * 1.222 guard, when as Hautepenne and Schencke failed not to come before the castle, to the very place appointed. Then these souldiers drew the rest of their companions to play at dice within their Corps de gard, whilest that one of them went to see if the troupes were arriued, and to shew [ E] them the passage, so as all together fell vpon the sentinels, and chased away the guard, whilest that the others mounted vp the rampar, and by that meanes became masters of the castle, and the next day they fell vpon the towne. The bourgers sought to fortifie themselues with bar∣ricadoes, against the castle, so as the fight continued foure or fiue howers: but the artillerie did so annoy them of the towne, as they were forced to giue it ouer: The youth of the town behaued themselues valiantly. Godfrey Montis the bourgmaster was hurt, yet he found means to get to horsebacke, and so to escape, and so did the gouernour Stakenbroeck, lea•…•…ing his wife and daughter in the castle, who were vnworthily intreated, which caused him to die soone after for griefe. The towne was spoyled. The States men heard not of this surprise vntil the next day, when it was too late, and all was woon. [ F]

Thus the baron of Fresin procured his owne libertie, and the seigniour of Hautepenne got the towne and castle of Breda at an easie rate, from whence soone after he made an enter∣prise vpon the townes of Gheertruyden-bergh, and Heusden, but yet hee fayled in both.

A while after, they of Brabant (to haue their reuenge) layed an ambush vpon Boisleduc, [ A] a rich and a mightie towne, farre better than Breda. The chiefe and conductor of this enter∣prise, * 1.223 was Doctor Iunius, bourgomaster of Antuerpe: but finding some difficultie for want of horsemen, it proued fruitlesse: yet for that they would returne with some exploit, hauing taken vpon the way a souldier of the garrison of Eindouen, a little towne of Campaigne, hee went thither and tooke the towne, in the which he tooke the captaine of the castle, whom hee threatened to kill, and in the view of his souldiers offered him some violence, so as by that meanes he forced them to yeeld him the castle, in the which there were two companies of foot and a cornet of horse, which for the most part were stripped. This done, he marched to Helmont, which he tooke also, but he could not get the castle: the earle of Hohenlo arriued there also with some troupes, who tooke certaine forts about Boisleduc: this done, they of [ B] Brabant returned to their garrisons. Then were the regiments of la Gard a Frenchman, and Stuart a Scottishman, sent into Flanders, to keepe the malecontents occupied, whilest that the duke of Aniou should be busied about the victualling of the towne and citadel of Cambray: so as that quarter of Brabant in Campaigne was vnfurnished of souldiers for the States, wher∣by * 1.224 the Seignior of Hautepenne and the earle of Mansfield had good meanes to go & besiege Eindouen without any contradiction, the which they tooke againe with small toile, the town and castle being not fully victualled as it was intended.

In the moneth of May, the thirteene occupations and the sixe sworne companies of An∣tuerpe fearing some vprore amongst the people, and that they would attempt something a∣gainst their Images, desired the magistrates, that they might take away the costly tables or pi∣ctures, [ C] that euery one of them had standing before their altars, and many others, which had beene saued, at the first breaking downe of the Images; the which (for that they were very costly pieces, and made by the best workmen) was granted, so it might be done without scan∣dale. For which cause, they shutting the Church dores, brake downe their owne altars, being nineteene in number, and tooke downe the pictures, and yet there remained three and twenty more, which for a time continued in that sort, vntill the colonels and captaines of the towne fearing, that their enemies (vnder pretence of free exercise of their Religion) would attempt something to the preiudice of the towne, made sute vnto the magistrates, That the exercise of the Romish Catholicke Religion might not be allowed: which the magistrates for a long time denied, vntill they heard newes of the losse of Breda: for which cause (to please the [ D] common people) they forbad the exercise of the Romish Religion, and vpon the thirteenth of Iuly made a proclamation within the towne of Antuerpe, the contents thereof beeing as followeth.

Whereas the bourgomasters and Schepen of Antuerpe, with the aduice of the colonels, * 1.225 captaines, and deanes of the six sworne guilds or companies of the towne, for the quietnesse and safetie of the same (the care whereof, by the common counsell of the towne, is commit∣ted vnto the said magistrats &c.) haue found it fit and conuenient, by prouision, to forbid the exercise of the Romish Religion. Wherefore in the name of the Scout, bourgomasters, and Schepen aforesaid, it is commaunded, That no man whatsoeuer he be, shall take vpon him, within the liberties of the said towne, to say any masse either publickely or priuately, neither [ E] yet to heare it, nor to suffer any other exercises thereof to be done, onely baptizing, marrying, and visiting of the sicke excepted, and that without any great assembly, as also that they shall burie their dead without any ceremonies, and that onely in respect of the bourgers and in∣habitants of the towne, and the liberties of the same, without permission of the same to any stranger whatsoeuer, comming or trafficquing in the same, whereof euery captain in his quar∣ter shall haue the ouersight: and for the exercise of baptizing and marrying, they of the afore∣said Romish Religion should haue two places appointed them for the same, as the chappell of Gr•…•…ian, and the chappell of the hospitall of the virgin Mary, in the Churchyard street: and for the executing of the same, there should be six peaceable spirituall persons chosen, which should be sworne vnto the magistrats, to follow and obserue that Ordnance, without fayling [ F] therein, vpon forfeiture of a hundred crownes, to the benefit of the poore, by them which should seeke to doe any thing to the contrarie, or else to be otherwise punished, as it should be thought meet and conuenient. And furthermore, That all persons, both spirituall and temporall, that since the eight and twentieth of Iuly last past haue gone out of this towne, or

any other of our vnited places, although that vpon some especiall occasion they were come [ A] againe and remayned there, should within foure and twentie houres depart and retyre them∣selues * 1.226 out of the liberties of the towne, and Marquisite of the same, and not returne againe, vnlesse it were with expresse libertie and consent of the aforesaid magistrates, and others, ap∣pointed to take knowledge thereof, vpon the paine aforesaid. Also, that all others (vnlesse it be the English nation) that within the space of foure yeares last past had come out of any of the vnited townes, or other forreine places, to inhabite in the said towne of Antuerpe, should depart out of the same, vnlesse that within foureteene dayes then next ensuing (according to the distance of the places) they brought lawfull and commendable testimonials or certificats (in their behalfes) made by the magistrats or consistories, from whence they last came: which they shall shew first to the captaine and weekemasters, in the quarters where they shall dwell: [ B] and if any doubt arise therein, they should addresse themselues vnto the magistrates and colo∣nels of the said towne, vpon paine aforesaid. Forbidding also euery man, vpon like paine, to lodge or harbour any such persons in their houses. We also forbid all those, that resort or are conuersant among the Spaniards and Italians (those onely excepted that are subiect vnto the guard of the said towne) not to keepe any long weapons, nor short pieces in their houses, but to sell the same, or otherwise to deliuer them, vpon assurance of restitution, into the hands of the captains of the quarters, where they vse to keep, hauing onely their rapiers and poyniards, which they likewise shall not weare in the streets, vpon pain of forfeiture of the said weapons, which shall be taken from them, onely by the captaines or officers vnder whom they dwell: also that no stranger, nor such as are not resident, shall beare any long weapons nor pistols, but [ C] shall leaue them in their lodgings vntill their departures, vnlesse it were with consent of the captaine vnder whome they doe lodge, vpon paine of forfeiture of the sayd wea∣pons.

The Prince of Parma (this yeare) thought to haue made a certaine enterprise vpon Fles∣singue, * 1.227 which was practised by Dom Bernardin de Mendosa, embassadour for the king of Spain in England, who by meanes of certaine of his Netherland seruants, and one Bouch•…•…ert an ad∣uocat, had secretly dealt with certaine Netherland sea captaines, who promised to employ themselues to deliuer him the towne of Flessingue: but secretly they made it knowne vnto the prince of Orange (whose instructions they followed) treating so farre as Dom Bernardin de Mendosa, payed some fiue or sixe thousand gulderns to the said captaines, one of the sayd [ D] captaines leauing his young sonne as an hostage with Mendosa in London. The practise was, That those captaines lying with their shippes of warre (whereof they had command) before the head of Flessingue, should suffer certaine shippes laden with malecontents to goe into the towne, that vnder colour of some other action should lye readie thereabouts. The day being appointed, they of Flessingue secretly reenforced their garrison, thereby to welcome their e∣nemies, and made themselues readie, with all aduantage: meane time the prince of Orange sent his secretarie Christopher Huges into England, to get the captaines sonne, eyther by fayre or foule meanes, out of Dom Bernardin de Mendosa his hands (which the aforesaid captain by the princes aduice had deliuered to the embassadour in hostage, for the assurance of his pro∣mise) the which he should worke about the same time that the enterprise was to bee effected, [ E] so as the boy might not by that meanes bee stayed there. Huges beeing in London, found meanes (by the helpe of one of the princes halberdiers, as the boy stood at the embassadours gate) to take him away, and presently conueyed him from thence, notwithstanding that the embassadour and his men began to make great stirre about it, but the boy could no where be found. And although the deliuering of the boy fell out well, yet the prince of Parma his men came not thither at the day appointed, fearing least their enterprise had bin discouered, by the imprisonment of the lady of Haussy, who about that time was committed prisoner in Brussels, whome they knew to bee acquainted therewith, and feared that shee might re∣ueale it.

This yeare, about the same time that this enterprise aforesaid should haue beene attemp∣ted [ F] against Flessingue, the lordship of Flessingue and the Marquisite of Campeuere belon∣ging to Maximilian of Bourgoigne, lord of Beueren, were sold by a decree of the Prouinciall court of Holland and Zeeland, for the payment of his debts, hee beeing dead without issue, and were bought by the prince of Orange for 44600 gulderns, which the towne of An∣tuerpe

would willingly haue bought, but the bargaine was the rather granted to the prince of [ A] Orange, that Zeeland might haue him for their protector, who by his will gaue them vnto his * 1.228 sonne Maurice.

Many other exploits were done about this time in the Netherlands, as in Friseland, where the prince of Orange had beene in the month of Aprill, being come from Amsterdam (wher∣as the generall Estates were to assemble about the accepting of the duke of Aniou for their so∣ueraign lord) and in the way had visited Harlingen and Leuerden, and appointed Sonoy with two companies of souldiers to lodge in the towne of Staueren, against the castle wherein Rei∣nard Dekema lay, and held it for the earle of Renenbergh with some 170 men; where Sonoy made certaine mounts, with high rampars or parapets, keeping them within the castle from comming to the wals with their musket shot, for that they had no ordnance within the castle: [ B] but Dekema hauing made the wals vp againe both high and very thicke, he could do nothing to it, before that with six peeces of ordnance (whereof one Thomas Bothe was gunner) he had beat down their rampars, & had caused the pioners to fill vp the ditches, and began to vnder∣mine the wall, so as he forced them within to parle: but Dekema refusing to accept of the con∣ditions, * 1.229 his souldiers compelled him thereunto, and deliuered him and eighteene Friselanders more prisoners to Sonoy the rest were suffered freely to depart. This castle had the wall next vnto the towne throwne downe againe, and presently thereupon Sonoy caused the town to be fortified.

This towne of Staueren is very auncient, and in times past was a lordship, very rich and mightie, a great towne of marchandise, and the chiefe in all those Northerne parts, with a very [ C] good and a spacious hauen, but now filled vp with sand: it had great commaund, euen as farre Nimmeghen, as it appeareth by an authenticke writing grauen ouer the gate of the castle of Nimmeghen, whereas yet is to be seene in old letters this inscription, Hucus{que} ius Stauriae, that is, Thus farre stretcheth the iurisdiction of the towne of Staueren, and in another place, Hic fi∣nitur regnum Stauriae, that is, Here endeth the dominion of Staueren.

Staueren in times past was so mighty, as in Anno 1345 with the aid of the Frisons, vpon the 26 of September they ouercame William earle of Henault with all his army, in Holland, hard by S. Odolf his cloyster, where the said earle with many of his men were slain, so that long after there were diuers dead mens bones (it being two hundred yeres since) found vnburied in that place: for which cause, in Anno 1545, Mary queene of Hungarie, the emperour Charles sister, [ D] and Regent in the Netherlands, caused all the dead bones thereabouts to be gathered vp, and sent to Staueren, where they were buried.

In May the earle of Renenberghs souldiers came out of great Auwart downe to the Ree∣diep, and thought to make a sconce vpon the water, to exclude the lord of Nyenuenoort from the sea: but he being aduertised therof, went to encounter them, & hauing laid an ambush, he charged & defeated them, slew and took a great number of them, & caried away some of their ensignes. After that, the lord of Nyenuenoort hauing receiued 2 moneths pay for his soldiers of the Estates of Friseland, vpō condition, that he should in the Estates name besiege great Au∣wart, he for that cause went & besieged it with diuers companies of souldiers, & brought ord∣nance before it to batter the fort: but the earle of Renenbergh being aduertised thereof, gathe∣red [ E] together all his forces from Myddelstum, & other places, the which they did rase & aban∣don, and so passing ouer the Reediep, hauing a new supply of 300 horse, he marched towards Auwart: which Nyenuenoort perceiuing, he was in mind to haue left the siege, but the most part of his captains were of a contrary opinion, wherein they committed a great error, for that placing the pesants of Friseland among their squadrons of souldiers, they for want of experi∣ence, as soone as the earle of Renenbergh came to charge, presently, without any blows giuen, leaped ouer the ditches with their long staues, & ran away, which put the rest into rout, euery one seeking to saue himself, the earle of Renenberghs forces following them, who took Haspe∣linus & Berenbroeks ensignes, captaine Stuper and Vischer being taken prisoners, but not many slaine. Many of them fled into the sconce of Auwerderziel, where the earle of Renenbergh [ F] gaue two furious charges, but he was forced to leaue it with great losse of his men: but com∣ming thither againe with the canon, and hauing battered it, and made a breach, after three as∣saults they forced it, killing all they found in it, where among the rest Schelto Iarges, a wise and a valiant captaine, was slaine.

The Friselanders presently after assembled the dispersed souldiers againe, so that Nynue∣noort [ A] being made strong with more souldiers, went to his fort of Winsum, but the earl of Re∣nenbergh * 1.230 comming before it with all his power, the fort being not yet finished, nor able to en∣dure the canon, he was constrained by his own men to parle with the earle, so as it was agreed that he should depart freely with bag and baggage, and leaue all his other forts. Nyenuenoort being thus ouerthrowne, the earle of Renenbergh was master all ouer the Ommelands, as far as Doccum.

In the meane time, the Estates to aid the lord of Nyenuenoort (although too late) appoin∣ted Sir Iohn Norris to be generall ouer certaine forces and with him eight companies of Sonoy his regiment, with some others, who being made stronger with the remainders of the broken companies, sought opportunitie to giue the earle of Renenbergh battaile, and as captaine [ B] Schul, with certaine souldiers, had taken Monikerziel fort, he tooke that from them, and forced the earle of Renenberghs troupes to goe out of the village in Gripskerke in battaile. Colonel Sonoy led the foreward, and began the charge coldly, by many skirmishes, vntill the rest came on, and charged in grosse, wherupon the Renenberghers fled, and were pursued till they came to Groning, with the losse of certaine ensignes, and seuen hundred of their men, besides many which were taken prisoners (and small losse to the victors) they tooke great store of their armes, which they that fled, were forced to cast away, and yet Sir Iohn Norris had no horsemen with him, but onely his owne cornet, whereby many of the Renenberghers saued their liues most by means of the ditches: there was also foure peeces of ordnance taken from them, and all their prouision. [ C]

The 23 of Iuly died George of Lalain, baron of Ville, earl of Renenbergh, brother to the earle of Hoochstraten, for griefe and sorrow of this defeat, although his sicknesse was not without some suspition of poyson: during his sicknes, he did often grieue and lament, that he had quit the Estates party, whereby he had drawne himselfe into such a laberynth, crying out often: O * 1.231 Groning, Groning, whereunto hast thou brought me, cursing the day▪ that he had euer seene it. The last 8 daies before his death, he exclaimed also vpon his sister Cornille of Lalain, forbidding hir to come in his sight, seeing that she had seduced him, and was the cause of his perdition. This earle of Renenbergh was sonne to the lord of Escornets gouernor of Guelderland for the em∣peror, who had to wife the daughter of the earle of Renenbergh, & afterwards by the successi∣on of his cousin became earle of Hoochstraten: as also the said George of Lalain succeeded after [ D] the death of Cont Herman his vncle by the mothers side, chanon of Cologne, to the said earl∣dome of Renenbergh. His elder brother, earle of Hoochstraten, was called Anthony of Lalain, a wise and valiant nobleman, who in the yere 1567 retired himselfe with the prince of Orange out of the Netherlāds, & was also banished by the duke of Alua, as we haue formerly shewed. He died of a shot in the foot, in the first voiage which the prince made with his army into these countries, leauing some children; among others, his eldest was also earle of Hoochstraten, who of the lady N. of Egmont, widow to the earle of Hennin, lord of Capres, left one son after his death. This earle of Renenbergh was a courteous nobleman, & well red in Greeke and Latin, a great louer of histories and of musicke, wherein he spent most of his time. He was an enemie to all tyrannie (although he committed that vild act in Groning, the which he afterwards re∣pented [ E] 1000 times) and a great obseruer of militarie discipline: he was withall very carefull to haue his souldiers duly paied. As for his religion, I will not meddle with it: but we may con∣iecture what the heart was, hauing red so many bookes of the learnedest Protestants, and had conuersed so long with them: but the feare of his mother, of the chanon his vncle (who had made him his heire) of the earle of Lalain his cousin, and of the persuasions of his sister, had made him to change his party, the which he often repented. Colonel Gaspar Verdugo succee∣ded him in the gouernment of Friseland and Groning.

The Estates of Flanders sent a little armie into the quarter of Ypre and Dixmuyden, vnder the commaund of the prince of Espinoy, whom they made generall, whereof the Seignior of Villers, before gouernour of Bouchain, was marshall of the campe, to make worke on that [ F] side for the prince of Parma, during the victualling of Cambray. But the Parmo is beeing stronger in horse than the Estates, he defeated some neere vnto Dixmuyden. In the mean time the prince of Espinoys mē that remained in garrison at Tournay, & in his gouernmēt of Tour∣nesis, gaue many affronts vnto their enemies in Henault, whom they annoyed all they could;

as in like manner the malecontents did, beeing lodged in the fort of Hauteriue, betwixt [ A] Tournay and Audenarde, from whence they did runne dayly to the ports of either towne; * 1.232 who at the same time defeated a rich conuoy of ninetie wagons (with all sorts of marchan∣dise) going to Antuerpe, and from thence to the fayre of Francfort, beeing guarded but by some few foot and fifteene horse onely. Of all these wagons there were about seuentie ta∣ken, the rest escaped. This vnfortunate incounter made many poore men, who went them∣selues to Gant and Antuerpe, to sell their marchandise, of the which there were some ta∣ken prisoners, who (besides all their losses) were hardly ransomed. Such encounters were made dayly on eyther side, whereby all traffique both in fayres and markets de∣cayed.

At that time the Estates had their armie encamped neere vnto the village of Loos, in the [ B] Chasteleine of Furnes in West-Flanders, in a commodious place, hauing but three thousand foot and eight hundred horse. The male contents thinking to rayse them from thence, went and encamped at Pont Rouard (called in Dutch Rousbrugghe) where they skirmished daily one with another: but seeing that they preuailed little, and got nothing but blowes, they reti∣red from thence with the losse of three hundred men, to go and ioine with the prince of Parma before Cambray, where they expected the French.

The Seignior of Iuchy, gouernour of Cambray, had beene forced (but with the consent of the Estates) to treat with the duke of Aniou, brother to the French king, who had sent him certaine French companies, led by the Seignior of Balaigni, bastard to Iohn of Monluc, bishop of Valence. On the other side, the prince of Parma and the Wallon neighbour pro∣uinces, [ C] fearing least the French should settle themselues, and lodge there, sought all meanes possible to dislodge them by faire meanes, money, secret practises and intelligences with their partisans within the towne; the which not succeeding, the prince thought to force them by necessitie and famine, and therefore built forts and made trenches at all the approches vn∣to the towne, as at Marquion, Creuecaeur, Vauchelle, and other places, by means whereof he would besiege them farre off by whole yeares, cutting off the victuals and munition, which before the French brought vnto them. So as in the end beeing annoyed with the said forts and trenches, and by the horsemen which scoured the plaines, those of the towne grew to want all things, but bread and salt especially; for, as much as would be contained in a wo∣mans thymble, would cost aboue a penny. For whose succours, the duke of Aniou, accor∣ding [ D] to his promise, made all the hast he could to leuie men ouer all Fraunce. But before he could effect it, he was constrained first to seeke to pacifie the quarrell that was in Fraunce, tou∣ching the entertaining of the fifth Edict of peace, which some of the Spanish faction did kin∣dle all they could, to crosse his designe.

The which being done, and the peace proclaymed in Fraunce, he assembled his armie a∣bout Chasteaudun, consisting of goodly troupes both of horse and foot, hauing the grea∣test part of the French nobilitie voluntaries, whom he had inuited to doe him this great and notable seruice; with the which were the old companies of men at armes, vnder the com∣maund of the lord of Bellegarde, all amounting to foure thousand horse and tenne thousand foot; the said duke marching with his artillerie in the head of his armie towards Cambray, [ E] being resolued to giue battaile to the prince of Parma, if hee would attend him. Among the chiefe of his armie there were the marquesse de Elbeuf, the earles of la Val, S. Aignan and his sonne Rochpot, Montgomery, and Vantadour, the Viconts of Tureine and la Guerche, the Vidame of Amiens, the lords of Feruaques, la Chastre, S. Luc, Dieu, la Mauvissi∣ere, and many others, with foure marshals of the campe, whereof Feruaques was the chiefe.

The Queene mother sought by entreaties and all other meanes to call backe her sonne (the duke of Aniou) from this expedition, and to hinder him from relieuing of Cambray: but he reiected all entreaties as inhumane, hauing promised the Estates not to fayle them in this extremitie, which made him to persist in his pretended enterprise. Some gaue it [ F] out, that the Spaniards sought to corrupt him with great gifts, that he might desist from his intended enterprise: and that many of the French nobilitie, through the presents which they had receiued, and large promises, grew into suspition to haue secret intelligence with the Spaniard.

King Philip hearing of the duke of Aniou his great preparations, supposing that such great [ A] troupes, beeing like vnto a royall armie, could not bee raysed without the kings consent, hee * 1.233 complained by his embassadour of his brothers great preparation, to aid and protect his re∣bellious subiects of the Netherlands, who were enemies of the true Religion, and of the faith of Christ, against their naturall prince, against the Catholicke faith, and against a king which was his kinsman and good f•…•…iend, hauing neuer giuen him any cause of so great a wrong; and therefore he could not beleeue, that so great forces could be gathered together, without the kings aid and consent: entreating him therefore, that seeing he had receiued no wrong from him, he would also forbeare to iniure a king that was his friend and kinsman. Answere was made vnto the embassadour, That the French king had neuer wronged, nor yet thought to wrong a king which was his friend and allie, neither was it fit for his greatnesse, who carrieth [ B] the name of most Christian, to seeke the ruine of the Catholicke faith, or not to oppose him∣selfe against them that should contradict it: That those armes were then raysed against the kings will, the which had beene so often turned to the wasting, spoyling, and ruine of misera∣ble Fraunce; and who would thinke that it had beene with the kings consent? neither could the king at this time frustrate his brothers resolutions, no more than when the Huguenots turned their armes against the bowels of the kingdome: That the king of Spaine should em∣ploy his forces against those disobedient and obstinate Frenchmen, and punish them as his owne rebels, the which should be very gratefull vnto him. And for that it seemed the French king feared, that vnder pretext of succouring of Cambray, his brother (the duke of Aniou) might turne his forces against Fraunce; or that the Spaniard (if he were victor) should break [ C] in vpon his frontiers, to be reuenged of these fuccours which the king had not hindered, hee gathered together thirtie companies of men at armes, and threescore ensignes of foot, and sent them to the frontiers of Picardie, to defend the confines of his kingdome against the fu∣rie and rashnesse of eyther partie that should ouercome. Whereupon the prince of Parma grew into great feare and iealousie at the approch of the kings troupes vnto the frontiers: but the French king sent him word, That he should not thinke that they were sent to attempt any thing against his person, but onely to secure the confines of his kingdome against the insolen∣cie of the troupes that should vanquish, that he might not leaue his subiects vpon the frontiers abandoned, for that all victories (how temperat and modest soeuer the generall be) are com∣monly insolent by the disorders of the souldiers. [ D]

With all this goodly traine (as aforesaid) the duke approched neere to Cambray the six∣teenth of August, on which day certaine yong noblemen of his armie being too farre aduan∣ced, were charged by the marquesse of Roubay, Vicont of Gant, generall of the prince of Parma his horse, who put them to rout, such as escaped running speedily to the body of their armie. At which encounter the Vicont of Tureine and the earle of Vancadour were taken prisoners. The prince of Parma (who was also neere vnto Cambray with all his forces) ma∣king shew that he would hinder the victualling thereof, presented himselfe in battaile the se∣uenteenth day with all his armie, where he stood six houres in the face of the French, as if he would haue fought with them, wherunto the said marquesse of Roubay did much persuade and importune him. The duke had no other conceit, but that he came to giue him battaile, [ E] causing his armie to aduance softly in good order, to receiue him, if he would seeke to stoppe his passage vnto the towne. But the prince seeing his resolution, hauing taken good view of his forces (like vnto the duke of Alua) being loth to hazard any thing, hee retyred (abando∣ning all his forts) to Valenciennes, where he encamped.

The next day (beeing the eighteenth of the moneth) the duke of Aniou marching still in good order, approched neere vnto the towne: where, hauing caused all the victu∣als and munition (which he had brought in great quantitie) to enter, after that hee had * 1.234 forced the Spanish armie to rise, he victualled it to the full, and entred himselfe in person, where he was triumphantly receiued with great ioy of all the people, and acknowledged protector of Cambray and Cambresis, held simply of the empire, the which in old time were [ F] wont to be neuters.

The twentieth of the moneth he tooke a solemne oath in the Cathedrall Church, and af∣terwards in the Towne-house, to gouerne and maintaine the said citie and countrey, and the citizens, bourgers and inhabitants thereof, in their auncient liberties, freedomes, and rights,

after which there was gold and siluer cast among the people. The one and twentieth day he [ A] departed from thence with all his armie, marching towards Arleux and Scluce, with an en∣tent * 1.235 to fight with the Spaniards, who retyred further into the countrey. Then he returned to besiege castle Cambresis, which yeelded by composition, hauing endured 219 canon shot. There went foorth three companies with their armes, and their matches out. At this siege, the Vicont of Touar was slaine, and the Seignior of Balaigne shot in the calfe of the legge.

The duke of Aniou being come thus farre, he was earnestly entreated by the generall E∣states and the prince of Orange to passe on, and to enter into the Netherlands, hauing a part * 1.236 of their armie in Flanders, vnder the commaund of the pri•…•…ce of Espinoy, and the regiments of la Garde and Stuart, all which should goe and ioyne with him: but Winter approching, [ B] and his armie consisting for the most part of voluntaries, and the best part of his horse, being the kings companies of men at armes, whereof he could not dispose at his pleasure, and with∣all, the nobilitie being at discord for the places of honour, there was no meanes to make them yeeld thereunto, the voluntaries and men at armes retyring home to their houses: yet there remained some troupes to enter into the countrey, the which not daring to passe by Arthois, returned into France, and tooke their way along the frontiers towards Calice, where they en∣tred into Flanders, and ioyned with the Estates armie.

❧ The Generall Estates of the vnited Pro∣uinces of Gueldres, Holland, Zeeland, Zutphen, Frise∣land, Oueryssel and Groeningen, hauing declared Prince PHILIP of Austria, second of that name, King of Spaine, fallen from the Seigniorie of the said Prouinces, by reason of his extraordinarie and too violent gouernment against their priuiled∣ges and freedomes, solemnely sworne by him, haue by the way of right and armes taken vpon them all the gouernment of the poli∣ticke Estate, and of the Religion in the said Prouinces, in the yeare 1581.

Notes

• * 1.1

  1578.
• * 1.2

  1578
• * 1.3

  Bins taken by the Duke of Anicu.
• * 1.4

  The Ganthoi•…•… defeated.
• * 1.5

  1578.
• * 1.6

  Iames Hassel and vis•…•…h han∣ged at Ga•…•…t.
• * 1.7

  The Duke of Parm•…•… p•…•…eth the Meuse.
• * 1.8

  The taking of Carpen.
• * 1.9

  The States acti•…•…s 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉.
• * 1.10

  1579.
• * 1.11

  Articles pro∣pounded to the Ganthois.
• * 1.12

  Deputies sent to t•…•…e Gan∣thois.
• * 1.13

  Offers made by the duke of Aniou to the Ganthois.
• * 1.14

  The Queene of Englands declaration to the Ganthois.
• * 1.15

  1578.
• * 1.16

  Deputies from Brusselles to Gant.
• * 1.17

  The Ganthois answer to the articles pro∣pounder vnto them.
• * 1.18

  Articles pro∣pounded to the Ganthois by the gene∣rall est•…•…ts.
• * 1.19

  1578
• * 1.20

  The Princes reasons to perswade the Ganthois to Concord.
• * 1.21

  The Romish Religion established in Gant vpon certaine con∣ditions.
• * 1.22

  All things reconcil•…•…d in Gant.
• * 1.23

  1578
• * 1.24

  The Malecon∣tents treated wit•…•… but in v•…•…e.
• * 1.25

  The vicont of Gant and the 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 in •…•…ue the States.
• * 1.26

  The retre•…•…t of Duke Casi∣•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 army.
• * 1.27

  1578.
• * 1.28

  Deuenter yeelded to the States.
• * 1.29

  Cont Swart∣zenbergh pur∣•…•…ues his lega∣tion.
• * 1.30

  The death of Cont Bossu.
• * 1.31

  The Duke of Anious re∣treat into France.
• * 1.32

  1579.
• * 1.33

  1579.
• * 1.34

  The English men take the Abbot of S. Michaell.
• * 1.35

  The coullord reasons of the Malecontents.
• * 1.36

  Diuers Knights and Gentlemen c•…•…upted w•…•…th money by the Spani∣a•…•…ds.
• * 1.37

  1579.
• * 1.38

  An accord made by the Baron of Montig∣ni.
• * 1.39

  A confir∣mation of the Baron of Montig∣nie•…•… accord.
• * 1.40

  1579.
• * 1.41

  Letters from them of Lille, Douay and Orchies to the generall Estates.
• * 1.42

  1579.
• * 1.43

  The States answere to them of Lille.
• * 1.44

  1579.
• * 1.45

  1579.
• * 1.46

  Mastricht be∣seeged by the Prince of Parma.
• * 1.47

  The Prince of Espinoy tem∣pted.
• * 1.48

  Instructi∣ons giuen to the signi∣or of Char∣pesteau.
• * 1.49

  Hee me•…•…nes the Duke of Aniou whom the Earle of Lalain had called, or the Prince of Orange, or Duke Casimire iudge •…•…ich.
• * 1.50

  1579.
• * 1.51

  1579.
• * 1.52

  They of Tournay and Tournesis re∣fuse to Enter the recon∣ciliauon.
• * 1.53

  Deputies sent from Brussel•…•…s to the States of Arthois.
• * 1.54

  La Noue makes vvarre in Flanders.
• * 1.55

  1579
• * 1.56

  1579.
• * 1.57

  1579.
• * 1.58

  1579.
• * 1.59

  1579
• * 1.60

  Many enter into the vni∣on of V•…•…echt.
• * 1.61

  The signior of Boxtel go∣uernor of Boisleduc.
• * 1.62

  1579.
• * 1.63

  Fears seizeth vpon the Pro∣testants of Boisledue.
• * 1.64

  1579
• * 1.65

  Groningen refusing the vnion is for∣ced.
• * 1.66

  A tumult at Bruges for the vnion.
• * 1.67

  A Collonel made in hast and by force.
• * 1.68

  1579.
• * 1.69

  The States more quicke to succor Bruges.
• * 1.70

  Maestricht be∣seeged by the Prince of Parma
• * 1.71

  1579.
• * 1.72

  An assault ap∣pointed.
• * 1.73

  A braue as∣sault well de∣fended.
• * 1.74

  A deere As∣sault without any fuite.
• * 1.75

  They of Ant∣werp •…•…bot to releeue Maes∣tricht.
• * 1.76

  〈◊◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊◊〉 this 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.77

  1579.
• * 1.78

  A tumult in Antwerp at a generall pro∣cession.
• * 1.79

  1579
• * 1.80

  The Priests & Monks chased out of Ant∣werp by the people.
• * 1.81

  A shamefull enterprise made by the Earle of Eg∣mont.
• * 1.82

  1579.
• * 1.83

  The Liegeois helpe the Spaniards at the campe before Maes∣tricht.
• * 1.84

  The states negligent to succor Mast∣rient.
• * 1.85

  An other as∣sault whereas the signior of Hierges was slaine.
• * 1.86

  1579.
• * 1.87

  An assault gi∣uen to Mast∣richt during a part and the towne taken with fury.
• * 1.88

  Captaine Bas∣tien taken prisoner.
• * 1.89

  A priuat reconcilia∣tion of Ar∣thois He∣nault &c.
• * 1.90

  1579.
• * 1.91

  1579
• * 1.92

  1579.
• * 1.93

  1579.
• * 1.94

  1579.
• * 1.95

  Many tovvnes enter into this priuat re∣conciliation.
• * 1.96

  The treaty of Cologne vn∣profitable.
• * 1.97

  1579.
• * 1.98

  The behaui∣our of Iohn d'Imbise in Gant.
• * 1.99

  The Prince accept the go∣uernment of Flanders.
• * 1.100

  The first 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Couerden.
• * 1.101

  1579.
• * 1.102

  A conuoy of the Malecon tents defeated.
• * 1.103

  Macklyn sum∣moned by the Estates, will remaine Neu∣ters.
• * 1.104

  La Noue makes the Germaines leaue Ville∣brouck.
• * 1.105

  The taking of Mortagne and S. Amand by the Par∣mois.
• * 1.106

  Niuelle sur∣prised by the Estates.
• * 1.107

  1579
• * 1.108

  An enterprise by the Mal∣contents a∣gainst Cor∣trike, but tooke no ef∣fect.
• * 1.109

  1579.
• * 1.110

  The Malcon∣tents horse-men ouer∣throwne by La Noue, whereby they forsooke many places in Flanders.
• * 1.111

  1579.
• * 1.112

  The Prince of Oranges oration to the states of Holland & Zeeland.
• * 1.113

  1579
• * 1.114

  What sorces the prince of Pa•…•…ma then had.
• * 1.115

  1579
• * 1.116

  1579
• * 1.117

  The princes aduice for the establish•…•… of a counsell of State.
• * 1.118

  1579
• * 1.119

  1579
• * 1.120

  1580
• * 1.121

  Another de∣claratiō made vnto the states by the prince of Orange.
• * 1.122

  1580
• * 1.123

  1580
• * 1.124

  Consultation made by the deputies of the states assem∣bled in An∣tuerpe tou∣ching the chāge of their soueraigne lord.
• * 1.125

  1580
• * 1.126

  1580
• * 1.127

  1580
• * 1.128

  1580
• * 1.129

  Courtray sur∣prised by the Seignior of Alennes.
• * 1.130

  The earle of •…•…ont taken in Nyenouen.
• * 1.131

  1580
• * 1.132

  The castle of Leewerden taken by the states of Frise∣land, and bro∣ken downe.
• * 1.133

  1580
• * 1.134

  Harlingen ca∣stle taken by the states of Friseland, and broken down.
• * 1.135

  The castle of Staueren takē by the Estates, and broken downe.
• * 1.136

  1580
• * 1.137

  1580
• * 1.138

  Groning be∣sieged by the states.
• * 1.139

  Images brokē and throwne down in Frise land and Oue∣ryssell,
• * 1.140

  1580
• * 1.141

  The death of Bartel Entens, with a briefe description of his life.
• * 1.142

  1580
• * 1.143

  1580
• * 1.144

  Martin Schencks for∣ces sent to re∣leeue Groning
• * 1.145

  Vprore in Swool.
• * 1.146

  1580
• * 1.147

  A battaile be∣tween the earl of Hohenlo, & Mar, Schenck.
• * 1.148

  The siege be∣fore Groning abandoned.
• * 1.149

  1580
• * 1.150

  Delfziel yeel∣ded vp to the prince of Parma.
• * 1.151

  1580
• * 1.152

  Coeoorden taken by the earle of Ho∣henlo.
• * 1.153

  Oxlagh taken by the earle of Renenbergh, and broken downe.
• * 1.154

  The earle of Hohenloes forces ouer∣throwne by Weeden.
• * 1.155

  1580
• * 1.156

  Coeuoorden taken againe by the earle 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Reuenbergh, & after that Ol∣denzeel.
• * 1.157

  1580
• * 1.158

  The earle of •…•…mont di∣•…•…ed.
• * 1.159

  Pouchain yeelded by composition.
• * 1.160

  Macklin taken by the St•…•…tes.
• * 1.161

  1580
• * 1.162

  1580
• * 1.163

  Iohn Petit.
• * 1.164

  Inglemunster besieged by la Noue.
• * 1.165

  1580
• * 1.166

  Monsieur la Noue taken prisoner before Inglemunster.
• * 1.167

  The lord of Hesse be∣lieaded.
• * 1.168

  1580
• * 1.169

  Diest won by the States, with Sichem and Arschot.
• * 1.170

  Niuelle victua∣led by the States, but not long after ta∣ken by the prince of Parma.
• * 1.171

  1580
• * 1.172

  The duke of Aniou recei∣ued for soue∣raigne lord of the Nether∣lands.
• * 1.173

  Articles be∣tween the Ne∣therlands and the duke of Aniou.
• * 1.174

  1580
• * 1.175

  1580
• * 1.176

  1580
• * 1.177

  The archduke Mathias takes his leaue of the Estates.
• * 1.178

  Orders made by the Estates for martiall discipline and other things.
• * 1.179

  1580
• * 1.180

  1580
• * 1.181

  Conde surpri∣sed.
• * 1.182

  Steenwick be∣sieged by the earle of Re∣nenbergh.
• * 1.183

  1580
• * 1.184

  1580
• * 1.185

  A resolute ex∣ploit of a soul∣dier.
• * 1.186

  The exploit of the earle of Renenberghs men.
• * 1.187

  1580
• * 1.188

  1580
• * 1.189

  Steenwicke •…•…red with shot
• * 1.190

  1580
• * 1.191

  The Estates resolution fo•…•… Steenwicke.
• * 1.192

  1580
• * 1.193

  1581
• * 1.194

  A challenge sent to Sir Iohn Norris, answe∣red by captain Williams.
• * 1.195

  1581
• * 1.196

  An A•…•…gure at Steenwicke.
• * 1.197

  1581
• * 1.198

  Bullets shot with letters in them.
• * 1.199

  Steenwick vi∣ctualed by Sir Iohn Norris.
• * 1.200

  1581
• * 1.201

  Steenwick re∣leeued, and the siege broken vp
• * 1.202

  1581
• * 1.203

  The king of Spaines res•…•…lu∣tion to h•…•… the pr•…•… of Oran•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ther•…•….
• * 1.204

  The edict of the prince of Oranges pro∣scription.
• * 1.205

  1581
• * 1.206

  The prince of Oranges Apo∣logie to the proscription.
• * 1.207

  His answer for the point of ingratitude.
• * 1.208

  1581
• * 1.209

  The seruices done by the house of Nas∣sau to the house of Au∣stria.
• * 1.210

  Touching the order of the golden fleece.
• * 1.211

  Of the co•…•…sel of state.
• * 1.212

  Touching his mariage.
• * 1.213

  1581
• * 1.214

  The incon∣stancie of the commanders of the Male-contents.
• * 1.215

  1581
• * 1.216

  The States an∣swer to the prince of O∣rang•…•…s Apolo∣gie made to the king of Spaine.
• * 1.217

  1581
• * 1.218

  The exercise of the Romish religion, re∣strained in Brussels.
• * 1.219

  1581
• * 1.220

  1581
• * 1.221

  Baerle taken and recouered.
• * 1.222

  The castle of Breda surprised
• * 1.223

  1581
• * 1.224

  Eindouen re∣couered by the Spaniard.
• * 1.225

  Orders made in Antuerpe.
• * 1.226

  1581
• * 1.227

  An enterprise against Fles∣singue, preten∣ded •…•…y the prince of Par∣ma, but not effect•…•…d.
• * 1.228

  1581
• * 1.229

  The castle of Staueren won by Sonoy▪
• * 1.230

  1581
• * 1.231

  The death of the earle of Renenbergh.
• * 1.232

  1581
• * 1.233

  1581
• * 1.234

  Cambray vi∣ctualled.
• * 1.235

  1581
• * 1.236

  Castle Cam∣bresis taken by the duke.