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

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ELIZABETHA ANGLIAE REGINA

Elizabeth, Queene of England, France and Ireland, Defen∣dresse * 1.1 of the Catholicke Faith, and Protectrix of the libertie of the vnited Prouinces of the Netherlands.

When God by grace had me aduanc't vnto my regall state, (Which till this time I ruled haue in peace most fortunate) To serue him, and my subiects good to seeke, it was my care: And those that forced were to flie by meanes of bloody warre, 'Gainst them by Spaniards made, I did most willingly relieue, And with a feruent zeale to them all aid and comfort giue, And by what meanes I could deuise, my mind I alwaies bent, Their imminent decay and danger great for to preuent. And to that end protectrix of their countrey I became, Defending them with all my power (to my eternall fame) Wherein no feare of Spanish force ere could my courage quaile, Nor in my resolution good, make me in ought to faile. (Book 13)

THE XIII. BOOKE. * 1.2 [ A] (Book 13)

The Argument. [ B]

THe Queene of England hauing taken vpon her the protection of the vnited prouinces, sent the earle of Leicester to be her Lieutenant. They receiue him with pompe, and acknowledge him for gouer∣nour. The Spaniards prosper in Friseland. Colonel Schencke ouerrunnes the countrie of Westpha∣lia. Graue besieged and yeelded to the Spaniard. Iarre betwixt the Estates & the earle of Leicester, who is discontented, and they discontented with him. Nuys besieged by the Spaniard, and taken by assault, whilest [ C] they are in parle. The earle of Leicester recouers certaine places. Iealousie betwixt the noble men of the coun∣trie and the English, by reason of gouernments that were giuen vnto the English, and they reiected, whereof the Estates complained vnto him going into England. A great dearth of corne in the yeare 1587. Deuenter sold vn∣to the Spaniard, with the great fort of Zutphen. Factions increase betwixt the Estates and the English. Scluse besieged, and in the end yeelded to the Spaniard. The towne of Guelder sold. The Estates labour to reconcile the earles of Leicester and Hohenlo. Apologies on either side. Leicester failes to seize vpon the towne of Leyden. Hee is called backe into England, and resignes his gouernment into the Estates hands. Bonne surprised by Schencke. The king of Spaine makes a counterfeit shewe to desire peace with England. Deputies on either side at Bour∣broue, who doe nothing, whilest the Spanish fleete aduanced. Prince Maurice takes his place in the gouernment after the earle of Leicester retreat. The Spanish fleet thinke to inuade England, and is dispersed. Geertruyden∣bergh sold to the Spaniards by the souldiers that were mutined without cause. The death of Colonel Schencke [ D] at an enterprise vpon Nymeghen. The death of Moeurs: Rhinberck yeelded to the Spaniards. The Estates send succours of men and money vnto the French king. Breda happily surprised. The prince of Parma releeues Paris. Prince Maurice recouers many townes and places for the Estates. Groning straitly prest.

ACcording to the accord made betwixt the high & mighty princesse, Eli∣zabeth Queene of England, and the Estates of the vnited prouinces of the Netherlands, her Maiestie se•…•… certaine troopes of horse and foot, into the countries of Holland and Zeeland, vnder the command of sir Iohn Norris knight, a gallant souldier (who had long done seruice to the said Estates, and to the prince of Orange) who came to the rendez vous [ E] which was giuen them in Vtrecht where hauing past musters, they were presently imployed, and led by the earle of Moeurs before the fort of Isselloort, neere vnto the towne of Arnham, vpon the Veluwe, where the riuer of Issel comes out of the Rhin, which fort had beene taken by Verdugo for the Spaniard long before: the earle of Moeurs hearing that Colonel Taxis was gone forth the day before, made haste to besiege it, and to batter it, so as the besieged seeing no hope of succours, and fearing to be taken by assault, they yeelded * 1.3 vp the fort by composition, to depart with their liues and goods. Although this siege was not without the losse of some few men, yet the earle of Moeurs and the English were so incoura∣ged, as passing the riuer of Rhin, they went to besi•…•…ge the fort of Berchschooft in the higher Betuwe, in the which captaine Turc commanded for the prince of Parma: who notwithstan∣ding [ F] the weakenes of the place, which was shewed him by his owne men, would needs en∣dure the cannon, but the souldiers mutined against him, and deliuered him, with the fort, into the earle of Moeurs hands for the Estates.

Colonel Schencke had at that time an enterprise vpon the town of Nymeghen, by an intel∣ligence [ A] which he had with a bourger of the said towne, who dwelt in one of the towers of the * 1.4 rampar. This man had in time digged a hollow passage vnder the rampar, which went from the foot of the said tower vnto the street, and had so vndermined the wall of the said to∣wer within, hauing set vp the stones againe one vpon another, without cyment or morter, as with a blowe with ones foot they might thrust it downe, and thereby haue a free passage into the towne: for to finish this enterprise, Schencke drew forth certaine companies out of the garrisons of Venloo, Guelder, Wachtendonc, Graue, and Blyenbeek, with the which hee marched secretly the eight and twentieth of September, in the night: but the night before, this bourger (hauing let slippe certaine wordes) was apprehended, with his sonne, who vpon the circumstances of the said speeches, and his answer vnto the interrogatories, was put to the [ B] racke, with his boy, and there confessed the fact: whereupon they of the towne put them∣selues secretly into armes: Schencke beeing neere with his troopes, hauing no signe from his man, and beeing ignorant what place to goe to, fearing the matter was discouered, he retired. The earle of Moeurs seeing that this enterprise had failed, resolued to haue the towne by force, and planted his campe in the village of Bendt right against it, vpon the other banke of the riuer of Wahal, where hee did build a mightie fort, the which since was called Knod∣senborch: and placing certaine shippes of warre in the riuer betwixt the towne and the fort, to stoppe the passage from this fort (where he had planted fiue or sixe peeces of ordnance) he battred the towne at random, and shot fierie bullets into it to burne the houses, but they were suddainely quenched, so as there was not aboue two houses burnt. [ C]

In the meane time the garrison of Nuys did nothing but hunt after bootie and spoile, run∣ning euen vnto the gates of Cologne, carrying from thence oxen, kyne, and other cattell, the which did so incense the duke of Cleues, vpon whose countrie (beeing a neuter) they were daily running (for that they could not goe into the diocesse of Cologne, but they must needs passe through the dutchie of Iuilliers, of Berghe, or the countie of Marck, which are his) as he made a proclamation throughout all his territories, giuing all them of his countries free liber∣tie to set vpon and spoile the garrison of Nuys, wheresoeuer they should encounter them in his countries, the which did somewhat restraine the courses of the said garrison.

The Hans townes of the east countrie, fearing that by this alliance betwixt the Queene of England, and the Estates of the vnited prouinces of the Netherlands, their nauigation into [ D] Spaine would be cut off, they wrote vnto her Maiestie, intreating her to satisfie them of that doubt. To the which shee answered the fift of Nouember, beeing at Richmond, after this manner.

I beleeue you are not ignorant of the dislike and breach betwixt vs and the king of Spaine; what will ensue we cannot yet iudge: if matters tend to a peace, we will not reiect you, as our * 1.5 auncient allies; but if it grows to a warre, you shall vnderstand (as men of iudgement may wel conceiue) that we ought not to suffer our enemies to be releeued with victuals, nor fortified with munition of warre: wherefore you may consider, that you ought not to require any thing of vs that may turne to our preiudice and disa•…•…uantage. But touching all other sorts of marchandize, whereby they of Spaine or Portugall may not be aided with victuals and mu∣nition [ E] of warre against vs, our meaning is not to stoppe it, but are willing that your subiects shippes shall enter with their lading into our ports and hauens, at their pleasures, as they haue formerly done.

About that time Cont Charles Mansfeldt marched out of the countrie of Rauesteyn, with the chiefe regiment of Spaniards, beeing foure thousand strong, all old souldiers, and passed ouer the riuer of Meuse into Bommels Weerd, which is a rich island betwixt the riuers of Wahal and Meuse, the which had not of a long time seene any enemie. The Estates beeing aduertised hereof, were at the first somewhat troubled, but hauing inuested the riuer with their shippes round about the island, the earle was very much perplexed, fearing to be shut vp: in the meane time the prince of Parma beeing returned from Antuerpe to Brussels [ F] (where he had beene receiued with all ioy and state, as a victorious prince) hearing in what danger Cont Mansfeldt was, went to horse-backe, with foureteene of fifteene post horses on∣ly, and came to Boisleduc to succour him. This, island which may be easily drowned, is a

claie soile, and very myerie when it raines. The earle of Hohenlo hauing inuironed the whole [ A] island with the Estates shippes, and broken the dikes in diuers places, the countrey was in a * 1.6 manner couered all ouer with water: the Spaniards retired vnto the other side of the riuer of Meuse, to a castle highly seated, called Empel, where they might preserue themselues from the inundation, from the frost, and from the windes; besides, they endured much pouertie and famine, for they were in a manner besieged by the waters, and by the Estates shippes which Hohenlo had caused to enter into the drowned land, beeing seperated from the rest of the prince of Parma his armie, the which lay on the other side of Boisleduc, so as they grew to de∣spaire, hauing continued there foure daies in great miserie, by reason of the cold; and if the weather had not changed, it was likely that all this troope (beeing foure thousand of the oldest and best souldiers, Spaniards, that the king of Spaine had in all those countries) had beene [ B] consumed, or else had fallen into the earle of Hohenlo his hands: God sent them a North∣west winde vnexpected, with a sharpe and bitter frost, so as the fields and medowes began to be frozen, and the water to fall; Hohenlo finding this suddaine change in good time, fearing his shippes should want water (as without doubt they had) and so not be able to retire them; yea he had beene in danger (the Spaniard beeing sixe times stronger than he) to haue beene lost there with all his men: whereupon hee weighed anchor and went away. His shippes were no sooner retired, but the weather changed, and it began to thawe, so as the townes thereabouts, especially Boisleduc, did helpe to retire the Spaniards from the place were they were, with boats and barkes, beeing halfe starued with hunger and cold; whereof many died afterwards, and some had their limbes so benummed and frozen, as they fell off, and some [ C] were forced to be cut off. And thus by a suddaine change of the weather they escaped a great danger.

The prince of Parma thanked them of Boisleduc for their readinesse to releeue his Spaniards: he gaue vnto the poore of the towne fourescore fat oxen, and to the towne it selfe a gilt cuppe.

The earle of Moeurs was still lodged before the towne of Nymeghen, for by reason of the waters the lord of Hautepenne had no meanes to dislodge him; but the fourth day of No∣uember, the waters beeing fallen, he caused certaine barks to be made readie at Nymeghen, to passe his troops to the other side of the riuer into the Betuwe, causing them to passe along the riuer towards Bomel, which put the Hollanders shippes in great feare, and made them to flie, [ D] so as Hautepenne had good meanes to passe ouer sixe thousand choise men, Spaniards, Wal∣lons, Germanes, Italians, Burguignons, and Albanois: the English knowing them to bee so neere, before they retired, they set fire on the church of Lents, as they had done the night before on a gentlemans house, whereas the earle of Moeurs had lodged: they did the like vn∣to the church of Oosterholt, whereas they had a farre greater fort than that of Knotsenbourg. The lord of Hautepen meaning to besiege it, caused it to be inuested the night of his arriuall, but approaching neere, they found that the English men had abandoned it with sixe peeces of artillerie, and great store of victuals and munition for warre in it. The lord of Haute∣penne hearing that they were retired, sent part of his men before the castle of Dornick: they of the garrison burnt the bridge themselues: yet the Spaniards gaue them so furious a [ E] charge, and did so amaze them, as they yeelded vp the place: the captaine was kept priso∣ner, but the souldiers were slaine: the rest of the lord of Hautepennes men which pursued the English tooke the castle of Boenen, where they hung vp all the souldiers that they found in it.

The sixteenth day of December, the lord of Hautepenne brought his troopes to the o∣ther side of the riuer of Wahal, and went to besiege the castle of Duekenbourg, the which he wonne: the next day the English men which were in the castle of Berckshooft, beeing terri∣fied with the flight of their companions out of the Betuwe, they in like maner left the place the nineteenth day of December: the same day the Spaniards tooke the castle of Hoemen vpon the Meuse; from thence they approached by little and little towards the towne of [ F] Graue, meaning to besiege it afarre off, in cutting off and hindring their prouision of victuals.

On the twentieth day of the same moneth of December, the souldiers of the garrison

of Nuys surprised the strong castle of Grimmelyckhuysen, which was then held and [ A] commaunded by captaine Hambach for the bishop of Cologne, whereas they slew some * 1.7 of the souldiers of the garrison, and kept the rest prisoners: and thus they made warre against the bishop and diocesse of Cologne.

The prince of Parma beeing at the same time in the co•…•…ntrie of Brabant with his Spani∣ards, thought to haue put in practise and executed some secret designes which he had vpon the Cloender, Rogghenhill, and Geertruydenbergh, by reason of the hard frosts, but they tooke no effect. [ B]

Robert Dudley Earle of Leicester, Lieutenant and Cap∣taine * 1.8 Generall for the Queene of England, Protectrix of the vnited Prouinces of the Netherlands.

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ROBERTVS DVDLEVS COMES L•…•…YCESTER GVB: BEL:

My Princesse, that Protectrix was of the vnited lands, Aduancing me to high estate, did put into my hands The rule and gouernment thereof, the which (though not long time) I managed, vnto my power, but in the very prime, My gouernment it was so bad, and found so full of trouble, That it did not their griefes decrease, but rather made them double. So that in fine, suspition growne twixt me and them, I left The countrey, and in England was of vitall breath bereft.

THe Earle of Leicester, according to the agreement made betwixt the Queene [ A] of England, and the Estates, being come on the 30 of December from Fles∣singue * 1.9 to Dordrecht in Holland, accompanied by many earles, barons, and other great personages of England, he was receiued by the magistrats, coun∣cell, and bourgers of that town with great state. And the 2 of Ianuary 1586, he parted frō thence to go to the Hage, where he was in like sort very honorably receiued by the generall Estates, with all good reception & shews of ioy for his cōming: & on the 17 of the month, after many ceremonies, he was accepted for gouernor of the said coūtries, * 1.10 and sworne to maintaine, defend and preserue them, against the oppressions of the Spaniards. And in like manner, the Estates did sweare vnto her Maiesty and to him (as her lieutenant) the conditions & agreement that was concluded betwixt them: which done, the said Estates made [ B] a decree, what euery prouince should contribute towards the charges of the warre, and so did the Queene for her part, that with their common means, they might resist the king of Spaines power. And the fist day of Februarie the earle of Leicester was by the Estates proclaimed Lieutenant and captaine of the vnited prouinces, and commandement giuen to all the parti∣cular gouernours or their Lieutenants of the said prouinces and townes, officers and magi∣strates, admirals, colonels, captaines, treasurers, receiuers, and others, for matters of estate and warre, with all that depends thereon, so to acknowledge him.

At his reception to the gouernment, doctor Leoninus chancellor of Guelderland made an o∣ration, saying, that the generall Estates of the vnited Netherlands, hauing had so great assu∣rance of the Queenes Maiesties, and his excellencies honourable disposition, and fauours vn∣to [ C] them, and finding it to be a thing necessarie, that publike authoritie should be maintained within the prouinces, and relying vpon his wisdome, experience, and integritie, by common consent, and with one voice they had chosen and named him for their gouernour and captaine generall, ouer the said Netherlands; that is, of the dukedome of Guelder, the earl∣dome of Zutphen, the earldomes and countries of Flanders, & Holland, with west Friseland, Zeeland, and Friseland, giuing him full power and authoritie (besides the title and commissi∣on of her Maiestie, together with that which was contained in th•…•… contract made with her) to gouerne and commaund absolutely ouer the said prouinces, and their associates, in all matters concerning the warres, and their dependances, both by sea and land and to command ouerall gouernours, colonels admirals, vice-admirals, commanders, captaines, and officers, and oueral [ D] souldiers of the same, both horse and foot, and to that end had appointed an oath to be taken vnto his excellencie, as gouernour and captaine generall, to be true and obedient vnto him: besides, that the said Estates gaue vnto his excellencie full power and authoritie, concerning policie and iustice, to be done ouer all the aforesaid prouinces (with the councell of Estates which should be chosen) to gouerne the said Netherlands, as they had beene gouerned be∣fore, (especially in the time of the emperour Charles the fift) by the gouernors generall, accor∣ding to the lawfull customes of the prouinces. Vnderstanding that out of the reuenues of the said prouinces, the gouernors, officers, and rent-masters should be paied their duties and fees, according to the auncient manner, and that the said prouinces, townes, and members of the same should be maintained in all their auncient priuiledges, lawes, and customes, as it should [ E] be more at large declared vnto his excellencie. And touching the gouernment of the country, principally concerning the warres (which cannot continue nor be maintained but by contri∣bution,) the said prouinces consent and agree, that besides the aid of 1000 horse and 5000 foot lent them by the Queene, the dutchie of Guelders, Flanders, and the vnited townes of Brabant, consent to giue the generall meanes of their said townes and villages of the countries adiacent, as farre as they had power to command at that present time, and from time to time, as they were farmed, let out, and presently collected, and besides, that al the booties and com∣positions with the champian countries, made for their safetie, where they haue no meanes to get contribution, and such summes as they paie vnto the enemie: & they of Holland, Zeeland, Vtrecht, & Friseland, haue agreed to giue the summe of 200000 gulderns the moneth; which [ F] moneys the said prouinces will put into his excellencies hands to be managed by him, with the councel of estate that shall be appointed: and besides this, all that shall be receiued by con∣tribution, and gotten from the enemie, and other meanes out of the countries of Ouerissell, Drent, and the territories thereof, with other places lying vnder the enemies command.

And further that all the vnited Prouinces were agreed, and had consented, that * 1.11 the conuoye mony, and imposts, raised vpon marchandise, comming in and going [ A] forth of those countries, according to the order taken therein the yeare of our Lord 1581. and the moderation, and augmentation thereof, shall continew and bee im∣ployed for the charges which they shall bee at, for the setting forth maintayning and paying of the ships, and boates of war, which serue and are retained vnder the sayd Pro∣uinces, and that if neede were, are to bee set out, according to the contract made with his Maiestie, wherevnto also all the prises, and licences should be imployed, if his Excel∣lencie thought good to permit and allowe thereof, and this for the space of one whole yeare; and if it fortuned that the warre; continued long, vpon his Excelencies motion and desire, a new composition should be made before the sayd yeare were fully finished, [ B] according to the state, and meanes of the sayd Prouince, and as necessitie should re∣quire. And therewith he humblie disired his Excellency to bee pleased to accept and take vpon him the sayd gouernment and authoritie, and to execute the same, to the honour of GOD, and the maintenance of the Netherlands, promising him that the sayd states should alwaies hold good correspondence with him, and ayde and true∣ly serue him, in all occasions and seruices whatsoeuer. Further by their acts and pro∣clamations the sayd states would command all the Commanders ouer horse and foote, and all soldiars both by sea and land, to show all obedience dutie and fidelitie vnto his Excelencie, which they agreed to sweare vnto and confirme by oth, one vnto the other, reseruing the homage which his Excelency ought vnto the Queenes Maiestie. In the [ C] Hage the first of February. 1586. Signed. C. Aertsens.

According to this agreement the Earle of Leicester tooke the gouernment vpon him, and therevpon the States, Officers, Prouinciall Gouernors, Coronels, Captaines and Soldiars tooke their othes vnto him, wherein Prince Maurice, and the Earle of Ho∣henlo and other captaines vsed all the meanes the could to bring the soldiars therevnto, being accustomed in such accidents to haue mony giuen them for a reward. The states vpon the Earle of Leceisters acceptation of the gouernment, had drawne a certaine in∣struction, or order of the Councell of Estate, which should ayde and assist him in the * 1.12 sayd gouernment, the contents whereof were how the affaires of Estate and others touching the gouernment of the Netherlands, ought to bee lawfully executed with the [ D] full consent and priuitie of the Counsell of Estate, as it is vsed in all common-welthes, especially in the low countries, and was also obserued by the gouernors and regents of the same, being great personages, of royall bloud, and some of them Queenes, but it was answered by the Earle of Leicester, that all instructions were no other in effect, then limitations of his commission, and that the gouernment generall of the Nether∣lands beeing absolutely giuen vnto him, hee should neede no such instructions. In the end (to content his Excelency) the deputies of the states sayd, that hee should not bee bound to those instructions, but that they were made for the Councell of Estate, and that his Excelency was not to bee bound to conclude, any matter of importance by plurality of voices, but by the aduise of al the Councel of Estate being heard, he theron [ E] should conclude, as hee found it most conuenient for the good of the common-weale. To this resolution the Estates were hardly to bee drawne, as well foreseeing, that hee not beeing tide to any instructions might easily bee seduced by bad Counsell, and so deceiued, (as commonly such kind of men, intrude themselues into Princes Courts, and vpon all occasions are ready to strike a stroke, to further themselues and hin∣der the common-weale,) which in the Earle of Leicester, was most to bee feared, in regard he was wholy vnexperienced in the nature, manners, and scituation of those countries, and had no knowledge, nor iudgement touching the Estate of the countrie, neither yet of good and expert Councelors, and therefore the likelier to fall into grea∣ter errors: but the Estates finding themselues in great perplexitie touching the gouern∣ment, [ F] agreed vnto all his desires, as farre as possible they might, and withall gaue him libertie to choose one Councelor of Estate out of euery Prouince, togither with the al∣teration of the great seale and counter-seale, adding in their great seale a shield of his armes, and for the counter-seale his whole armes, which was neuer granted to any

gouernor before him. These things being imparted to the Queene, she was much mo∣ued * 1.13 [ A] thereat, esteeming thereby that they sought to ingage her further in those affaires * 1.14 then she was willing to vndertake. Where-vpon she presently sent Sir Thomas Hennage her Vice-chamberlaine, and one of her priuie councell into Holland, with letters dated the 13 of February, finding fault that the Earle of Leicester had taken the absolute go∣uernment of the Low-countries vpon him, which she thought very strange, in regarde that shee her selfe had refused to accept it, and now to giue that vnto her vassaile and seruant, which shee had refused, and that without her consent, shee thought they offe∣red her great wrong and indignitie, as if shee had not discretion inough of her selfe, to know what shee were best to take or leaue; saying amongst other things, that it was cleane contrary to the declaration shee had made and put forth in Print, wherein shee [ B] protested to take on her the assistance of the Netherlands, to no other intent, then onely to ayde her good neighbours, without any desire or meaning to meddle or make with the protection or soueraigntie of the sayd countries, and that by their action euery man might haue occasion to iudge the contrary: or at the least such as take on them the authority and priuiledge to iudge and censure Princes actions, as they thinke good, whereby their honor should bee much interressed. And that therefore her intent was (to shew the vprightnesse of her proceedings) to reuoke and recall the afore∣said authority, and to command the sayd Earle not to vse any further or other autho∣ritie then was set downe in the contract; which if it were well obserued, shee doub∣ted not but it would extend and reach to the good and furtherance of the common [ C] cause: affirming, that her refusall in that point, proceeded not from want of care to further the countries good, and common well-fare, but onely in regarde of her honor, and to stop the mouthes of her enimies and euill-willers, referring the rest of her intent vnto the bearer of those letters.

This letter gaue the Estates great cause of suspition, and therefore being in Amster∣dam, they made answer there-vnto by letters dated the 25. of March, with all humilitie, excusing the action, and protesting that there was no meaning in them, thereby to charge or binde her Maiestie any further-then the contract lead her vnto: but that the necessity of the countrey required to haue this authority giuen to one, for that it was better to haue one gouernor then two: and in regarde of her Maiestie, they had rather [ D] choose o•…•…e of her subiects there-vnto then any other, giuing his Excellencie no other authorit•…•…e, then other gouernors before him had had, and which was alwayes renoca∣ble, the word [Absolute] being put in, to distinguish his gouernment from others, that were put in but by prouiso, and bound to instructions, as also to procure more obedi∣ence and care in the people, for the maintaining of marshall discipline, furthering of the contributions, and better execution of his commissions, and not to giue his Ex∣cellencie the soueraigntie therein following the examples of the Romaines and others, that it was also done, to let and breake of certaine enterprises of the enemie, as also to comfort and stirre vp the hearts of the distressed people, and that the recalling thereof would breed great confusion, assuring her that it was not any thing contra∣rie [ E] to the contract, the whole soueraigntie of the Prouinces still resting in the Estates hands, and the gouernment or administration thereof in the Earle, as it did in other gouernors. The soue raigntie still beeing reserued, vntill her Maiestie would bee plea∣sed to accept of the same, hoping that shee would vouchsafe to haue a regarde vnto the distressed and lamentable estate of the countrie, and that there consisted more in maintaining the authoritie and gouernment of the Earle of Leicester, then in or∣dering a great armie, as her Maiestie should bee further instructed by Sir Thomas Henn•…•…ge.

Sir Thomas Hennage being returned into England, and hauing made report of his ambassage, the Queene made answer by letters dated the one and twentie of Iune 1586. [ F] that shee perceiued by their letters that they had done that in regarde of their good affection, and vpon vrgent cause, where-with shee was the better satisfied, in that they confessed their fault, and that they might haue giuen her knowledge thereof before it had beene done, wishing them in any case to keepe and obserue all their promises,

to deliuer the mony ouer into his hands, and to augment their contributions, giuing * 1.15 [ A] him full authority t•…•… execute all things by aduise, and as necessitie required. Shee likewise excused the suspition giuen out by some, that shee sought to make a peace without their consent. This in effect was the contents of the letters on both sides sent and receiued touching the Earle of Leicesters gouernment, where-with her Maie∣sty seemed to be some what pleased, but yet it was an occasion that many men esteemed his Excelencie the lesse.

With this authority, the Earle of Leicester was instauled in his gouernment, and the contributions of the countrie, deliuered into his hands, amounting vnto the yearely valew of foure and twenty hundred thousand gilders and aboue, besides the connoy mony, the profits of the admiralty, and her Maiesties ayde, his owne intertainement * 1.16 [ B] being 100000. gilders a yeare: presently therevpon hee set downe an order for marshall discipline, amongst his souldiers, and made a proclamation bearing date in Vtrecht the fourth day of Aprill, whereby was forbidden the transporting and carying of all kind of necessaries, victualls, ammunition for warre, or any manner of marchandise whatsoeuer, vnto the enemy and their associates, or to any newtrall places, as also all manner of dealing, or correspondence by letters of exchanges, or otherwise, not onely with Spaine, but with France and the East countries, vnder what pretence soeuer it might bee, vpon paine of death, and losse of shippe and goods. The letter to exe∣cute these things one Iaques Ringoult (a man verie familier with the Earle of Leces∣ter and the onely inuentor of the sayd proclamation) had gotten by an extraordinarie [ C] commission, wholy without the aduise of the Councell of Estate, thereby to deale and proceede extraordinarily, with those that had any dealings with the enemie, by forme of inquisition, search, and examination, searching all the marchants letters, bookes, and secret accountes, a thing not vsed nor accustomed in these countries and wholy against manie priueledges, old orders, and freedomes, of the Prouinces and townes; and not content therewith he sought meanes to haue the same order vsed in England, against the Netherlanders inhabiting there in Sandwich and other places.

This proclamation and commission much disliked the Estates, and mooued them to cōplaine against it. At that time likewise it was put in practise, (& hoped to be effected) [ D] to raise a generall contribution vpon all nations trafficking to sea, for the furtherance of the warres, in regard that England being vnited with Holland and Zeeland, it might * 1.17 prescribe and giue lawes, as Lords of the sea, how, and whether men should traficke: which lawe beeing set downe, the Earle of Leicester, thought to compell all sailors and sea-faring-men, to come and buy passe-ports, or saffe conducts of him, thereby to haue libertie, to deale freely in euerie place, contributing some thing to the warres. But when many letters of complaint concerning the same were sent into England. The Noble Councell of Estate, esteemed it a verie hard matter for to bring the French, Scottes, Danes and East-countrie-men there vnto, and therevp∣on the contribution beganne to bee behinde-hand, and the proclamation standing [ E] in force caused great trouble, and hindrance in the Netherlandes, for that by it much traficke was conuerted, and ceased in these countries, for that many rich marchants, and sailers of Antwerp and other places, (withdrawing them-selues and flying from thence) would not staie and inhabite in the lowe countries, because they might not vse there trade as they were wont to doe, but went to inhabite and dwell at Hamburgh, Breame, Emden, Stode, and diuerse other places, from whence they might freely traficke into Spaine, Italie, Portugale, and the Islandes, and by that meanes made other Nations acquainted both with their traficke by sea, and brought much dealing into many other townes, so that at the last in Holland and Zee∣land, they were forced to dispence with that proclamation, and againe to permit the [ F] traficke by sea West-ward, or els in short time, they should haue driuen all trade of marchandise, and sea-faring out of their countries, togither with their richest inha∣bitants, those Prouinces liuing most by fishing, and sea-faring, hand-labors and trade of marchandise.

The fiue and twenty day of Iuly the Earle of Leicester, being in Vtrecht made an act [ A] concerning the erecting of a new tresory in the vnited Prouince. whereof hee apoin∣ted * 1.18 to bee principall in that office, the Earle of Niewenar, and Menes gouernor of Gelderland, Zutphen, and Vtrecht, with authority to sit in the councell of Estate: for the second man, hee apointed Maister Henry Killegray, one of the receiuers of her Maiesties Exchequer in England, and a Councelor of Estate in the low countries: the third person was Reynardt de Aeswin Lord of Barkelo, and for tresorer Iaques Reingoult, Lord of Canwenbergh, and for commissioners, Sebastian Loose, Iosse Teylink, and Mai∣ster Paul Buys. The Receiuers generall, the Treasuror for the warres, the Clarke, nor the Vssher beeing not named, but blankes left, to put in their names, one Danell Bur∣grate being apointed chiefe secretary, with free liberty to goe into the Councell of E∣state, and there to haue audience. [ B]

After the contract and vnion made by the Netherlands with the Queene was past and agreed vpon, the King of Spaine caused all the Englishmen through all his domi∣nions, * 1.19 to bee arrested and their shippes and goods confiscate, vsing them most rygorously, wherevpon many of them became men of warre, hauing commissions, from the Queene, for that they might not otherwise doe it in regard that as then there was no open warre proclaimed with Spaine, who beeing at sea made good vse of the sayd arrest in Spaine, for that all shippes going or comming West-ward, that they could come by, vnder that pretence, were taken and made prize, and at that time the Netherlanders could hardly deale or traficke into Spaine, Porting∣all, [ C] and the Islandes, vnlesse it were vnder Spaniards names, their Factors dwelling there, and esteemed for naturall bred and borne Spaniards, and vpon this suspition the shippes were brought into England, and the keeping and possession of the * 1.20 goods that were in them was deliuered into the hands of them that tooke them, (and if it were such wares as would not keepe long, they had authoritie to sell them,) giuing securitie for restitution thereof, if the sayd goods were not found to bee good prize.

In the beginning of this winter in Ianuary, Taxis Lieutenant to Verdugo Gouer∣nor in Friseland for the King of Spaine, gathered togither the garrisons thereaboutes, and entred into Westergoe, where hauing found meanes and oportunitie for to passe [ D] through the countrie by reason of the great frosts and yee hee had wonne Worck∣com, Coudom, Hindeloopen, and some other places. The nine and twentie day of Ianuarie it beganne to thawe; wherefore the Spaniards beeing loath to bee shut vp in that waterie countrie, thought to make their retreate, and not to attend anie fur∣ther hazard.

In his retreat he met with some pesants armed, whom he defeated, wherof some saued themselues in a Church, and refusing for to yeeld were burnt, from thence they went to the village of Boxom a league from Leeuwaerden where they were told that there was nere them 2000. Frisons Protestantes, being intrencht with Cartes and Wagons, and hauing two field peeces, yet the Spaniards went to charge them in their trenches, and [ E] as at the first charge the horses which were in the carriages, were amazed and terrified at the great noyse of the shot being vnacquainted with it, they began to run and breake * 1.21 their fort, wherevpon the Spaniards charged them verie furiously and put them to rout: whereof part of them saued themselues in the Church of the village, and af∣terward yeelded vpon ransome. Of the Protestants there died in this charge fiue∣hundred fourescore and sixe, and about some three hundred taken prisoners. Of the Spaniards verie fewe, some sayd but fiue and twentie. Amongst the which Ol∣swald, one of the Earles of Vandenbergh lost his life in the flowre of his age. Captaine Hendricke van Delden a braue souldiar was also slaine. Among the Protestant prisoners, was captaine Stein Malte a Dane, Lieutenant to Count William of Nassau, who [ F] was then at the Hage at the reception of the Earle of Leicester. This Gentleman had bin sent for by his King, and had taken leaue of the Estates, and was richly rewarded by them, so as hee was now vpon his departure: but by reason of the Earles absence, the Spaniards being thus sodenly entred into the country ouer the yce he was intreated

to doe this seruice, the which for the loue, honor and respect of the said Earle he * 1.22 [ A] would not refufe.

At the same time Collonell Martin Schenck being in Venloo, he sallyed forth vpon * 1.23 eighty Spanish horse hauing past the riuer of Meuse, whome hee defeated, yet with∣some losse of his o•…•…emen. A little before he had defeated some forty Italien horse of the company of captaine Appio Conti, of the which eighteene were slaine and twenty two prisoners. The King of Spaine hearing of the succors which the estates had gotten from the Queene of England, sent more mony by diuers meanes to the Prince of Parma for that as then his soldiars began generally to mutine. And at that time also the King sent downe the Marquis of Guast and of Pescara, the last being of the house of Aualos, with many others: this Marquis was by the Prince of Parma made Generall of the horse. The seauenteene of Ianuary they of Antwerp appointed a day [ B] euery yeare of sollemne procession for the expelling and killing of the French three years before, the which they called the day of the French fury, in perpetual remēbrance of the Duke of Anious ouerthrow, being at that time Duke of Brabant, in the which action the Catholiks did challendge the greater honor, but they of the reformed relli∣gion gai•…•… said it. In the beginning of February some soldiars of the garrison of Nuys went disguised like marchants to the towne of Zybrich: these men hearing that their troupes approched went vnto the castle (knowing well that the captaine was not there) * 1.24 and intreated his wife (all the country as they said being full of Freebooters) to giue them a gard to conduct them vnto Cologne the which being refused, they stayed a [ C] while betwixt the ports, looking of euery side, then being resolued, they slue the Porter and seased vpon the Castell. The captaines wife seeing that they were enemies cried out murther: They to giue a signe to their men to make hast, hung an enseigne out of one of the towers, And being busie to open them the castell behind, the Bour∣guers being in armes came running thether: the vndertakers quitting all defence, fled into an old tower, to make some defence. But they of the towne fearing that their long delay might be hurtfull vnto them, they set fire of the said tower, and forced the soldiars to yeeld. They had with them a glasier of the same towne and his sonne, who were carried to Bonne and there quartred.

About the end of February Collonell Schenck and captaine Cloet) who commanded [ D] within Nuys) past the riuer of Rhine with certaine troupes of horse and foot, marching towards West-phalia, to make an enterprise vpon the towne of Werel. On the 27. day being come by fower of the clocke in the morning before the towne, they set fire of a house ioyning to the port, the which flew into the towne. The townsmen ran thether from all parts to quench it: on the other side Schenk with his men gaue a sodaine scaladoin one part farthest of from the castell: and hauing past the rampar they went to the port, the which they opened so sodenly, as their horsemen were vpon the market place before the Bourguers did knowe the towne was taken. There was with in the towne a castell which Herman van Weda some-times Bishop of Cologne, had caused to be built to keepe them in awe. The Bourguers fled with such feare towards the castell and in such a throng, as the garrison fearing that the Protestants would enter pel-mel [ E] with them, shut the ports against them, letting none in but Gerard Brandt the bourgue∣maister, and the Lieutenant of the Castle. The towne being thus taken, was kept very straightly that none might come in nor get out to carrie news thereof. The castell was sommoned, but the Gentleman that held it called Iohn Verminkh•…•…uysen refused to yeeld. This place was of great importance whereon depended the preseruation of all the country of Westphalia. The Captaine sent a messenger withall speed to Cont Euerard van Solms, Marshall of the country of Westphalia, giuing him to vnderstand the estates of the towne and castell intreating him to send him some succors, for that hee wanted men to maintaine a long seege, and also to haue [ F] some victualls and munition for warre. The Marshall sent him presently certeine wagons conducted by two hundred and fifty foote, the which entred into the Castle without any incounter, Whereof the Captaine retained onely a hundred and sent backe the rest.

In the meane time the Marshall made all the speed that hee could to raise men in the [ A] countrey, and to get the Nobility to horse-back (as it is their manner when they are * 1.25 interressed) so as hee made a little armie, the which he brought and conducted neere vnto the Castle of Waterlap, halfe a league from Werell, whereof the greater part of them were footemen, and all in a manner peasants, with so•…•… which were the few∣er part horse-men.

Collonell Schinke and Captaine Cloet, knowing their enem•…•…s to bee so neere, would goe with all the speed they could and skirmish with them, on the Sonday the second of March, putting their horse-men into three seuerall squadrons, which went and charged them of Westphalia, which were but three score horse at the most: who hauing with-stood the first charge, wheeling about (according to their customes) [ B] to récharge their Pistols, the peasants thinking they had turned their backs to flye, and that they must pay for all, fledde away presently as fast as they could: among whom Schincks horsemen fell and made pittifull slaughter of them: among the which there * 1.26 were thirty souldiers, harguebuziers, of the garrison of Arensbergh, the which carried them-selues very valiantly, who seeing these peasants turne head and flie, they put themselues into a deepe and narrow way, whereas the horse-men could not annoy them, of the which they ouer-threw some. Schenck seeing the hurt this handfull of men did him, approching neere vnto them, hee sayd. Souldiers I haue knowne you well, and now I haue tryed your valours: wherefore seeing your troupes are in * 1.27 route, if yee will yeelde, I will make you a good composition, and intreate you like [ C] good Souldiers and men of warre. Whilest hee spake these words, one shotte at him, and although hee aymed at him, yet hee toucht him not, but slew another heard by him.

This vncourteous answer did amaze Schencke, and as hee returned backe, an other shotte at the hinder part of his saddle, the which past through and entred into his thigh, where the bullet remained. And as his men would no more approache, fearing at the least to bee dismounted from their horses, hee retyred, and so did those Souldiers with-out any hurt or losse. Among the Gentlemen of the West∣phalian horse, were slaine Hendric and Guytterman van Pleytenberch and Merffart van Borch: Of the Peasants there were slaine about three hundred men vppon the place, [ D] the which lay eight dayes in the fields before they were buried, and there were about three hundred more drowned in the riuer of Roer.

After this defeate or ouerthrow, Schencke and his men returned to the Towne, the which was kept close as before, but that some-times hee sent his men into the coun∣trey for some bootie. They within the Castle were not idle in the meane time, an∣noying the garrison of the Towne with their Artillery: and firing the new gate, whereby they had accesse vnto the towne, which Schenckes men could not preuent, by reason of the great Ordinance which played continually from the Castle. Yet Schenck meaning to cutte of this passage, built a Fort within the Towne, right ouer against the castle, the which did much annoye the Bourguers, beeing also forced to [ E] labour themselues, so as there were aboue forty of them slaine with the shotte of the Cannon.

The Lord of Hautepenne had goodly troupes about Keysers-weerd, with the which hee past the Rhine, and marcht directly to Werell, with an intent to besiege it before that Schencke had fully fortified, whereof hee beeing aduertised, hee resol∣ued to make a retreate in time, the which hee might easily doe for that Hautepenne came on but slowly. Beeing ready to make his retreate, (which was the eight day of Marche) hee kept the gates shutte all the day, during the which hee laded all the spoile vpon Wagons, and at nine of the clock at night he parted out of the towne towards Ham, and from thence hee returned vnto Bercke vpon the Rhine, carry∣ing [ F] with him some thirty of the Bourguers prisoners, to haue their ransome, after which exployte Schenck came into Holland to the Earle of Leicester, by whom hee was honoured with Knighthood.

Whil'st that the Prince of Parma was before Graue. Collonell Schenck ranne ouer * 1.28 [ A] the Diocesse of Cologne, spoyling all that came in his way: And the sixt of Maie, hee made a road vp to Brulle (whereas the Bishoppes of Cologne sometimes keepe their * 1.29 Court, and haue a goodly Pallace) but finding them vppon their guard, and well pro∣uided, hee retyred, and came before Cologne, making warre throughout all the Ter∣ritorie, as well against the Gentlemen of the Champian countrie, as against the Bur∣gers, not sparing •…•…y. At his retreate hee forced the Castell of Monqchuysen, and tooke the Seignior of Grosbergh (Nephew to the last Bishoppe of Leege) prisoner, who was carryed to Nuys. The garrison of Nuys, went and built a Fort in the Iland which is betwixt the towne of Soust and Cologne: This place seruing conuenient for them to cutte of the victuals that came to the Spaniards Campe, if they came to be∣siege [ B] them againe.

The fifth of Iune there went a shippe of warre from Nuys, well appointed with men and artillerie, the which mounted vp the Rhyne, and anchord before Cologne, right against Duytsch: The Captaine of which shippe was called Peter van Allen Vri∣enden. The Magistrates and Councell not knowing what to thinke of this affront, sent for the Captaine to come and speake with them, & to giue them a reason of his acti∣on; hee went boldly and told them that hee was come by the commandement of Cap∣taine Cloet, Gouernor of the Towne of Nuys, to hold the place, and to receiue the towle of all goods and Marchandises that should passe and repasse vppon the Riuer of Rhyne, in the name of the Prince Elector Trucses, Arch-bishoppe of Cologne: And that hee would hold all for good prize that should offer to resist him. Heere-vppon the [ C] Councell made him answer, that it was against the lawes and priuiledges of the towne, and of the Burgers, which might not suffer (according to the constitutions of the Empire) that any one of his owne priuate authoritie, should alter the towles and duties of townes, much-lesse impose any new and vn-accustomed: And that they would not indure that (beeing thus armed) he should lye before their towne, and col∣lect any towle or Impost. This Captaine demanded an act of their answer, to send it vnto his Commander the Gouernor of Nuys, the which was deliuered him, and hee sent it vnto Captaine Cloet: Who writte vnto them, that he had commandement from the said Prince Elector, their Arch-bishoppe and Prince; and that to the same [ D] end hee had sent Captaine Peter with his shippe, and that if any one would dare to hinder him, that hee would force him to obey: And therefore hee requested the Ma∣gistrates of Cologne not to take it in ill part: The like hee writte to the Burgers and Magistrates of the towne, that it might not seeme strange nor grieuous vnto them, if they were forced to pay the said towle, and that hee suffred nothing to passe without a discharge.

The Councell of the towne was in doubt what to do, whether they should chase him away by force or not: Where-with they were much troubled, the issue of this busines seeming somewhat doubtfull vnto them. In the end they resolued to com∣pound with Cloet (who was come vnto the said shippe) and yet notwith-standing they did write vnto the Emperor, to their Princes Electors, and to the Duke of [ E] Cleues. In the meane time they sent two Doctors, one Secretarie, and a sworne messenger of the Towne to Cloet, to let him vnder-stand that this new Imposition did Impugne the Statutes of the Empire, and the liberties and freedomes of the Towne: And therefore the Councell did not meane to allow of this Innouati∣on. Cloet demanded their answer in writing, to impart it vnto Prince Trucses, with∣out whose warrant hee might not depart by any meanes: And so the Deputies rety∣red, whome Cloet had feasted most curteously wiith great loue and kindnesse in his shippe.

After the yeelding vp of Venloo, the Prince of Parma on the tenth of Iuly, came [ F] with all his forces before the Towne of Nuys, at the request of the Bishope of Beyern and Cologne, thinking to purchase vnto himselfe great honor and fame by the taking thereof, in regard that Nuys was a good Towne, lying not farre distant * 1.30

from the Rhine, and much spoken of, for that the valiant Prince Charles Duke of Bour∣gongne, [ A] had spent a great treasure, and lyen a whole yeare in siege before it, and yet * 1.31 could not take it. Hee brought thether a great and mightie armie of Spaniards, Itali∣ans, Germaines, Netherlanders, Bourguignons, and Wallons, lead by the Marquis of Warrenbon, Charles and Octauio Earles of Mansfield, the Earle of Aremberg, Iohn Ma•…•…riquez de Lara, Bonninc, Liques, Camillo, Capuzucca, Gaston Spinola, and many other Commanders of Regiments. The Marquis of Guast was generall •…•…f the horse: they had their victuals and munition from Cologne. The Prince himse•…•…e lay in the strong Cloister of Ghenaden-dael, where hee was visited by the Bishop of Beyern and Co∣logne, the young Duke of Cleues, the Margraue of Baden, and other Princes and Lords. Within the Towne of Nuys Captaine Herman Cloet was Gouernor, a wise [ B] young Gentleman, who with a thousand soldiers prepared to defend themselues vali∣antly. Betwixt the towne and the Rhine there is a small Iland, in the which they of the Towne had built a Fort, the which the soldiers abandoned vpon the first approach of the Spaniards. A Spanish Captaine perceiuing it, went and seized thereon with his company: but they of the towne sallied forth, defeated all his company, and tooke him prisoner, and then they quitted the Fort againe. Then the Prince planted foure Canons in the said I land, sixe before Neerport, & foure before Rhinpoort, to batter the Rampar behinde the cloister of Mariembergh, which was the weakest part of the towne. The besieged for their parts slept not, but wrought day and night to fortifie it, both Bour∣guers and soldiers: the Gouernor Cloet did so presse them therevnto, as they had [ C] scarce any leisure to feed. The Prince hauing all his batteries ready, and all things pre∣pared to giue an assault, as soone as the breach was made, he did first summon the Go∣uernor * 1.32 on the 24. of Iuly, that if he would yeeld vp the towne, hee would make him a good composition: if not, that hee must attend the extreamities of a siege, and the fruites of his assaults. An answer was sent him in writing, that they did thanke him for his kinde offer: and that knowing him to be a vertuous and a valiant prince, they would willingly treate with him: but being a matter of great importance, wherin they should be well aduised, they demanded six houres respight to consult.

The prince had sent a drumme into the Towne to demand hostages of either side, and that the besieged should send their Deputies with Commission and full power to [ D] treate. But one of the Captaines called Faelix Poucher answered, that they found not the prince of Parmas Articles tollerable: saying, that hee had not kept the accord made with them of Venlo, the which the prince denied. During these sendings vp and downe, the Canons of the campe played vpon the towne, and that of the towne vpon the campe against the law of armes: so as the prince who was come neere to parle with them, was forced to hide himselfe in a drie ditche: for the which hee blamed Cont Charles of Mansfieldt, maister of the Ordinance, at his returne to the campe: who ex∣cused himselfe; saying that it was without his priuitie. Afterwards the Prince sent Collonell Taxis vnto the besieged, to know whether they were resolued to defend * 1.33 themselues, or to hearken to a good composition: who demanding to haue the articles [ E] in writing, they were sent them by a Trumpet: which were in substance, that they should depart with their coulours flying, and with all their armes, goods, baggage and booty, and that hee would cause them to bee safely conuayed to any place where they pleased, giuing them halfe an houres time to resolue therevpon. Taxis with other Commanders were before the Port attending. This Trumpet remained in the towne from noone vntill night following: about ten of the clock at night one came to tell * 1.34 them that the Trumpet was gone to sleepe, and that they might goe to bed if they plea∣sed, and that the next day they should haue an answer. In the end this Trumpet retur∣ned the next day about sixe of the clock in the morning, with this answer. That they of Nuys wondered that the Prince of Parma made warre against their towne, belong∣ing [ F] to the Prince Elector Truchses, and depending of the holy Empire, demanding a truce for sixe weekes, the which hauing obteined, they would enter into some reasona∣ble course of an accord. The Prince hearing this answer, and thinking that they mockt him, he caused the towne to be battered the same day, with thirty Canons, being Saint

Iames day the Patron of the Spaniards, neuer ceasing from morning vntill night, so * 1.35 [ A] as there was neuer a more furious batterie heard, hauing made that day aboue three * 1.36 thousand shotte. So as Rhynport and Neerport were battered to the ground, with a great part of the wall euen vnto the riuer: then changing the batterie to the other side of Rhinport towards the cloyster of Maryenbergh, they beate downe an other curtaine of the wall; so as there was a breach aboue three score foote long, by the which they might looke into the middest of the Towne. Betwixt the great Church and the Port there was a Tower, whereof part was beaten downe: a Spanish Cap∣taine aduentured to creepe vp into it, and looking round about him, seeing no man (for that the besieged in that place lay close, by reason of the continuall batterie) approach, he made a signe with his hand to his men to approch the which they did, and wonne that side of the Rampar. The Gouernor Cloet, hearing that the Spaniards were [ B] so farre aduanced, marched thether with some of his men, to chase them from thence, the which hee could not doe, but that they remained still in the Tower.

At this charge the Gouernor Cloet was shotte in the calfe of the legge, and was carryed to his lodging. Soone after one of the Spaniards went out of the Tower to * 1.37 the Prince of Parma, telling him that the Towne laye open of that side, and that there was no flankes to hinder his entrie. This did encourage the Spanish souldiers beeing greedy of the spoyle, thinking the time tedious vntill they went vnto the assault, and the rather for that it was their Patrons day, who they hoped would giue them victorie. But the Prince of Parma for that it was very late, and night appro∣ched, [ C] deferred it vntill the next day, causing the battery to continue all that night following, that the besieged should haue no leisure to rampar vp that which had been beaten downe in the day.

The next day in the morning the Princes campe beeing all in armes, and ready to goe to the assault: the Captaines of the Towne came vnto the Gouernor, to demand his aduise and counsell touching their yeelding; who seeing himselfe thus hurt, and beeing full of paine, hee wisht them to compound as well as they could, at the least to haue their liues and goods saued. Captaine Rittall was sent and an Ancient with him to the Prince, to treate of an accorde: comming neere vnto the Campe, an * 1.38 Italian Collonell caused them to stay there, vntill hee went to tell the Prince, and to [ D] know his will and pleasure touching that which they sayd they came for, which was to treate an accorde, and to yeeld vp the Towne. The Prince made answer vnto this Collonell, that they should returne and attend with the rest, the hazard of the assault. Where-vpon the Captaine and his companion returned, and deliuered vnto the besieged the answer which had beene giuen them.

Those of the Towne had by foure of the clocke in the morning discryed and seene great troopes of horse come out of a wood neere vnto the Towne, euery one car∣rying a Faggot, which they cast into the ditch to fill it vp, whereby they might easily iudge what their intent was: Wherefore the day beeing a little more spent, they sent three of their Captaines againe to the Campe, but at their arriuall they were layde holde on and kept prisoners. The Spaniards burned with desire to goe to the [ E] assault, some say they went of them-selues, and were within the Towne before the Prince had beene aduertised or had any knowledge thereof. So the Towne was forced of the one side by the Spaniards, and soone after about Meerporte by the Italiens. The besieged leauing the Rampar, retyred vnto the Market place, thinking to make it good, but they were soone forced and defeated: the conquering soldiers putting all to the sword that they mette in the streetes, were they armed or not armed.

In the meane time the Wallons, Germaines and Liegeois were quiet in their quarters, lying by Hochporte, beeing ignorant what was done in the Towne: but [ F] as soone as they heard that the Spaniards and Italiens were within the Towne, they fell to scale it on their side, and so did the high Bourguignons. Those that were lodged * 1.39 in the Iland swamme ouer, and made all the haste they could to goe to the spoyle. The slaughter was great, for that they spared not any.

There were some two hundred soldiers retired towards Hochport, and had cast [ A] downe there armes: but the Spaniards stript them naked, that their apparell should * 1.40 not be spoild with their bloude, & then (the first furie being past) they did murther them in cold bloud. There were three hundred more gotten out of the port (thinking to escape and to make their way by force, or to die in fighting) were compassed about by the horsemen, and cut in peeces without all mercy. The towne being thus taken, and the Gouernor Cloets house seazed on, hee was found lying wounded in his bed; his wife and two sisters being by him: the enemy being entred into his chamber, they willed him to prepare him-selfe to dye: wherewith being much troubled, he intreated them to saue his life, being a soldiar, and that he had in discharge of his duty to his maister, done the part of a soldiar and an honest man, wherevnto answere was made that both * 1.41 he and his maister were banished and condemned by the Emperor, and must bee pu∣nished [ B] accordingly: who seeking to excuse him-selfe, they put a halter about his necke, drew him out of the bed, and hung him out at a windoe of his howse. The Minister and 2. captaines were in like manner hanged. Some discoursing of this cruelty, said that Cloet and his Captains had not done ill in their resolution to keepe and defend tho towne for their maister, but that they committed a great fault to mocke the Prince of Parma, as we haue said, hauing so mighty an army, and so great store of artillery, able to force a stronger towne then Nuys.

It was not sufficient for the Spaniards to haue sackt and spoyled the towne, but they withall burnt it: and yet some to excuse it say that fire fell among certaine fagots and old drie wood that was prepared to rampar with, and so tooke some neere houses [ C] that were couered with straw. See the end of the miserable seege of this towne, the twenty sixe of Iuly, the which will not in long time bee restored to her former estate the desolation was so great. The Prince of Parma being yet in his campe after the taking of the towne, the first of August there arriued the Bishop of Verceil Noncio to * 1.42 Pope Sixtus the fift, whether also were come the cheefe Noble-men and gouernors: This Noncio (hauing on his right hand the Arch-bishop of Cologne Prince of Lieg, and on his left the Prince of Cleues) brought from the Pope to the Prince of Parma, a Sword and a Hat hollowed by Pope Sixtus owne mouth, with letters congratulatory vnto the said Prince, for his happy successe: in the which there was an expresse clause that such as should assist at the Masse which the said Noncio should say when as the [ D] Prince should receiue the Sacrament at his hands with the said Sword and Hat, being first confest and communicating at the said Sacrament, should haue full remission of their sinnes. Then the Noncio made an oration to all the Noblemen, Gouernors, Col∣lonels, Captaines and men of warre there present: exhorting them to carry them∣selues valiantly, and to die for the Romish Catholike faith, with promise of all Apos∣tolicall blessings, and in the end eternall life. Which being done hee came vnto the Prince, and put the Hat vpon his head, and girt him with the Sword, which was richly wrought. The which the Pope sent him, (as the letters made mention) in remem∣brance of his valour and vertue. [ E]

Whilest that the Prince of Parma was at his seege before Nuys, Prince Maurice and Sir Philip Sidney Gouernor of Flessing for the Queene of England (to prouide worke for him in another place) landed at the fort of Ferneuse, with three thousand soldiars, to make a road into Flanders, thinking by that meanes to diuert him from the seege of Nuys; and the twenty fiue of Iuly they tooke the towne of Axel not farre from the Sas of Gant. This did some-what trouble them of Flanders and Brabant; fearing some greater mischeefe, so as they of Flanders wrote very importunat letters to the Prince of Parma, intreating him to come to succor them, saying that it was more resonable and necessary to defend their country then to beseege an imperiall towne lying out of the iurisdiction and limits of the Netherlands: yet would he not forsake that seege but sent [ F] la Motte Gouernor of Graueling, to goe and beseege Axel: the which hee pretending to doe, the states cut the dikes and drowned all the country therabouts, so as with their shipping they forced them to leaue the towne. At the same time la Motte by meanes of a Wallon soldiar, called Nicholas Marchant some-times Sargant to the company of

Captaine Brugnastre in the States seruice, layded a plot to intrappe the cheefe Com∣manders [ A] , * 1.43 Collonels and Captaines of English. This marchant adressing him-selfe to the Earle of Leicester, and some of the deputies of the Estates, giuing them to vnderstand that he had good intelligence with many officers and soldiars of the gar∣rison of Graueling, and that vnder coullor of carying of corne thether by sea; bring∣ing men into the hauen, they might easely enter into the towne. His desseigne was found reasonable, and he had mony giuen him to buy corne and to imbarke it. This exploit was to bee done by Sir Philip Sydney and other commanders. But this mar∣chant hauing bought and imbarckt his corne and brought it into the hauen, hauing assured them that those hee carried with him and those of the garrison which were of his confederacie, should open the port at a certaine houre appointed to Sir [ B] Philip and his men: he being come neere the towne, and finding the port wide open sooner then he expected, hee began to doubt, for that some things fayled which had beene concluded in this enterprise, the which staied them from passing any further. La Motte and his men (who attended them with great deuotion) were greedy of their prey, and thought it long vntill they entred, sending two or three soldiars to wish them to make hast, but their marchant kept still within the towne, and neuer shewed him-selfe, which made them to doubt the more, and in the end to retyre. La Motte seeing this, fell vpon them that were entred with the marchant, who at the first were well entertained by them of the counterset and deceitfull faction, but in the end they smarted for all the rest, being about some thirtie of the English-men [ C] that were slaine.

The affaires of the vnited Prouinces were some-what impayred by the losse of Graue, Venlo and other places, the which the Prince of Parma had won, who pros∣pered more and more. There fell out among the sayd Prouinces and some particular townes a secret iarre and disagreement (as it happens often in an estate where as many command) the one seeking to be freed from chage to day it vpon his compani∣on: And with all Collonel Schenke (during the time that hee serued the King of Spaine) had noted some men, who gaue cause to suspect some of the estates, as if they were not to bee trusted, on the other side the Earle of Leicester newly made go∣uernor * 1.44 of diuers Prouinces, euery one hauing seuerall preuiledges and freedomes, [ D] being heretofore vnited together vnder one Prince, by heriditary successions, alli∣ances of marriages, guifts, pourchase, and otherwise; retayning yet still their liberty and the preheminences of their estats: hee perswaded him selfe that the authority which he ought to haue, by reason of the place which he held in the said Prouinces, was much diminished, for that the gouernment and absolute command depended not vpon him alone nor of his councell: but that the generall estats of the vnited coun∣try according to their ancient rights (although that in the Duke of Aluas time this order had beene broken) had in regard of them great authority to take know∣ledge of all things concerning their Estates.

This bred a ielousie and distrust, the which was after-wards the cause of a grea∣ter [ E] mischiefe, for Maister Paul Buys (some-times aduocate of the particular Estates of * 1.45 Holland, and appointed a Councellor to the Earle of Leicester,) beeing at Vtrecht, was put in prison, and there kept, without proceeding iudicially against him, nor knowing who was his aduerse partie. The captaines which had taken him, sayd they had done it by the Earles commandement, the which he denied. There were also some of the chiefe of the towne, among others the signior Nicholas van Zuylen Scout or Baylife, and some other priuate men, who were dismist and commanded to depart the towne by sunne setting; who retired into Holland, from whence they sent their complaints in writing vnto the Earle, who made himselfe ignorant of all: so as no man could iudge whether it, were by his commandment or not. They of Vtrecht being more incensed against their * 1.46 [ F] Burguers that were sent away, they banished them not onely out of their iuris∣diction, but also out of Holland, and out of all the vnited Prouinces for a certaine time, vpon paine of consiscation of such goods as they had in their signeury and Diocese.

The states of Holland seeing with what rigour they of Vtrecht proceeded against [ A] their fellow Cittizens, would gladly haue pacified this spleene: but not able to pre∣uaile * 1.47 any thing, many of these banished men past the Seas, some going to liue in the East-countries, and the rest in some other neutrall places: some carelesse of this rigo∣rous proscription, remained in Holland. In the meane time Maister Paul Buys remai∣ning * 1.48 still a prisoner, and no proceeding against him, by practise, or rather by suffrance of some of the prison, found meanes to escape out of Vtrecht, and to retire into Hol∣land: whereas his inlargement was confirmed, being bound vpon the penalty of 25000 Florins, to appeare and to answer to all that should bee obiected vnto him: but neuer any man came to accuse him.

During these losses which the vnited Prouinces had susteined, and the alteration in [ B] the gouernment of their affaires, their mindes were much troubled with a new appre∣hension of feare, being diuulged and spread abroad that the Queene of England was intended to make a priuate peace with the King of Spaine, for her owne estates with∣out any regarde of the safety and liberty of the vnited Prouinces, her neighbors: To satisfie their distracted mindes, and to free them from these doubts and iealousies: her Maiestie sent ouer M^r. Thomas Wilkes with letters to the councell of Estate, whereof I haue thought good to inserte the coppy, as followeth.

A Letter from the Queene of England, to the estates [ C] of the vnited Prouinces, sent by M^r. Thomas Wilkes the 19. of Iuly 1586.

MY Maisters, and our good friends, wee haue beene aduertised of late, that not-with-standing the assurance which wee haue already giuen you by Sir Thomas Hennedge, of our firme resolution to proceed in this action, wherein wee haue so willingly imbarkt our selues for your defence and preseruation: there are some bad instruments among you, who neither well affected to vs, nor desirous of the publick good of their owne countries, haue giuen it out, that wee haue an intent to make an accorde [ D] with the King of Spaine, and to yeeld to make a priuate peace for our owne proper aduantage, not comprehending the vnited Prouinces, nor caring any more for their safety and preseruation, and that you could attend but one yeares succors from vs at the most, with other such like inuentions, rather maliciously deuised, then grounded vpon any discourse of reason. For it is apparent to all men of any sence or iudgement, that there is such an indiuisible concurrence betwixt the estate of affaires, and the publicke good of both countries, as we cannot abandon your cause, and leaue you to the mercie of your enemies, being so farre ingaged in this action, and hauing imployed a person of that qualitie and esteeme with vs, as is our cousine the Earle of Leicester, without doing wrong and preiudice to our selues, besides the consideration of our honor, which [ E] is so farre ingaged, wherein wee hope wee haue neuer made breach, nor giuen occasi∣on to be iustly taxed: and therefore wee thinke that you will not giue any credit to the passionate discourses of such men. But yet to auoyde the suspitions and iealousnesse which they might breed among the generalitie, and in the hearts of such as know not well how matters passe, wee haue thought it fitte to send this bearer Maister Wilkes, one of the Clerkes of our councell of estate, expresly vnto you: to giue you a more ample and certaine assurance of our sincere and constant resolution, in any thing that concernes the good defence and preseruation of your countrey, the which wee haue so deepely vndertaken, as our fortune is inseperably conioyned to you. Wherefore it seemes expedient and necessary, that wee bee fully aduertised from point to point of [ F] the present estate of your affaires, as hauing therein an extraordinary interest. Where∣fore wee intreate you to giue vs therein the best satisfaction you can possible by the sayd Maister Wilkes, to whom wee haue giuen expresse commandement to informe him∣selfe by your meanes as particularly as hee can: doubting not but you will conferre

freely with him vpon this subiect, as it is fitting, seeing it concernes your priuate and * 1.49 [ A] proper good. And as for our parts you shall alwayes finde vs ready (as you haue for∣merly done) to performe that which we haue promised for the succour and defence of the country. In like manner wee attend that for your parts you doe that which you haue reciprocally offered, the which (to speake freely) hath not hetherto beene duly accom∣plished, as you shall vnderstand more particularly from the mouth of the bearer. Be∣seeching the Creator, &c. From Richmond the 19. of Iuly 1586. Signed.

ELIZABETH. R.

The same moneth her Maiestie did write an other letter to the Prince of Parma, in answer of one written by her concerning a treatie of peace, betwixt her Maiestie and [ B] the King of Spaine, which she refuseth to hearken vnto. The tenor whereof was.

A letter from the Queene of England, to the Prince of Parma, in Iuly 1586.

THe letters which your Excellencie haue written and sent by one Au∣gustin Graffigna, being accompanied by one William Bodenham, seemes very strange, for that mention was therein made, that you vnderstood by the said Graffigna, how that wee had commanded him to make an ouerture of an accord vnto you on our behalfes, & that you had heard [ C] it with great pleasure and content: and although wee cannot but ap∣proue and like of your Excellencies inclination and desire, to bring matters to some good end, offring to that effect all the good meanes that are in your power: notwith∣standing your Excellencie must know, that in this businesse there hath beene a great error committed, that in our name, without our knowledge, and against our dispositi∣on, and in some sort to the preiudice of our honor, any such person as Graffigna, or any other of better qualitie, should presume to begin any such matter in our name, or in our behalfe, as if wee had in that manner (by messages sent vnto your Excellencie) sought to make a peace with the Catholicke King, who hath in such sundry sorts re∣compenced [ D] our good offices with contrary effects, whereby wee haue beene constrai∣ned (contrary to our naturall disposition) to enter into these actions, the which is to no other end but for the defence of our estate, necessarily conioyned with our ancient neighbours of the Netherlands. And herevpon the said Graffigna being by our com∣mandement demanded by some of our councell, if hee had receiued commission from vs, or if he had dealt with your Excellencie by order from any of our Councell, he de∣nied it peremptorilie, as your Excellencie may see by his owne hand writing, the which we haue sent you here inclosed: and for a greater proofe hath offered to returne to iu∣stifie the same. As for Bodenham sent hether by you, wee haue caused some of our coun∣cellers to talke with him, and to vnderstand what he had to say on your behalfe: Who [ E] sayes that there is a great desire in your Excellencie to procure a peace betwixt vs and the Catholicke King, and to this end (as hee sayes) your Excellencie offers to procure authoritie from the King, to treate with vs, by the meanes of such persons as shall bee thought fit, if it may be first knowne that we haue any inclination therevnto: wherein as well the King as your Excellencie may vnderstand by our publick declaration, what our minde was then, and shall be yet, and how important the reasons be, which haue moued vs to deale in these actions: not being thrust on by any ambition, or the desire of effu∣sion of bloud, but only to secure our owne estate, and to free our auncient neighbours from misery and slauery: and to these two ends we haue directed our actions, with a re∣solution to continue them, notwithstanding that by indirect meanes there are certaine [ F] rumors spred abroad, (especially in the Netherlands) that we are inclined to a peace, without any respect of the safetie and libertie of those our neighbors, who haue mo∣ued vs through compassion of their miseries, and for other iust causes of importance, to aide and defend them from perpetuall ruine and slauerie: and therefore we haue had

great wrong offered vs therein, for such is our compassion of their miseries, as wee will * 1.50 [ A] not by any meanes haue their safety diuided from ours, knowing well how they concurr together. And therefore we intreate your Excellencie, that you will hold our resoluti∣on to be such, notwithstanding any rumor that shall be spred to the contrary, the which is greatly to our dishonour. Yet we would haue you perswaded, that if wee may see rea∣sonable conditions of peace offered vnto vs, which may bee for our safety and honor, and the libertie of our neighbours; we will as willingly accept of it, as wee were vnwil∣lingly forced to the contrary. Seeing that wee cannot doe any thing more pleasing to Almighty God, then to procure a generall peace throughout all Christendome: The which should bee the chiefe care of vs that bee Monarkes and Princes: and so it is knowne vnto the Almightie (who is the God of peace, and the onely searcher of all [ B] hearts) how much we haue beene therevnto alwayes inclined. To whose iudgement we appeale, against the malice of all the tongues that seeke to perswade the world to the contrary.

Nuys being taken, the Prince of Parma deliuered the emptie towne vnto the Bishop of Cologne, sending his troupes to Alpen and Maeurs, and the castle of Crako, be∣longing to the Earle of Nieuwenar and Maeurs, which hee presently tooke, and from * 1.51 thence they went before Rhinberke, whether he himselfe came in person the thirteenth of August: where as Sir Martin Schenck and Sir Thomas Morgan an English Gentle∣man, with about one thousand English, and some seauen or eight hundred other good [ C] soldiers lay in garrison, to defend it against the Prince. The States ships of warre that were in garde before the said towne, being falne downe the Rhine, the Iland which lies opposite against the towne, was seized on by the Spaniards, who presently planted ten Canons there, but the garrison that was within the towne defended themselues so well, by the good conduct of Collonel Schencke, as the Prince preuailed nothing, onely he caused certaine fortes to bee built there-abouts. The Earle of Leicester meant to take some course to deliuer it: but as hee had in the beginning of September planted his campe aboue and beneath Elten, passing on, hee went to besiege the towne of Dousbourg, lying vpon the riuer of Yssel. The Princes men continuing their desseigne vpon Berck, after they had finished their fortes, subiected all the fortresses there-abouts [ D] euen vnto Wezel: Before the which towne is that of Bruycke, belonging to the Duke of Cleues, which they seized on, and put some of their men in garrison there: be∣twixt which two townes of Wezell and Bruyck they made a bridge vpon the Rhine, to stoppe the passage of shippes that came vpward, and that the estates should send no victuals to Berke.

The garrisons of Ostend, Sluice and Terneuse, after the taking of Axel did great hurt in Flanders, cutting of the conuoyes that brought corne to Bruges, Ipre, and other pla∣ces, for that as then there was a generall dearth of corne throughout all the countrey, * 1.52 in such sort as the poore people within Bruges dyed for hunger: at which time, not∣withstanding their great want of corne, and dearth in the whole Prouince, the hatred [ E] that many of them bare (vnto such men as gouerned the towne of Bruges in former times, when the reformed religion was permitted) and yet continued there, trusting vnto the liberty and freedome of conscience, which was promised vnto them, by the contract made, betweene the Prince of Chimay, and the Prince of Parma, began as then to breake forth and shew it selfe. Whereof Peter van Hauterine, called Brouqsaulx was one, against whome (because hee was sonne to the Bourgomaister Brouqsaulx, that fled from thence into Zeeland for the religion, whereof the foresaid Peter his sonne secretly made profession) they sought all occasion to trouble and molest him, or else to put him to death; and to that end at last deuised (vpon vntrue and false sugiesti∣ons) to charge him to haue beene consenting to a certaine enterprise that should [ F] haue beene made (as they sayd) against the towne of Bruges, vnder pretence that hee should haue beene present in company, when a Burger of that towne (called Ioos van Peenen) began to complaine of the alteration of the time, whereby hee had sustai∣ned great losse in his marchandise, and sayd most plainely that it would bee much

better, if the aforesaid towne weere vnited againe vnto the Prouines of Holland and * 1.53 [ A] Zeeland &c. and although the said Brouqsaulex, excused him of all matters so as they could make no proofeof that where-of they accused him, yet they sought by most vniust meanes, and vnspeakeable torments (as by setting him in a chare purposely made and placed before a fire, for the space of nine daies and eight nights keeping him continually waking) to force some confession out of his owne mouth, whereby they might seeme to haue some lawfull collour to condemne him to death, and although these torments could not make him to confesse any thing of that which was demaunded of him, and layd to his charge as it appeared by the letters he wrot of his persecution and troubles, and by good meanes caused them to be conuaide into Zeeland yet vpon the thirteene of Iune 1586: they caused his head to be strick∣en * 1.54 of, with the said Ioos Peenens, without any lawfull proceeding, and against all due [ B] course of iustice, and besides this confiscated all his goods, directly against the priuele∣ges of the towne of Brugges, which import thus much, that a magistrate, can not lose both his lise & goods together, wherwith being not yet content, the desired the Prince of Parma to haue the point of permission and freedome of conscience graunted by the foresaid contract made to the Prince of Chimay (for awhile restrayned) established amongst them againe, the better to attayne vnto their purpose & intent of mischeuous reueng, and for that cause they banished many others out of the towne, in all which indirect courses, the new crept-in Iesuites, hauing most voyce and authority, hould this principle or maxime, that all contracts, promises, priueleges, and vowes, must giue place, and yeeld vnto the Catholicque, Romish Church and religion. In the [ C] moneth of August the earle of Leicester hauing gathered certaine troupes of soldiars together, sent his vantgard, conducted by Sir Iohn Norris and Sir Thomas Cicile to lie at Saint Seuenter by the Rein, and vpon the sixt of September went him selfe from Arneham, to Elten, in the duchy of Cleue, accompanied with Don Emanuel Prince of Portingale, some to Don Antonio King of Portingale, the elector Tucses bishoppe of Colen, Prince Maurice Earle of Nassawe; Philip Earle of Hohenlo; William Earle of Nassaw, and Philip Earle of Nassaw his brother (both sonnes to Iohn Earle of Nassaw,) the Earles of Solmes, and Ouersteine.

The Earle of Essex, generall ouer the English horse, The Lord Willoughby, [ D] the Lord North, Sir William Pelham, Marshall of the English forces, Sir Phillip Sid∣ney, and many others of good estate and qualitie, where he mustered his army, and found it to bee seauen thousand foote and a thousand foure hundred horse, but knowing it too small a number, to raise the Prince of Parmaes campe from before Berck (who was reported to bee twelue thousand foote and three thousand fiue hundredhorse) he determined to set vpon Doesborch, thereby to moue the Prince of Parma to leaue Berck. This towne of Doesborch belongeth to the Earledom of Zutphen which had the name of Duysborch or Drusus Borch (as some men say) * 1.55 long since giuen it by Drusius, (brother to the Emperor Tiberius,) that brought the Rehin, from aboue Arnham, into Isell, to the towne of Doe bourch, being yet called Fossa Drufiana, the towne hath high wales after the auncient manner, and [ E] broad deepe diches; at that time there was in it three hunderd Walons, vnder the command of Captaine Sampson, and the townes-men that bare armes, were about three hundred more. The Earle of Leicester sent the Earle of Hohenlo, the Earle of Essex, Sir Phillip Sidney, and & others with fiue hundred horse, eight hundred foote men by night to inuest the towne, and vpon the ninth of September followed with his whole army, marching from a village called Elten and causing his trenches presently to bee made, so as within three daies after, he had planted tenne peeces of ordinance, against the towne, wherewith he made two indifferent great breaches, but by reason that they within rampared then vp againe, and made them strong, and also for that the dich was * 1.56 [ F] sixty foote broad, and aboue 24. foote deepe, the assault was hard to bee giuen, but the diligence, willingnes, and forwardnes of the soldiars was so great as the Earle of Leicester, resolued to giue an assault, appointing the Earle of Hohenlo, with the Dutches and Scots, to begin, and Sir Iohn Norris, with the Englishmen and freezlanders

to second them; which they within perceiuing, sent word to the Earle of Leicester, that [ A] they would yeeld vp the towne, vpon certaine conditions, which were denied them, * 1.57 whervpon they yeelded themselues, only with sauegard of their liues, and the captaines and officers to remaine prisoners, and presently Sir Iohn Borowes and Sir William Stan∣ley, entered into the towne; Sir Iohn Borrowes being made gouernor thereof. After that, to draw the Prince of Parma from Berck, the Earle of Leicester marched towards Zut∣phen, one of the 4. principall townes of the Duchy of Guelders, and yet of it selfe is an Earledome, and hath a speciall gouernment within it, beeing a very strong, and a good * 1.58 towne, and for that hee had intelligence, that the towne had no great store of victualls within it, he was in good hope to win it, or els to force the Prince of Parma to come the∣ther, as after he did. Within it there lay Iohn Baptista Taxis, a braue soldiar, lieutenant to [ B] Verdugo gouernor of Friseland, & for that this town lieth vpon the riuer of Issell, and by that means troubled the passage into the riuer of Velue, and Holland, the states long be∣fore had made a sconce vpon the other side in the Veluwe, but by reason of high floods, they were forced to leaue it; they of Zutphen tooke this sconce, and made it stronger, raysing two bulwarks and 4. sconces hard by it, which sconce, they of Holland, 2. yeares before, had besieged ten months togither, but could not win it, & so were compelled to suffer the enemy to ouerrun and spoile the Veluwe. The Earle of Leicesters forces be∣ing somewhat more increased, he brought his army along by the riuer, right before Zut∣phen, and vpon the 18. of September, made a bridge of boates ouer the riuer, within lesse then halfe a mile from the towne, taking certaine gentlemens houses, as Hackvoort, & [ C] Voorden. While the army was thus busied, the Earle of Leicester went to Deuenter wheras then they began to mutine & would not liue friendly with thē, where by means * 1.59 of bishop Trucse he got 400. foote and 200. horse, to enter into the towne and beeing there, newes was brought him, that the Prince of Parma had left Berck, wherevpon hee made hast to returne vnto his army, which he presently caused to bee more strongly in∣trencht towards Zutphen.

The Prince of Parma fearing that the Earle of Leicester, might do some thing against Zutphen, and finding that Berck was to well prouided, hauing taken the Island lying be∣fore * 1.60 it in the Reine and made it strong, & raised other sconces about it, all wel furnished vpon the 12 of September he departed from thence, & marched to Weesel, and tooke [ D] Burick a smal towne in Cleaueland, and the castle, and there made a bridge of ships, and so past ouer to the other side, and being ouer, made certaine sconces, to keepe both the bridge and his passage, and went to Bunckloo, from whence he sent certaine victuals in∣to Zutphen, going himself in person with his vantguard, which the Earle of Leicester, knowing, that the towne was not yet fully victualled, he thought the next time they vic∣tualled it to set vpon the conuoy, whervnto he appointed Sir Iohn Norris, & Sir William Stanley, with certaine foote, and others with some troupes of horsemen. The 22. of Sep∣tember in the morning betimes, the Prince of Parma, caused more victuals to be sent vn∣to Zutphen with the same conuoy of his vantgard, as they had before, being 6. or 700. horse, and 2000. pikes and musketiers. They staying in a strong place, by a village called [ E] Warn suelt, halfe a mile from the towne, and so let the cartes and wagons passe along, which being discouered by a troope of 30. horse: Sir Iohn Norris, the Earle of Essex, the Lo. Willoughby, Sir William Stanley, Sir Philip Sidney, Sir William Russel, and others road thether, with about 200. horse, and 1500. musketiers and pikes, meeting with their ene∣mies before they expected them, by reason it was then very misty: they of the Prince of Parmaes side, led by the Marquis of Guast vpon their watch-word giuen, beganne to shoot furiously out of their ambuscadoes, being a place of great aduantage, as if it had bin a sconce, which they on the Earle of Leicesters side manfully withstood, not any one once retyring out of his place, to the no little amazement of the enemy, which beeing past, & the enemy not knowing how strong the Englishmen were, and perceiuing them [ F] to aduance; they sent out a cornet of horse vnder the leading of captaine George Cressier an Albanois, which was presently ouerthrowne, and the captaine himselfe taken priso∣ner: after that they sent Count Hanibal Gonzaga, with his cornet of horse, the which was likewise valiantly charged, put to rout, and part therof slaine, and he himselfe slaine,

or deadly wounded, they pursewed the rest close vnder their shot, where the third cor∣net * 1.61 [ A] made show to come to charge them, but it being likewise driuen backe, they par∣ted one from the other in regard that the Prince of Parma began to send more men to strengthen them. The Spaniards had a hundred men, slaine and wounded, on the English part were slaine and hurt about thirty men, whereof one was Sir Philip Sidney, being shot into the thigh, as he changed horses, whereof he died within fiue and twenty daies after: A yong lerned wise & valiant gentel-man, & very for-ward, whose death was much lamented, hee was gouernor of Flessing, and the Earle of Leicesters sisters * 1.62 sonne, his bodie was conuaied into England, and honorably buzied with in the Cathe∣drall church of Saint Paul in London, wherevpon the Englishmen not knowing how strong the enemy was, with-drew themselues vnto their campe, and so did the Prince of Parma vnto his. [ B]

The Earle of Leicester sought to get the sconses before Zutphen, and layd his campe in the veluwe vpon the Issell, there beeing an Island that lyeth right ouer against the * 1.63 towne, from whence some-times men might goe dry-foote to the towne, which was kept but by thirty men in a small sconce, he caused it in the night time to be assailed and taken, killing some and taking others of the soldiars prisoners, the rest saued themselues by flight. This Island he caused to be fortified and made stronge, and so brought his campe, before the sconses by Zutphen, making a bridge from the land to the Island, for that, from that Island he could hinder and keepe backe any aide that should be sent out of the towne to the sconces, and presently made his plat-formes, and planted his Ordi∣nance, [ C] which being certified to the Prince of Parma, and that the Island was taken, hee was yet in feare to loose the towne, therfore vpon the foureteenth of October, he came againe personaly with his army hard by the towne, and victualled it sufficiently, the Earle of Leicester being not strong inough to impeach him. The next day he depar∣ted and went two mile off to Bruckelow, and so to Weslell, and from thence to Burick, where he passed ouer the Reine vpon the bridge that he had made, and because he was * 1.64 some-what sickely, hee went from thence to Brussells, leauing the Marquis of Renti, Barron of Montigni, of the house of Lalain, generall in the campe, the which as then was full of sickly souldiars, and diseased by reason of their want.

The sixteenth of October, the Earle of Leicester, hauing battered the small sconce, [ D] lying North-ward, in the afternoone the same daie, hee caused an assault to bee giuen, wherein were about three hundred men, and in open viewe and sight of eight hundred * 1.65 men that were in the great sconce, and two thousand in the towne, the Prince of Parma himselfe being then not aboue a mile or two from thence, hee tooke it by force, where∣as an English Gentleman, called Edward Stanley, Lieutenant to Sir William Stanley, behaued himselfe most valiantly, leaping into the sconce, by meanes of one of the e∣nemies pikes, wherewith the enemy thrusting at him, he clasped it in his hand, and hold∣ing fast, (what meanes soeuer the enemie wrought to pull it from him) got vp with it, and beeing vp, drewe out his courtelas, and beganne to laie vpon the enemie, and with that other following him, the enemy was constrained to retire, and so hee was [ E] the chiefe meanes of taking the sconce, for which the Earle of Leicester (as hee well deserued) made him knight vpon the trench, with a guift of three score poundes star∣ling * 1.66 yearely pencion during his life; at the taking of this sconce there were not aboue eight men lost, but the Earle of Hohenlo was sore wounded in the face. The Earle of Leicester therevpon, beganne to make preparation against the next daie to assaile the great sconce, for that this sconce lying Northward, and the Island Southward, hee should quite cut off the passage betweene the towne and the great sconce, which they * 1.67 in the great sconce fearing, fled by night into the towne, before the Earle had plan∣ted his Ordinance, leauing all their Ordinance within it, and so that sconce was likewise taken, with other places there-abouts, as the castle of Nienouer and Bocx-berghen [ F] whereby the veluwe, was freed from all incursions.

To besiege the towne of Zutphen they thought it not conuenient, in regard it was too stronge, and for that as then it laie inclosed round about by the garrisons of De∣uenter, Doesborch, Lochum, Deutecum and the sconce, it was to bee hoped, that in

time by want of victuals, they should bee compelled to yeeld it vp, and therefore win∣ter [ A] being farre aduanced, the Earle of Leicester brake vp his campe, as the Prince of * 1.68 Parma had done his, placing his men in diuerse garrisons, and honoring many of his Captaines with the order of Knight-hood.

The sconce being taken, he tooke order for the fortifying thereof, placing Rouland * 1.69 Yorke gouernor therein, with eight hundred English foote, and a hundred horse, to free the Velue, whereof the states disliked, because hee had once before serued vnder them, and after with the enemy, and had beene a double traytor, and that therefore his faith was to bee suspected. But the Earle of Leicester (beeing light of credit, and hauing a great trust in his owne nation) offered his owne person and honor for assurance of his loyaltie. In Deuenter hee placed Sir William Stanley for their gouernor, with one [ B] thousand and two hundred English and Irish men, and two hundreth horse, for the * 1.70 which also the States were not well pleased, beeing one that had likewise serued the enemy. In Doesborch, he placed Sir Iohn Borrowes gouernor with two hundred horse, and eight hundred footemen, as also to keepe the castle of Brouchoorst, whereby the garrisons of Lochem, Deutecum, Sheuenbergh, and Zutphen were in a manner blockt vp.

The Earle of Leicester hearing that the Prince of Parma was retyred, and that it began to bee deepe in the Winter, and that the souldiers that should haue beene leuied in the East countreys, (by some indirect meanes) beeing then out of season to raise any more, were all disperst, hauing forced the Prince of Parma to breake vp * 1.71 [ C] his campe before Berke, (from whence Sir Thomas Morgan was newly come) hee went to the Hage, which gaue many cause of dislike, for neglecting so good an occasi∣on when it was offered, seeing that the Prouinces vnder the Spaniards, were so sore distrest for want of corne, and other victuals, by reason that the Hollanders with their shippes had stopt the passages of all the cheefe Hauens, from whence they might get corne, but in the breaking vp of the campe his men that were in the Iland by Zutphen, were set vpon by Taxis him-selfe, but soone releeued, with losse of sixe or seauen Englishmen.

The Earle of Leicester being returned back vnto the Hage, the States moued him to take order, that their complaints and griefes (which in August last past, and now [ D] againe were exhibited vnto him, and wherein they found themselues much burthe∣ned, and in a manner wronged) might bee redressed, which they set downe in forme of a petition, made in the name of the Nobilitie, Gentlemen, and townes of Holland, Zeeland and Freizland, containing the seuerall points here-after ensuing.

First they desired that the money receiued for contribution, might bee put into the Treasurers hands, chosen by the Estates, and that all the Commissions for any pay∣ments * 1.72 to bee made, should bee signed by the gouernor, and three of the counsell of estate, of the three seuerall Prouinces aforesaid, which they sayd was onely done, and past through the hands of one Iacques Ringualt, whom they with many others accoun∣ted to bee suspitious persons. [ E]

That her Maiesties ayde of Englishmen, beeing fiue thousand foote, and one thou∣sand horse, might bee kept full and in their complete numbers, besides the garri∣sons, and that they might bee mustered, and payde, in the presence of some one of the States Commissaries according to the contract.

That the leuying of new souldiers, according to the three and twentith Article of the contract, might bee done by the gouernor, with the consent of the States, that the Prouinces and Townes might not bee charged nor burthened, aboue their powers and habilities.

That according to the foure and twentith Article, no gouernors of Prouinces, Townes, or places, should bee chosen, or placed therein, before that three were first [ F] nominated by the sayd seuerall Prouinces, whereof the gouernor with the counsell of estate might choose one.

That hee would obserue good Marshall discipline, and let no souldiers be suffered to goe forth with out commissaries with them, to take a note of their charges and ex∣pences,

which by the Prouinces are to bee payd, that the commons from whom the * 1.73 [ A] contributions are to bee gathered, might not be ouer much burthened.

That the garrisons might bee payd, which the Commanders ouer them complained of, fearing mutinies, and reuolts, in regard that the fourth part of the contribution gathered in Holland would suffise to pay their frontier garrisons, and the halfe of the contribution of Zeeland, for the garrisons of Zeeland, and that therfore the three parts of the Hollanders contribution, and the other halfe of the Zeland contribution, would serue for the rest of the garrisons.

That no pioners nor laborers Wagons, should bee forcibly taken out of the coun∣try villages, contrary to the ordinances.

That according to their priuileges, no man should be summoned to answere to the law, out of the Netherlands. [ B]

That the authority of Magistrats which was much diminished and decaied, namely of Vtrecht might be vpholden and restored againe.

That Vtrecht might not be seperated from Holland, but be againe reduced vnder the gouernment of Prince Maurice.

That the proclamation, dated the fourteenth of August concerning traficke and nauigation, and the letters of the fiue and twenty of August, forbidding the carrying forth of any kind of wares or marchandises, tending to the ruine and ouerthrowe of the Netherlands, might be called in againe, and free liberty permitted vnto all men.

That the mony belonging to the admiralty, should not bee distributed, nor vsed to [ C] any other end, then to the same for which it is appointed: That new or strange manner of collection of contributions might no more be vsed, and that no more question might be made, against the administration of spirituall goods.

That concerning the contributions of Holland, Zeeland, and Friseland not touching matters of policie, neither yet in the administration thereof, there should bee no audi∣ence, nor good credit giuen, vnto any person what soeuer, that had beene any dealer in the treasory of Brabant, Flanders, or other the enemies countries, not hauing any knowledge or vnderstanding of the state of these Prouinces, and that his Excelency in all causes, concerning the contribution, policie, or such like affaires, would vse the aduise and Councell of the sayd Prouinces. [ D]

Vnto these demandes and complaintes, the Earle of Leicester made many ex∣cuses, and diuerse faire promises, that all should bee amended, but that as now hee had some occasion to goe into England, in regard that some matter of importance, and great waight, was then to bee handled in the high Court of Parliament in England.

The states sought all the meanes they could to stay him from going, but it was in vaine, and so the reformation, was deferred tell his returne againe, wherevpon * 1.74 they desired him to leaue some good order for the gouernment of the Netherlands, during his absence, for which cause vpon the three and twenty daie of Nouember hee made an act whereby hee committed the gouernment thereof to the Councell of [ E] Estate, with this clause, that all should bee done by aduise of the generall States, autho∣rising them with full powre to consult, and dispose of all causes whatsoeuer, with as full authoritie, as if hee himselfe were personaly present, not onelie for Mar∣shall causes, but also for policie, according to their good discretions, for the pre∣seruation and welfare of the Netherlands, common peace and quietnesse of the State, and the resistance of the enemie; with this prouiso that all dispatches, and commissions should bee made and vnder written, In his name (with his expresse commaundement and authoritie,) by his Cousin Prince Maurice Earle of Nassaw, and one of the Councell of the Noble Estate, beeing there for the Queenes most excelent Maiestie; or in their absence, by two other of the sayd Councell of Estate, and [ F] that the sayd Councell of Estate, should deale in all other causes according to their ordinarie instructions, without deminishing any of his authoritie, and that the garrisons of townes and fortes, should bee placed, altered, and changed, according to their aduise and counsell, but in his name, and that the commissions, and

authorities of the same, as also the passes, and lodging of the souldiers, in the champi∣an [ A] countrie, should in like sort be made in his name, and no man to deale or meddle * 1.75 there-with, notwithstanding any commission or commandement to the contrary, and that the warre by Sea, and the moneys appointed to that end, should rest in the disposi∣tion of the Admirall and the counsell of the Admiraltie. And further for the ordering of the warre, the sayd counsell of estate, should appoint a sufficient and experienced man, that should sit and consult with them in the said counsell, commanding all gouer∣ners, Coronels and Captaines of horse and foote, both by sea and land, and all Magi∣strates what-soeuer, &c. to bee obedient vnto the sayd counsell of estate, as if he were personally present, and that during his absence, or till that it should bee otherwise ap∣pointed by the generall estates, promising vpon his princely word, to allow, maintaine, [ B] and ratifie, and cause to be allowed, maintained, and ratified, all and whatsoeuer the said counsell of estate in his absence should decree and ordaine. Dated the 24. of Nouember 1586. subscribed Robert Leicester, and vnder by order from his excellencie.

Signed Gilpin.

The same day the Earle of Leicester made an other act of restraint, or recalling of the counsell of estates authoritie aforesaid, the effect whereof was as followeth. * 1.76

That although his Excellencie had committed the gouernment of the country vnto the counsell of estate, with full power and authoritie both by water and by land, com∣manding they should be obayed in all things, as his owne person, as by his act appeared, yet his Excellencies intent and meaning was, that neuerthelesse, during his absence, hee [ C] would reserue certaine causes to his owne will and disposition, and therefore decreed by this other act, that the aforesayd councell of estate, notwithstanding the aforesayd commission, and generall, absolute, and free power, vnto them committed and granted, should not alter nor change any thing touching the gouernment and command of pla∣ces by his excellencie, already giuen and bestowed, nor touching the keeping of any Castles or Fortes, as also that they should not meddle with the chiefe officers of armies, as generalls of horse and foote, nor their Lieutenants, nor with any other principall of∣ficers, vnlesse it were with the knowledge and consent, first had from his Excellencie, and when any one should chance to dye, they should not put any other in his place, but with prouiso. They should not discharge any prisoners, nor yet take any assurances. [ D] They should not dispose of confiscations, and spirituall goods, without his knowledge or pre-consent. And further that they should put to their helping hands, that the order concerning the English companies may be obserued. As also touching the carrying of victuals out of the Prouinces, especially of that which groweth within the same, that they should haue a speciall care & regard, that it were done (as much as might be) to the profit of the Netherlands, and so he could bee well contented therewith, and that the list of conuoyes by the generall estates, might bee augmented as much as possible might be.

Lastly, touching the nominating of the counsellers of estate, they should haue a regard, that nothing should therein bee added nor altered, to the deminishing of the [ E] authoritie that belonged to his Excellencie, touching the choosing of one in euery Prouince, to sit in the counsell of estate, dated in the Hage the 24. of Nouember 1586. This act of restraint did afterwards cause great iealousie and dislike to grow, it being once knowne, and thereby procured great hurt and preiudice to the Netherlands, and to the Earle of Leicester himselfe much disquietnesse, as here-after you shall heere. Before the Earle of Leicester went out of the Netherlands, hee caused his image o•…•… picture at life to be made of pure golde, waighing three or foure ounces a peece, to * 1.77 giue vnto his friends to weare it in remembrance of him, vpon the one side was his pic∣ture excellently well made, with an Inscription. Robertus Comes Leicestrie & in Belgia Gubernator 1587. On the other side, there was a flocke of sheepe feeding, whereof some [ F] were scattered abroad, and before them a faire English Dogge, looking about for the sheepe, and many sheepe following him, and round about it was grauen. Non gregem sed ingratos, and vnder the Dog was written, Inuitus defero.

In September Anthonie Perrenot Cardinall of Granuelle, first of all Bishop of Arras,

and afterwards Archbishop of Macklyn, dyed in Spaine, hauing many riche Abbaies * 1.78 [ A] and benefices: he was borne the twentie of August 1517. sonne to Nicholas Perrenot * 1.79 Lord of Granuell, one of the chiefe Councellors to the Emperor Charles the fift. This Cardinall by the quicknesse of his witte being very ambitious, would gouerne the Netherlands alone, and ouer-rule the Dutchesse of Parma that was Gouernesse, and the Princes and Lords of the Kings councell of State at his pleasure: whereby there grew iealousies and factions among the great men, which were couered afterwards with the cloake of religion: so as to redresse it (or it may bee to bee better serued with his councell) the King called him out of the sayd countries into Spaine, where hee did farre worse offices then if hee had remained in the Netherlands: for hee did so debase the countrey, and disgrace the Princes and Noblemen vnto the King, as by his vnmea∣sured [ B] ambition, with the hatred hee bare them, and his desire to bee reuenged of them, hee was (to speake plainely) the onely Anuill, whereon all the miseries of these countries were forged, the which doe yet continue vnto this day, of whose life, and actions, wee haue discoursed at large in the eight Booke of this Historie.

The Earle of Maeurs was gone into Germanie to make a leuie of Reisters, which * 1.80 they attended with great deuotion in the Estates campe before Zutphen: with the which hee came downe as farre as Bremen in the East countrey, whether the Estates had sent a great summe of money for their pay. These Reistres beeing come to the Rendez-vous and place of muster, the Rytmaisters began to mutine for their pay, for the seruice which they had not yet done. The Duke of Parma (whose father was [ C] newly dead) hearing thereof, sent certaine troupes into the countrey of Linghen, to incounter them, and if it might bee to doe them an affront. At which place some of these Germanie horse went to the Spanish party, and the rest disbanded and retired in∣to their countrey: so as the Earle was left alone with the Cornet of the Rytmaster Plettenberg, and not daring returne into Holland by land, being too weake to make his way by force through the enemie, being assured that hee should bee charged, hee im∣barked with the rest of his men. Some Princes of Germanie (in whose countries these mutines had beene leuied) were wonderfully incensed against them for this base act, and punished some Gentlemen as well by prison, as otherwise by way of infamie and degradation of name, honor, and armes, hearing that they had not wanted any pay, see∣ing [ D] there was money sufficient, the which was sent back into Holland.

The Duke of Parma hauing auoyded this storme, and disperst these troopes of Ger∣maine horse without fighting, which the Estates had expected with such great deuo∣tion, hee caused his forces to returne neere vnto Zutphen, and commanded to take vp all the corne in the countrey there-abouts, and to carry it into the Towne, the which was easie to bee done, the Earle of Leicester hauing retired all his armie vnto the other side of the riuer vpon the veluwe, about the great Fort which hee had taken before, right against the Towne: into the which hee had put three and twenty companies, Wallons, and naturall Dutches of the countrey, the which were soone after cast and re∣duced to sixe Ensignes, what the cause was I could neuer yet learne. All this summer * 1.81 [ E] the drought was very great throughout all the Prouinces vnder the King of Spaines obedience, which caused an extraordinary dearth of co•…•… for the corne being twise or thrise sowne, as soone as euer the blade began to appeare aboue ground, it was pre∣sently eaten in one night by a kinde of little graye snailes, which in the day time hid themselues in the ground by reason of the great heate of the sunne, and fed onely in the night, the which I haue seene by experience returning in the night time to my house at * 1.82 Tyl in Flanders, whereas all the wayes were so full, as they caused a lo•…•…thing-in them that went vpon them, by reason of their slimie viscositie, which made men beleeue, that it was a punishment sent from God. It hath not beene read of in former histories, nor seene since, that generally in whole countries, a measure of wheate waighing two hun∣dred [ F] pounds, should bee worth forty fiue Florins in the market. And as this drought * 1.83 continued aboue a whole yeare, betwixt the yeare 1586. and 87. (so as in that of 87. they had three pounds of beefe for one of bread) many poore people dyed for hun∣ger and want, as well in Arthois (which is a great corne countrey) as in Flanders

where the plague was very violent, and withall they were much tormented with * 1.84 [ A] Wolues, which deuoured men, women, and children by hundreds: so as Flanders was * 1.85 afflicted this yeare with famine, plague, and with sauage and cruell beasts.

At that time the Estates to keepe the Esterlings from bringing of any graine into the sayd countries, hauing aduertisment that there were certaine ships laden with corne at Hambrough to be transported to Dunkerke: they sent some ships of warre, vnder the command of Captaine Ludt Iacobsen (otherwise called the Great Luth) of the towne of Medenblyke in West Friseland, towards the riuer of Elbe to stop the passage. The said Captaine was sent for to Hambrough before the Magistrate, where beeing de∣manded what made him presume to enter into their riuer to stoppe their nauigation and traficke. He answered freely that hee had beene sent by his Masters the Generall [ B] Estates of the vnited Prouinces, with commandment that both there and in al other pla∣ces hee should make warre against their enemies, yea and against all them that would assist and fauour them. Wherevpon answer being made vnto him, that it was a neu∣ter towne, and not any waies partiall, but free vnder the Empire: whether any man, as well of the one part as of the other, might come and haue free accesse, as well Spani∣ards as Hollanders: wherefore they commanded him to depart and instantly to leaue their riuer free. The which hauing refused to doe, vntill hee had the like commande∣ment from his Maisters, they cast him into prison, and there kept him a long time vntill that by letters from the Estates and the King of Denmarke hee was set at libertie, but * 1.86 not without suspition to haue beene first poisoned, for that at his release out of prison, [ C] hee refused to sweare neuer to bee reuenged for this imprisonment, but onely for his owne priuat person, and not for his Maisters, if they commanded him, who (hee sayd) had beene more interessed therein then he himselfe. Soone after his returne into Hol∣land hee died, and there were found in him all the signes, and tokens of one that had beene poysoned.

In the village of Linter neere vnto Tillemont in Brabant, on the tenth daie of De∣cember in the night, it did raine bloud vpon the yce, in the ditches of a Gentlemans house, the drops falling so hot, as the yce did melt, and they did peerce almost a foote * 1.87 deepe, as it was obserued by many. The Earle of Leicester parted out of the Nether∣lands in the end of this yeare, by commandement (as hee sayd) of the Queene of Eng∣land, [ D] to assist in Parliament, whereas matters of great importance were to bee treated off. The Generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces, were not well pleased with his de∣parture, by reason of the discontent and murmuring that was of either side: to pre∣uent * 1.88 the which they sent their deputies to him into England, to bee nere vnto his per∣son, as a Councell of Estate: the which were Iames Valcke (at this present tresorer ge∣nerall of Zeeland) William van Zuylen signior of Nyeuelt, Iuste Menin Pensionar of the towne of Dordrecht, Camminga of Friseland, and others, with a Secretarie, who arri∣ued there in the end of Ianuary 1587. carrying him from the generall Estates a rich and stately present, which was a cup of the heigth of a man, of siluer and guilt, curiously wrought, in signe of acknowledgment and gratuitie. During the discontent of the Ne∣therlanders, [ E] for the errors which they sayd the Earle of Leicester had committed, ha∣uing exhibited their greeuances vnto him, and yet receiued no redresse, but dilatorie excuses: there was one did write a discourse of aduise, touching the abuses which had happened in the state since hee came to the Gouernment, the which I haue thought good to insert, hoping that the content and proffit which the reader may reape there∣by, will in some sort recompence the tediousnesse thereof. In the end of his preface he sayes.

I thanke God, that he hath sent a wise and discreet Gouernor to command ouer these vnited Prouinces, who hauing no other designe, but the glorie of God, the peace and tranquilitie of these poore countries, and the seruice and greatnesse of the Queene his * 1.89 [ F] Soueraigne: it is not to bee feared, that hee will take in ill part that which with all mo∣destie and respect may bee deliuered vnto him, touching the abuses and errors which haue happened in this Estate, since he was admitted to this gouernment. Humblie be∣seeching his Excelency to consider that it is but his first yeare of a prentiship: And

how wise, sufficient, and iudicious in affaires soeuer a Prince, Gouernor or Councel∣lor * 1.90 [ A] bee, yet beeing new come into a country, amongst a people so diuers of humors and opinions as these bee; so full of factions and partialities; so troublesome, way∣ward and importune, by reason of their long and violent infirmitie; so extenuated and weakned of meanes, and almost reduced to despaire, and abandoned of the Phisitions and of all humaine succors: in an Estate which is so pittifull an Estate, confused, dis∣ordred and without gouernment: where wee can see nothing but cloudes of er∣rors, and gulphes of miseries and pouertie: And whereas in the beginning hee did scarse knowe the merit, valour and dexteritie of anie one person: And whether hee had also brought new men like vnto him-selfe, but yet in all commendable qua∣lities much inferior vnto himselfe. It is no wonder then if hee hath found him-selfe for to bee set with a thousand difficulties; if hee hath contented so fewe per∣sons, [ B] and discontented so many: yea if with in these few monthes it hath endured so rude and furious a shocke, as it was in danger of ruine.

And although the cure of this disease dependes not vpon the counsell and aduise of a young Phisition, and that wee may saie with Tacitus. Non perinde d•…•…udicari posse quid optimum factu sit, quam pessimum fuisse quod factum est. It cannot thereby bee iudged what is best to bee done, but that it was ill that was done. Yet there is some hope that wee shall not heere-after fall into the like errors, and that wee will bee no lesse circumspect then the mariner, who doth all hee can to auoide the rocke; where hee was once in danger of ship-wracke, for as an old doctor of the church [ C] sayth. Non nisi idiotis datur bis ad eundem lapidem impingere, that is, none but fooles stumble twise at one stone. Wherevnto I will adde for my conclusion, the saying of an ancient Poet, Nulla res tam facilis est, quin difficilis fiat si inuitus facias. Nothing is so easie but it will prooue difficult, if you do it vnwillingly. The contrarie is true, that to a resolute minde nothing is to high, to great nor to difficult. And wee must say with Alexander the great when he incorraged his souldiars. Nihil tam alte natu∣ra constituit, quo virtus not possit eniti, nature hath set nothing so high, whether vertue may not aspire.

The greatest error and the least excusable, is that the treatie hath not beene due∣lie obserued; and the greatest aduantage which these men haue had to blame vs, is, [ D] that the succors promised haue neuer beene full and complete, assuring that there were neuer seauen hundred horse nor foure thousand foote. Moreouer that the musters were neuer duelie made, with the assistance of a Commissary appointed by the Estates as it is fit and necessarie, seeing that the countrie is bound to make restitution of that which shall bee disboursed by her Maiestie. It were a leane excuse to say, that it was forgetfullnesse, and that they had spoken of it. But what are words without effects and execution? And to whome belongs this care and charge but to him that is Go∣uernor generall, who hath command ouer all other things? What a shame is it if there bee more fault and negligence in the Phisition then in the sicke patient? Infeli∣riter egrotat cui plus est a medico periculi quam a morbo. Hee is vnfortunatly sicke [ E] that is in more daunger of his Phisition then of the disease. This people is a sicke, weake, extenuated bodie; you vndertake to cure it: next vnder the Almightie GOD they attend no other succors nor cure but from you: and yet by your delaies, neg∣ligence and slacknesse, you bring them into greater daunger then they were euer. If you replie that it was in them to beare with your faultes, for that they are suppli∣ants and haue need of your succors. I answere, first that contracts are in the begin∣ning voluntary, but after they bee once made and sworne, they must of necessitie bee kept of either side.

Secondly that the Phisition which vndertakes a cure must first do his dutie, and not bee found in fault. [ F]

Thirdly this poore people relie vpon you, and as I haue sayd, neither can nor wilbe deliuered but by your meanes and succors. And you maie well thinke seeing that iea∣lousie and libertie hath brought them to that point as to reuolt from, and to incense so great and mightie a Monarch; that if they had any meanes to preserue themselues by

them-selues, they would not haue adrest them-selues, to any other seeing that this [ A] crauing of succors, proceeds, from the weakenesse of their owne forces, to the * 1.91 end that being vnited with you they may doe that which of themselues were impossible.

But if neither the succors bee complete nor the troupes paid as wee haue seene this winter, that all the English companies haue not in fiue monethes receiued one peny what may these poore people expect, but ruine, the which they haue for many yeares and with great toyle sought to auoyd? So as it seemes they are in their hands that will aduance their ruine, rather then preserue them. If there were question to pay thirty twenty or tenne thousand men, but there are but sixe thousand and not complet, the which are in as poore termes for their pay as those that are entertaynd by the country. This doth not onely discourage the soldiars which suffer, but doth also bring vnto dispaire, them who hauing offred the Soueraignty with their liberty bodies and goods [ B] to be her Maiesties subiects: and not able to obtaine this grace, haue bound and ingaged the keyes of the cheefe townes of their estates for the assurance of that which should be disboursed for the entertainment of sixe thousand men onely. The French king Lewis the twelth suffered his friend and confederate the King of Nauare to bee ruined when he delayed to send him the succors which he had promised against the Catholike King, who seazed vpon, and doth yet hold at this day the Kingdome of Nauarre, for those which are bound to succor an other, and yet protract the time and are slow to send it, bring their friends into danger and pourchase blame, and are held vnfriendly, and by their slackenesse ouerthrow the action which should haue brought honor and proffit to them all: for if they which call are whot in their enterprises, and they which are [ C] called are cold, mingling one with the other it makes a luke warme, which is nothing worth, moreouer this defect hath made many thinke that her Maiesty had more will to make a peace for them with the King of Spaine, then to succor them cherefully against their enemies.

They complaine much that Captaines and officers of the English troupes are great gamesters, and conuert their soldars pay to their owne pleasures or priuat proffit, the which is a manifest theft. That they are not as they ought to bee with their companies and charges, whereby there haue growne great abuses and inconueniences: yea the last day all the commanders, Collonels and captaines, and in a manner all the cheefe officers [ D] of companies both of horse and foote were absent, which fault cannot be imputed but to the generall of the army or the gouernor generall of the country.

That which hath lost the hearts, loue and affection, of the soldiars and men of warre of the one and the other party is, that they haue beene worse paid this yeare then the former: and being accustomed to receiue foure or fiue moneths pay in a yeare, they haue for the most part receiued but two or three at the most. And in truth if we looke into the great and extraordinary charges which haue beene made in this yeare more then in the former, wee shall not finde it so strange: and the fault (if it bee a fault) is in a manner excusable, for the enterprise of Axel hath cost a good summe of money: That of Graueling (which fayled) the campe before Nymegen, when as they [ E] tooke the forts and castells of the Betawe: the victualing and exployt before Graue: the victualing of the townes of the heigh country; the money vnprofitably imployed for the leuying of Reistres: and the last campe before Doesbourg and Zutphen, taking of the forts, assuring of Deuenter and of the veluwe: besides the establishment of a councel of estate, and a councel of the treasure. &c. The officers whereof haue bin very wel paied, guifts and presents of importance to some commanders, recompences to some priuat persons yea for seruices done in times past: reception of Ambassadors; passing of soldiars out of England and Scotland: wagons, S•…•…yes, Intellligences: voyages of deputies and commissionars and other things as well ordinary as extraordinary. So as the first yeare it is not possible through the ignorance of affayers to manage the [ F] expences so well as before. Besides that the two hundred thousand florins moneth∣ly contribution or any other extraordinary summe, furnished by the estates: the greatest part was not deliuered in redy money but abated and defaulked, as well for the transpor of soldiars, as for wagons, and cheefely for munition and victuals

bought at a farre lesse price, then they haue beene deliuered in the Towne to the Co∣missaries: * 1.92 [ A] the excessiue and vnreasonable pay of Pioners: besides the deduction of other charges: and yet they impute the receyt, and totall expence to his Excellency, as if hee had receiued it all in readie mony, or that hee alone had had the disburssing and the managing of the sayd money; the which is false. But if the charges haue much exceeded the receipt, and that by consequence they haue anticipated for ma∣ny moneths the generall meanes and aydes of the country: Wee must either con∣fesse that wee haue beene abused in the beginning, in not making an equall estimate betwixt the charges of the warre, and the meanes of the country; or else wee must answer as the Generall of the Greekish armie did in the Peloponesian warre; beeing demanded what summe of money would suffice yearely to continue the warre, and at what rate they should taxe euery Prouince. There is not (said hee) any thing cer∣taine [ B] nor assured in warre: They must haue as much as they shall spend, and not spend as much as they may haue: And if hee which builds a new house, makes accoumpte to spend as much more as hee had set downe for his worke with greater reason it ought to bee done by them that vndertake a warre, bee it offen∣siue or defensiue: For that a Generall cannot fore-cast all exploits which it shall be∣houe him to make in one yeare, neither can he diuine of his enemies disseignes, who will happely prouide worke for him which he neuer dreamt of: Besides the losses and accidents which happen daylie in matters of warre. The which may serue for an aduertisment and instruction for such as are deputed to make Treaties, and to resolue vppon the forme of succors. Yet it had beene a great wisdome and discretion, not to [ C] haue leuied and past more men out of England or Scotland then they had meanes to pay within that yeares contribution. The which may also serue for an instruction heereafter.

The banishment of many Papists out of Vtrecht, hath beene found very strange of many both without and within the country: For that most of them are old Chanoins, and Clergie men, whereof some haue neither the spirit nor the meanes to hurt: and that this banishment is contrary to the pacification of Gant, and to the Vnion of Vtrecht, and as they thinke against all reason and forme of iustice: seeing that they had all in former time consented to expell the Spaniard; and haue since voluntarily contributed to make warre against him: and that without accusation or hearing they [ D] haue banished them out of the towne and Prouince: For seeing this warre is not made so much for Religion as for the Estate (as it appeareth by the Treaties, and among others by the said Vnion) the one haue as great an interest in the preseruation of this Estate as the other: And it is vniust to intreat the one worse then the other. But the banishment of fiue men of quallitie, hath bene iustly found of bad example, and of all men held most vniust, as well in the matter as in the forme and proceeding: for it is well knowne that these men haue beene alwaies sworne enemies to the Spa∣niards: That they haue bene the first authors of the establishment of their libertie, and of the reformed religion: They neuer since make any profession of the Romish re∣ligion; although some suspect them to be Papists. [ E]

They haue alwaies beene imployed in all affaires of importance, for their Pro∣uince and for the State, and they were neuer before taxed to haue committed any remarkeable fault in the Estate: Nay it is most certaine that they were open ene∣mies to the French partie, and that they haue allwaies laboured to haue the succors of England: And when his Excellencie came into these parts, two or three of the chiefe of them, haue imployed their paines and done their best indea∣uours they could, that his Excellencie might haue the generall gouernment and all the authoritie, yea more then some other Prouinces would haue had. Where∣vppon it is said that thereis manifest iniustice in this fact, and a great ingratitude: [ F] Iniustice, for that they were neuer accused, heard, nor examined, of any thing, although they haue required it with great instance, Ingratitude, in that ha∣uing fauoured, serued and aduanced the English party, they haue receiued this cold recompence by the English, for allthough that they pretend the publike

good, and to auoid a greater inconuenience through diuisions and factions in Vtrecht, * 1.93 [ A] (whereof these were heads of one of the parties) they haue beene forced to vse this rigor: yet they are much deceiued in thinking to preserue an Estate rather by Iniustice then by iustice. Quia Ius et aequitas vincula et fundamenta sunt ciuitatum. For that Iustice and equitie are the bonds and foundation of Citties, as Tully faith in his Paradoxes; if they haue committed a fault, let them bee accused, heard, conuic∣ted, and condemned: If they will not once heare them in their iustifications, what can wee thinke but that there is passion and violence in this action? Besides con∣science and the rules of Christianitie will admit no reply. Do wee ill that good may come of it? If you do otherwise, and thinke by this Iniustice to preserue your Estate, you are Macheuells Disciples, who teacheth it, and not our Sauiour IESVS [ B] CHRIST and his Apostles who forbid it. If you will now say the fault is past: but if wee restore such men as are now incensed, wee shall commit an other soule and grosse error in the Estate, for they are heads of a partie, they are of the chiefe of the Towne: They would returne into their places and offices, and would trouble our whole Estate: And by the communication which they haue had with them of Holland, they will happily fauor the Hollanders disseignes which they practise se∣cretly vppon the Towne of Vtrecht. And what know wee whether (through desire of reuenge) they will do as Salinator did vnto the Romaines who had wrong'd him? or as many others in the like case, and for the like occasion. Heere-vppon intruth I am much troubled to answer you, yet would I not heape one error vppon another, [ C] but rather follow the example of Aristides, who preferred that which was iust and honnest, before the vtilitie and profit of the common weale; Then of Them•…•…stocles, who had aduised them to make their best profit of that which was dishonest & vniust.

As for the imprisonment of Paule Buys, all men haue seene the proceeding: The which good men haue found so farre from Iustice, as those which before held Paule Buys to be worthy of punishment, for his misdemeanors past, and aboue all for the crosses which hee had giuen to the good and commendable disseignes of the deceased Prince of Orange, and began now to do the like to the Earle of Leceister, to whome hee had shewed him-selfe light, inconstant, and vnthankfull: Besides other crymes wherewith hee might haue beene charged, accused and conuicted: [ D] Euen these men and his greatest enemies▪ (in hatred of the vniust and extraordinary proceeding which was held against him) began to pitty his fortune, and by little and little to change this hatred which they bare him, into a desire to assist and fauor him, and to draw him out of prison.

For as Tacitus said of the Emperor Galba, Dignissimus imperandi nisiimperasset. Most worthy of ruling if hee had not ruled. So wee may say of this man. Dignis∣simus Carcere, nisi eo Carcere fuisset inclusus. Most worthy of prison if hee had not beene shutte vp in that prison. For besides the fault which they haue committed in Iustice, suffering some Captaines and factious persons to vse this authoritie; to •…•…eaze vppon the person and papers of a Councellor of Estate, the which doth be∣long [ E] onely to the Prince and to the Gouernor generall; and then to suffer him to languish sixe moneths in a filthy and loathsome prison, without hearing him or arraigning him, notwith-standing that both hee and all his •…•…inse-men had fought it with great importunitie.

Besides this error I say there is by the same meanes an other committed in the Estate; which is, that such a man as Paule Buys is reputed to be, the head of a partie, turbulent, passionate, reuengefull and ambitious, should not haue beene put in pri∣son, but his processe should presently haue bene made, or at the least▪ he should haue beene better guarded then he hath beene heretofore: Euery one fore-seeing, that if hee once gotte out hee would bee reuenged on those who hee thought had [ F] wrong'd him: as we haue seene what broiles he hath made since his escape, to the great blame and dishonor of the Gouernor generall, and to the great preiudice of this Estate: Besides the discontentment of all the other Councellors of Estate, and other cheife men of this countrie, who haue rightly iudged, that if they did open

a dore to such Iniustice, and did abandon men of honor to the rage and passion of pri∣uate * 1.94 [ A] men and of a multitude; the like hanged ouer their heads, for as Seneca sayth. Minatur multis vni qui facit iniuriam. Hee threatens many, that doth wronge but to one. And the fact cannot bee honestly excused, that the captaines had not gi∣uen aduertisment but an houre before, for all their othes and execrations shall ne∣uer satisfie them who knowe how the sayd Captaines, the Sheriffe Pottere and Mai∣ster Webbe▪ (one of his Excelencies houshold) were then in credit with his Excelencie, who at the same instant was in Vtrecht. Moreouer the sayd Pottere sayd to many be∣fore his death, that neither hee nor any of his companions durst euer haue attemp∣ted such a thing, without the silent consent of his Excellencie, and that they found themselues to bee well grounded. If then the sayd imprisonment were done with∣out the knowledge and against his Excellencies authoritie, why haue they not yet [ B] done iustice? Hee that allowes and ratefies a fact is like vnto him that is the author. This indirect proceeding against Paul Buys, hath beene the cause, that hee who before was held a wicked man, is now reputed an innocent, and that they haue done him wrong, Iniustice, and indignity. Finally wee must remember the wise aduise of Tacitus. Non vtendum esse imperio, vbi legibus agipossit. Wee may not vse violence where as the lawes are in force.

The establishing of a Councell of the treasor, without the consent and contrary to the admonitions and expresse will of the Estates, hath beene the more odious, for that his Excellency hath appointed for chiefe thereof, a man that is generally hated of all [ C] the Hollanders, and not very well lik'd of the other Prouinces; a man who was knowne to bee of a sodaine and violent spirit, an enemy to the Estates, and fit to breed diuision and iealousie betwixt a Gouernor generall and the Estates. A matter as it hath well appeered since, of most dangerous consequence: and if hee had no other qualitie but the name of a Brabanson, (which all men knowe is odious to the Prouince. For the ancient iealousies and quarrells which haue beene betwixt these two Prouinces. And for that the Brabansons in their Prouince exclude all their neighbours from all charges, honours and offices, and hold them for strangers) so it is that for this con∣sideration, hee should haue had respect not to discontent so many men and whole Pro∣uinces, to aduance one onely man to a charge of so great importance, and so much sus∣pected [ D] by them, who feared that by his meanes they would serch into their admini∣stration past. For although the sayd Councell was for many causes and reasons held most necessarie, yet seeing it was so fearefull to manie, they could doe no lesse then to put in pleasing Officers, or at the least such as should not bee odious to all men.

But that which hath most offended the Estates is, that besides the ordinarie and lawfull meanes which were graunted, they haue consented that Ringault should prac∣tise his owne inuentions. The which hath made his Excelencie vnpleasing vnto the sayd Estates▪ and to all the marchants generally throughout all Holland and Zee∣land, who were reduced to that Estate, as many talked of going out of the countrie, [ E] rather then to liue subiect to such a tyranie, as was that which Ringault would bring in vpon all the marchants. For although that the breach of Edicts and proclamati∣ons doe much preiudice the State, yet the course they would haue held was so odi∣ous as in the iudgement of the wise it was sufficient to make whole townes reuolt, as Amsterdam, Enchuysen and the greatest townes of traficke in the countrie. Besides the terror which Ringaults promise strooke into them, by the which hee should binde himselfe by that onelie meanes in fewe monthes to finde many millions of gold. The Chancellor Leoninus was wont to say that such inuentions did neuer profit but to him and his like, when as the Duke of Alua or the Gouernors haue demaunded their aduise by way of consultation. Out of the which they were commonly well payd for [ F] their fees and attendance: And yet such inuentions were held by them not to bee ex∣ecuted.

You may not then aduance to such charges men that are suspected and odious to all the world, wee drawe out money by indirect or vnusuall meanes, for the example

of Ringault and of all that ensued, may giue a good instruction; what collour soeuer [ A] they will set vppon it for the publicke good and the execution of the lawes. * 1.95

It hath beene formerly sayd, that one of the Articles of the vnion made betwixt the Prouinces, is, that all shall defend and maintaine them-selues togither, that they shalbee intreated a like both of the one and the other Religion, and shall ioyntlie furnish meanes to make warre against their enemies. And although there bee no exercise but of one Religion, yet no man shal bee molested nor troubled for his conscience: for that Religion is not the onelie cause of this warre, but their liber∣tie and preuiledges, whereof they are so iealous, as for the preseruation thereof, the Chanoins, Priests and other Clergie men, and all the Gentlemen that were Pa∣pists in these countries, haue made no difficultie to forsake the Pope and the exer∣cise [ B] of their owne Religion, and to giue place to the reformed, knowing well that it was the true and onelie meanes to deliuer them from the oppression of the Spa∣niard. And this Estate consisting thus of diuers humors and opinions, especial∣ly for matter of Religion and conscience, beeing accustomed to line with libertie of conscience without any molestation or disturbance, hauing by the sayd contract and vnion reserued vnto themselues this libertie, the which hath not hetherto beene any preiudice to the warres, nor hindred the course of the reformed Religion, or their deseignes and resolutions tending to the preseruation of this Noble Estate, that all with one accord and a generall consent haue demaunded succors from the Queenes Maiestie of England; and giuen the gouernment generall to his Ex∣celencie. [ C]

And finally that it is not specefied in the treaties, nor in the Commission giuen vnto his Excelencie that hee shall charge or Innouate any thing concerning Reli∣gion: It followes then that they haue beene much to blame, not onelie to offend manie priuate persons, but also to with-drawe, the good willes of whole townes, as Leydon, Goude and many others of Hollande (whereas the most part are of that humour and condition) by the conuocation of a Synode, and the authorising of manie things for matter of Religion and discipline; the which most good men of the reformed Religion in all other Estates, countries and Prouinces could not yet like of. [ D]

Doubtlesse euery good and Religious Christian should wish and procure as much as hee may the aduancement of Religion. And it is fit, that wee should first and a∣boue all things seeke the glorie of Almightie GOD and the euerlasting kingdome of Heauen, yet by the same lawe of GOD wee must keepe and obserue the con∣tract and agreements which wee haue promised and sworne, yea if they were with the Turkes and Infidells, and herein as in all other things wee must vse wisdome and mo∣deration: not to innouate nor bring in any thing into an Estate, that may cause the ruine of Religion and of the Estate togither: first they must doe that which is most conuenient and necessarie in an Estate for the preseruation thereof: not to giue too much credit to ministers in matters that belong not to their charge and vocation: but [ E] tie them to the bounds of their office and profession, the contrarie whereof hath beene the cause of great discontentment amongst the best and most zealous men, who haue at all times seene the inconueniences, which the medling and violent proceeding of ministers in the affaires the Common weale, haue brought vnto this Estate. Final∣lie all must bee done in due time and to purpose: for although this conuocation of a Synod bee good, and that it may produce good effects hereafter; Yet this cir∣cumstance of time hath offended many; considering the necessitie of the warre, and the preparations that were then in hand for an armie to goe against the enemy. Et cum sit vbique virtutis modus, aeque peccat quod excedit quam quod defficit. And seeing there is a meane of vertue in all things, that offends which doth exceede, as well as that [ F] which is defectiue.

And for as much as the people are so iealious of their liberties and preuiledges, and so nice of the breach of the least point of them: that for this onelie cause the Pa∣paists themselues (as I haue layd) haue left the exercise of their owne Religion

and altogither haue shakt of the Spaniards yoake, and endured a cruell and violent [ A] warre for aboue twentie yeares, that one of the publike praiers which the ministers * 1.96 doe vsually make, is that they may be maintained in their liberties and priuiledges, for the preseruation whereof so many Noblemen and Gentlemen haue lost their liues, and so many families haue beene ruined: that in all the contracts, treaties and accords, and in a manner in all their discourses, they talke of nothing, but of their liberties and preuiledges: and that vpon the breach or dyminution of any of them, it is lawfull for them to call an assemblie of the Estates, and to make their complaintes vnto their so∣ueraignes and Gouernors, and neuer to cease vntill they haue redresse and reparation. To conclude if they haue not endured it of their Soueraigne, how will they beare it at a Gouernors hands? It is therefore more then reason to preserue that deerely for [ B] them, which they hold more deere then their liues, and which is more deere vnto them then their Religion or the exercise thereof. Beeing most certaine that the great∣est complaint, which they haue made during the time of his Excelencies gouernment was for the breach of their liberties and customes: at the least it hath beene the colour which they haue giuen to all their new proceedings and alterations which haue hap∣pened within these foure monthes.

Also they of the countries complaine of the humor and disposition of the English, who they say are proud: that the gentlemen doe not apply themselues to their manner of lyuing, and that they are not familiar with the Noblitie of the countrie: without doubt the ignorance of the tongue is the principall cause, as also the dronkenesse of [ C] the men of this countrie, the which the English doe naturally abhorre. Besides they of the countrie should seeke it and make much of the English, who come to succor and deliuer them, and who so freely spend their goods and meanes, and expose their liues with as great courage and valure as any nation that euer came into these parts: yet it were a great wisdome in the English, and they should purchase vnto themselues a commendation of great discretion and courtesie, if refusing to bee drunke with them, they would not openly blame their dronkenesse: seeing that the censures of some priuate persons, shall neuer cause a whole nation to change their naturall dis∣position: and from such indiscreete reprehensions, there must needes grow quar∣rells and discontentments. And seeing that the English are their beene factors, [ D] it shalbee fit for them to conuerse with them, and to vse them with all courtesie and ciuilitie. The true meanes to winne the hearts and good wills of a Nation, is to make shew that they contemne not their manners, nor disdaigne their Lang∣age, beeing the nature of all people, to bee iealous of that which is proper vnto themselues.

And for that without good order and disposition, the affaires are neuer duely ma∣naged, but rather breed trouble in the minde, and confusion in the Estate, as wee finde dailie in this: besides the discontentment which they haue which followe their owne propper affaires, or those of their Maisters, Princes and common-weales: His Excelencie must of necessitie doe, as the deceased Prince of Orange did, and all o∣ther wise Princes and Gouernors, which is to diuide his time and his houres, as well [ E] to signe and giue audience, as for the dispatch of other affaires as well ordinarie as extraordinarie, whereby this profit shall growe, that the multitude of affaires will decrease, which else would grow infinite: and to appoint a certaine place in his house for the Secretaries and their Clarkes, to the end they may bee speedily found. There is no pettie Gouernor but hath his Chancerie to that end, with a Maister of request to receiue, report and answere petitions: And that he send vnto the Councell of Estate those that belong vnto them, beeing most necessarie that the affaires of his house be distinguisht from them of the country, and those of the English and of Stang∣ers, from them of the State, to auoide the complaints which haue beene made here∣tofore. [ F] And therevpon his Excelencie shalbe intreated that it would please him to send all the affaires of the countrie both particular and generall great and small, to his Councell of Estate, to whom hee should referre the greatest part of them, to discharge himselfe of so much care, and winne so much time. By this meanes hee

shall not discontent any for refusing or neglecting, for they doe not redily blame that [ A] which a whole Councell hath resolued in the presence of the head. Besides his pri∣uate * 1.97 Secretaries are for the most part strangers, and ignorant of the Estate and langu∣age of the countrie, euerie one of which should haue his charge distinctly appoin∣ted, according to their skill in the tongues, or according to the affaires, or els accor∣ding to their capacities.

That his Excelencie, should not imploie so much time to write letters and to make despatches him-self, for that it hinders the expedition of other affaires of greater impor∣tance, and greatly discontentes the Noblemen and others: which demaund speedie audience, it beeing the Office of a Secretarie and not of a Gouernor. That hee re∣lie not so much vpon one or two for the affaires of an Estate, giuing credit to the [ B] aduise of others in matters of importance, especially, of the Councell of Estate, if they bee matters belonging to the countrie, to auoide the iealousie and reproch of a Councell of the Cabinet. Not to keepe about him men that are odious, vicious and noted for notable crymes, turbulent spirits and passionate, and which •…•…trude them∣sules into all businesse. To hold a setled Estate in his house: pay his seruants (espe∣cially strangers) their wages duelie, who haue no other meanes; To command his Steward and Officers to place honest men at his table or at theirs, and to vse them courteously, wherein there hath beene verie bad order heretofore, with skorning and discontenting of many: that the grooms of his Chamber vse not Gentlemen, and men of qualitie that come vnto his house, roughly and discourteously, and that [ C] his Excelencie giue speedie audience to the deputies of townes and Prouinces, and to them that haue vrgent affaires: the contrarie whereof doth discontent and greeue manie. To imploie Englishmen with them of the countrie, to make them fit for affaires, and thereby to knowe the truth of all things the better. To hold better correspondencie with the neighbour Princes and Protentates, then hath beene here∣tofore, and aboue all with the Princes of Germanie, for the neighbourhood and importance of this Estate; and with the Princes of the Religion in France and els∣where: for they bee all enemies to our enemy, and naturally iealous of the King of Spaines greatnesse. To haue better spies and intelligence then hee hath had, and to hold an order and rule therein, that they may bee kept secret, and that the spies [ D] may bee well and speedilie rewarded. To respect and countenance the Princes, Noblemen and Gouernors of this countrie according to their rankes and degrees, and to fauour their followers, at the least not to contemne them, as it seemes they haue done. Whereof they haue often complained. And for that his Excelency hath fewe sufficient and industrious men, hee must draw that seruice from many which hee cannot do from one. For what one or two cannot do, many may. There remaines on∣ly to iudge and discerne whervnto euery one is capable.

When as the Earle of Leicester was first made Gouernor generall of the vnited Prouinces: the Earle of Hohenlo (or Holock) was requested by the Estates (in regard of the great credit he had with the souldiars, beeing most of them vnder his command) [ E] to mooue them to take a new oth of obedience vnto the Earle of Leicester (for that commonly vpon change of Gouernment, they stand vpon termes of account and reckoning) the which hee performed, vpon promise made vnto them, to defend and maintaine them in the same order and martiall discipline, as had beene obserued in the time of the deceased Prince of Orange, of famous memorie, and not other∣wise. But when as his Excelcency had giuen the Regiment which sometimes belong∣ed to Collonel Haultaine Gouernor of Walchren, vnto Sir Philip Sidney then Go∣uernor of Flessingue, most of the Collonels, as Philip Earle of Nassau, the Earle of Solms, the Earle of Ouerstein, with many other Collonels of horse and foote, to the number of two and twentie, fearing that according to their ancient cus∣tomes, [ F] the souldiars seruing vnder them, should not bee preferred and aduanced according to their degrees and desertes, as a Sergant to bee an Enseigne-bearer (the place beeing voide) and so vp-ward, aduenturing their liues that by seruice they might attaine to those places of degree and credit which they hoped for, they

made a request in their souldiars names to the Earle of Hohenlo, praying and * 1.98 [ A] intreating him to moue his excelency that (according to the promise made vnto them) they might bee preserued in the same order, as they were in the time of the late Prince of Orange, and that one nation might not bee mingled with an other; and that he would bee a meanes to get them their pay, with full account and reckoning, so as * 1.99 there might not be daily murmurs and discontents in their troupes, complayning that one of the regiments of the Netherlands, and other places that were voyd, had bin al∣ready, giuen vnto strangers, which they said would be very preiudiciall vnto them, as though they were not to be trusted as well as they had beene in former times.

This petition being deliuered to the Earle of Hohenlo, hee presently offred it to the Earle of Leicester who was much discontented therewith, perswading himselfe that [ B] it came rather from the Earle of Hohenlo him-selfe and the other Collonels, then from the common soldiars, which ielousie of his bred a great alteration in the soldiars harts, especially seeing dayly a change of garrisons, and drawing forth of soldiars, with∣out the aduice and priuity of the gouernors of Prouinces, and other comanders; by whole meanes and with whose concent such alterations were wont to be made: and that the Earle of Leicester placed his fauorits in all the best, honorablest and most profita∣ble garisons in the Netherlands: moreouerthat (sence the Losse of Graue) it seemed the Netherland soldiars were dispised and basely accounpted of as if there were noe trust in their seruice, as it was then giuen out, and appered by a letter written to the Earle of Leicester to that pourpose: and the Earle of Leicester himselfe said vnto the [ C] Earle of Hohenlo, that hee feared that all the Forts wherein the Netherland soldiars laie would in short time bee yeelded vp to the enemy. After that certaine words past * 1.100 betwixt they Earle of Hohenlo and Sir Edward Norris (Brother to the Generall Sir Iohn Norris) as they were at dinner, where-vpon Sir Edward Norris sent a letter of chalendge offring to fight with him body to body (lying then sicke of a hurt which he had receiued before Zutphen Sconce) which the Earle tooke disdaynfullie as comming from his inferior, pretending that no priuat Captaine might (vpon paine of life) send any such challendge vnlesse it were with the Generalls leaue, and for that the Earle of Leicester did seeme to allow thereof, hee was much discontented: The Estates them-selues did also much dislike it. Of this and many other discon∣tents, [ D] the Earle of Hohenlo made an apologie, and caused it to bee printed at Leyden.

In the beginning of Ianuarie 1587. the Estates men found meanes secretly to vndermine the wall of Buriche a towne lying vpon the Rhine right against Wezell * 1.101 and being held by the Spaniards: where they had layd certaine barrills of pouder * 1.102 to blow it vp, and so to surprize the towne and the Garrison within it, but a miller hauing descouered it, gaue notice thereof and so this enterprize succeded not ac∣cording to their desseigne. All this winter the Duke of Parma made great proui∣sion both for men and mony, hauing assembled the Estats of Arthois, Henaut and other Prouinces of whome hee demanded some ayde of money, and obteyned his desiers [ E] receiuing also new supplies of soldiers both from Spaine and Italy, with the which he marched in Ianuary to the Castell of Wouwe, a strong hold belonging to the Marquis of Bergnen, lying a mile frow Berghen vp Zoome in Brabant. There was in it a companie of French soldiars, whose captaines name was Marchant, who had * 1.103 beene before in garrison in Graue: who whether it were in reuenge of a priuate quarrell which he had with captaine Firenine (who had iustefied him-selfe at the Hage before, the Estates, of that wherewith Captaine Marchant had charged him) or whether it were through ambition or couetousnesse, hauing corrupted his soldiars with a promise to make them sharers of the booty, hee sould the said Castle of Wouwe to the Duke of Parma for twenty thousand crownes: And from thence these tre∣cherous [ F] marchants retired some into France (being loth to heare the name of traytor, as they called them in Antwerp and Brusselles vntill that the Duke of Parma had forbidden by proclamation, not to call them any more so) and some went to serue the Spaniard.

About the same time Sir Martin Schenck seazed vpon a little Towne called Roeroort, * 1.104 [ A] in the Elector Truchses name: being so called, for that it stands at the mouth of the riuer * 1.105 of Roer (which comes out of the countrey of Marke and Westphalia) where it enters into the Rhine: which his men held vntill Aprill following, that the Spaniards forced them to abandon it.

Frederick King of Denmarke, a Prince desirous of peace, sent Caius Ranson, one of his priuie councell, and a man of great knowledge and authoritie, to Brussels, to make an * 1.106 ouerture of some meanes of a peace betwixt the King of Spaine and his Netherland Prouinces, remaining in the vnion generall of the pacification of Gant, and the treaty of Vtrecht. To whom answer was made, that neither for the King of Denmarke, nor for any Prince in the world, the King of Spaine would neuer suffer any change of religion [ B] in the countries of his obedience, wherevpon Ranson returned with letters vnto his King, making onely mention of a peace betwixt Spaine and England Being on his way home-wards, hee was incountred in the wood of Soigne, three leagues from Brussels, by some of the States soldiers of the garrison of Berghen vp Zoom, who finding him in the enemies countrey, tooke him prisoner, and (being at the first vnknowne vnto * 1.107 them) rifled his baggage: but vpon discouery of his person and qualitie, they carried him to the Hage to the Estates, who made it knowne sufficiently how much they were discontented for that which their men had vnaduisedly done vnto him: excusing it as much as they could, and causing all that had been taken from him to be restored againe, as well his papers, as his gold, siluer, iewels, and other things, or else the value of that [ C] which could not be recouered. Whereby the Estates thought to haue giuen him such contentment as he should haue no cause to complaine vnto his King. As in truth the fact was excusable, hauing beene found in the enemies conntrey, by them that did in∣counter him, vnknowne what he was, and who at the first put himselfe in defence, re∣fusing to make his qualitie knowne, the which might mooue the soldiers the more. And although hee had declared himselfe, yet it had beene no new thing to qualifie himselfe for other then he was, to escape the enemies hands. Besides hee was' demanded by the estares, after restitution of all his goods. If hee desired to haue any corporall punish∣ment inflicted vpon them that had taken him: he answered no, and that they were good companions. Yet being returned into Denmarke, hee made great complaints vnto the [ D] King, and did so incense him against the Estates, especially against Holland, Zeeland and * 1.108 Freezeland, as he arrested aboue sixe hundred of their ships in the Sound, vpon colour of the iniurie that had beene done vnto his Ambassador Ranson: the which hee set at thirty thousand Florins ransome, with the consent of the Estates themselues (who had sent their deputies vnto his Maiestie to excuse the fact) being loth to contest with him for so small a matter, forbidding their ships to vse any force to free themselues from this arrest, as they might well haue done if they had would, and had beene licensed by their maisters and superiors. Of these thirty thousand Florins, Ranson had aboue a thousand for his share, which paied all his interests.

The Earle of Leicester before his departure into England, had made sir William Stan∣ley [ E] Colloneil of a regiment of Irishmen, gouernor of the towne of Deuenter: and Rouland Yorke of the great Fort before Zutphen. Stanley had in his garrison 1200. * 1.109 foote and about two hundred horse, English and Irish, the which was much displeasing vnto the estates, for that he had serued the King of Spaine he had long desired to yeeld the towne vnto the King of Spaine, and to that end had held correspondencie with Collonell Taxis, gouernor of Zutphen. Neither could hee not so modestly containe himselfe, but it was descouered that he had some bad intent. Yet the estates of Oueryssel knew not how to helpe it, nor to preuent the danger which they feared, hauing no meanes to get him out of the towne. For the Earle of Leicester at his departure had charged him not to depart out of that place without his expresse commandement, be∣sides [ F] by reason of the Earle of Leicesters Act of restraint which he made at his depar∣ture, the estates could not force him to obedience. The estates finding no other meanes, had intreated Generall Norris (in whom they trusted more then in any other, for the good seruices which he had done to them, and to the Prince of Orange) to goe with his

regiment, about Deuenter as if he would winter there, and so to find some meanes (wich * 1.110 [ A] the helpe of the Bourgers) to get into the towne. Stanley being suspitions of his approch, or it may be hauing some aduertisment thereof, made hast to agree with Taxis to de∣liuer the towne to the King of Spaine, for a certaine summe of mony and other pro∣mises of great rewards (which were afterwards ill performed) for the effecting where of she went early in the morning before day, to the Bourguemaistcr of the towne, desiring him to open the port of Neurenbercke, meaning (said he) to go forth with his men, to doe some exployt vpon the enemy, whome hee had descouered. Being gone forth, he * 1.111 returned presently before day, bringing with him Collonel Taxis with three Compa∣nies of foote, and three of horse, marching directly to the market place where they put them-selues in battayle, after that Taxis had placed gardes in all parts of the towne: the which was don so stilly and with so smale brute as the townes-men heard not any thing; [ B] or if they did, they thought it had beene their garrison, so as at the breake of day they found they were Spaniards: Some among the Protestants were so terrefied, as fearing a massaker, they cast themselues from the toppe of the walles to saue themselues: Taxis hauing placed all his gards, began to bee more assured, for before hee was not without great distrust, hauing with so few men trusted vnto Stanleys word and thrust him-selfe into a towne where there was a good garrsion, and a number of braue Bourgers well armed, where hee might haue beene taken like a mouse in a trappe. Being thus assu∣red, hee presently caused it to bee proclaymed at the sound of the trompet, that all men might remaine freely within the towne, without any wrong done them ei∣ther [ C] in bodie or goods, lyuing in the Romish Religion, and vnder the King of Spaines obedience.

Herevpon Stanley made his excuse both to the magistrats and the soldiars, and sought to iustifie this trecherous fact, saying, that he neither was, nor could be accoumpted * 1.112 atraitor, in respect that hee had done no wrong, vnlesse they would hold it treason to deliuer the towne to the King of Spaine to whome of right it did belong, being long before moued therevnto (as he said) in conscience; alledging many other such like reasons: saying more-ouer that if any of his soldiars would serue there, they should be well payed by a most bountifull king, and the rest might freely depart, where-vpon many, but most of them Irish-men staid with him, euery one hauing a monet•…•…es pay [ D] giuen him, and presently the Bourgers were disarmed and likewise suffred to depart with Taxis pasport, among the which there wore two Preachers. The Bourgers houses were not spoyled that they might draw other townes to doe the like, onely a few were ransackt, among the which the preachers houses were not spared. Stanleys regiment was disperst into sondry garrisons, and hee himselfe was left still gouernor of Deuenter.

At the same time Rouland Yorke, (being made gouernor of the great Sconse before Zutphen, by the earle of Leicester, wholy against the liking of the Estates, with eight * 1.113 hundred foote and a hundred horse) did in like sort sel it to the Spaniard: This Yorke had long before serued vnder the States, although not with the best credit. In Gant hee [ E] had beene Lieutenant Collonell to Iohn van Imbise, with whome he had conspired to betray Gaunt and Dermond to the Prince of Parma, for the which Imbise was beheaded, and hee sent prisoner to Brusselles, where at the last by the taking of the towne he was set at liberty, and after that imployed by the Duke of Parma vppon the water in the riuer Scheld, at the bridge before Antwerp: at length by the meanes of friends he was reconciled, and returned into England with credit, and from thence came with the Earle of Leicester into Holland, and there was so recommended by Sir Philip Sydney, as the Earle of Leicester his vncle put him in great credit, and gaue him this gouernment of the Sconse, who the same day that Deuenter was battered told his soldiars, that it would bee but lost labour for them to stay there, [ F] wishing them rather to take pay of the King of Spaine, where-vpon his soldiars tore their collours in peeces, and two Duch companies, with some others went away euery man where he pleased, but Yorke went to Zutphen, where he receiued a reward from the

King, and for a time kept company with Sir William Stanley, but without any credit, [ A] and there not long after dyed very miserablie, and so Taxis like-wise got the sconce. * 1.114 Thus the credulity and light beleefe of the Earle of Leicester, was the cause of the losse of this goodly and strong towne of Deuenter, which is one of the Hans townes, and of that important fort of Zutphen, the which the sommer before had cost so much to winne and fortefie. It was not without cause if they began to murmure against the Earle of Leicester hauing at his very departure placed these two gallants in such important gouernments. It was no maruell then, if the Noblemen, Collonels and gentlemen of the vnited Prouinces, were discontented, and complained vnto the Earle * 1.115 of Leicester, to see them-selues reiected, to aduance such traitors, to the gouernment of such important places, as Stanley, Yorke, and Patton were, of whome wee will speake here-after. [ B]

After the losse of this towne of Deuenter and of the fort of Zutphen, the Estates of the vnited Prouinces were much perplexed, fearing that all the English garrisons which lay in any other townes and forts, would doe the like, and deale with them, as the French in the time of the Duke of Aniou and Brabant had determined to doe, all in one day. On the Sonday morning, being the first of February, the councell of estate being assembled to prouide for their affaires, and to preuent the alterations which the losse of Deuenter and the forts before Zutphen might cause: thether came the ge∣nerall estates and the aduocate Barnevelt for their part, who declared in their names,

that considering the necessitie and in what termes the State then stood, they held it more then necessary that the Gouerners of Prouincesshould go into their Gouern∣ments, [ C] there to command by vertue of their commissions: And that to hasten the departure of the Earle of Maeurs, they had resolued concerning the Ritmaisters, as should be seene by the contents of the contract made with them, and the means which they had set downe for their paie. Secondly that maters concerning the Admiralty, might be redrest and ordred, for the Gouernment of sea causes, as the seruice of the country should require, the affaiers of estate being in very great disorder, for want of good gouernment; where-vpon words grew of either side tending to accusations and excuses; Barnevelt saying, Is this the way to serue the country? where-vnto the Lord of Brederode answered, that if they were not contented with the seruices and toyle which the Lords of the councell tooke, but they must daily receyue bad words and re∣proches [ D] as if they were subiects and slaues, they might seeke for others that would subiect them-selues to their slanders and continuall exclamations.

Hee was also demanded wherein it was so ill gouerned and ordered, and what were the causes there of? Barnevelt like a man full of passion and choller, answe∣red, that it was the councell of the Cabinet, where-as many things were done, which none but they of the councell knew, as of late appered by the Act of restraint, which was made there by some priuate persones, without the knowledge of the coun∣cell, whereby the authority of the councell of estate in the absence of his excellency was quite cut of; And so the councell remayned here and the authority in England, the [ E] which the estates did not hold fit nor conuenient. Moreouer that in this Gouernment it seemed they did not remember how the deceased Prince of Orange (of famous me∣mory) had gouerned, who neuer in a frontier place made a garrison all of one nation, neither was it conteyned in the treaty made with her maiesty that Englishmen should command in all the frontier townes. The which was of bad consequence and not tol∣lerable, hauing beene so ill intreated and deceiued by the English Nation; where-vnto the conncellor Loozen answered, that they ought not to blame and condemne a whole nation for the offences and misdeeds of some priuate persons, seeing that other difficulties and greater misfortunes had happened vnto the Prince of Orange, especi∣ally in the time of the French, who comitted other kinds of disorders, his Excelence [ F] (deceased) hauing beene much deceiued. To the which Barnevelt replyed crying out that they had beene neuer so deceiued by the french as by the English, their gouern∣ment being incompatible. The which Loozen said could not be inferred, hauing re∣ceiued so great fauors and benefits from her Maiesty, and that he knew not wherein the

said pretended deceit might consist. At which words the Secretary Gilpin also said that it * 1.116 [ A] did not become Barnevelt to exclaime so against the nation, and that he did wrong both her Maiestie and his Excelency, in vsing such words, the which he at the first began to denie and then began to speake of the fact againe, as if that had beene the cause which moued him, seeking to excuse his vndecent words. But Gilpin replyed, that it was not the act hee made question of, but at his vndiscreet words, calling (if need were) the Seignior of Loozen and all the Noblemen there present to bee witnesses. Maister wilkes hearing these speeches which past betwixt Gilpin and Barnevelt, being in French, began to say that he was sorry to heare, that all the fauors and benifits receiued from her Maiesty were in a manner forgotten, considering the smale respect which it seemed they bare vnto her Maiesty and consequently vnto his Excelency as her Leiutenant [ B] that for a fault committed by one or two wicked persons they would blame all the Nation, the which was no fit course, and would breed but spleene and great incon∣ueniences where-of hee wisht them to bee carefull and not giue her Maiesty any cause of discontentment, the which would redound to their owne harme, and by this course they should giue her occasion, if they continued, to take it in ill part, and to tell them plainely of their errors. And so that conference ended.

During this generall murmuring against the English there grew dayly factions and partialities, some inclining to the Estates, and to the generality of the vnited Prouin∣ces; and others to the Earle of Leicester and the English, either party hauing many [ C] at their deuotion, so as it seemed to tend to a diuision and a dismembring of the Pro∣uinces, or rather to a whose confusion of the generall Estate; where-vpon there was a letter written by a gentleman of Germany to a friend of his, to iustifie the English Nation, who had beene much taxed for this trechery of Stanley and Yorke. The tenor whereof followes.

A letter written by VVarmond of Stochelen a Gentleman of Germany to a friend of his, touching the betraying of Deuenter and the fort be∣fore [ D] Zutphen.

SIR comming from Franckfort, I arriued in these parts at the same time when as the towne of Deuenter and the fort before Zutphen were betrayed and yeelded vp vnto the enimy. I assure you I found a strange alteration generally by reason of this losse: and there was nothing more feared then a reuolt, like vnto that which was made against the French, after the enterprize of Antwerp, yet such as are ill affected haue hetherto conteyned them-selues, and beene content to reuenge them-selues with their tongs, blaming generally all the English Nation, and taxing his Excelency with a thousand reproches, yea they haue beene so impudent, as they [ E] haue not spared the Queene of England: as if her Maiesty; his Excelency, and all those that are come into the Netherlands, had had no other desseigne from the beginning, but to ruine the country and to bring it vnder the power and oppression of the King of Spaine. And it seemes these euill spirits haue layd hold of this occasion to vo∣mit out their poyson against them who had neuer before giuen them any subiect of reproch. Without doubt Sir I beleeue that such as are wise, iuditious and well af∣fected to the preseruation of Religion and of their liberties, are not the authors of this scandalous brute: but there bee the papists and such as are spaniolized, and the spies and pentioners of the King of Spaine: who by this meanes would distaste the [ F] people from seeking any more assistance from her Maiestie: and reduce them to that poynt wheere-vnto they were once brought at his Excelencies comming into these Countries, which is to make an accord with the King of Spaine. But that which hath seemed most strange vnto mee, is that all men in generall are so amazed,

as if this Estate were ruined, and that the losse of these places (whereof the one hath * 1.117 [ A] not b•…•…ene ours foure monthes, and the other was well assured) should draw after it the ruine of all the rest, and as if neuer heretofore any place of importance had beene lost, and finally as if there were no hope left to recouer this losse vpon the enemie. To conclude, in an instant all that were affected to the English partie, were so terrefied and grewe so cold, as they would willingly haue giuen eare to any practises or new inuen∣tions, to preserue themselues without England, or at the least without Englishmen, but not without their Angells, the which they knew well they could not want: but aboue all to free themselues of his Excelencie, as of him who had beene the cause of the losse of these two places, and might in time procure the ruine of all the rest. Yea some haue beene so audatious as to say in open Councell of State, that the Netherlands had [ B] neuer beene so much deceiued by the French, as they were at this present by the Eng∣lish, writing letters vnto her Maiestie and to his Excelencie full of reproch and discon∣tentment, seeking to bring his Excelencie into disgrace with her Maiestie. Doubtlesse Sir, wee must confesse that the losse of these two places is not small, for that the coun∣trie of the Veluwe is in danger to bee spoyled by the enemie: but who can denie that it hath not beene in the like Estate of late years, euen vnto September last, that the fort before Zutphen was taken by the English forces, and the towne of Deuenter assured? Who will say that the Veluwe is much indomaged, hauing neither beene tilled nor in∣habited for these many yeares? Who will denie, but the sayd countrie beeing as it is, may profit vs as much as our enemie, and more, for the number of townes and places [ C] which wee hold there abouts? But is there not a greater preiudice in the losse of the whole Estate which is prepared by the discontentment which they giue vnto her Ma∣iesty by this sodaine change, from the deuotion they were wont to beare her, and the hope they had in her bounty and assistance? when as shee shall vnderstand that they impute the treason and wickednesse of two to the whole Nation, and that they wrong∣fully taxe the good for the bad: and for that her Maiesty was serued by Stanley, and his Excelency by Yorke, they will impute the subiects fault to their Prince, and the ser∣uants to their Maister. By what lawe, reason or custome will they proue that this blame is well grounded? and with what art will they keepe her Maiesties loue to them, in tax∣ing in such a sort both her and all the Nation?

[ D]

As for Stanley it is well knowne that in former times hee had done good seruice in Ireland, and euen since that hee came into this countrie, he hath giuen good proofes of his valour and loyaltie. And although that Yorke had heretofore committed a grosse error, yet hee hath since carried himselfe corragiously at the enterprise of Axel, and in these last exploites before Doesbourg and Zutphen, hauing so often hazarded his life in the viewe of all the world, as hee had giuen the Generall good cause to trust him. Neither is it the first time that a Commander hath trusted after a fault confes∣sed, nor any new thing to see treasons, treacheries and reuoltes in these countries, but it is a new thing, strange, and beyonde all reason, to impure vnto Commanders and Princes the faults of their souldiars and seruants: and for the wickednesse of some to [ E] blame and taxe a whole Nation; as they haue done heere. They must then by the like absurditie of consequence, condemne the French Nation, for that a Prouensall did lately sell the castle of Vowe: and the Scottish Nation, for that one captaine Simpel deliuered the towne of Liere. And to come to this Nation of the Netherlands, how many places, townes and whole Prouinces haue beene lost, by the treacherie, treason and reuolt of Noblemen, Gentlemen, Captaines and others, who haue made mar∣chandise of them, as of the Earle of Rennenberg who deliuered Groningue; the sig∣nior of Stakenbroek, Breda: the Lord of Berwoets who thought to haue betraied Berg∣hen vp Zoom: the Lord of Bours who deliuered the castle of Antwerp, and afterwards Macklyn. Iohn d'Imbise who would haue betraied Gant and Denremonde; the Bay∣life of [ F] Courtray called Pottelberg, who deliuered Courtray by treason: Roeck, Corpets, Cauwegem and their consorts, who deliuered the towne of Brusselles: Collonel T•…•…er who betraied Diest. Captaine Vlyet who deliuered Westerloo: Captaine Coenen who deliuered Hoochstraten: the Earle of Lalain, Vicont of Gant, the Lords of Montigny,

Gognies, la Motte and many others, who were the cause of the defeate of Gem∣blours. * 1.118 The Lord of Auchy (brother to the Earle of Bossu) who deliuered Alost: [ A] the Seigniors of Hemmert, Cobocke and Duban who deliuered the towne of Graue: the Burgers of Venloo; the Abbots of Saint Gertrude, Manolles and others, who betrayed the Estates: Some of the Councell of the Estates of Brabant who deliuered Herentals. The Prince of Chymay who was the cause of the reuolt almost of all Flanders: and Stryeland Baylife of Waes, who deliuered Ruppelmonde and all the Land of Waes, whereby the enemy came to besiege Antwerp &c.

Wherefore it is against all right and the rule of Christian charity to thinke or saie that the whole nation is to bee blamed in the which there are some traitors, is it likely that shee who so willingly did yeeld to that which other Princes could not or refused to doe; who hath imploied so great summes of money for the succor of this countrie [ B] who hath beene contented to hazard the liues of so many Noblemen, Gentlemen and others of all qualities of her realme, and especially of the Earle of Leicester, whose presence is so necessary in England? Shee who was content to incur the hatred of so mightie a Prince as the King of Spaine, and to imbarke herselfe in so deadly a warre with him, for that at the instance of these men shee had vndertaken their defence: who not to breake her promise made, nor to make any accord with the King of Spaine, but with the priuity and approbation of them of the Netherlands, would neuer giue eare to the instances made vnto her by diuers Princes of Christendome to that end? To conclude, shee who had imbraced this poore people with such affection, and long ex∣pected [ C] the comming of the deputies of this countrie, to treat with them of the meanes to succor, defend and deliuer this poore people, from the oppression which did daylie threaten them? Is there any apparance then that shee euer had any other deseigne or intent then the good and preseruation of this Estate? Yet here they make complaintes and taxe her Maiestie, as if shee had brought more harme then good vnto the countrie. Yet they send to treat with her as if shee had first sought the pro∣tection of this countrie, or to take the soueraignty, the which (it is well knowne) shee hath often refused: and as if her Maiestie and the Realme of England, had the greatest interest in the preseruation of this Estate; or that England could not de∣fend it selfe without this countrie. As for her Maiestie I hope shee will make the [ D] contrarie of this manifest, and that shee will not forget the wrong and indignitie which is done to her and to the whole nation, nor the ingratitude which they haue shewed in sundrie sorts, as also to his Excelencie who hath so willingly exposed his life to a thousand daungers: who had forsaken all his greatnesse, pleasures and commodities in England, to vndergoe so many cares, toyles and discommodities, which doe ac∣company a generall in so waighty and difficult a charge: who hath lost his deerest Ne∣phew and his next heire: and who hath giuen such good proofes of his sincere loue vn∣to the people.

And as for the money which they haue graunted for the charges of the warre, they of his Councell and some of the countrie hauing had the managing thereof, I [ E] doubt not Sir but it shalbe the more easie for him to giue a good account, and of all the rest of his actions during the time of his aboade heere. Whom they taxe, to make him odious to all the people countrouling, crossing and ouerthrowing his decrees, letters and commandements, as if all had not past by the aduice of the Councell of Estate: Finally they shew great ingratitude to him and to the whole nation, who haue so well deserued of this countrie, seeing there is no benifit so great as to expose ones life for an other, especially when hee comes of his owne free∣will, without hope of reward or recompence, as wee know so many Noblemen and Gentlemen haue done, yea of the best houses of England, which haue accom∣panied his Excelencie. Ingratitude is a vice, hatefull to GOD and Men, the which [ F] GOD doth some-times seuerely punnish, for that it violates the bonds of humaine societie.

It is sayd in an ancient Latin Prouerbe: Ingratam qui dixit, omnia dixit. As if all wickednesse were comprehended vnder this name and vice of ingratitude. How

much her Maiestie his Excelencie, and the whole nation haue bound this people vn∣to [ A] them, euery one sees, and all Christian Princes know it, and admire it: and posteri∣tie * 1.119 will iudge better of it. Wee cannot expresse the miseries and want which so many poore English souldiars haue suffred: which haue come into these partes. It wilbe prooued by some Commissaries of musters, honest men and of credit that the soul∣diars of the fort before Zutphen, were in December last during the great frost, sixe daies togither without any other beuerage then yce water to drinke: and yet the fort was not besieged nor in daunger to be lost: but onelie through their default who had charge to supplie this place and others: befides the other discomodities of hunger and cold which the sayd soldiars haue suffred there, and do yet suffer els-where: which breed either death or diseases. Besides is there any one so ingrate or malicious, that will say the English are not good souldiars, for that they cannot endure all these dis∣commodities? [ B] as if in all ages, and of late yeares in many exploites in these partes, they had not giuen good proofes of their valour, courage and aptnesse to armes, e∣uen amazing many of this countrie when they haue seene them goe to assaultes and combates with such a corrage and resolution, as if they had had no feare nor ap∣prehension of death. But admit they had not aduentured their liues and persons, as they haue done, yet their great expences, and the discommodities which they haue suffred here, besides the absence from their Wiues, Children, Kinsmen and Friends, and losse which many of them haue sustained thereby, and all without any hope of recompence or reward, desires that they should bee spared in their honours and repu∣tations, [ C] yea although they had descouered some errors and imperfections: the which haue hetherto beene so small as few men haue cause to reproch the English for the rauishing of their wiues and children, or any outrage done vnto their persones, or the taking away of their goods, or that they haue beene quarelors riotors or drunkards.

Wherefore I hope that no good man in these partes will giue eare to these wick∣ed spirites which disperse these scandalous brutes; some to reduce the people to the necessitie of an accord with the King of Spaine, and others for that they would not loose the credit, commandement and authoritie which they haue in these Prouin∣ces, nor see any other Nation heere that doth exceed them in valour and prowesse: [ D] and finally for the feare which they haue that his Excelencies comming will obscure their starres, and disperse the cloudes and darkenesse, vnder the which so manie confusions, factions and secret practises, are couered and hatcht, tending to the ouerthrowe of all order, authoritie and lawfull gouernment. And I hope also that the wise and best aduised will consider, that there is at this daie but one onelie meanes to preserue this Noble Estate, the which is England, and that it is to great an absurditie, to seeke their fauour, whome wee speake ill of and detract and a great discretion to commit the gard of that to an other, which they cannot keepe them-selues: especially to a Princesse who is free from all suspition to haue euer affected it: to a Princesse which hath so manie waies shewed how much shee loues [ E] the good and libertie of these Prouinces: to a Princesse whose crowne hath beene alwaies allied by many contracts to this countrie and to the house of Bourgongne: to a Princesse who is at this daie the onelie mother and nurce of all the churches of Chris∣tendome, and protection of all the afflicted; to a Princesse who for that shee hath fauo∣red the defence of this countrie against the oppression of Spaine, hath incurred and doth daily, a thousand hazards of her life and States, by the practises of the enemies of Religion and of this Estate.

To conclude, the resolution of this people to defend their liberty is much to be com∣mended and admired who haue so vertuously for many yeares sustained the indig∣nation of a King of Spaine, and resisted the oppression which should fall vpon their [ F] heads, if they bee subdued by the Spanish Nation, hauing to that end not onely expo∣sed their liues, but contributed yearely aboue a moitie or two third partes of their goods and reuenues. But if this money hath not beene well imploied, his Excelencie is not to bee blamed, but such as haue had the managing thereof. Herevpon Sir I

haue heard some discourse, that they which haue the managing of the money and of * 1.120 [ A] all authoritie in this Estate, are for the most part Marchants, Orators of townes, me∣chanike men, ignorant, louing gaine naturally, without respect of honour: and who conuert the peoples money to their owne priuate: and for that they are men of that condition, borne to obey rather then to commande, who hauing once tasted the sweet∣nesse of authoritie (for that they haue not had for some yeares any soueraigne Prince) they haue by little and little perswaded themselues that they were soueraignes, and vnder this name of the Estates, they haue in a manner made themselues maisters of the Estate; insulting ouer the people, and controuling him, to whome they had by oth referred the absolute and generall gouernment. I thinke this happens, for that such men are continued to many yeares in their charges, & being once entred and anchored [ B] there, they will command like Princes, and doe all things at their pleasures: I knowe well the assemblie of the Estates, hath beene in all Estates an inuention to bridle Kings and Princes, but they were neuer called but vpon great and extraordinarie ne∣cessitie; neither were the same persons, alwaies imploied and sent: but (as it were re∣quisite in this Estate) they deputed some from time to time, who representing the peo∣ple respectiuely in the three Estates, came to such assemblies; and their commission, powre and authoritie ended with the assemblie, as it is obserued in other places. If this custome (which is good and commendable,) cannot bee reduced to the first insti∣tution, yet in my opinion they should change such men euery yeare, or euerie sixe monethes: least they should settle an opinion that they are maisters and soueraignes: seeing that the Soueraignty belongs really vnto the people, to whome they are but [ C] seruants and deputies. I say in this Estate, where there is no Prince acknowledged nor lawfully advowed. If then there bee lesse daunger to bee commanded, (and if it so fall out to bee tyrannized) by one then by manie, and that the like abuse of autho∣ritie, and continuation of Magistrates and Offices of importance hath caused the ru∣ine of the Common-weale of Rome, as histories makes mention; I see no other rea∣medie for this mischiefe, but that the people bee hereafter warie how they giue so great powre and authoritie, and suffer it continue so long in the hands of men of Me∣chanike and base condition: who growne proude with the commaunde and authoritie which they haue, abuse it dailie, as well against the people, who haue giuen them this [ D] charge, as against the Gouernors, to whome the people haue referred the gouernment and absolute powre, both ouer themselues and ouer the whole Estate, And it were necessarie to let the people vnderstand, (who of themselues are good, mild and tract∣able) that this abuse will in the end bee the ruine of this Estate: and yet they bee not all the Estates (or to speake more properly, deputies of the Estates) of whome they complaine, but as they saie fiue or sixe onelie, who hauing gotten credit with the rest, dispose of all things at their pleasures, and for their priuat passions doe bad and dangerous offices to this Estate, and to them that haue interrest therein: some through enuy, iealousie and partialitie, others through couetousnesse, and altogither through ambition and desire to rule alone and alwaies. For this poore people haue heretofore long labored in vaine, and for so manie yeares suffred themselues to bee flesht, and in [ E] a manner the marrow of their boanes suckt out; if at the appetite and by the bad go∣uernment of fiue or sixe men of no sort, they would now without any vrgent necessity, runne headlong into the daunger of a shame-full peace with them who attend nothing else but the reduction of Holland and Zeeland, to bee reuenged of the reuolt and re∣bellion which they pretend. From the which our good God by his holie grace, pre∣serue this poore people, so many good men which are there, so many goodly churches which God would plant there, and that hee will giue better counsell and more hole∣some aduise to them that haue the mannaging of the affaires and the conduct of the people &c. From Arnhem the 15. February 1587.

[ F]

Your humble and affectionat seruant and friend. WARMOND of Stochelen.

IN the beginning of Winter the Prince of Parma had caused the Earle of Mansfield, * 1.121 [ A] to besiege the towne of Graue lying vpon the Meuse, with foure sconces, and * 1.122 had made a bridge ouer the riuer, and shut it vp both aboue and beneath the towne, thereby to keepe it from victuals and other necessaries.

In those sconces he placed 1500. men, and appointed 5000. Spaniards to lie about the towne, and with the rest of his army he laie halfe a mile from thence, yet notwithstan∣ding the gouernor, Monsier van Hemert sallied daily forth, and did much hurt to the e∣nemy. The towne of Graue hauing in this sort bin 3. months besieged, the Earle of Lei∣cester went out of the Hage, to Harlem & from thence to Amsterdam, & so to Vtrecht, sending his horsemen beeing 1400. to Niekerke in the Veluwe, to aide the towne of Graue, giuing charge to the Earle of Hohenlo, and to Sir Iohn Norris, generall of the [ B] English footmen, with 2000. foot, and the horsemen (though they were not to be vsed) to victual the town of Graue. They presently marching forward, went to Molen sconce a mile and a halfe from the towne, and from thence beganne to insconce themselues as nere to the towne as they could, close by the Meuse, betweene the towne of Graue and Batenborch, not far from the Spanish sconces & their bridge, and vpon the 15. of Aprill at night, began to worke with 300. soldiars and certaine pioners, and ere morning had raised a trench 3. foote high, which the Spaniards perceiuing, issued forth to the num∣ber of 3000. to hinder their worke, and by force draue them from it, hauing made resist∣ance twice or thrice at the least, but in the end they were constrained to retire, & going back, met with 8. or 900. men, that came to aide them, whervpon they made a stand, and [ C] valiantly charged the Spaniards, and forced them to retire beyond the trenches which they had begun, close to their owne forts, and in that skirmish slew 4 or 500. of them, & hurt a great number, and amongst the rest 7. captaines, and two great personages were slaine, taking from them a peece of ordinance which they had brought with them, of the Earle of Hohenloes and Sir Iohn Norris side being halfe English, halfe Netherlanders) there was 130. or 140. slaine, Sir Iohn Norris himselfe being hurt in the brest with a pike, and Sir Iohn Borrowes had one of his fingers cut off. After that the Earle of Hohenlo, by means of his great peece, wan the castle of Batenborch, and an other sconce, and the house of Empel and cut the ditch and let the water run into the land, for that the Meuse by reason of the land waters, was very high, so as he entered into the towne with scuits [ D] and Boats, and went and victualed it himselfe, twice, one after the other, furnishing the towne withall necessary prouision, and more garrison vnder the gouernment of Moun∣sire van Hemert.

The Prince of Parma, beeing certefied that it might bee wonne by assault, vpon the twefth of May, went in person before it, and placing a battery of 24. peeces beganne to play vpon the towne, both from ouer the water, and at both the ends, where hee spent two thousand shot, and with a falce alarme made a shew to giue an assault to see what they within would doe, who were there-with some-what amazed, and beganne to faint, whether it were by the aduise and Councell of some affected to the Spaniards, or by the townes mens meanes, who feared by an assault to loose the liues both of them∣selues [ E] and of their wiues and children, and also by the aduise of many well experienced soldiars, the assault could not be but much hurtfull and very dangerous for them. The gouernor Mousier van Hemert seeing the Prince of Parma prepare to giue a ge∣nerall assault, the daie after to the battery with certaine captaines, made signes to * 1.123 parle, and sent a trumpet about some honest capitulation, which many captaines disliked, (hauing but the day before written vnto the Earle of Leicester, that they doubted not, but to keepe and defend the towne well inoughfrom the enemy,) and by that means the towne of Graue was deliuered ouer to the Prince of Parma vpon the seauenth of Iuly, vpon condition that the garrison should issue out armed and such of the townes men as desired it, had liberty to depart the towne with their wiues and [ F] children, and such goods as they had, and for that purpose had ships lent them to bring them to Bommel, those that staied within the towne, likewise had reasonable conditi∣ons granted them.

The Earle of Leicester vnderstanding the Prince of Parmaces intent touching the town

of Graue, leauing his enterprise, against Zutphen and Doesburch, resolued (although * 1.124 [ A] as then not fully prepared) to set vpon the Prince of Parmaes campe, and with a small armie of three thousand foote and one thousand horse, hee set forward, and went to Arneham and from thence ouer the Reine into the Betuwe, where hee caused diuers forts, to bee assailed and taken, as the sconces of Bergshoost, and Lutefort, the castle of Bemel and others. Appointing Sir Martin Schenck to take the Island called Sgrauen∣weert, lying by the Tolhuis, where the Reine deuideth it selfe in two parts, the one part still holding the name of the Reine, and runeth along by Arneham, the other part called * 1.125 the Wale, passing before Nimeghen, where hee willed him to make a great sconce, thereby to free the Betuwe; which done, when as he thought to haue passed ouer the Wale, and so to haue set vpon the Prince of Parmaes campe, newes was brought him, that the towne of Graue was yeelded vp to the enemy, whereat hee was some-what a∣mazed, [ B] and therevpon being aduertised, that the Prince of Parma might peraduenture march towards Bommel, he went to Bommelweert, sending his soldiars into all the pla∣ces round about.

When as Mounsire Van Hemert came to Bommel, the Earle caused him with other captaines, to bee committed to prison, and so sent to Vtrecht where their processe bee∣ing made, they were condemned to die, which most part of the Commanders seemed to dislike, in regard that they were no traitors, nor yet had any intelligence with the enemie, but for that the towne of Graue was giuen ouer, through want of vnderstand∣ing and Marshall policie, contrary to the will and intent of the gouernor Generall: [ C] but it was held a good example, and to the great furtherance of marshall discipline, which at that time was much decaied, and so the execution was referred to the dis∣creti•…•…n of the Earle of Leicester, who vpon the eight and twentie of Iune caused him * 1.126 openly to bee beheaded, with two captaines, Du Banck, and Korf, which execution was by many men thought to be very rigorus, in regard that Mounsire Hemert was a very wise and a braue young Nobleman, and one of the chiefe houses in the Netherlands, who besought the Earle to grant him his life, and that hee might serue the Queene of England, either by sea or by land, at his owne charges, and by his valor and fidelitie make recompence for his falt committed, but this rigor was the more borne with all, through hope that thereby better marshall discipline would bee obserued, which ne∣uerthelesse [ D] tooke small effect: by which meanes the hearts of most of the Nobilitie of the Netherlands, were quite alienated from the Earle of Leicester, especially when * 1.127 they sawe, that an English captaine called Welles whome the Earle of Hohenlo had taken, (beeing a traitor, and one of the actors to sell and betray the towne of Alost vnto the enemy) was not executed, but retained into seruice and put in credit, as also that the fugetiue and traitor Rowland Yorke, was likewise in much estimation, and put in credit with many great seruices.

The Prince of Parma hauing gotten the towne of Graue he was soone maister of Me∣gen and Batenborch and then he presently beseiged Venloo, a towne both by nature and art veric strong, with double ditches, lying vpon the Meuse in Gelderland, and went before it with his whole army, lodging most of his men on the other side of the [ E] Meuse in Gelderland, and the rest in Brabant: within Venloo Shenck had his wife, and her sister, and all his house-hold, with seauen hundred men of his owne regiment, for which cause Sir Martin Shenck, and an English knight called Sir Roger Williams, with a hundreth horse, sought all the meanes they could to get into the towne, but found * 1.128 all the passages so well garded, as they could not enter, neuerthelesse the gaue a great alarum by night in the Prince of Parmaes campe, and past so farre through his gards, as they came to the Princes owne Tent, and slewe verie many of his men, but find∣ing the waies round about all stopt vp, and perceiuing (daie beginning to breake) that all the campe beganne to goe to armes, they turned backe againe to Wach∣tendonck, [ F] with the losse of about some fortie horse and men that were taken and slaine.

The twentie day of Iune, the Prince of Parma caused the Earle of Mansfield, to as∣saile the strong village and house of Arsen which was presently taken, and vpon the

sixe and twentie daie of Iune hee caused a sconce to bee placed vpon three points or [ A] great scutes, and with three hundred Spaniardes assailed one Island (lying in the * 1.129 Meuse before Venloo) which by them of the towne was made stronge, and a sconce made therein to defend the same, which hee presently tooke; wherevpon the townes∣men (notwithstanding the strength of the towne, hauing once resisted the whole powre of the Emperor Charles the fift) beganne to be some what amazed, and to speake of yeelding vp of the towne, but the souldiars refused so to doe, for which cause they set vpon the souldiars that were vpon the walles and in the Courts of gard, * 1.130 and compelled them to deliuer the towne ouer vnto the Prince of Parma, which they did vpon the eight and twenty daie of Iune, with reasonable conditions, the souldiars to depart with their swordes by their sides, with Schencks wise and his house-hold: from thence the Prince of Parma went to Nuys, as hereafter wee [ B] shall shew.

By reason of the great dearth of corne and other victualls in the countries lying vnder the Prince of Parmaes commaunde, they were inforced to bring corne from many places farre distant from thence, and that with very strong gardes and good conuoies, yet many of their conuoyes were often set vpon and ouerthrowne, and this yeare in the moneth of May, foure hundred Wagons beeing laden out of the countries of Iulliers, Cleues, and Liege, with corne and other necessarie proui∣sions, beeing conuoied with a strong gard of one thousand souldiars horse and foote were assayled and set vpon as the past before Antwerp, by the Noble Lord Wil∣loughby [ C] Gouernor of Bergen vp Zoome, with three hundred horse, and good troupes of footemen most of them Englishmen, killing the most part of their enemies spoyling all the Wagons and bearing away all they could well carry, and hauing gotten foure hundred horse and a hundred and eighty prisoners, they burnt, and scatred most part of the corne, which they could not take with them, for that the garrison of Antwerp beganne to march out against them. About that time also the Earle of Hohenlo, and Sir William Pelham, Marshall of the army for the States, made a great roade into Brabant, and spoyled Langstraet, and had certaine secret intelligences vp∣on some of the forts there aboutes, but they tooke no effect.

The waies (by reason of the daylie spoyles and robbing of the souldiars) beeing [ D] verie daungerous to passe without any conuoie, and especially in the Diocese of Co∣logne * 1.131 (which on all sides was sore plaged) for that cause a great number of Gentle∣men, Marchants, Countrie people, and others to the number of some three thou∣sand strong, beeing assembled at Berghen in the countrie of Iuilliers, to goe to a Fare as then to bee holden at Cologne, with many Wagons and great store of marchan∣dise, were set vpon by the souldiars of the garrisons of Bobert, and Ghenadeneal, most part of them were Spaniards seruing vnder the Bishoppe of Colen, which conuoie bee∣ing (as I say) three thousand strong, had deuided themselues into three partes, and had with them about the number of a hundred and fiftie souldiars out of Iuilliers to conuoy them, who marching in good order with their Cartes and Waggons by [ E] 〈◊〉〈◊〉, not aboue halfe a mile from Colen, were by the garrisons aforesayd, assailed and set vpon, charging them that were in fore-front, and killing all that made any resistance, vpon which alarme the second troupe comming on to ayde the first, were all likewise slaine and spoiled, three hundred of them at least, lying dead and scattered here and there in the waie, men women and children, gentlemen and diuers others were most cruellie murthered, not respecting nor regarding any man whatsoeuer, and all they had was taken from them. They that escaped fled to Colen, many hundreds of them beeing sore hurt and wounded, this warre beeing a thing taken in hand by the towne of Colen, more of selfe-will then for any reason they had, onelie because they would not suffer their Bishoppe and chiefe Commander Truxis, [ F] to marry a wife, and yet could indure (not without great speech and clamor) that their new elected Bishoppe, should keepe and entertaine many other mens wiues, and concubines; this murther and spoile made vpon the people traueling in this sort was much complained of, but no redresse, nor punishment ensued.

The like disorders and insolencies were committed in many other places of the * 1.132 [ A] countrie, for that the Earle of Niewenard, Sir Martin Schenck, and captaine Cloet, made many roades into diuers places, and almost vpon all the townes of Westpha∣lia, and the Diocese of Colen, burning and spoiling all the countrie round aboute, whereby at one time there might haue beene seene, standing vpon the walles of Collen at the least fiftie villages and places on fire altogither, besides the rob∣bing, spoyling, and murthers by the high-waies, which was committed by their owne souldiars, that ranne through the countrie spoyling and wasting all the townes and villages.

In this great perplexitie, there was a generall assemblie of the Estates held on the sixt daie of February, at the Hage, to redresse their affaires, least they should growe * 1.133 desperate. Wherefore by vertue of the authoritie which they had reserued to them∣selues, [ B] they commanded Prince Maurice of Nassau, sonne to the deceased Prince of Orange their Gouernor (whome from the death of his father they had taken care to bring vp) to take vpon him (in the absence of the Earle of Leicester, at that time Gouernor generall) the managing of the Gouernment with the councell of Estate, commanding all Collonels, Captaines and Officers, (especially those that were in pay vnder the Generallity of the sayd Prouinces and not of the Queene of Eng∣lands,) to take an oth of sidelitie and obedience vnto the sayd Prince Maurice, as vnto their captaine generall: sending their deputies to that end into all partes, to receiue the oth. Not that they ment thereby any way to blemish or dyminish the [ C] Earle of Leicesters authoritie: but onelie to settle the sayd Prince Maurice in the particular gouernments of Holland, Zeeland and Vtrecht, as his father had beene: for that by reason of these occurrents some things had beene altered in the sayd Go∣uernmentes, against the constitutions and ancient customes of the sayd countries, which by his meanes they would haue restored: whereby they might hold the other Estates and townes in good tearmes with them, and the English souldiars in their fi∣delitie and obedience, for that some had murmured (by reason of the treasons of Stanley and Yorke) that they must make a distinction betwixt the good and bad Eng∣lish, whome they must not mesure all a like, to the end that the faithfull and vertu∣ous (from whome long before as from Collonel Norrys and others they had drawne [ D] great seruices) might not confusedly bee comprehended in the number of wicked men and traitors.

The Estates seeing this dangerous alteration of their affaires, had on the fourth of February written letters of complaint vnto the Queene of England and to the Earle of Leicester, with an ample relation of the causes of their complaintes, and a repre∣sentation of the poore estate, into the which the vnited Prouinces were reduced, and the great and apparent inconueniences, if they were not speedily preuented: which letters by reason of their tediousnesse I thought good to omit, beeing verie ill taken by the Earle of Leicester, who thought him-selfe wronged in his honour and reputation, making them to seeme distastfull vnto the Queene; who beeing bet∣ter [ E] informed by the Councell of State which remained there with the Earle of Lei∣cester, hauing in the Generall Estates name made their excuse for their sharpe man∣ner of writing, beseeching her gratious Maiestie to impute it to the perplexitie of the time, and the griese by them conceiued for the soden losse of Deuenter and of the sconce before Zutphen, in the end at the instant request of the Councell of State, shee sent the Barron of Buckhorst, a Nobleman of her Maiesties priuie Coun∣cell, * 1.134 and of great authoritie, into the vnited Prouinces with Doctor Clarke a ci∣uill Lawier, to the end that with the aduise of Collonel Norris and Maister Wilkes they might pacesie all controuersies, and reforme all errors to the best contentment of the parties. [ F]

The Lord of Buckhorst beeing arriued in Holland, about the end of March, in the assemblie of the generall Estates, hee required in the name of the Queene his Mistris a more ample declaration of certaine pointes mentioned in their letter of the fourth of February.

The estates entred vnwillingly into it, and would haue wisht that all those complaints * 1.135 [ A] had beene forgotten, without any further reuiuing of that wound. Notwithstanding seeing that hee vrged it so vehemently, they answered by an act of the 17. of Iune, first they had complayned that the Earle of Leicester, would keepe no order in his gouern∣ment, nor take any aduice from the Estates, or the councell of States, as all precedent gouernors of royall bloud, yea the Emperors sister, had done in the Nethelands. That hauing in his absence committed the gouernment vnto the councell, by an act of the twenty three of Nouember 1586, the same day by an other act hee had taken their authorty from them, retayning vnto him-selfe all absolute power. That hee renewed and changed the seale and counterseale of the vnited Prouinces, hauing set his owne armes in the midest of the great seale, the counter-seale being onely of his armes [ B] which neuer any Gouernors had done. That vnder collour of piety and relligion, hee beleeued flatterers and liars, who had taxed the Estates vnto him, to bee enemies to the relligion, sor they had refused the ministers the contents of a petition, tending to new ordinances, and discipline after their owne fantasies, as if they would deale in the afrayers of the common weale and the gouernment thereof, the which the Prince of Orange the Nobility and the townes did neuer like of, to auoyd confusion: the said Earle hauing suffred himselfe to bee so perswaded by those flatterers, as to giue leaue vnto the ministers to make a generall assembly of a Synode without the Priuity of the Estates, to whom the knowledge of such things belonged. That they had falsely perswa∣ded him that the councell of Estate was an enemy to his authority and greatnesse, and [ C] that by their ambition and for their priuat profit they sought to supplant him, as ap∣pered by a certaine discours presented vnto him of the inuention of Ringault and Ste∣phen Perret: whome he did so countenance, as hee beleeued what soeuer they said, gi∣uing no credit to any of the councell of State: They had possest him, with such a iealousie and distrust of them so as without the aduice of the said councell he caused Rose-nobles * 1.136 to be coyned in Amsterdam, where as they had neuer beene before any mint or sworne officers, against the priuiledges of Dordrecht to whome this right doth onely apper∣taine, as to the first and most ancient towne of Holland. The Noble was allowed two florins aboue the value according to the course of other coynes. All which was done not onely without the aduice of the councell of States, but also without taking councell [ D] of the presidents and officers of the chamber of accoumpts, nor of the generalls of the mynt. That he had by the perswasions of the said flatterers made a proclamation of the fourth of Aprill, 1586. by the which the nauigation and trafficke into France and Spaine was prohibited, tending to the ruine of the Country, and retreat of the Mar∣chants and marriners, wherein consisted their prosperity.

That the Earle had neglected to cause two thousand Germaine horse, three thou∣sand foote and a thousand Pioners to aduance, the which being ioyned with the Queens army and the States, he might haue made him-selfe maister of the field, and driuen a way the enemy, not-with-standing that the mony was redy, and so many aduertisments which came: so as insteed of making an offenciue warre, as they might haue done, they [ E] were forced to stand vpon the defenciue. That fence the Earle had entred into the gouernment there had neuer beene any generall muster of the English horse and foote which the Queene had sent to their succors, not-with-standing that the Estates had often required it, and he as often promised, yea it was found by the accoumpts of her Maiesties treasorers, that the entertaynment of those horse men had beene payed by the twelth of Nouember 1585. with her Maiesties money, but vpon the countries charge, although the said horsemen were not mounted, nor ready to passe musters in three moneths after, no not halfe that number which ought to haue beene, according to the contract. Besides that by the great numbers of English: Scottish, and Irish, which the said Earle had brought into the country, without the priuity of the Estates and [ F] directly contrary to the contract, the Prouinces haue beene brought to a confusion, for that they had not ballanced this charge with the meanes and Estate of the country which hath beene the cause that the soldiars borne in the country, for these ten mo∣neths haue receued but foure paies, some three: and some but two: and the horse-men of

the country but two paies, the which hath not beene but with the preiudice and great * 1.137 [ A] danger of the estate.

That the Earle by the aduice of his flatterers, had erected a tresor chamber against the aduice and consent of the generall Estates, and of the councell of State, making Iaques Ringault tresorer generall thereof, one that was a Spaniard in heart, and worthely sus∣pected. That hee had also put men into the admiralties at his owne deuotion, who had no knowledge of Nauigation, strangers, not of Holand nor Zeeland, nothing ac∣quainted with sea causes and much lesse with warre by sea and prouision for fleets: which had beene the cause that the ports of Dunkerk, Graueling and Nieuport had done much more harme vnto the Estates, that yeare then in all the prece∣dent. And withall that hee had giuen commission vnto Ringault, to vse a kind of inquisition against the marchants, serching not onely their stoore houses and packs, [ B] but also their studies, bookes, registers and papers, without information of any iud∣ges, before whome they might haue defended and Iustified them-selues, the which they hold here to be Barbarous and Sauage, impugning the liberties and freedomes of the country.

More-ouer the said Sicophants did incense the people much against their Magis∣trats, as in Vtrecht where they haue chased away the cheefe of the country, the like they did vnto Maister Paul Buys, a councellor of Estate, casting him into prison, without doing him right, not knowing his aduerse party. The said Earle had also suffred him∣selfe to be so perswaded by these Sicophants, as to call in doubt the disposition of the [ C] generall Estate of these Prouinces, especially of Holland and Zeeland, of the which there was neuer question in eight hundred yeare, no not against their enemies: whereof they haue beene so bold and rash as to discourse and write, councelling him among other things to gouerne the country without the Estates, and that the gouernment would neuer bee of any force so long as the Estates did deale with the managing of affaiers, their authority being but a meere vsurpation and tirany ouer the people, which belonged onely vnto the soueraignty and not vnto the Estates, who were but ser∣uants to the generality. So as they haue proceeded so farre in some places and townes of the country, as they caused him to take vpon him the souerainty, vnder col∣lour to referre it vnto her Maiesty of England. These men seeing also in what credit [ D] the house of Nassau was in this country, for the great seruices which they had receiued from the deceased Prince of Orange, his bretheren and allies, they sought to vnder∣mine the foundation. And as they had no meanes to supplant and disapoint Prince Maurice of his gouernments of Holland and Zeeland, the which were giuen him after his fathers death, and ratesied by the contract made with her maiesty, to dismember the said gouernment of Holland, they made a priuat commission to Dericke Sonoy of the gouernment of Northolland (otherwise called West-Freezland) of Gorcum to captaine Claeragen: of Vianen to the Seignior of Locren, of Muyden to captaine Iohn Bacx, to gouerne them absolutely vnder the Earles authoritie without the aduice of the Councell of Estates. [ E]

As also there were other priuat Gouernors which were put into the townes of Gelder, Vtrecht, and Oueryssel, all which gouernors would neuer in the least point yeeld vnto Prince Maurice gouernor of Holland, not vnto the Earle of Maeurs gouernor of Gelder, Vtrecht and Oueryssel: so as he hath brought in diuers gouernors with equall power in one Prouince, the which could not bee without confusion: Yet there was no redresse, not-with-standing many admonitions that were giuen vnto the Earle. They complayned also that that the towne of Deuenter and the great fort be∣fore Zutphen (which were two of the keyes of the country) had beene comitted to Stanley and Yorke, contray to the liking of the Estates, who held them to bee no beter then traytors: And although the Earle had ingaged his person and honor for their [ F] fidelities, yet they found by experience and to their losse that errors committed in mat∣ters of State, are not to bee repayred by gage, pledg nor caution. And as it seemed that these flatterers and bad councellors, sought nothing more then the ruine of the country.

The Nobility and townes (to discouer the ground of all) had seazed vpon the person * 1.138 [ A] and papers of Stephen Perret, whereby it was knowne that the said Ieames Ringault was * 1.139 the cheefe motiue and conductor of all the troubles, a mortall enemie to the Estates and the country, secretly reconciled to the Spaniard, and making profession to ouer∣throw all good dessigns and aduise, and to breake of all good correspondency betwixt the Estates and the Earle: as it appeared sufficiently by the banishment of the best Bourgers of Vtrecht, whome he called, vetus fermentum.

All which hauing bin imparted vnto the Earle by the deputies of the priuat Estates of Holland, and finding it true, he decreed that Ringault should be put in prison, promi∣sing to do good Iustice, and commanding the Prouinciall councell of Holland and west Freezland to make his processe, yet hee wrought so by the meanes of his adherents [ B] and partisans as he was inlarged, and for that hee should not be answerable to the iuris∣diction of Holland, he was led to Vtrecht; there to be hed of the mutins, and to deuide Vtrecht withall that diocesse from Holland, vsing perswasions without ground to the Earle and to some English Noblemen, that the Estates and the councell of Estate were enemies to religion and to the Earles authority, for which cause the sayed Ringault was discouered by the papers that were seazed on, being a very hipocriticall Spaniard, and a dissembling counterfet, seeking but to enrich him-selfe with the countries mony, then to play banquerout and so retire to the enemies party: As hee did since, where they scorne him, suffring him to dye in prison at Brusselles like a beggerly rascall, being de∣teyned for his old and new debts: Finally to the end their councells and practises should [ C] not be hindred by the Earles absence and retreat into England, they caused him to signe this last act, whereof mention hath beene made, by the which the authority of the Estates and councell was restrayned in the maine points concerning the preseruation of the country the which he reserued to his own will and disposition, especially the change and renuing of English garrisons, holding the cheefe townes and forts of the country. The which was done so secretly, as neither the generall Estates, the councell of estate, or any priuat person did euer heare speake of it vntill that Stanley refus'd to obey the counsell of Estate, producing the said act for his defence. They declared also that after the yeelding vp of Deuenter and the forts of Zutphen, if the fidelity of generall Norris and some Englishmen that were of the councell of State, had not beene, it was [ D] to be feared that the garrisons of Berghen vp Zoom, and Ostend (after the example of Stanley and Yorke) had done the like, considering the familiarity they had with the ene∣my: to whome the English soldiars fled by troupes, leauing their Sentynells and Corps de gard.

Where-vpon amidest so many doubts and distrusts, so many practises and factions among the commons: so many complaints of soldiars for their bad pay considering, also the danger that might grow by the want of a Commander, the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces thought it expedient (hauing no other meanes to bee assured from so mighty an enemy) seeing that the respect of her Maiesty of England and the Earles au∣thority fayled them then, to take some course them-selues: restoring the gouernor's [ E] of Prouinces to their first authority, and setting a good order for their soldiars, for the preseruation and fortification of their frontiers, and to send their shippes of warre to sea against the enemy, the better to incorrage the subiects. They remembred also the pasports giuen in England by the Secretary Bourgraue, vnder the Earles name as gouernor of the vnited Prouinces, the which they said could not be good in law: for that a gouernor hath no command out of his prouinces: and besides it was against the good of the country. They also gaue a reason for the enlargement of Paul Buys, concluding in the end that the letter of the fourth of February, had beene written aduisedly and with mature deliberation by the estates, who haue beene alwaies accustomed to proceed roundly and plainely and without any dissimulation, to im∣part [ F] vnto their Lords, Princes, and gouernors, any thing that might greeue or charge the people. The which they haue alwaies found the most safest course, and least offenciue to their Princes, that vsed reason and iustice, seeing that for the loue of the commons they descouered the naked truth vnto them, to disswad them from that which

slanderous and false practises might induce them to beleeue, and so abuse them, to the * 1.140 [ A] preiudice of their honors and reputation. As also there shall bee nothing found in the sayd letter but the pure truth, proceeding from the sincere affection which they beare vnto their deere country, to her Maiestie, and to the honor and authority of the sayd Earle. And fearing happily that her Maiestie by some sinister impression of the sayd letters had with-drawne the affection which she did beare vnto their affaires, whereon depends the health of their estate, and that at other times the like had happened vpon their petitions: they found nothing more expedient then to send her a coppy, relying vpon her Maiesties singular bountie and wisdome (whereof they had heretofore tasted) when shee should be more particularly informed of the whole estate of the countrey, whereby she may be the better inclined to graunt them some extraordinary succors, to repaire that which was shaken, according to the tenor of the said letters. [ B]

This answer and ample declaration was made by the generall Estates the seuenteene of Iune: with the which the Ambassadors and some other of the English nation, after many disputes and replies, had cause of contentment. But the Earle of Leicester was not well pleased there-with, as he shewed afterwards by his iustification, the which hee caused to bee printed at his returne from England, comming to succor Scluse: being much discontented with the Lord of Buckhurst, Doctor Clarke, Maister Wilkes, and es∣pecially with generall Norris, whom hee caused to bee called home, to be sent into Ire∣land to his gouernment: the Estates were very desirous to keepe him still (hauing done * 1.141 them good seruice after the losse of Deuenter and Zutphen, and well maintained her [ C] Maiesties and the English mens honor and reputation) and to make him marshall of their armie which they intended to bring to field, for the releefe of Scluse, vnder the command of Princc Maurice, and the Earle of Hohenlo, but of force he must goe as he did, with great commendation, and testimony to her Maiestie, both from the generall Estates, the Estates of Holland, the Earle of Hohenloo, and others, of his good and faithfull seruice.

The Queene her selfe was not well pleased with the declaration made by the Estates as shee let them vnderstand by her letters of the thirtith of Iune, to them. The * 1.142 which were sent by Sir Henry Killegrey and Maister Robert Beale, wherevnto the Estates answered with all mildnesse and modestie, excusing themselues, and informing her Ma∣iestie better. [ D] During all these factions and partialities, the Duke of Parma continued the course of his prosperitie: meaning to besiege Scluse, a Towne and Castle standing vpon the Sea-coast, the which is the very Port of the mighty, goodly, and rich towne of Bruges in Flanders, three leagues from thence. For as nothing past in Holland and Zeeland betwixt the Estates and the Earle of Leicester touching their diuision, but hee was dayly aduertised thereof by some that were at his deuotion in the sayd coun∣tries, (yea as it was sayd) by some that had great dealing with the affaires of Estate: * 1.143 hee thought it now time to prouide them some worke towards the Sea-coast: for the effecting whereof hee had caused great leauies of men to bee made in Italy, vn∣der the leading of the Marquis of Guast, Camillo Capisucca, Carlo Spinella, Alexandro de [ E] Monte, and others, making shew as if hee would goe to the Veluwe. Some of his men had lyen about Bruges euer since May, and now and then increased their num∣bers, seeming as if they had lyen there, onely to stoppe the incursions of them of Ost∣end and Scluse. His soldiers being come all together, on the seauenth of Iune, hee marcht out of Brussels with nine companies of horse, and the next day came to Bru∣ges, all his armie following him to besiege Scluse.

In the meane time Arnold of Groeneuelle, a Gentleman of an ancient house in Holland, Collonell of a regiment of foote, and gouernor of the sayd Towne and Ca∣stle of Scluse, feeling this storme approach, and doubting it would fall vpon him, or vp∣on Ostend, seeking to prouide for it and preuent it with all the diligence he could: on the * 1.144 [ F] fifteene of Iune he did write vnto sir William Russell, sonne to the Earle of Bedford (who had succeeded sir Philip Sidney in the gouernment of Flushing for the Queene of Eng∣land) as to his neerest neighbour for some helpe: sending him word that after diligent search what prouision was in the sayd towne, hee found not sufficient to hold out long:

where-vpon Sir William Russell dispacht his Secretary wtih Nicholas of Meetkerke his * 1.145 [ A] Lieutenant presently to Prince Maurice, and to the Estate of Zeeland, requiring them to succor Sluce with men, victualls and munition of warre. But hauing no comfort from them but promises, the Zeelanders not holding the danger so great, as the Seigni∣or of Groenevelt made it by his letters: Sir William Russel commanded his Secretary and his Lieutenant Meetkerke, to gather together, with the helpe of the Magistrate, all the graine they could within the towne, and to send it presently to Scluse. So as the same day a shippe being laden with corne, parted from Flussing and entred into Sluce * 1.146 without danger, whereof the Gouernor Groenevelt was very glad. And by the meanes of Sir William Russell, there came from Berghen vp Zoom and from Ostend three com∣panies of foote to Flussing, to the which the Gouernor added a forth drawne out of [ B] his owne garrison, these fower companies were neere eight hundred men. The Queene of England hearing that the Duke of Parma's desseigne was vpon the sea coasts of Flanders: either against Ostende (which shee had taken into her protection) or Scluse: shee sent Sir Roger Williams and some English Gentlemen to Ostend: but being •…•…ere arriued, and hearing that the Spaniards campe was planted before about Sluce, they went to Flushing to ioyne with the said fower companies, and the twelth of Iune they entred with certaine shippes laden with corne, armes, poulder, boullets and other munition into the hauen of Scluse, but not without great danger of the enemies * 1.147 cannon, who the day before had taken one of the forts without the towne, called Beckeaf: and held the mouth of the hauen, where he had planted great store of [ C] Artillery. These succors being happely entred, the gouernor Groenevelt did write againe vnto the Estates of Zeeland requiring great succors of Victualls and espetiall of munition of warre: but the shipps going forth to carry this message, were taken in the mouth of the Hauen, so as after that time, none could go in, nor get out. The Duke of Parma had one part of his army lodged in the Ile of Cassandt right against the Hauen of the towne, at a place called Ter-Hofsted and another part at Saint Anne Termayden, right with the which he forced a fort which the Estates had built vpon the sea shore at Blankenberg, by the which he freed his campe; and the vittualls that came vnto them from the courses of them of Ostrend.

The beeseeged behauing them-selues very valiantly, made many gallant and furious [ D] sallies vpon the Spaniards, in the which they slue very many of their enemies, but not∣without some losse of their owne men. Among the Netherlands which woone most honor were Nicholas Meetkerke Lieuienant Collonell, sonne to the president of Flan∣ders: Charles Heraugiere at this time gouernor of the towne and Castell of Breda, Nicho∣las of Maude, sonne to the Seigniour of Mausart and others: among the English there was Sir Francis Vere now gouernor of the towne and land of Bryele: Sir Roger Williams; Collonell Huntley, Captaine Thomas Baskeruille and others. The forth of Iuly, Patton Collonell of a Scottish regiment, and comanding in the towne of Geldes in the absence of Collonell Schenke, following the steppes of Stanley and Yorke, sold the * 1.148 towne vnto the Lord of Haultpenne, for the King of Spaine, for thirty six thousand [ E] florins, with an expresse condition that hee would reserue vnto him-selfe the spoyle and ransoms of certaine of the cheefe and richest Bourgers. His enterprize was executed in this manner. The Earle of Leicester being offended much with him, had thretned to cassier him, and to put Stuart in his place: hee to preuent this and to bee reuenged of the disgrace, hauing treated and concluded with Haultepenne, hee gaue them of the towne to vnderstand, that Collonell Schenk had sent him order to keepe his men ready in armes that comming the night following with his horse∣men they might go together to an enterpize the which was easie to bee beleeued, for that Schenk was often accustomed to make vse of the garrison of that towne in that manner. [ F]

His men being thus in armes, Patton insteed of Schenk drew in Haultepenne: The Bourgers descouering this to soone, put them-selues in defence, but it was in vaine, many flying into the castle which they were forced to yeeld, paying their ransome.

By this treason Collonell Schenck lost his horses, armes, and all his moueables and * 1.149 [ A] treasor, which Patton seazed on: And as the Prouerbe saies. From the Diuell it comes, and to the Diuell it goes. For al this wealth which Schenck had, came by spoiles. This Pat∣ton by the meanes of his great wealth gotten this waies, married the poore widdow of Ponthus of Noyelle, Lord of Bours, who helpt to pull the Castell of Antwerp out of the Spaniards hands as wee haue said before. This Ladye was of the house of Bieu∣re whome the Lord of Champaigny thought to haue married, but his gout, and Pat∣tons money hindred it, the very same night that hee should haue beene made sure to her.

Prince Maurice of Nassau hauing (as wee haue said) the gouernment of the Vni∣ted Prouinces, committed vnto him, in the absence of the Earle of Leicester, bee∣ing [ B] very desirous to draw the Duke of Parma from the siege of Scluce, hee caused * 1.150 the Earle of Hohenlo his Lieutenant, to make a roade into Brabant with a smal armie, which his men did spoyle; and burnt twenty two villages, and two small Townes, making a shew as if they would besiege Boisledu: which hee then thought easie to bee done by reason of the high waters, and the dearth of corne, where-with the Townes were as then but badly furnished. But the Duke of Parma hauing more men then hee needed before Scluce, he sent Haultepenne (Barlaymonts sonne) with two and fortie companies offoote, and twenty fiue troopes of horse, who incam∣ped at Bixtell, not very farre from Boisleduc. In the meane time the Estates protracting the succors for Scluce, they began to feele the want of the Earle of [ C] Leicester, and to desire him, many saying that his authoritie and presence was very necessary.

The which the Earle vnderstanding, supposing that this should recouer his honour which had beene interessed by their former Imputations and reproches: Hauing obtained leaue from her Maiestie, hee parted from England, and returned * 1.151 into Zealand the sixth of Iuly, with many soldiars which hee brought with him, where hee was attended with great deuotion; where hee made preparation to suc∣cor Scluce, and to raise the Duke of Parma from the siege. Prince Maurice hea∣ring of his comming went vnto him, accompanied by Generall Norris (who was then to go into England) Collonell Schenck and other Collonells, with their troops, [ D] as well of Netherlanders, English, as Scottish: Leauing the Earle of Hohenloo, with three thousand men horse and foote, in the Iurisdiction of Boisleduc, to keepe the Frontiers of Holland, attending greater forces from Gelderland, Freezeland, Vtrecht, and other places, which came not. Yet notwithstanding the Earle of Ho∣henloo left not to besiege the Fort of Engelen, the which hee tooke by force and razed. The Lord of Haultepenne being come to raize the siege, was incountred by Hohenlos horse-men and defeated: Hee was by mischance hurt with the bough of a tree which fell vppon his necke, beeing broken downe with a peece of great * 1.152 Ordinaunce from the shippes, whereof hee dyed the fourteenth of Iuly in the towne of Boisleduc. [ E]

The Earle of Leicester beeing returned into Zealand for the releeuing os Scluce, the Generall Estates came vnto him, vnto whome Doctor Leoninus made a speech

in his Excellencies behalfe: Giuing them to vnderstand that hee was very glad of * 1.153 their arriuall, hoping that by his presence hee should bee assisted in the executions of some millitary exploits that were in hand, and required expedition, the which (especially the reliefe of Scluce) his excellencie did so much affect, as neglecting his owne priuate affaires hee had made hast to returne into these parts for the preser∣uation of the generall: VVhere-vnto his Excellencie hath brought so great an affec∣tion, that although hee findes his honor interessed by reason of some scandalls which haue beene raized during his absence, and certaine letters which were sent into [ F] England; yet hee desires not by reason of those mistakings, the said exploites of warre, and other affaires concerning the publike good, should be delayed; intreating them to enter into conference, concerning the Estate of the men of war, their pay, armes, munition and necessary victualls, to the end that Scluce might be releeued in

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conuoied to Bresque, where they were receiued by the shippes of Zeeland and trans∣ported * 1.154 [ A] to Flussingue. Thus was Scluce (after that it had beene valiantly defended for the space of two monethes) in the end giuen ouer for want of succors: for the which it seemes they that defended it were but hardly censured by the Estates, in giuing it vp so soone. Wherevpon Sir Roger Williams in his booke called a discourse of warre, makes a breefe relation of the seruice they did within the towne, and to iustifie their pro∣ceedings, the which I haue thought to insert here for the Readers better satisfaction of the particularities.

I protest (sayth hee) by the faith of a souldiar, that what I write is true; As neere as I can remember wee kept the towne of Scluce some three score daies: diuers thinke it * 1.155 no time, for that Harlem, Mastricht and others were kept longer: little doe they thinke [ B] how those two places were furnished with all things necessary, when as the lesser of them both had in it sixe thousand hands to fight and worke. Let vs bee rightly cen∣sured, I will prooue that Bouvines was the most furious siege, since the Duke of Aluas arriuall, vnto this houre, the which beganne and ended in lesse then twenty daies, and yet there were more captaines and souldiars spoiled by the sword and bullet, then at Harlem, which continued ten monethes: experimented captaines will confesse that they fury of all breaches are tried in fewe houres. Wee were not in Scluce one thou∣sand sixe hundred men to fight, worke and all: we had to keepe (accounting the two forts) aboue two miles and a halfe. It is well knowne that before wee entred, the towne had lost one fort. If wee shewed any valour in our entrie, let Sir Henry Palmer and his [ C] sea-men, with them of Zeeland iudge: the daunger was such, as of the vesselles which carried vs in, fiue were taken the next comming out.

The third tide Sir Charles Blunt (afterwards Lord Montioy and Earle of Deuon∣shire) offred fiftie pounds (besides the commandement his maisters and marriners re∣ceiued at his imbarking) to carrie vs in some necessary prouision from Sir William Rus∣sell, then Lord Gouernor of Flussing, who indeed was the causeof our entrie, resoluti∣on and quick dispatch, sending vnto vs a good quantitie of victualls and munition; and to say the truth without his importunitie and diligence, wee had not entred: and then the world knowes the towne had beene lost without blowes, as a number were in those countries, farre better then Scluce. [ D]

The better sort doe knowe, had I and my companions made marchandise of our liues as trades-men doe of their warres wee had not entred into Scluce, for our di∣rections were but for Ostende wee were battred with thirtie Cannons and eight Culuerins on Saint Iacobs Eue, from three of the clocke in the morning, vntill fiue in the afternoone, whereas they discharged aboue foure thousand Cannon-shor. By the Dukes owne confession hee neuer sawe so furious a batterie in one daie. Wee were made saultable aboue two hundred and fiftie paces betwixt siue of the clocke and seauen: wee were aboue fiue times at the push of the pike for our breach, where wee spoiled the enemies in great numbers: who descouering our trenches within ouer∣thwart the breach, quieted their furies: afterwardes wee kept the towne eighteene [ E] daies, the enemie beeing lodged in our port, rampar and breach aboue three hundred paces; in the which time hee passed sixe paces through the port, to beate our trenches within: wee kept our fort vntill wee were made saultable more then our troupes could gard, vnlesse wee would quit the towne: beeing mined, wee countermined them, in the which wee fought nine daies with sword, target and pistoll: at our breach, port and rampar wee fought daylie with pikes, short weapons and stones, besides our shot, for those eighteene daies. As for our sallies, let the enemie testifie. The duke of Parma being entred, he asked mee which was Baskerville, who standing before him, I shewed him, whom he imbraced, and turning towards his nobility, he sayd: there serues no Prince in Europe a brauer man: true it is that at one sally captaine Thomas Baskeruill had the point [ F] with an hundred Corslelts of the best sort, who charged and made to run 8. Spanish Enseigns of the Tertia Vecho, and hurt their Malster dol Campo: indeed he was se∣conded by a number of others; but himselfe was principally knowne by certaine pri∣soners, and his great plume of fethers: Sir Francis Vere was also noted by his redde

mandillion, who stood alwaies in the head of the armed men, at the assaults of the * 1.156 [ A] towne and fort, being twise hurt, I and other of his friends, requested him to retire: to whom hee answered, that he had rather bee killed ten times at a breach then once in an house. Captaine Hart most valiantly swame in and out to acquaint the Estates, with our wants and dangers: the world doth know what pickes and iarres there was betwixt them at that time, such as none can deny there was a full resolution taken to enter in by water. The world doth know our army by land retired at mid-night from Blanken∣borough to Ostend. Let enuy and mallice speake what they list, truth may bee blamed, but it shall neuer bee shamed. We were lost men but for our owne wits and resoluti∣on: our poulder was all spent so farre, as wee had not to maintaine halfe a daies fight, the enemie had gotten so farre into our rampar, as their shot flanked into our trenches: [ B] for eighteene nights togither, wee lay continually Officers and all at our breach, and there eate our meate: wee had not foure field peeces of twenty left vnbroken with their Ordinance: wee endured in the towne and fort seauenteene thousand foure hundred and od Cannot shot. And whereas malicious tongues speake of our assault, I protest wee endured one assault in the fort, both at the breaches and mine, from nine of the clocke in the morning vntill two in the afternoone, whereas the braue Marquis of Ren∣ty was hurt, the great captaine Mounsire La Motte lost his arme, and Mounsire De Stri∣pigny Collonel of the Bourguignons was slaine, with diuers captaines and officers: be∣sides by their owne report they had slaine at that assault about seauen hundred men, and as many hurt: wee had hurt and slaine at that assault aboue a hundred and fiftie: [ C] whereas Collonel Huntley, Sir Edmond Vdall, Sir Iohn Scot, Captaine Ferdinando Groge, Maister Sentliger, Captaine Nicholas Baskeruille, with diuers other Gentlemen and Officers behaued themselues most valiantly, both at that assault and at all other ser∣uices. During the sayd siege, Captaine Francis Allen swamme in with Captaine Hart after the breach was made, and during his time none shewed greater valor. Truelie all the Dutch and Wallons with their companies, shewed themselues constant, re∣solute and valiant, especially those braue and valiant captaines Metkerke and He∣raugier: We were but foure English bands, neere two hundred men strong a peece by reason that wee diuided amongst them some two hundred and fiftie Musketiers, who by the meanes of the Gouernor of Flessingue came with vs from his garrison, [ D] from Berghen and from Ostend. There were many Lieutenants, Enseignes and Sar∣gents aduenturers besides those souldiars: the better halfe of our men were slaine, for 1600. English, Wallons and Flemish, wee carried not our seauen hundred.

In respect of our losses our captaines asked pay for the whole numbers: wherefore the Estates and others would not confesse our losses to be so great: from the first houre of our entrie vntill our going out, none came to vs but such as swamme in. The duke of Parma himselfe asked mee in the presence of manie, what our losses were? I answer∣ed him the truth as nere as I could. Hee himselfe with diuers others assured vs that hee had lost before Sluce fiue and fortie Captaines, besides other Commanders; and more souldiars then he had lost at Nuys, Bercke, Graue and Venloo. [ E]

Some obiected also, if they had beene in such daunger at Sluce, why did the duke of Parma yeelde them so large a composition? I know no reason but this, sixe daies before wee gaue ouer the towne, all the captaines and officers met in Councell, ha∣uing seene our dangers and some finding the heat of our succors, wee assigned the Articles of our composition, and swore all to haue them graunted vnto vs or to die, and to burie the towne and castle, and then to escape as wee could through the drow∣ned lands. The coppie of those Articles with other letters wee sent vnto the Earle our Generall and to the Estates, the which fell into the enemies hands, by reason the messenger was slaine in swimming by their boates and palissadoe on the riuer. This is well knowne vnto all our companions, for the Marquis of Renty out of his trench told [ F] it openly before all our gards at the breach, that one Owen a Welch Gentleman had much adoe to put my fowle hand into Italian for the Duke. We also made a sallie where we lost two Officers, who shewed them our resolution, the which we maintained beeing face to face with the Duke in our parle, and returned once from him into the

towne, thinking that he would not yeeld to some of the articles: but his owne wisdome, * 1.157 [ A] or his councell perswaded him to send for vs againe, and to signe them all. But I pro∣test vpon the faith of a Christian, and I thinke all my companions will doe the like, that for my part I know not how we might haue kept the towne twelue howers longer with the losse of our liues, had we bin al desperat, if it had pleased the enemy to attēpt vs: but it is most true, rather then to haue accepted of any base conditions, most of vs would haue ended our lyues in that place. I protest I write not this to condemne any one in particu∣lar nor in generall that should haue succored vs, nor to robbe the least defendant of his right: for I confesse my selfe the simplest captaine of halfe a dozen that were with∣in the towne, three or foure of them (were they knowne and rightly iudged) are suffici∣ent to conduct double that garrison in any army in the world, & to commande a greater [ B] troupe hauing authority. These are Sir Roger Williams owne words to iustefie the yeeld∣ing vp of Sluse.

After this losse of Sluce, the Earle of Leicester determined to stoppe vp the mouth of the hauen, but the officers of the admiralty and others were of opinion that it could not be done, yet the English-men thought otherwise: wher-vpon suspecting the Zee∣landers, he sent into Holland for certaine old shippes, the which were granted, yet it was not done: but on the other side sence that time the hauen is much bettered, by reason that the sea hath scoured the sand away. The losse of this towne made them to murmure much against the Earle, (especially the common people) who hearing of the * 1.158 accord, retired him-selfe into Zeeland; imputing the losse of this towne to the want of [ C] men, money and other meanes, greatly taxing the admiralty of Zeeland and the officers, namely one Martin Drooghe, whome he caused to be put in prison, where he continued six moneths vntill that the Earle being retired the second time into England (hauing iustified himselfe of that where-with he was accused) he was set at liberty, and restored to his credit.

Those that were affected vnto the Earles party, excused him and layed all the blame vpon the Estates, accusing them, that they sought to take his authority from him and to command them-selues leauing him but the vaine title of a Gouernor. The Earle pas∣sing by the Iland of Zeeland arriued the seauenteene of August at Berghen vp Zoom, (a towne held also by the English, where as the Lord Willoughby was gouernor) from [ D] thence the Earle sent some troupes into Brabant, to make an enterprize vpon the castle of Hochstraten, the which succeded not. From Berghen he went to Dordrecht whereas * 1.159 the generall Estates of the Prouinces assembled. The Earle being in the open assem∣bly of the generall estates, made a long speech: by the which he first excused him-selfe and greeued much for the treasons of Stanley, Yorke and Patton, by whom he complayned that he had beene basely deceyued: the which he said might haue happened to any cap∣taine, generall of an army or gouernor of a country and state, were hee more pollitike and of greater experience then he was. That they were not the first traytors which had deceyued their maisters in the said vnited Prouinces. As for the releeuing of Sluce, he would maintaine that it was not his fault, hauing there in imployed his best endeuors. [ E]

That the three thousand or 2500. men which had beene promised him for supplies, and the hundred thousand florins had failed, of the which (calling the tresorer gene∣rall to witnes) he had receiued but thirty thousand in ready mony. That the said Estates knew well themselues, how ill he had bin serued by the sea captaines and officers which had beene giuen him: who made him beleeue (to diuert him from these succors) that if they had past on, being before the towne the enemy would from the other side of the Sluce of Bruges sinke all their shippes with his Artillery, not-with-standing they were sufficiently informed thre was an other depth vnder the castell, where as they might lye without any danger as hee said it appered by the report of captains and soldiars that were come from them of the towne. So as he could not put in execution the desire [ F] he had to succor it, and therefore the blame was not to bee layd vpon him but vpon them that had fayled of their duties, and not furnished that which was needfull, accor∣ding vnto that which had beene decreed betwixt him and the Estates.

Wherevpon, after they had layd before him the letters written by him in Iune be∣fore

out of England to secretarie Iunius, tending to fortefie and incorrage such as hee * 1.160 [ A] knew affected to his partie in the townes and countries of Holland and Zeeland. Des∣couering thereby that at his returne hee pretended to gouerne and command in the same manner as the Emperor Charles and King Philip his sonne had done, and if hee should be restrained of that authoritie, that he would abandon the Netherlands quite, and retire himselfe into England. Wherevpon the Nobilitie and townes of Holland, Zeeland and Friseland presented a declaration vnto the Earle in writing dated the twentith day of August, which they intended to haue giuen him before, but for some * 1.161 good considerations they had forborne to offer it till then. Declaring thereby (as du∣tie bound them) how much they held themselues bound vnto her Maiestie, for her great care of Religion, and the good of those countries, and that it had pleased her to imploy [ B] his Excelencies person: seeing that it had not stood with her good liking to take the so∣ueraignty vpon her, to whom they would haue yeelded as great respect and subiection, as euer they did vnto the Emperor Charles the fift or to any other Prince whatsoeuer: but for that they did finde by experience, that there are diuers seditious and busie head∣ed fellowes, which labour to sowe dissention, and to breed discontents, betwixt the E∣states of these countries and his Excelencie, seeking to blemish and disgrace the autho∣ritie of the Estates, and to make his Excelencie absolute Gouernor in all respects. They let his Excelencie vnderstand (to the end that all iealousies, and distrusts might bee lay∣ed aside and forgotten) that they did and do yet vnderstand, that for want of a naturall Prince, the soueraigntie of those countries returned vnto the Nobilitie, Gentlemen * 1.162 [ C] and Townes, and that after the King of Spaine (who heretofore had beene their naturall and soueraigne Lord) had left those countries; all acts of soueraigntie were lawfully exercised by the Estates; and in that manner they had contracted with diuers Princes, and namely with her Maiestie, and therevpon by a generall consent, had giuen vnto his Excelencie the authoritie of Gouernor and Captaine Generall ouer those countries. And furthermore to stoppe the mouthes of ill affected, and contentious persons, they shewed that the Estates were not presented by any priuat persons, but by the Nobili∣tie, Gentlemen and Townes: so as they are much deceiued which thinke that the E∣states consist of certaine priuat persons, and that the faults wherewith such men char∣ges them, cannot iustly bee imputed to them, and the rather, for that the Estates haue [ D] alwaies conceiued and vnderstood, that if any one should intrude himselfe into their assemblies, or medled with their proceedings, although it concerned himselfe, hee ought to bee punnished for examples •…•…ke: beseeching his Excelencie that if hee could name any such men, they would assist him to haue them punnished, according to their deserts. And wheras question was made by those busie headed fellowes, whether his Ex∣celencie had the like authoritie giuen him, as the Emperor Charles the fift had: or the like in euery respect that the Gouernors of the Netherlands (which are by them ap∣pointed) euer had: They besought his Excelency to vnderstand, that although the E∣states, Gouernors, Officers and Ministers of Iustice, in the time of the Emperor Charles the fift, and of other Princes his predecessors, were not by oth bound vnto the Go∣uernor [ E] Generall of the Netherlands: yet the Estates held themselues bound vnto his Excelencie beeing in the Netherlands, to bee obedient vnto him, according vnto the lawfull custome and manner, with ioynt and conferred authoritie, not meaning there∣by in any respect to impeach or derogate from their due authority, but that it still be∣longeth vnto, and resteth in the generall Estates, and the Estates of the particular Pro∣uinces, as the Emperor Charles the fift did in times past, when as he made the Dutches Lady Marguerity; Queene Mary, the Dutches of Sauoie, & others, Gouernors general, yet he commited not the soueraignty vnto them, but reserued it vnto himselfe: and so it was now with those countries, euer excepting that which hath beene since altered, by the contract made with her Maiesty. [ F]

And they likewise vnderstood, that all matters in the time of the Emperor Charles the fift were at the disposition of the General: so should they now be at his Excelencies dis∣position and of the councel of Estate, according vnto the act of transferring the gouern∣ment vnto his Excelency, vnderstanding that in making any dispatches the instructions

which were giuen, or any thing else that was accustomed to bee decreed and published [ A] in the Emperor Charles his name, shall now bee made, decreed and published in the * 1.163 name and vnder the seale, counter-seale and signet of the generall estates, in such causes as concerne the whole Estate of the vnited Prouinces in generall: but if they touch any particular Prouince, they shall bee done in the name and vnder the seale of the same * 1.164 Prouince. Also that all Gouernors of Prouinces, generall or particular, Collonels, Captaines and other officers and men of warre, shall be bound by othe to be obedient to the vnited Prouinces in generall: to his Excellencie as gouernor generall thereof, and to the Prouinces and Townes of the same, wherein they shall bee particularly im∣ployed: and that all of them in generall shall be obedient vnto your Excellencie as go∣uernor generall, and the Collonels, Captaines, Officers and soldiers to the Gouernors [ B] of those Prouinces wherein they shall be imploied, and to their Lieutenants, Captaines and Commanders, that are now or shall hereafter haue charge ouer them.

Touching the absolute power which is giuen vnto his Excellencie in matters of warre: the Estates vnderstand that the same shall extend and haue power ouer all sol∣diers and men of warre both by sea and land, as well her Maiesties succors, as those that are otherwise in pay, and entertained by these countries, to command them when time serueth to march against the enemie, or to goe vpon any other enterprize or seruice, and to execute iustice and martiall lawe, prouided alwayes that his excellencie shall not leuie any more souldiers, then may be well entertained and payde out of her Maiesties succours, and the contributions which are raised in the countrey, according to the reso∣lution [ C] of the Estates. They desired further that their warres by sea, might be ordered by the Admirall of the sea, and the placing of garrisons, by the gouernors of particular Prouinces. And to the end there might here-after bee a better vnion, correspondencie and trust entertained betwixt the Estates and his Excellencie, they desired redresse of that which (by turbulent and busie headed fellowes, who in the yeare past, in placing of any Gouernors or superintendents of townes and quarters, and in the conferring of any principall Offices as well ciuill as cryminall) had beene done contrary to the act of the transferring the Gouernment. And withall to cause those things to bee put in exe∣cution, which the generall and particular Estates (according to the contract made with her Maiestie, and the act a foresayd) in the declaration formerly made vnto his Exce∣lencie [ D] did request: crauing likewise that to that end hee would be pleased to put from him, and not to giue any credit (in matters concerning the countrie,) to all such as shall seeke to set diuision betwixt the Estates and his Excelency, and consequently such as seeke to bring the country into confusion, and his Excellencies honor and credit into danger and disgrace.

To this declaration made by the Estates, the Earle of Leicester made answer to the first six articles, vpon the margent thereof, saying that hee neither sought nor affected * 1.165 any greater authority, then what the generall Estates had giuen him by the foresaid act, wherewith he was well content, not seeking in any sort to diminish the authority which belonged vnto the Estates, neither yet desired he to make any question thereof, but [ E] onely sought and wished that his authoritie might in all things be duly vpholden and maintained according to the contract, and the honor of the place, whereof the Estates had put him in possession, without any derogation or restraint: and that no alteration might bee allowed nor vsed in his titles, neither yet in his accustomed seales, by the consent of the Estates; but as it had beene obserued by his last fore passed Predecessors in the generall gouernment.

As touching the oth, his Excellency held it not conuenient that the souldiers should take an oth to the particular Prouinces or Townes, neither yet to their gouernors or lieutenants, but it was not onely a new inuention, but to be feared, that so many othes would breed both confusion and contempt among the soldiers, and that it ought to be [ F] looked vnto, according to the nineteene Article of the contract made with her Maiesty: vnderstanding that the soldiers entring into garrison in any of the Townes, should sweare (notwithstanding the oth by them made vnto his Excellency and the country) that they shall keepe and defend those townes for the Estates & the generall gouernor;

and that they should not doe nor practise any thing secretly that might be preiudiciall * 1.166 [ A] vnto the said townes, with this clause, that his excelency shall haue power to dis∣place, change or call forth such garrisons at his pleasure, when occasion is offered. To the other articles hee agreed in generall termes if they were to bee done, alwaies respecting time and occasion, not thinking it fit, that for want of such things, the countries seruice should bee neglected; touching the last point hee desired a more ample declaration, where-vpon the Estates of Holland made a more plaine decla∣ration, the which they deliuered vpon the twenty foure of October, as you shall hereafter see. Whilest that matters passed in this manner betwixt the Estates and the Earle of Leicester, there grew daily more hart burning and Ielousie betwixt them, so as the Earle of Leicester kept not among the Estates but was still resident at Flussing Dordrecht, or Vtrecht, all things passing betwixt them by messengers; * 1.167 [ B] who by insinuating did many bad offices, and were the greatest cause of all the troubles.

Besides this alteration, there was at that time a great heart-burning betwixt the Earles of Leicester and Hohenlo which the Estates sought to reconcile: where-vpon they sent on the eigh-teene of August, the Lords of Capell and Noortwick, the councellors Cooper and Camminga, William Bardesius, and Iacob Walck of the councell of estate, vnto the earle of Hohenlo (being a man much esteemed and beloued of the soldiars to whome the Estates were greatly beholding for many good and valiant ser∣uices) who was then at Campfeere in the Iland of Walchren, intreating him to come to Midelbourg to the Earle of Leicester, to end all controuersies betwixt them, and to ac∣knowledge * 1.168 [ C] him for gouernor in the behalfe of the Queene of England, the which he ought not refuse to doe, for that Prince Maurice, whose Lieutenant he was, had ac∣knowledged

him for the gouernor, and had promised him faith and obedience. To whom Hohenlo answered that he was a free Earle of Germany, & no way subiect vnto the Netherlands, nor tide vnto them by oth, and that he had before refused the Arch-duke Mathias, and the Duke of Aniou and Brabant, and therefore he was not yet re∣solued to subiect himselfe vnto his Excelence hauing some reasons not to trust him, not onely in regard of the difference betwixt them two, but also for the quarrell betwixt him and Sir Edward Norris to whome hee imputed the onely cause, or at the least that he did mainetaine him therein, and made him a knight. More-ouer hee said that hee [ D] sought to alter the garrisons vnder his command without his priuity, and that hee had not kept his word with him in certaine things which he had promised him to do where∣vpon being intreated by the deputies (for the good & wel fare of the contry) to be some∣what tractable, for that the one or the other must yeeld, and to assist them with his ad∣uise and councell. Hee said that the vnited Prouinces ought not in any sort to with∣draw them-selues from the Queenes Maiesty of England, nor from the Earle of Leices∣ter requesting them to giue him an honorable passport, that hee might retire him-selfe to his friendes into Germany: or else into Denmarke: And that it would please them one day to remember the seruices which hee had done to the vnited prouinces during all their warres: as well vnto the Prince of Orange, Prince Maurice his sonne, as vnder [ E] the said Earle of Leicester: being redy to deliuer vp all the townes, castles, forts, men of warre, artillery: and other things where hee had any command into the hands of Prince Maurice and the Estates, to bee gouerned according to their auncient rights and priuiledes, as they were in the time of the Prince of Orange of famous memory: The which hee said hee desired, for that hee saw that by some sinister practises the country was ill gouerned.

And that some which did openly bandy them-selues against the soueraignty of the Estates, and did thereby pourchase great credit among the people, should bee first punished and then banished from court, which done and the Estates restored to [ F] their former authority, hee would willingly apply him-selfe to any thing, and ac∣knowledge the said Gouernor but especially the Queenes Maiesty with all honor and obedience, so as they should haue no cause to complaine of him, intreating them with all not to giue any cause of offence or discontentment vnto her Maiestie.

The Earle of Hohenloo being intreated to say so much himselfe vnto his Excellency, [ A] and to doe as Prince Maurice had done, he sayd that for that time he could do no more, * 1.169 desiring them not to trouble him any further, vntill the authority of the Estates were restored, and the lawfull priuiledges of the Prouinces maintained as before: and touch∣ing Prince Maurice, hee sayd he was a vassall and subiect, but hee was a free Germaine Earle, and that they could not compell him, vnlesse hee would freely of himselfe con∣sent therevnto: and yet hee would continue a friend and well-willer vnto the vnited Prouinces, wherein hee had already serued foureteene yeares together, and had spent a hundred and fifty thousand Dollers aboue his entertainment in their seruice, intrea∣ting them to report fauourably of him: and so after many other words and honorable protestations, the Deputies tooke their leaues. This conference was the twenty of [ B] August, but no good end could be made, by reason of the bad offices which were done by some ill Instruments, by a mistaking which happened, the which bred a great alteration in the country. Vpon the twelfe of September the Earle of Leicester aduertised the councell of Estate by his letters sent from Vtrecht, that whereas he had brought many souldiers with him out of England for the releefe of Scluce, which vntill that time he had maintained without any charge or burthen to the country, and being resolued to send them presently backe againe into England, hee had beene requested by them to stay them, for that they dayly expected the Duke of Parmaes comming to besiege Berghen vp Zoome; and hauing kept the sayd soldiers some weekes aboard the ships, without any refreshing, hee was forced to lodge them in Maselant, Sluyse, [ C] Delfshauen, and other places there-abouts, in such order, and with such pay as he had appointed for them, holding it a shame they should make so small esteeme of these * 1.170 English soldiers, which (aboue her Maiesties ordinary succors) were sent vnto them. In the meane time he was aduertised that the Earle of Hohenlo about the nine & twenty and thirty of September, had assembled a great number of soldiers about Williams-stat, intending to dislodge his sayd soldiers from Delfs-hauen, as one of the chiefe men in Delft had aduertised him, whereof hee was not informed by any light reports, but by men of such credit, as hee could not choose but beleeue it: wherevpon hee desired them to take some speedy order therein, saying, that hee would no longer endure any such indignities, that euery man should in that sort haue soldiers by himselfe, and that [ D] the Earle of Hohenlo did all as it pleased him, and therefore he desired to know if they had giuen him any such authority: If not, then hee wisht them to command all Collo∣nels, Captaines, Officers and Soldiers, to desist from their enterprise presently, and from all other factions, and to obserue the oth which they had sworne vnto him, vpon paine of punishment if they failed therein, and that if they delayed to execute his comman∣dement, he should be forced according to the authority and place which hee then had; to take order for the same, finding that his great patience serued to no other end, but to encourage and fortifie the bad, and to aduance their leagues and factions, thereby to bring those Prouinces into misery and confusion.

After that he sent an other aduertisement vnto the Councell of Estate, how that the [ E] Earle of Hohenlo continued still in his former pretence, and that he had sent for soldiers out of Naerden and Viana, and for certaine horsemen, & had sent some towards Lillo, and to other places, & all by his owne authority. These complaints bred a great alterati∣on among the Councel of Estate and the generall Estates, the which did threaten some great inconuenience. But ten or twelue daies after vpon good information, it was found to bee a meere practise of some pick-thankes and seditious persons, for that Prince Maurice being demanded what it meant, and they remembring themselues, they found that the Earle of Hohenlo had gathered these soldiers together at William-stat to doe some great exployt vpon the enemy about Lillo neere Antwerp, whereof Prince Mau∣rice aduertised the Earle of Leicester, wherevnto vpon the sixteene of September, hee [ F] made answer, and allowed of the sayd enterprise, thanking him for his diligence there∣in, wishing them all good successe. But the Earle of Hohenlo being aduertised by some of his friends out of Holland, that the Earle of Leicester tooke the pretence of that ex∣ploit in euill part, he gaue it ouer, and sent his soldiers back againe into their garrisons,

before hee could haue any intelligence of the Earle of Leicesters consent where-by it * 1.171 [ A] appeered that all mistakings and other dislikes proceeded onely from falce reports, sini∣ster conceits and ielousies, the which began before the Earle of Leicesters going out of the vnited Prouinces and increased much in his absence by certaine accidents, the which sence his returne were more agrauated and inflamed, b•…•… reason of the com∣plaints on both sides, and for that the Earle of Leicester had had little conference with the estate, nor conuerst much with them sence his last comming ouer, whereby the affaires of the country were much interessed, and little or nothing was effected for want of good correspondency. Of all these controuersies the Earle of Hohenlo cau∣sed an apology to bee printed, whereas all his reasons are set downe at large against the Earle of Leicester, answering that which hee had propounded in his declarati∣on [ B] of the seauenth of September: wherevnto for breuities sake I will referre the reader. * 1.172 The Earle of Leicester being much moued with the declaration deliuered him at Dordrecht, and with some other occations which past; he made an answer in manner of a replycation to the estates, being then at Dordrecht, bearing date the seauenth of September. Shewing, that whereas the Queene of England, and all other Princes had refused them, pittying their estate, being zealous to relligion, and affecting the an∣cient law and league betwixt England and the house of Bourgongne, had beene moued to ayde and assist them, whose Maiesty at their instant su•…•…e had sent him ouer into those parts, vpon whome they had imposed the gouernment thereof, the which he (preferring the loue he bare vnto those countries, before his age which required rest) had taken vpon him and did his best endeauor for the good of the common cause, but being called [ C] into England vpon vrgent causes, there happened during his absence the betraying of Deuenter & Zutphen the which he excused and much greeued at. He shewed moreouer that his honor and authority in those parts had beene brought in question, and much restrained, and withall that they had written letters vnto the Queene of the forth of February (though not with full consent of all the Prouinces) not onely to dishonor * 1.173 him thereby in those countries, but also to bring him into disgrace with her Maiesty beingful of false & slāderous reports: yet hauing reconcyled al with her Maiesty, he was now returned ouer againe. He then excused the losse of Scluis through the want of men and mony, which had bin promised, laying the blame vpon the officers of the admiralty [ D] and the Captaines of ships: He made mention of the quarrell betwixt him and the earle of Hohenlo, and of the estate of the wars, and how they should proceed therein. As hee expected some resolution from them of all these things, new matters were brought vn∣to him by their deputies touching the Soueraignty, tending to the limitation and dimi∣nishing * 1.174 of his authority, contrary to the act, and the letters sent from Middlebourg vnto her Maiesty; by which their shew of smal esteeme, and crosse proceding, there was great losse to be expected in Gelderland, the which he protested ought not to be impu∣ted vnto him, being redy to doe his best endeauor to impeach it, so as he might haue the men and money that were promised at Middlebourg. But vnderstanding that the want of money, and deferring of the soldiars, was by some imputed to the need and pouerty of the Prouinces, as vnable to beare so great a burthen: by others to the treaty of peace [ E] which her Maiesty had begon with the duke of Parma, hee therefore (for the better or∣dring of their affayers, & to further their resolutions) aduised them to make a generall assembly at the Hage, and there to consider of their owne power and meanes, and whe∣ther it were sufficient to maintaine the warres, that hee might be certefied by a true in∣formation what their meanes were, and that in so doing her Maiesty would continue her ayde, if not, there were no reason that her Maiesty (if they were not able to mainetaine their warres) should be forced to beare the whole burthen: for they might well thinke her maiesty was to consume a great treasor, for the defence of her Kingdomes of Eng∣land and Ireland, and that she had warres with the King of Spaine, onely for their sakes: [ F] wherfore if their meanes with her Maiesties succors were not sufficient, there was some hope of a peace to be made with the duke of Parma, which her maiesty ment not to yeeld vnto: And wheras it was giuen forth that at the instance of the king of Denmarke she had proceeded there-in, it was a faulse sugiestion, the contrary where-of might

appeere by her Maiesties sending of Sir Francis Drake into Spaine; and his owne re∣turne [ A] into the Netherlands, so as they were able to proceede therein; and yet her Ma∣iestie * 1.175 was not restrained by the contract, from any treatie of peace, although shee bee content not to seeke any for these countries, without their priuity and consent. But if they could not raise sufficient means to maintaine their warres, he demanded what they would haue him to do therein with her Maiesty, or what they desired more.

If they thought good to continue the gouernment in him (according to the act) with the ordring of their contributions, to bee at his and the councell of Estates disposition: and that they could make it apparant vnto him, that with her Maiesties ordinary aide, they were able to continue the warres, he was content they should vse him therein, so as they maintained him in the same authority, which vntill that time hee had inioyed. [ B] But if their means were not sufficient to defend the country, or that they did not affect him to bee their Gouernor any longer, hee should be forced for the preseruation of her Maiesties honor and his owne to protest against them. * 1.176

And if they vnderstood by their act of the ordinarie contribution of two hundred thousand Gilders the moneth, to giue him leaue and limmit therevnto, he would not take the charge vpon him, not holding it sufficient to pay the garrisons, according to the Estate set downe by him, much lesse to maintaine an army in the field; wherefore if the could make no better means, nor raise any greater contribution, he knew no reason for his stay there, nor how he should do them any good; wherevpon hee desired their resolution, to aduertise her Maiesty, that she might prouide for her owne affaires. [ C]

Lastly he sayd he had in charge to tell them, that her Maiesty was mooued to aide and assist them, not onely by reason of the ancient leagues betwixt England and the Princes of those countries, but also and especially for the contracts made for the entercourse of traficke of both countries, as it appeereth by the Charters and Instruments made by di∣uers townes and Prouinces of the same, as of Dordrecht, Delft, Leyden, Amsterdam, Bryel, Middlebourg, Campheer, Zeerickzee and others, which Instruments, were yet extant to bee seene, and for that cause her Maiesty was pleased to aide and assist them at * 1.177 their requests, to the end that seeing her Maiesties royall intent towards them, they for their parts should endeuor to do that which were requisite, not onely in regard of good dealing, but also in respect of the contracts, entercourses, instruments and former con∣ditions [ D] made with those countries, and for the last contract touching their aide. This declaration was sent by the Earle of Leicester, to certaine townes, with letters, where∣in he complained that they had charged her Maiesty and him, to haue delt with the ene∣mie for a peace, to the preiudice and ruine of the country, and that hee came to deliuer the townes into the Spaniards hands, whereof hee excused himselfe, desiring them to send him an answer in writing to his declaration. Whervnto the Nobility, Gentlemen and Townes of Holland and Westfrisland being assembled in Harlem, made answer on the sixteeneth of October as followeth.

They shewed how that in the yeare 1572. they had lawfully begunne warre against the King of Spaine, for the preseruation of those countries, the maintenance of Religi∣on, * 1.178 [ E] and the defence of their ancient preuiledges, vnder the command of the Prince of Orange, but fearing they should not bee able to continue it, they sought aide from the Queene of England, and to that end they sent their Ambassadors ouer, in the yeare 1573. and againe in the yeare of our Lord 1576. after that they sought for succors from the Duke of Aniou, and after his death from the French King (but all in vaine) desiring him to imbrace the soueraigntie of these countries. In the end being put in good hope of her Maiesties aide and assistance, by her Ambassador Maister Dauison and others, they offred the soueraignty vnto her, by their Ambassadors, from whom they obtained a gratious aide, as appeereth by the contract, for the which they most humbly thank∣ed her Maiestie, and were the more highly bound vnto her, in that it had pleased her to [ F] send his Excelency ouer to gouerne the sayd forces, and to direct their warres, both by action and good counsell, for which also they gaue him great thankes, in that he would accept the Estate and Commission of Gouernor and Captaine generall of the vnited Prouinces: and that for their parts they had not sought to with-drawe their hands

from the full performance of the contract, nor of the act of delation of the Gouernors * 1.179 authoritie, nor yet with-drawne the contributions, nor once failed in any point of their [ A] duties; hoping also that they had not neglected to giue his Excelencie all honour; re∣spect and thanks due vnto him. True it is, that withall dutifull respect, they had pre∣sented a certaine complaint vnto his Excelencie before his going ouer into England; wherein there was nothing contained, but onely the seruice of her Maiesty and of his Excelencie, togither with the preseruation of the country, beeing content with his go∣ing into England, so it were but for two or three monethes, so as in his absence the ge∣nerall gouernment (according to their resolution) might be committed to the Councell of Estate, and the particular gouernors of the Prouinces, leauing them lawfull authori∣tie for the same. But for that within ceraine weekes after his departure, it was found; that by a certaine act, not onely the authority of the Councell of Estate, but also that of [ B] the Gouernors of Prouinces, touching the generall gouernment, was restrained, and that among other things, the betraying of Deuenter and Zutphen (the which was suffi∣cient * 1.180 discouered) followed, but by reason of that act it could not be preuented. The E∣states to auoide the like practises, yet not to blemish his authority, but for the restoring of the authority due to the gouernors of the said Prouinces, were forced to take some order therein. That which was written by them vnto his Excelencie after the betray∣ing of Deuenter and Zutphen, procceded of mere griefe and necessitie, and yet was done so secretly, in regard of his honor, as it was not knowne to the common people, before that the coppie thereof was sent out of England to Vtrecht, (and a motion made vnto the Estates that had written the letter to disavow the same) with certaine other letters [ C] of the tenth of March, dispersed among the common people; and that the letter sent vn∣to * 1.181 her Maiesty, was to no other end, but to haue her Maiesties Ambassador that was to besent ouer the better instructed: but hearing that it was hardly censured, they said that they ment not thereby to charge his Excelency but such as had wronged and abused them, desiring him withall to impute the sharpnesse of their letter, to their office, & the oth they had taken, the free liberty of the Estates of those countries, but especially to the treason then cōmitted, rather then to any euil intent in them. They thanked his Ex∣celencies for shewing his noble courage and disposition, notwithstanding the prece∣dent misfortune, in that he was resolued, not only to be an earnest intercessor for those countries, but also to come ouer againe, and that he had done his best endeauor for the [ D] releeuing of Scluce. As touching the promise of soldiars made to him by the Earle of Hohenlo, they knew not what to say, thinking that the Earle would satisfie him therein. They commended his proclamations made against seditious and popular factions, be∣seeching him that it might be dulie executed. They said they would do their best endea∣uors to end the controuersie betwixt him & the Earle of Hohenloo, which they thought proceeded from the matter in question, touching the authority of the Prouinciall Go∣uernors, beeing in hope to bring it to a good end. They shewed how ready they had bin to furnish money for the leauying and paying of certaine troupes of horse and foot in Germany, for the seruice of the country, that they might haue an army in field for [ E] two monthes. Also their paying of soldiars, and the furnishing of the townes with vic∣tuals and munition. That they had delt with their Admirall Prince Maurice, touching their war by sea, hoping and desiring that it might go forward. That the Nobility and States of Holland had presented a certaine declaration vnto his Excelencie being in Dordrecht, desiring some conference, and that there might be a good correspondencie betwixt his Excelencie as Gouernor and Captaime general, the generall and particular Estates, and the gouernors of particular Prouinces; that the charges of the war should not exceed, as nere as might be the means of their contributions: that order might bee taken for the repayring of that which had beene done the yeare before contrary to the contract, and for the punishing of such as sought to sowe dissention betwixt his Ex∣celency [ F] and the Estates. That it was no wonder if the Estates complained when any extraordinary burthen was layd vpon them, for if it be wel weighed, how the country of Holland (which now for these 15. yeares hath maintained warres against so mighty an e∣nemy: & hath borne so great burthens, these two last yeares, only towards the ordinary

charges of the warres within the country, besides the warres at sea, & diuers particular * 1.182 [ A] charges, as fortifications of fronter townes & forts, lodging for soldiars, & many other * 1.183 known and vnknowne charges haue brought in, and paied at the least thirty nine hun∣dreth thousand gilders; they may easily suppose that so great a summe of money could not bee leuied without great difficulty: so as there was no cause of complaint against them of Holland, hauing brought in much more then was spoken of in England, not∣withstanding their great losses by sea, and otherwise by their shipping and trade of marchandise: which made them to wonder that such a motion should be made, to looke into their Estate, & to consider if their contribution with her Maiesties aide, were suf∣ficient to maintaine the wars, as they ought to be. The Prince of Orange with the helpe of God, and without any great aide from her Maiesty (the townes and forts being then [ B] vnfortefied) did withstand the enemy with lesse then halfe the charges they were now at, and yet entertained great forces both by sea and land, without any questions of fur∣ther assurance or better meanes: and therefore there was no reason now to doe it, vn∣lesse that men distrusted more now then at other times, in the grace and mercie of God. In respect whereof, seeing they found that her Maiesty would not take the soueraignty of the country vpon her, nor yeeld to any greater succors, there remained no other hope, but with the helpe of God, and their contributions to settle some good course for their warres, and to entertaine so many horse and foote, as they might well pay, obser∣uing good order, vnity and discipline, and lastly to expect from God a good and prospe∣rous end. They sayd they knew not of any proclamations made by them, whereby her [ C] Maiesties subiects should be molested in France, but they had more then once complai∣ned against the proclamation made in Vtrecht dated the 4. of Aprill 1586. forbidding al traficke, without once hearing the allegations of the Estates touching the inconueni∣ency and discommodity thereof; the which would haue bin a great hindrance vnto all those Prouinces, and haue bred a dislike betweene them and their neighbors. Touching * 1.184 the dealing for a peace, they had so great considence in her Maiesty and in his Excelen∣cie, that according to the contract, they would do nothing therein without the consent of the generall Estates. They had herd what the King of Denmarke had propounded in anno. 1586. and what was done therein: as also of her Maiesties answere touching the imploiment of Andreas de Loo. They had bin likewise aduertised by word of mouth from [ D] the Lord of Buckhurst, and what his Excelencie had certefied them by Walck and Menin councellors of Estate, the which was secretly imparted vnto the Estates of the country, to haue their aduise therein, where her Maiesty was not spoken of, but with al honor and due respect, giuing no cause wherby any suspition might grow, that they should report her Maiesty had sought a peace without their consents; and therfore they which had in∣uented such false surmises, deserued to be punished. That the Estates of Holland, deter∣mined to obserue the cōtract made with her Maiesty, to put to their helping hāds for the maintenance of his Excelencies honor & authority, & were likewise content to contri∣bute the monthly sum of 200. thousand gilders, to bee at the disposition of his Excelen∣cie and of the Councel of State, with condition that the other Prouinces should do the [ E] like, and that out of their contribution the garrisons & the charges for the wars, which was to be disbursed in Holland & for the which they had giuen their words, should first be paied. They spake of some other particularities, as that the State of the warres made with the Lord of Buckhurst, was not so chargeable, but that if her Maiesties aide of 5000. foote and 1000. horse were complete, and the contribution of 200. thousand gil∣ders a month well paied, it would serue for the maintenance of their wars and some o∣uer plus remayning towards the leauying of a good number of horse & foot, for certaine monthes in the yeare, and when need were to bring them to field, being well managed. Touching the preparation of ships of war, the Estates did alwaies vnderstand that the prizes taken at sea, would not only be found sufficient for the defraying of that charge, [ F] but being well vsed, there would be a surplusage to be imploied in the offenciue warres. Hauing made this answer to euery point of the Earle of Leicesters propositions, they besought him that it might bee fauorably interpreted, and that reposing their trust in God, his Excelency would cōtinue his noble resolution in the defence of those coūtries;

and so by the helpe of GOD, with her Maiesties promised succors, being complete and * 1.185 [ A] orderly mustred, and the contributions of one hundred thousand guilders monthly be∣sides that which shalbe gotten by force and otherwise out of Brabant, Gelderland, Flan∣ders, Oueryssel, and other places belonging to the enemy, the charges of the war should be sufficiently maintained, with good order and martiall discipline: and by conuerting, of the conuoie and license monies to the most benifit of the country. The which would not onely bee a meanes to vphold and fortefie the Prouinces, but also a great aduance∣ment of her Maiesties and his Exelencies honors & reputations, and no small preiudice to their common enemy, without seeking of any doubtful and suspitious peace, or to dis∣paire of their countries cause. Lastly the Estates humbly thanked her Maiesty, for let∣ting the countries and townes vnderstand her gratious pleasure, concerning the conti∣nuance [ B] of the ancient contracts and treaties which haue passed, and haue beene alwaies maintained betweene the Kings of England and the Princes of those countries; as also with certaine particular townes in those Prouinces, and that for their parts they would take such order as her Maiesty, his Excelency and the English Nation, should find their zeale and desire to maintaine al loue and good Neighbourhood, desiring his Excelency that he would fauorably recommend their answer vnto her Maiesty. Besides this an∣swere the generall Estates gaue him an other answere, for the better cleering of some * 1.186 points propounded vnto him at Dordrecht the 16. of October. Shewing that the Estates desired to continue his Exelency in the same authority, which by the contract made with her Maiesty and the act of the generall Estates was giuen him: desiring him that (for the ceasing of al controuersies) it would please his Exelency to keepe the oth which [ C] he had made vnto the Estates at his first entry into the same: and that by certaine acts, and namely by some letters written by him to his secretary Iunius, bearing date the 10. of Iuly, the authority of the Estates was brought in question, they thought it conuenient to make a more plaine declaration thereof, conteyning the force of their authority, the which they sayd they were bound by oth to iustifie and maintaine, for if they were not lawfully authorized in the soueraignty by the Prouinces, then had they no powre nor authority, to put the King of Spaine from his Inheritance, nor to make warre against * 1.187 him, nor yet to deale in any sort by contract or otherwise, with the French King and the Queene of England, neither yet to confer the gouernment to his Excelency which [ D] they neuerthelesse had done vpon a good ground and foundation, and by the Estates in all things held and obserued. And therefore they desired redresse of that which had bin done on his Excelencies behalfe, more then to his authority belongs: his authority be∣ing all one with the Gouernors of those Prouinces vnder the Emperor Charles the fift who although they were great personages and Princes of his owne bloud, yet hee al∣waies reserued vnto himselfe, to make peace or truce, to beginne a new warre, to make leagues and alliances with forraine Princes and countries: the making of proclamations and decrees concerning the Estate of the land. The altring and changing of the minte and standard, the restraint of traficke, and dealing with neutrall and forraine countries, proclamations whereby neighbour Kings, Potentates and common-weales should bee [ E] offended. The bringing in of new rights and customes. The augmenting of contributi∣ons and charges for the warres, aboue that which was formerly granted by the consent of the country, and many other such like. But those things which belonged to the dispo∣sition of the Gouernors generall, the Estates ment should be at his appointment, to dis∣pose and order the same by the aduise of the Councell of Estate, chosen both out of them of the countrie, and of her Maiesties subiects: and that such things should passe vnder his Exclencies name, as had vsually past vnder the gouernors name in the time of the Emperor Charles the 5. And that in the Estates name, which did vsually passe vnder the name of the Emperor Charles the fift which would in no sort bee contrary to the contract made with her Maiesty, neither yet against the act of declaration of the com∣mission, [ F] of the gouernment and authority, of the Estates vnto his Excelency,

The second point of controuersie, was the oth of fidelity to bee made by the soldiars, * 1.188 and the authority of the particular Gouernor of Prouinces; and for that they found some mistaking of the oth to bee made, they desired that according to the contr•…•…ct the

soldiars should sweare fidelity and obedience to the Prouinces in generall, and to his [ A] Excelencie as Gouernor generall of the same, as also to those Prouinces, townes and * 1.189 members thereof, where they shalbe imployed or placed in garrison: And that they shall obey his Excelencie as Gouernor generall; and that the chiefe Collonels, Cap∣taines, Officers and Soldiars, shall in like manner sweare to bee obedient to the particu∣lar Gouernors of Prouinces, and to their Lieutenants, wherso euer they shalbe imploy∣ed, and this for the maintenance of the rights of Prouinciall Gouernors, saying that the change of garrisons, and distribution of soldiars, ought to bee done by them, for if they had had that authority, and the forme of oth afore recited had beene obserued, they had not lost the towne of Deuenter, nor the fort by Zutphen, but (beeing discouered long before) it had beene preuented by the Gouernor: and for that cause the Estates were * 1.190 [ B] mooued the more to maintaine the rights of the Prouinciall Gouernors, as well to see the oth of obedience performed and kept, as for the alteration of garrisons, and yet no new matter, neither yet any dyminishing of his authority, hauing a powre ouer the said Prouinciall Gouernors, as being sworne vnto him, wherby he might execute all things with good order, for that the Estate of those Prouinces and townes were best knowne vnto them. But contrariewise not long since, a priuat person had charge to place cer∣taine English companies in Vtrecht, and to arme them, and then to take others forth, without the priuity or the consent of the particular gouernor, which they could not yeeld vnto, for that both their oth and the contract were against it, as being a breach of the chiefe rights and customes of the country, for the which they had beene in continu∣all [ C] warres for so many yeares. Moreouer they neither ought nor could abridge the house of Nassau, nor Prince Maurice (in regard of the honorable seruices done by the Prince of Orange of famous memory, who neither spared life nor lyuing for the de∣fence of their preuiledges) of the authority which of right belongeth vnto him, and by oth and promise was giuen him, before his Excelencie came into those countries.

They were likewise compelled to see that the soldiars pay, and all martiall causes were so gouerned, as the charge might be borne out of the contribution of the Prouin∣ces: and out of the particular contribution of euery Prouince, the charge of the same Prouince, for the which they stood boūd, should be paied, for otherwise great confusion might grow. They sayd that they were summoned by the second member of the Estates [ D] of Vtrecht (according to their oth and promise made) to a stricter vnion, for that some men not only English, but natural borne countrie men, ignorant of the Estate of these Prouinces, or rather seeking their owne priuat profit, attributed the whole gouern∣ment of the country absolutly vnto him, wherein they absued his Excelencie. And so they concluded this declaration, with a hope of Gods blessing, and of good successe in their wars. Besides the former declaration, the same day being the 6. of October they deliuered vnto the Councel of Estate (being vnder his Excelency) a certaine writing, in the name of the nobility, gentry and townes of Holland and Westfrisland, conteyning the order which from time to time had alwaies beene obserued in those countries, for the maintenance of their preuiledges, freedomes, lawes, and commendable customes: [ E] the which for that is worth the noting) I haue thought good to insert as it was written. The Nobility, Gentry and townes of Holland and Westfrisland, representing the E∣states * 1.191 of the said Prouinces, haue (vpon mature deliberatiō) according to their othes & duties, thought it fit and necessary by this their declaration to set downe the true and lawful Estate of the countries of Holland and Westfrisland, hoping that euery man that shal read the same, wil censure it as fauorably, as the troblesome Estate thereof requir∣eth. It is euidently knowne that the Prouinces of Holland, Westfrisland & Zeeland, for the space of 800. years hetherto haue bin gouerned by Earles and Countesses, to whom by the nobility, gentry and townes, representing the Estates of these countries, the in∣heritance & soueraignty therof was lawfully giuen, who behaued themselues with such moderation and discretion in their gouernments, as they neuer vndertooke any war, or [ F] to make a peace, to raise any contributions or taxes, or to doe any thing concerning the Estate of the countrie (although they were alwaies well prouided and furnished of wise Councell consisting of the Noblemen and Gentlemen of the country) without

the aduise and consent of the gentlemen and townes, wherevnto they were by writing * 1.192 [ A] orderly summoned and called; and besides their owne assemblies they haue alwaies and in all causes giuen the sayd gentlemen and townes, a fauorable audience, credit and good resolution, vpon all things whatsoeuer they had to propound vnto them, concer∣ning the Estate of the countries. The which being as lawfull a kinde of gouernment as euer any was, or hath beene knowne, did produce fruites which tended especially to the honor and reputation of the sayd Earles, togither with the wellfare of the coun∣trie and the Inhabitants thereof. As first of all, that the Earles of Holland, Zeeland and Friseland, within the compasse of so small a Gouernment, haue bene in great ho∣nor, respect and estimation, with all the Princes and Potentates of Christendome, as appeereth by the great and mighty alliances they had by marriages, with most of the greatest Princes in Europe, and that in the yeare 1247. William the second of that name, [ B] Earle of Holland &c. was chosen King of Romaines: that they haue alwaies beene vic∣torious, and valiantly defended the frontiers of their countries, against their enemies how mightie soeuer they were whereby they were of no small esteeme withall their neighbors: and wee may truely speake it, that the countries of Holland and Zeeland, for the space of eight hundred yeares, were neuer conquered by force, nor brought vn∣der by forreine, nor yet by ciuill enemies. The onelie reason that may bee giuen of this, is, that they alwaies held and maintained a good and perfect forme of vnitie, loue and correspondencie, betweene the Prince and the Estates of the country; for that the [ C] Princes (who of themselues had no powre) without the Nobility and townes, could not doe any thing, hauing commonly no more meanes then the reuenues of their de∣maines, for the defraying of their houshold, and paying of the ordinarie officers. It is also well knowne what authority the country had, to bring their Princes (beeing mis∣led by bad counsell to the hurt of the country) to reason and conformity, not onely by petitions and declarations, but also by seuerely punishing of all such as had in any sort abased or disorderly gouerned their Princes affaires and authoritie, whereof many ex∣amples are yet extant to be seene.

It is also manifest that the charge and office of the Estates was to bee carefull to prouidetutors, gouernors and gardians for their Princes in their nonage, as the like was done for Earle William the fift of that name, beeing distracted of his wits. Lastly it [ D] is out of all doubt that the administration of the soueraigntie of these Prouinces was at all times executed by the Estates: and when as by disorder, minority, frensie, or any o∣ther accident, the countries were destitute of good gouernment by their Princes, they haue often-times chosen a gouernor to guide and direct them, commonly called a Protector, the which was also obserued in the time of the gouernment of the house of Bourgondy, as after the death of Duke Charles and the Dutchesse Mary his daughter, at which time Maximilian seeking by force to innouate and alter many things contrarie * 1.193 to the authoritie of the Estates, hee brought the whole state of the countrie into great extremitie and danger: and the Emperor Charles the fift himselfe during his minority, was by the authority of the States prouided of Tutors, and the country of fit and conue∣nient [ E] gouernors; who alwaies respected (although in many things the liberty of the country during the gouernment of the house of Bourgondy was much diminished) the Estates of the countrie, alwaies foreseeing that his owne Estate could not bee setled by any other meanes, seeking to bring his sonne the King of Spaine to the like opinion and consideration, telling him plainely, that his Estate would be in danger whensoeuer he began to discountenance the Estates of the country, as he now findeth, both to his, and to the countries hindrance and decay, for no man can impute the beginning of these warres to any other cause (whatsoeuer the world may say) but that he sought by armes, * 1.194 to compell these Prouinces to that which the States being assembled (in regard of their preuiledges) held inconuenient, especially in matters which concerned the Estate of [ F] the country. All which (although wee hold it questionlesse) wee haue thought good to set downe, for that many are herein much mistaken, perswading themselues that the assembly of the Estates, representeth no other thing then as they in their imaginations will conceiue therof, and as the qualities of the persons appeering in the sayd assemblies,

in outward shew doe merit and deserue, and of the causes and serious matters there∣in * 1.195 [ A] by them handled and censured: As if those persons deputed by the Nobles and Townes of the said Prouinces, did hold and accoumpt them-selues to bee the Estates, and thereby to haue the Soueraignty of the Country in their hands, and that they may after their owne santasies, dispose of all causes and matters belonging to the gouernment of the State, vsurping vnto them-selues the whole disposition there∣of at their pleasures: but those that haue a nearer in-sight into these and other grea∣ter matters, which haue beene brought to passe by the Prince, with the ayd and assis∣stance of the Estates (and especially those thinges which haue beene done within these fifteene yeares in these countries of Holland and Zealand) will easilie finde that the authority of the Estates consisteth not in the presence & power of thirty or * 1.196 [ B] forty persons, more or lesse, being assembled in one of their meetings: And euen the Agents of the King of Spaine, who with these and such like arguments, haue allwaies sought to vnder-mine our priuiledges, & to bring the authority of the Estates into con∣tempt, hauing at no time found how much they haue bene deceiued in their opinions. Now then for the better discouering from whence the authority of the Estates groweth and hath her beginning, you must consider that the Princes which from time to time haue lawfully gouerned & raigned, haue not onely begun their gouernment by the con∣sent & loue of the cōmons, but haue ruled with such moderation, as the whole members & body of the common weale (whereof they were chosen to be the head) were by them maintained, vnited and inseperable; the which could not be done (Princes being often [ C] misliked by wicked and ambitious persons) if that the commons had had no meanes to draw them to reason & conformity, & at al times to oppose them-selues against al lewd & wicked persons; and for the maintenance of their liberties and priueledges, in the behalfe of all the members, not onely to admonish and aduise their Princes, but when∣soeuer any of them did gouerne tyranously (by meanes and ayd of the country) to oppose and resist them, and for these respects the subiects of these Prouinces are diui∣ded into two Estates, that is the Nobles and the Townes. The Nobility & Gentlemen are accoumpted for one member, in regard of their dignities and births (the which without vanting is as ancient as any other) & for the honors which they inioy in these countries, whereby most of them haue all sorts of Iurisdiction, as well cryminall as [ D] ciuill, where-vpon all occasions concurre & agree togither concerning the estate of the country & are present in all assemblies, and there giue their opinions with the Depu∣ties of the townes. The townes for most part haue one kind of gouernment, that is an assembly of Councellors or rulers (called Wetschaps) or the wise-men chosen out of the best Burgers of the same; & those in some townes are 40. in some 36 24. or 20 per∣sons, * 1.197 which manner of making such assemblies is as ancient as the townes them-selues be: Such as are once chosen, continue so while the liue, or as long as they inhabit there, and when any one dyeth or giueth ouer his place, the said assembly with the consent of the Burgers chose an other to make vp their number. This assemblie hath all power & authority to consult, resolue & dispose of all matters concerning that countrie, & their [ E] owne townes, and whatsoeuer the said Burgers do resolue & decree, is by all the Inha∣bitants obserued and done, against the which not any of them once opposeth him-selfe, or refuseth to obey. By these assemblies the ordinary Magistrates are euery yeare cho∣sen, that is 4. 3. or 2. Burguemaisters & 7. or 8. Schepen to serue for one yeare: in some * 1.198 townes those elections are absolute, in some by nominatiō of a double number, of which the ordinary number is made full by the State-holder or the Princes Lieutenant. The Burguemaisters officers to gouerne in al pollitick causes, as wel concerning the treasor & reuenues of the towne, as the wel-fare & preseruation of the same, being committed to their charge and gouernement. The Colledge of Schepen attend only vpon the or∣dinary administration of Iustice as well cryminal as ciuill, and haue authority to exe∣cute [ F] the lawes in all causes what-soeuer. By these Assemblies of Magistrates, the ab∣solute gouernment of the townes of Holland and West-Friseland is administred, the Princes of the country not once medling with the gouernment, but in the placing of one officer, who in their names seeth Iustice duly executed. This is a briefe

description of the true forme of gouernment of the townes of Holland and Zeeland. * 1.199 [ A] From whence you must vnderstand that those assemblies of Magistrates and Schepen, being ioyned together with the nobilitie and gentlemen, doe vndoubtedly represent the whole state and full body of all the country, townes and commonalty, and it can∣not be thought that a better forme of gouerment can be diuised, whereby (with better * 1.200 intelligence of all the proceedings of the country) matters may be resolued, nor their resolutions with more vnity, consent and authority better executed: so as it is no wonder if these Prouinces haue continued so inseperable, and as durable as any State whatsoeuer. Now to bring these particular councels of nobilitie and townes into one assembly, it cannot be done but by deputies appointed by them to supply their places; to which end, when as any matter of importance (concerning the estate of the country) [ B] is to be consulted of, & that it is requisit to call them together: euery towne sets down what they meane to propound in the said assembly; and so send such deputies as they best trust, with such charge and commission as they thinke best, for the good of the common-weale. The nobility and gentlemen appeare in a competent number, & euery towne sendeth one Bourguemaister and a councellor, or more, as occasion and the im∣portance of the cause requireth. And more-ouer those deputies during the warres (by reason of the multitude of businesse) haue commission to consult vpon all causes, con∣cerning the preseruation of the countrie, and therein to giue their aduise and resoluti∣on, especially to maintaine the rights, liberties and priuiledges of the same: and to op∣pose themselues against all such as shall seeke to infringe them. And these deputies * 1.201 [ C] thus assembled together, represent the Estates of the country, not that they themselues in their owne persons, or by their owne authorities are the Estates, but onely by the force and power of their commissions from the townes and places from whence they are deputed, without presuming that any priuate man through his owne ambition and pride may prefer himselfe to be of that commission: being not the nature of these coū∣trymen to be ambitious, but rather hate it, and are enemies to all ambitious persons, & therefore there is no cause why any such thing should be doubted in so free an election: and much lesse that any man during the troubles which it pleaseth God to send vpon these countries, should affect any dealing or command in the country, whereas there is nothing to be expected but trouble and dislike of the enemies of our cause, who spare [ D] not to abuse the best qualified persons in the country with false reports, & often-times cause sinister opinions to bee held of those that haue done very good seruice to the country; for which cause they are forced to accompt the accepting of the sayd com∣missions Inter munera necessaria. And all those that haue had any intelligence of the affaires of this country, can witnesse, what dissention many times growes, and with what difficulty the deputies are brought to accept of those commissions, who retur∣ning home againe from these assemblies, make report vnto the Magistrates of the townes and places from whence they were sent, of all matters that had past.

Wherefore you must vnderstand that those which affirme the soueraignty of the country to consist in the Estates, their meaning is not of any priuate persons, or depu∣ties * 1.202 [ E] of townes in particular, but of their superiors, as of the nobles, gentlemen, townes and commons, whom by the power of their commission they represent. And so diuerse Princes and Potentates, and euen the Queenes Maiesty her selfe, treating with the ge∣nerall Estates, and his Excellency receiuing the commission of gouernor general from them, haue esteemed them; we cannot be perswaded that any man will vpon any good ground, maintaine, that the nobles, magistrates, and councels of townes, haue not the same power and authority touching the gouernment of the country now, which others before them haue had, or then had, when as they made the contract with her Maiesty, & made his Excellency gouernor of the country: else question might be made, not onely of the force of the contract made with her Maiesty & his Excellencies commission, but [ F] of all that had been done for these 15. yeares, the which was a practise of the enemy. By these reasons and arguments we thinke to haue sufficiently proued, how necessary a thing it is to preserue the authority of the Estates, as being the foundation wheron the common preseruation of the country consisteth, the which without the ruine & decay

of the commons, cannot be ouerthrowne: and that the Estates haue as great authori∣tie * 1.203 [ A] now in all respects as euer any had (touching the Soueraigntie of the countrie) vnder any Prince in former times. And thus it was resolued a•…•… determined in the Hage, the sixteenth of Iuly, and decreed that it should be registred, and a coppie there∣of made, In Harlem the sixteenth of October 1587. And vnderneath was written; By order of the Estates of Holland. Signed: C: de Rechter.

My Author hath with your patience, made this digression to shew what the Estates bee, and what their authority is, for that it is a very materiall point to be vnderstood, and a great question in this history.

After that the Prince of Parma had taken Scluse, hee turned all his disseignes to fortifie him-selfe vppon the Sea, with an incredible charge, causing new chanells to * 1.204 [ B] bee digged in Flanders, to passe a kinde of flatte bottomed boats through the countrie, and to bring them to the Sea ports, especially to Dunkerke and Nieuport, to ioyne with that great Sea-armie which the King of Spaine had begun to prepare three yeares before, and so with their ioynt forces to sette vppon England; and afterwards vpon the Vnited Prouinces. As if these two armies of Spaine and the Netherlands had beene sufficient to subdue all the world; whereof you shall heare more here-after. For which consideration the Duke of Parma suffered the Hollanders & Zealanders a while in rest: hauing his minde wholy bent to this great and high disseigne. The which was very happy for them, by reason of the alterations, factions and diuisions that were among them, the which increased dayly with great bitternesse; publishing Inuectiues and A∣pologies [ C] one against the other. So as if the Spaniard had charged them during these diuisions, which were so great as they were ready to fall from words to blowes, with∣out doubt they had made a great breach. At this time generally throughout all Hol∣land and Zeeland they were in great feare and perplexitie, not onely by reason of the contention betwixt them and their gouernor the Earle of Leicester, but also in regard of the dissention growne among them-selues within the said Prouinces; where-vpon it was to bee feared that the Queene of England would with-draw her forces, and then euery one would follow his owne humor; the good with a good zeale and affection, although many times with great mistaking: & the wicked with bad and euil intents, yet making an outward shew of good meaning: Which moued the Spirituallitie to call a * 1.205 [ D] Synode, where they resolued by foure Ministers of the word deputed in their names, to recommend vnto the Estates the well-fare and preseruation of the Christian religi∣on, and the vnitie and good correspondencie with England, and with the Earle of Lei∣cester: the which was performed by letters. Where-vnto the States made answer, that they had it in highest & greatest recommendation, wishing them to be vigilant & carefull among them-selues, not to suffer any to enter into their Churches, nor into the Ministerie, that vnder pretence of religion sought to resist the Magistrates, and to * 1.206 bring them into hatred, dislike and iealousie with the common people, as it hapned in Flanders to the Prince of Orange of famous memory, to the totall ruine of the Chur∣ches there; and that now by the meanes of strange and vnaccustomed gouernment [ E] they might do the like, which they knew had beene both sought and practised. That they were resolued to obserue the contract made with her Maiestie, as they were bound, and to maintaine his Excellencie in the authority which belonged vnto him. Lastly they desired them to direct all their actions to the building vp of CHRIST his Church; and to let the Churches of Flanders bee a glasse for them to looke in, and to pray vnto GOD for their hedde and other Magistrates; with many other ad∣monitions.

Vppon the same subiect the Scout, Burguemaisters, Schepen and Councell of V∣trecht; writte very earnestly vnto the Estates of Holland, the one and twentith of Sep∣tember, * 1.207 charging them in a manner, as if they ment to shake of the Queene of England [ F] and the Earle of Leicester, and to dislike of the contribution: Where-vnto they of Holland made answer the sixteenth of October, saying, that their letter seemed to bee written in passion by certaine strangers newly crept into the gouernment, who sought * 1.208 to couer their contentious factions, by bringing the Estates of Holland into iealousie:

assuring them of Vtrecht that they would carry themselues in such sort as their neigh∣bours * 1.209 [ A] should haue no cause to dislike of them, obseruing the contract, and yeelding vnto the Earle of Leicester such authority as was promised him, and which the Pro∣uinces might indure, for the which they were bound to be more carefull then they of Vtrecht, as hauing pawned their townes to the English-men for securitie thereof, for the which they of Vtrecht had giuen but their billes in writing: And that they needed not exclaime against them touching the contribution of Holland, when as it was apparent that for many yeares (besides their ordinary contributions) for the neces∣sary garrisons of Townes and Forts in Holland, and the charges of the warres by sea, there had bin eight or nine thousand foote, & ten or twelue hundred horse entertained by them towards the assistance and aide of their neighbors the vnited Prouinces, adui∣sing [ B] them to be carefull not to fall into controuersie with their gouernors, as they of Gant, Bruges and Boisleduc had done. The factions were so great at this time in Hol∣land, as some of the greatest townes did vtterly reiect the Earle of Leicesters gouern∣ment, * 1.210 refusing to acknowledge him, or to receiue him or his men any more. And he on the other side sought to draw some vnto his party, as well by the perswasions of his seruants and his creatures of the same country, as by surprises: as among others they sought to seize vpon Leyden, whereas diuers of the inhabitants, most part strangers fled out of Flanders and Brabant, with Captaine Cosmo Pesarengis, a Piedmonto•…•…s, and Captaine Nicholas de Mawlde, sonne to the Lord of Mansaert (who had a company within the towne) sought to make themselues maisters thereof, to imprison all the ma∣gistrates [ C] that were well affected to the Estates, & so to bring in the Earle of Leicester, with such authority as they thought good. But before they began their enterprise, it was discouered vnto the Magistrates, by a Bourger called Andrew Schot, where-vpon they apprehended one Iacob Volmar a Fleming, & Captaine Cosmo Pesarengis, and com∣mitted them to prison. Maulde escaped, but he was afterwards taken neere Woerden by the Lord of Poelgeest, and brought back to Leyden, where being examined, he confes∣sed the enterprise without any torture: wher-vpon the Magistrates of Leyden to main∣taine Prince Maurice his authority, being gouernor of Holland, and of the Estates of the contry, on the 26. of October, they condemned the said Volmar, Pesarengis and Maulde to loose their heads; holding it according to their lawes to be an Act of trea∣son, [ D] not onely in such a towne as Leyden, but if it had beene attempted in any of the lesser townes, & according to the custome there, the same day they cut off their heads. The two first heads were set vpon pikes at the Ports, but Mawlds head (in regard of his honorable house and family) was buried. He was much lamented (euen of the iudges them-selues) by reason of his youth, his good disposition, and the seruices which hee had done to the Prince of Orange, and for that of late hee had carried himselfe so vali∣antly within Scluce during the siege. The Earle disavowed this enterprise, and purged him-selfe before the Queene, who was not pleased that hee should so farre exceede his Commission, as to attempt vpon any Townes, seated in the heart of Holland, as Leyden is. At Vtrecht there was a booke made & put in Print, tending to the excusing [ E] of such that were executed, the booke was dedicated to the Earle of Leicester, but at * 1.211 Leyden it was expresly forbidden to be bought or solde within their towne and iuris∣diction, vpon a great penaltie, as being a seditious and scandalous libell, yet many dis∣liked of this execution, for that the Estates during these diuisions did not make known the reasons that moued them there-vnto, the which not-with-standing for great and waighty considerations they did wisely conceale, in regard of the Earle of Leicester, which reasons were not then to be laid open, yet the Estates were the worse spoken of: but all men of iudgement, especially such as had seene the processe, and the offenders owne confessions, esteemed this execution to be iust and necessary, whereon the estate and well-fare of the country depended. [ F]

The 11. of September a Captaine of the Estates horse, being with his company in * 1.212 the country of Westphalia neere vnto Lengen, about the towne of Meppel, he sent 12. of his men on foot, to craue leaue of the Magistrate of the towne, that they might enter to buy victuals and other necessaries: being at the Port and letting them know the

cause of their comming, and that they desired not any thing but for their money: the * 1.213 [ A] gard not fearing any surprize, were presently charged by these twelue men and the port seazed on, wherevpon the Captaine ariued with his troupe of horse and made him∣selfe maister of the towne. Being vnable to keepe it with so few men, they of Holland Ouerissel and Vtrecht sent them some supplies, with the which they held it for a time, but lying to farre of for the estates, and heard to be victualed, when soeuer it should stand in need, Verdugo hauing a fort at Hassel, halfe a league from it, which might hinder the passage. They thought it best to abandon it, hauing profited nothing in that quar∣ter, which is neuter, but only made poore families.

Whilest these factions were in Holland, there grew a great quarrell betwext Collo∣nel Diricke Sonoy geuernor of North Holland, and the towne of Enchuysen, for that he [ B] had receiued confirmation of his gouernment (the which had bin formerly giuen him by the Prince of Orange, & confirmed by Prince Maurice his sonne) in an other sort and quality from the Earle of Leicester the fourteene of October: and for that the said Sonoy sought to secure and settle him-selfe in his gouernment, causing captaine Du∣uenuord with his company to leaue the towne, and to bring other companies thether, to which end hee had perswaded his Excelency to come to see the townes of North-Holland, meaning vnder collour of his presence and authority to assure him-selfe of the gouernment: the which being disliked by the Bourguers, for that long before they and other townes with the Noblemen and Gentlemen of Holland by force of their Vnion, were bound by oth to defend and mayntaine the priuiledes of Holland and [ C] West-Freezland; hauing sollemnly accepted of Prince Maurice for their gouernor of Holland Zealand & West-Freezland they could not (in respect of their othes) consent * 1.214 that the gouernment of West-Freezland, should be in that sort seperated from Holland & Zeeland, and consequently (against alorder) taken from the house of Nassau: where∣vpon after diuers assemblies & conferences, they found no better means to preuent all inconueniences, & to maintaine the peace in North-Holland, then with due respect and reuerence, to intreat his Excellency to deferre his comming into their towne, till a more conuenient time, when as they might receiue him with more security, greater ioy, and full consent of all the Bourgers, humbly beseeching him not to mislike thereof, so as for that time there was not any thing done, but after they grew to fur∣ther [ D] question as you shall heare. The second day of Nouember Cont William Lewis of Nassau, sonne to Cont Iohn gouernor of Freezland for the estates, married the Lady Anne of Nassau daughter to the Prince of Orange, and sister to Prince Mauri∣ce who liued but three yeares in marriage and died of child. About this time there was much speech in England touching the affaiers of the Netherlands, as also about the Earle of Leicesters authority and gouernment and of the proposition of peace, many holding with the Estates and others against them: some thinking that with two hundred thousand gilders a moneth, well gouerned, together with her Maiesties ayde of * 1.215 fiue thousand foote and a thousand horse complet and well paid by the Queene, besides that which might be gotten by booties in the frontire townes, and by conuoyes and [ E] licences that might be spar'd, ouer and aboue the charges disbursed for the maintenance of the shipps of warre, a defensiue warr might be well maintayned, and withall an army for certaine moneths euery yeare brought into the field, so as the managing of the mo∣ny, and contri•…•…utions, might not be committed to priuate persons, but to the noble councell of estate. All this was presented by some vnto her Maiesty in manner of a declaration, and that there ought no peace be spoken of as being altogether vncertaine, and that the propositions of peace might be a meanes to seperate and breed diuision in in the vnited Prouinces, as euery one by the first reconciliation would pretend their owne furtherance: that the collonels, captaines, and soldiars, would euery one seeke to be the first should make his composition: and that the king of Spaine would gladly [ F] make peace with the vnited Prouinces, that so he might with more ease ouer-runne and conquer England: and that the kindome of England (although it had many enemies, by reason of the goodly scituation) gneeded not to feare him much, hauing Holland Ze∣land and Freezland for friends; but the great number of shippes and saylers, and the

welth of the said Prouinces, being ioyned with Spaine, were dangerous for England, as * 1.216 [ A] it appeared the last yeare by the bringing in of so many ships laden with corne, of what power they are at sea and how they stop the riuers of Elbe and Ems with other hauens; shewing allso what great meanes they had to impeach the trade of marchandize, and the free venting of the English clothes and other commodities. And if they were able to doe so much now being in a manner forsaken of all the world, what will they doe when they shall bee ioyned to the power, countenance and authority of the King of Spaine? which would strike a great feare into Denmarke and other countryies, and therfore they concluded that her Maiesty should do well not to forsake the vnited Pro∣uinces, neither yet to discomfort them, least they should be constrayned to make a pri∣uat peace. The Queene of England finding that these diuisions & partialities betwixt the * 1.217 [ B] Estates and the Earle of Leicester, increased daily more and more, sence his departure out of England into Holland, she resolued to call him home into England, and to make him giue ouer his gouernment. In the meane time the councell of the estates laboured to make a reconciliation betwixt them, whereof they were in great hope, and to that end had written to the Earle of Leicester. But the Queenes Maiesty, (all matters set a part) sent for the Earle to come into England, who (before hee had receiued the said letter from the councell of estate) did write vnto the generall estates on the 26 of Nouember, saying.

THat he was much greeued, that her Maiesty was so displeased, with their bad cariage * 1.218 [ C] towards him, without occasion, hauing giuen no aduertisement thereof, wherevpon her Maiesty had commanded him, by one of her seruants, to returne againe into England touching certaine especiall affayers, saying that it greeued him much hee had not the meanes while he remayned there, to aduenture his person, in some seruice for the coun∣try as hee desired, and had alwaies earnestly pretended, protesting before God that hee should depart from thence with a good and a cleare conscience, as hauing done no more th•…•…n his quality and place required, leauing the rest to be answered by them that open∣ly seeke the ouerthrowe of Gods Church, and of so many poore people, to satisfie their owne priuat willes and appetites, but he ment not thereby to charge well minded men, who hee hoped would conforme them-selues to her Maiesties good will and pleasure: [ D] whome it had pleased to giue so fauorable ayde and assistance to these Prouinces, as by the charge which her Maiesty had giuen to her Ambassador (a Gentleman of good es∣teeme & well affected to the good of the country) more plainely will appeere. He could be content to bee a meanes to further their cause to her Maiesty so as they made any accoumpt to hold and esteeme her as a friend according to the contract made with her, with that which therevnto belonged, as reason requireth, vntil that by her Maiesty and a common consent, it shall be otherwise determined: whervnto he desired their answer with the first. And as he found by the contract made with her Maiesty, that the Gouer∣nor generall appoynted by her should together with the councell of estate haue the ordring and managing of the chefest causes concerning the estate and the wars, there∣fore [ E] he thought it conuenient in his absence, that the authority should remaine in the hands of the councell of estate, according to the contract, where the said ambassador should be resident in her Maiesties name: and that all dispatches shall bee signed by the cheefe of them there resident, the which should continue vntill it were other wise pro∣uided by her Maiesty, wherof he would aduertise them with al conuenient speed, and for the command of the English forces vnder the Queenes pay, her Maiesty had appointed the Lord Willoughby, to whome he had giuen in charge to hold good correspondency with them, with the councell of the state, and other commanders, & so he referred them to that which Maister Harbert had in her Maiesties behalfe to shew them. Subscribed, Your good friend ROBERT LEICESTER. [ F]

THis letter came vnto the Estates hands the second of December, where-vpon the * 1.219 next day after the generall Estates wrot vnto the Earle of Leicester how that they vnderstood of his going into England, beseeching him to recommend the estate of the

country vnto her Maiesty, saying they had written vnto the estates of the particular * 1.220 [ A] Prouinces, to meet together, who for want of sufficient authority were not yet al come, at which their meeting, they would resolue vpon certaine deputies to be sent into Eng∣land, to deale with her Maiesty about the affaires of the country. So within few dayes after the Earle of Leicester departed out of the Netherlands, leauing the Lord Wil∣loughby generall of the English forces, and Doctor Harbert her Maiesties Ambassador, to sollicit the generall Estates toyeeld vnto a peace.

The Earle of Leicester beeing returned into England, the Queene commanded him to resigne his gouernment of the Netherlands into the hands of the generall Estates, from wome hee had receiued it, the which hee did the seauenteenth of December by an Act vnder his hand as followeth.

ROBERT Earle of Leicester Baron of Denbighe &c. Lieutenant for the Queenes * 1.221 [ B]

Maiestie of England, Gouernor and Captaine generall of the Vnited Prouinces: To all to whome these presents shall come greeting. As it was her Maiesties pleasure to giue vs the charge to bee her Lieutenant generall of all the forces, sent by her for the ayde and assistance of the vnited Prouinces, according to a contract made with the Estates concerning the same: where-vppon the said generall Estates had also imposed vppon vs, the gouernment of the said Prouinces, both for matters polliticke, and of Iustice, according to the commission, and Act of declaration of the same gouernment, Dated the first of February, 1586. And for that the present Estate of this Kingdome requyring it, wee were commanded to returne home into England, for her Maiesties [ C] seruice: And for that by reason of our absence wee cannot execute the authoritie as we should, and as it is necessary to bee done, for the good and prosperitie of the country. Therefore wee giue you to vnder-stand, that our desire is for the cause aforesaid to bee discharged and vnburthened of our said gouernment, and place of Captaine generall, of the said vnited Prouinces, as also of the commission and charge giuen vs to that end, and that by this Act signed and sealed with our hand, wee haue resigned, left, & hereby doe resigne and leaue the same: In such sort that wee will from henceforth wholy leaue of and refuse to haue any dealing in the same commission giuen vnto vs, by the aforesad Estates, in what manner soeuer it were, leauing it vnto them to proceed therein by aduice from her Maiestie, as they shall find it necessary and conuenient for [ D] the good & well-fare of those countries. Giuen at London vnder our hand and seale: the 17. of December. 1587. Subcribed Leicester.

This Act was presented to the Estates by Sir Henry Killegrey vpon the first of Aprill 1588. being Agent there for her Maiestie: With excuse that it came no sooner to his hands: Which Resignation the Estates caused to bee generally proclaimed through∣out all the Prouinces, to the end that euery man might know hee was discharged of his oth to the Earle of Leicester, remayning onely bound to the vnited Prouinces, States and Townes &c. So as after that no man would acknowledge any gouernment of that of the Estates and the soldiars no other Captaine generall then Prince Maurice, and the Earle of Hohenloo his Lieutenant. [ E]

The twentith of December Collonell Schenck being at Rhynberghe, hauing gathe∣red out of the neighbour garrisons some foure hundred foote & three hundred horse; * 1.222 hee marcht neere vnto the towne of Zulpich in the Diocesse of Collogne vppon the frontiers of Iuilliers, where hee lay quiet for three daies, doing wrong to no man, vntill that his troopes were fortified No man could iudge what his disseigne was: many thinking it was but to spoile the Territories of Collogne, against the which hee had a great spleene. But on the two and twentith day, being risen with his troopes, he made a shew to march towards the quarter of Eyssell, the brute whereof came presently to Bonne, being foure leagues from Collogne. But turning head, hee past at noone day through a wood at the Village of Rhybourg, and so marching on, hee aduanced to the [ F] mid-way betwixt Bonne and Brulle: Where hee made a stand in a little groue, vntill that night approached. Then taking the lower way by Buhell and Bourchem, from whence they of the Castell shotte at his men, passing close by their ditch, the which they might heare easily at Bonne: and to the end they of the towne should haue no ad∣aduertisment,

he sent certaine horsemen, before who staid all those they met. Appro∣ching * 1.223 [ A] neere the towne about eight of the clocke at night, he rested a while, to feed his men and horses in the vilages of Transdorp and Endich. Then comming neere vnto the towne with his ladders (although hee vsed them not) hauing past by Popeldorf, (wheras the Archbishops of Cologne haue a pallace) he placed his footemen along the riuer of Rhine, & were not discouered nether by the keeper of Popeldorf, nor by the gard of the towne, for that the season was darke and rainy. And to take away the noise of his men which were vnder the towne, there was one of his soldiars gotten into a hogs coate beating the swine continually to make them cry. And in this sort the collonell stayd vntill three of the clocke after midnight, during the which he caused a great Pet∣ard to be made fast to a posterne gate towards the key of the riuer of Rhine, close by the [ B] towle house, the which was seldome opened, where he lay still obseruing the rounds of the towne, as they past by the light of a Lanterne, and seeing no more to passe, growing neere fower of the clocke imagining that night workes to be past, and that the officers were gone to their rest, he commanded them to set fier to the Petard, the which gaue so * 1.224 great a blow, as not onely the Port, but a part of the wall was ouerthrowne, by the which the soldiars entred in a throng vnto the second port, the which was not so strong as the first, which they beat downe sodenly with hatchets and pikeaxes. Being entred into the towne some of his men ran vnto the rampars and the Boulwarks, and others vnto the Market place, the which they seazed on without any resistance, there be ing neither captaine nor commander to put the soldiars and Bourgers in order for their [ C] defence, or that did any thing, except one Canonier, who made a shot, with the which he slue Hans Wichman, and soone after the said canonier was ouerthrowne with a small shotte. This being done they beat downe Stockem port, by the which the Ritmaister Gerard van Balen entred with his cornet, the other horsemen being alredy entred by the posterne. The collonel who was entred at the first with the foot-men went then to horsebacke, and ranne throughout all the quarters of the towne, placing his sen∣tinels and corps de gard, forbidding vpon paine of death to spoyle, vntill they were well assured. The Bourgers hearing this great noyse and terror of the petard, the trompets sounding and the drommes beating an alarum with the soldiers cryes, kept them-selues close in their houses, for wheresoeuer the soldiars discouered any light, [ D] they shot through the doores and windoes, Schencke placed his horse-men in the Bishops Pallace to preserue the chancery. So after that hee had set all things in good order, being maister of the towne he abandoned it to his soldiars, who spoyled it and put the Bourgers to ransome, intreating them no other-wise then it it had beene an * 1.225 enemies towne taken by assault: Charles Bille gouernor of the towne hearing the noyse which the petard made, & the alarum, escaped halfe drest and fled towards Confluence. He had beene aduertised two daies before that Schenks men were lodged about Zul∣pich, whervpon he sent a good part of the garrison to keepe the neighbour villages from spoyling, yet he was sufficiently warned that there were mad lads would come to visit him: wherevnto he answered: that hee must take the care of it: for the which [ E] Schenck did afterwards flowt him.

This towne of Bonne being well assured for Truchses, Schenck resolued to keepe it, causing it to be rampared and fortefied in all places, and then did furnish it with∣all things necessary for a towne of warre: withall he caused a fort to be presently built right opposit on the other side of the riuer of Rine. The Duke of Cleues and Iuliers aduised Ernest of Bauaria, Bishoppe of Cologne and Leige, to make a friendly accord with Schenck, or at the least (to gette more time to make preparation to beseege it) that he should make a truce with him. As touching an accord which was propounded by the Duke of Cleaues commissioners, Schenck would willingly haue giuen eare vnto it, except some poynts concerning the contribution: But it seemed [ F] vnto Bishop Ernest that this accord, would bee some blemish to his reputation au∣thority and greatnesse: and that there-by hee should incense the King of Spaine: so as nothing was done, desiring rather to call the Duke of Parma to his succors, to

his great charge, and his subiects ruine: who afterwards sent the Prince of Chymay * 1.226 [ A] to beseege it as we shall here.

The second of December, some of the Estates men surprized Ville-woord, two Leagues from Brussells, the which they spoyled but being scituated in the champian * 1.227 country and not able to keepe it, they abandoned it; in their retreat, some lewd persons se•…•… fire of it, so as many houses were burnt. The Queene of England being importuned by the king of Spaine to make a peace (who vnder this pretext sought to lul her a sleepe vntill that his sea army were all redy) was resolued to giue eare therevnto and to enter into some conference with his Deputies, the place of their assembly being appointed * 1.228 at Bourbroue in Flanders: and to that end she sent in October past vnto the gene∣rall estates of the vnited Prouinces, Doctor Herbert one of her Maisters of request [ B] and Ioachim Ortels agent in England for the said estates, to vnderstand their disposition and resolution toward a peace: giuing them charge to protest openly that either they must send their Deputies with hers to treat of a peace or else she would call backe her troups into England.

The Estates hauing assembled all the Nobility, gentlemen and townes, not-with∣standing all forraigne and home-bred troubles, the mutinies of their soldiars: ciuill fac∣tions: and the threats of the great Spanish Armado, which they were well informed was comming with so great a power, waighing all circomstances with a constant and firme resolution, they absolutly reiected all treaties of peace with the enemy. And although they had giuen the Queenes Ambassadors a very resolute answer, yet this yeare 1588. * 1.229 [ C] they sent Sebastian Loze and Leonard Cazembroot two councellors of estate, vnto her Maiesty to disswade her from all treaty of peace, for the which these were partly their reasons. That in respect of her Maiesties honor they were to conforme themselues to any thing that should be pleasing vnto her: yet they thought it fit to aduertise and fore-warne her, that she could not expect any firme and assured peace from the king of Spaine being the head of the holy league, which all former acts & contracts doe plaine∣ly testefie, for there is no disposition in the King of Spaine to yeeld to the free excercise of the reformed relligion: wherfore they besought her Maiesty to surcease al treaties of peace for a while, saying that time would soone teach them more experience: desi∣ring to know what conditions the Duke of Parma propounded, and what her Maiesty [ D] pourposed to demaund on their behalfes, and how shee ment to proceed touching the ancient alliances betwixt her Kingdome and the Netherlands. Moreouer, it was to be considered, that the Estates of the vnited Prouinces, were not to be held so poore nor desperate in regard of their power and willingnes, to raise necessary contributions for the common defence of the country, seeing that in the said Prouinces during the es∣pace * 1.230 of two yeares, (whilest the Earle of Liecester was gouernor) they had leuied foure score hundred thousand gilders, which amounts to eight hundred thousand pounds starling, onely for the extraordinary charges of casuall warre by sea and by land, and that the Prounices being well and orderly gouerned, were able not only to contribute the like summes; but to rayse more, so as they had no reason to despaire of the successe [ E] of their affaires.

In regard of the scituation and strength of the Prouinces which are vnited: that there is no country in the world stronger then it, hauing yet aboue sixty townes and forts able to resist the enemies forces, where by they were not afraide of the enemies ap∣proch, neither yet doubted to make head against him, wherefore their countries cause was not to be held desperate. As for the diuisions and factions that were within the said Prouinces, they would presently cease, the treaty of peace being broken of, and that her Maiesties resolution might be openly deliuered, that for the mayntayning and preseruing of those countries in vnity and concord, she would appoint some No∣bleman of quality (according to the contract which they had made with her) to go∣uerne [ F] the same, and obseruing all good order, to yeeld vnto euery one his due, accor∣ding to his office and authority, which hetherto had not beene done, and was the foun∣tayne of all mistaking.

The treatie of peace would bring with it a despaire both in the maintaining of religi∣on * 1.231 [ A] and pollicie, and an abandoning of the country by the best Inhabitants: and among such as are not yet well grounded and setled in religion, a kinde of suspition and fal∣ling from the Church of God. And they of the Romish religion should bee thereby the more imboldned and dayly fortified.

Many of the reformed religion and good common-weales men, would presently make difficultie to contribute their money, as thinking ready money their best mar∣chandise to take with them, when they shall bee forced to forsake the country. And they of the Romish religion would refuse and hinder the contribution, there-by to presse them to a peace. The chiefe Collonels, Captaines, and Soldiers both by sea and land would bee the worse paide, and would feare that a peace being concluded, they would be little esteemed: and for that cause they would practise priuate mutinies and [ B] treasons, to purchase the enemies fauour, and to get what money they could, to the apparent losse of many frontier townes and fortes. The prouinces and townes that are most diuided and in contention one with the other, and haue alwaies beene so, would now by procurement of the enemie (in case it happened) seeke their priuate recon∣ciliations, not-with-standing all promises what-so-euer made by them to the contrary. Through the apparent disorder of men of warre, the ceasing of contribution, with many other inconueniences which might happen, the common people would bee drawne into disobedience, and the affaires of the countrie brought in question: the which (although she would cease all speech of peace) her Maiestie should not be able [ C] to preuent, neither by her owne nor by the Estates authority, so as the enemy should haue meanes to prescribe what conditions he pleased. A peace being once concluded, yea with the fairest and best conditions, the one halfe of those that are best resolued in religion, would go out of the country: and the rest would some secretly & some open∣ly forsake the religion, and so stay within the country. The King of Spaine being once receiued and acknowledged for Lord, within three moneths he will haue most of the officers and magistrates of the townes and prouinces, at his deuotion, to doe what-so∣euer he should command them. The chiefe of the Estates of Holland shall be the Earle of Egmont, the Earle of Aremberg, as Baron of Naeldwike, the Earle of Ligny, as Ba∣ron of Wassenare, and many such Lords of the enemies faction. These and such like wil [ D] draw the other noble-men and gentle-men vnto them: and the Magistrates of townes will depend vpon them, as it hath beene alwayes seene time out of minde.

In the first three moneths there will be a hundred occasions offred to reuenge them∣selues for matters past, as well vpon the inhabitants of these countries, as vpon her Ma∣iestie and her subiects, to the apparent ruine of religion, not only in these countries, but also in England and in other nations. And the warres continuing, the affaires in France concerning religion may be the better secured. The King of Spaine may dye, and after his death a better peace may happily be obtained. In maintaining this iust and vpright cause, we ought aboue all things to relie vpon the grace and assistance of God, maintai∣ning his honor, glory and holy word, and the rather for that we haue so often felt his [ E] gratious helping hand, during these troublesome warres. Besides these reasons there was at the same time a booke set forth in Print, intituled; A necessary consideration upon the treatie of peace, with this sentence, as a most assured meanes to deale with the ene∣mie, to haue him in Iealousie, Vna salus victis, nullam sperare salutem. In which booke the Author (besides many ancient Histories) produceth the examples of our time, of the Protestants in Germanie, the Duke of Saxonie and the Lansgraue of Hesse: and of the Protestants in France, all which were circumuented by their too much trust and confidence, & on the contrary side, they which opposed themselues valiantly in armes trusting in the power of God, and the equity of their cause, as those of Magdebourg and of Rochell, not onely held and maintained their religion, but also were the causes [ F] of the restoring of religion both in Germanie and France.

He shewed likewise that kings and Princes do not easily forget nor forgiue such as haue borne armes against them, and these Prouinces haue not only borne armes against their King, but haue reiected and wholy forsaken him, altered religion, and haue dealt

with other Princes against him, with many other reasons which hee set downe to dis∣swade * 1.232 [ A] them from all treaties, the which for breuities sake I ommit, councelling the Ne∣therlanders in his conclusion, to be true and vnited among themselues, and not to trust any man, but to pray constantly vnto God, and so to hope for a good issue.

About the same time the Estate minted a certaine coyne for a perpetuall memorie, vpon the which there was a Lion grauen tied to a piller, (whereon stood the image of * 1.233 the Duke of Alua) with a coller termed the inquisition, the which a Mouse gnawed in peeces, with this inscription Rosis Leonem loris mus liberat, that is, the Mouse sets the Lion at liberty. On the other side stood the Pope and the King of Spaine, with signes of peace, flattering him to stand still vntill he were tied againe, but the Lion refuseth it, with this Motto. Liber, vinciri Leo pernegat, which is, the Lion wilbe no more bound, [ B] the armes of the Netherlands being most Lions of diuers collours.

These declarations afore sayd notwithstanding, the Queene of England prest the E∣states very earnestly by Sir Henry Killegry, to haue their resolute answere, who desired * 1.234 them on the second of March, to send their deputies to Ostend to meet with her Maie∣sties Ambassadors, who were already gone thether, to treat with the Duke of Parma, he shewed them likewise that her Maiesty tooke their long delaies in euil part, for that she could not with her honour protract it any longer, nor excuse her selfe any more vnto the Duke of Parma, as if shee had mocked him. Shee gaue her Ambassadors expresse commandement, to treat of a good peace, for the sending away of forraine souldi∣ars; the permission of Religion, and the continuance of the preuiledges and liber∣ties [ C] of the countrie; And this was her resolution: and although the Estates sent not their deputies thether, yet would shee discharge her conscience and honour therein, both before GOD and the world. The Lord Willoughbie also gaue them to vnder∣stand on the fifteenth of March, that if the Estates would liue in vnitie among them∣selues, and leaue to molest them of Medenblick and others well affected to her Maie∣stie (who did but make shewe of their thankeful mindes) if the King of Spaine would not yeeld to a good and an assured peace, as well for those countries and the inhabitants thereof, as for her selfe, then would shee continue her aide and fauor to wards them, as she had done from the beginning.

Thus was the Queene of England resolued to treat of a peace, mooued therevnto by [ D] certaine perswasiue reasons, and it may be doubting of the countries abilitie, together with the dislike shee had of the diuision that was betwixt the Estates and their soldiars, who peraduenture made their case more desperate then it was: finding also that the * 1.235 charge would grow very great to continue her aide, hauing beene in hope at the first, by a good defensiue warre, to make a speedie end of their troubles. On the other side, the peace which shee should make would bee profitable for the trade of marchan∣dise and shipping in her countries. But the chiefest reason that mooued her there∣vnto, was the earnest motion made vnto her by the Duke of Parma, with whome she had proceeded so farre as she could not with her honour refuse to giue him audi∣ence. The Duke for his part (like a good practitioner in the art of dissimulation) [ E] sought to lull the Queene a sleepe, and to make her secure land carelesse to prouide her forces to resist the King of Spaines great armie: or els through the feare there∣of, to force her and her subiects to drawe the Netherlands to a peace against their wills, hauing foure principall sea townes in his hands, with the assistance of the Hauens vpon the coast of England, which hee ment to vse for the releefe and harbour of that great fleet, for the conquest of the vnited Prouinces: but to treate of a particular peace with England alone, it was no part of the Duke of Parmaes meaning: as holding the conquest of England easie, light and assured, the which was contrarie to the Ambassadors deseigne, who sought rather to make a priuate peace for England. [ F]

The English sought to sound the Duke of Parmas meaning & so by a parle of peace, to alter their deseigne for the sending of this great Armado, or at least to stay the pro∣ceeding therin for that time, for that the hearing therof could not be preiudicial vnto them, thinking Champigny ment sincerely in that he spake, touching a particular peace

beeing affected there-vnto, as it seemed afterwards, by the quarrell which grew be∣tweene * 1.236 [ A] him the Duke of Parma, and Richardot concerning the same.

But before wee relate what past in this treatie, and of the Spanish armie, wee will first discourse of what hapned in the meane time in the Netherlands. Vppon the 26. of February a Spanish garrison lying in Deuenter and the townes there-abouts (it beeing * 1.237 a violent hard frost) thought with plankes layed vpon the Ice, and with ladders to sur∣prize the Towne of Hattem in Gelderland; comming thether in the night, and hauing planted their ladders against the walles, some of them gotte vp, crying vic∣tory, the rest followed after, with such a presse, as the Ice in the ditches brake, and many of them were drowned.

Verdugo Gouernor of Freezland for the King of Spaine, about the same time, caused [ B] seauen shippes of warre and a Pinnase to bee made ready at Delfziell neere vnto Gro∣ning, * 1.238 to keepe the Riuer of Ems in subiection, and to take all shippes that should passe to Embden; but especially to haue an assured Port for the Spanish fleete if need were, but they stayed not long there, after that the Spanish armie was past.

Although the Earle of Leicester had resigned his gouernment to the Vnited Pro∣uinces, yet there remained many of his fauorites in the country, who hoped to be ad∣uanced by his meanes, and therefore they did what they could to haue him returne thether againe, and in the meane time to keepe his resignation from the Estates know∣ledge, whereby, and by other practises they sette great diuision in the townes, stirring vp the people to mutinies, and most part of the soldiars that lay in garrisons: As at [ C] Geertruydenberg, Medenblicke, Naerden, Worcum, Heusden, Brakell & other places; but Heusden was first pacified, by three moneths pay giuen vnto the soldiars, and Brakell being besieged by the Earle of Hohenloo, was forced to yeeld.

In Medenblicke there lay Collonell Dericke Sonoy, who had beene long gouernor of North-Holland, and had carryed him-selfe faithfully and valiantly in all seruices for those countries. Hee hauing had a new commission for his gouernment from the Earle * 1.239 of Leicester, the which was held to bee an iniury done vnto Prince Maurice of Nas∣sau, gouernor of South and North Holland (to whome it belonged to giue him that commission, as to his Lieutenant) being after the losse of Deuenter and Zutphen, re∣quired to take a new oth to Prince Maurice, as his Gouernor, hee refused to doe it in [ D] regard of his new commission, vnlesse hee might bee first discharged of his oth made vnto the Earle of Leicester, which matter was for that time pacified. After that Prince Maurice sent Captaine Aert van Duvenuoords company to Medenblicke; but they mis∣strusting some-thing would not receiue them: Where-vpon Prince Maurice and the Earle of Hohenloo, (hauing no other company but their household seruants) went thether, but they were likewise shutte out of the gates, this notwithstanding was also pacified, for that Sonoy said hee was sorry for it, and that hee had no cause of any mis∣strust, but much controuersie growing there-vppon till Ianuary 1588. Sonoy stil made vse of his commission, which he had receiued from the Earle of Leicester, ouer North-Hollād: saying, that as he had it in times past from the late Prince of Orange, so he would hold it stil, & that although Prince Maurice was called Gouernor, yet had he as much [ E] authority in those places, as Maurice him-selfe, as it might appeare by his commission. The Estates of Holland holding this to bee a great blemish to their authorities, com∣manded him to keepe but a 150. soldiars within Medenblicke, and to send the rest to be imployed for the seruice of the country, where they should appoint; but he hauing only 5. or 600. men, made answer, that he could not spare thē, being to vse them for the defence of him-selfe and his gouernment: where-vpon the Estates (persisting in their resolution) produced two letters from the Earle of Leicester, whereby he was com∣manded to yeeld vp his authority to the Estates, in regard that by the contract hee could not dispose of that gouernment, where-vpon the soldiars began to mutine, say∣ing, [ F] that they would not leaue the towne before they had their ful accoumpt & recko∣ning for 72. moneths, which were due vnto them; and disarming the Burgers, they car∣ryed all their armes into Sonoys house, & compelled them to giue them their pay week∣ly. This caused mutines in other townes, being of the same regiment to whome they

writ, lying in Gelderland, Friseland & Ouerysselle. Sonoy being incorraged, by the Eng∣lish * 1.240 [ A] and their faction, told the souldiars, that they had taken their others to the Queene of England, wherevpon the Estates sent vnto them the Lord of Famars, the Lord of Sweuensel, Peter Kies Bourguemaster of Harlem, and Maister Adrian Anthonis Bourgue∣master of Alckmar, who offred them their account and reckoning, and better pay then they had formerly had, but they would not heare any man that was sent vnto them, but fetcht their pay from the villages round about, whom they vsed like enemies: so as in the end the matter grew to partakings, for that the generall Estates would not allow any such authority to bee giuen to priuat gouernors, as by their resolution made 1577. plainely appeered, when as they made the Prince of Orange their gouernor, which Collonel Sonoy would not heare of, pretending his Commission to bee made o∣therwise. [ B] The soldiars refused all obedience, standing vpon their oth made to the Queene of England, or to the Earle of Leicester in her name (wherein notwithstanding the generall Estates were named) saying that they would haue their full pay of all that remained due vnto them, whereof notwithstanding they had receiued very nere two third parts. At the last, the Estates of Holland resolued to force them to some con∣formity, giuing the charge thereof vnto Prince Maurice, who therevpon brought some troupes before the towne, with some armed Burgers of the townes there aboutes, and some shippes of warre, vnder the command of the Marshall Villiers, who had not beene long before that time deliuered out of prison. He kept them straightly in, which made * 1.241 the soldiars beginne to bethinke themselues. In the meane-time vpon the second of [ C] March Sir Henry Killegray put vp a certaine declaration vnto the generall Estates, in fa∣uor of them of Medenblicke, and vpon the fifteenth of March the Lord Willoughby confirmed the same, complayning of their rigorous proceeding against the sayd soldi∣ars, and others well affected to her Maiestie, the which was nothing else, but a signe of thankefullnesse for many fauors receiued at her hands: and therefore he said her Maie∣sty could not refuse to countenance them, and had commanded him to let them vnder∣stand, that shee was resolued, (if they would not cease their quarrell with them of Me∣denblick) to withdrawe all her forces and aide into England, and let them defend them∣selues, as well as they could, without troubling himselfe any more with their affaires. These speeches beeing deliuered with some vehemency, made the Estates to bethinke [ D] themselues. But when as the generall Estates and Prince Maurice had written letters dated the first of March, shewing the ground of that diuision; The Queene vpon the 27. of March wrot her letters to the Lord Willoughby, commanding him to recon∣cile * 1.242 Prince Maurice and Sonoy, for that she could not expect any good, by the accepting of such offers from diuers townes, who sought to yeeld themselues into her hands, whereby rumors might be spred abroad, that shee sought cunningly and vnder-hand to get townes into her powre, and so to deliuer them ouer vnto the enemie, and thereby to seeke to make her owne peace, or else to force the Estates to such an agreement, as shee pleased; and therefore shee willed the Lord Willoughby to perswade all such townes to bee obedient vnto the generall Estates, and that he should not meddle with any [ E] of them, neither yet countenance them. Wherevpon the garrison of Medenblike be∣ganne to faint, seeing the Earle of Leicesters gouernment to bee resigned into the E∣states hands, for the which cause they had begunne their mutiny, yet the siege con∣tinued vnto Aprill in the yeare of Lord 1588. and so by the meanes of the English all was pacefied, the souldiars of the garrison going out of the towne with pasports, and Prince Maurice his souldiars entring into their places. Collonel Sonoy went to Alck∣mar to make his excuse. To whom afterwardes they of Medenblike and others did great harme, spoyling his house and goods: and afterwards in the yeare 1590. he went into England to make his complaint vnto the Queene, as you shallhere after heare.

In Westfriseland there arose great troubles, for that diuers sought to perswade the [ F] Queene to take the soueraignty vpon her, or else to haue an absolute protection vnder the Earle of Leicester, with ful authority: but the general Estates knowing the Queenes Maiesties minde, and seeing the sinister practises of the Earle of Leicester they sought to bring them to obedience by compulsion, and for that cause they tooke the President

Doctor Ielger Aysma, a worthy and a zealous (but yet a very violent) man, and com∣mitted * 1.243 [ A] him with others to prison, thereby to daunt the rest of that faction, the which in the yeare 1589. was some-what pacified.

About this time in Marche, the garrison of Geertruydenberg began to mutine, vnder pretence of seruice for the Queene of England, and would neither accept of the * 1.244 Estates, Prince Maurice, nor of any other gouernor, neither would they treate with any man but with the Lord Willoughby, generall of the English forces, tearing their Cornets, Ensignes and Banderolles in peeces, carrying themselues in all sorts like trai∣tors, and sworne enemies of the country, taking and ransacking the boates and ships which past along betwixt Holland and Zeeland, but at the last by the mediation of the Lord Willoughby they had two hundred sixteene thousand Gilders payed them in ready money, vpon certaine conditions, the which were not well obserued by them, [ B] as here-after you shall heare, and so the mutinie for that time ceased.

Collonell Sehenck, Marshall to the Prince Elector Truhcses, hauing surprized Bonne (as you haue heard) Ernest Archbishop and Prince of Cologne and Liege, hauing re∣iected all treaties of accord which the Duke of Cleues did labour, he sent to the Duke of Parma for succors to besiege it, who (hauing charge to attend the great armie that * 1.245 was comming out of Spaine, against England) sent the Prince of Chymay (the onely sonne of the Duke of Arschot,) with diuerse troupes both of horse and foote. And for that most of the Commanders lay then in Flanders, with the Duke of Parma, be∣ing ready to passe ouer into England, (as they thought) Verdugo Gouernor of Frize∣land, [ C] with Taxis his Lieutenant were appointed to ayde them. Don Manriques de Lara was also sent thether, to giue them instructions, as being well acquainted with the scituation of the country, but hee stayed not long there, but returned into Flanders, to doe some exployte against the English. Schencke seeing this storme approache, and that the Princes of Germany had refused to meddle in these Princes quarrell, the one hauing sued for succours of the Protestants, the other of the Romish Catholicks and of the Spaniards; hee went as Marshall to Truchses, to an Imperiall dyet held in Germany. Where hee declared that by commandement of Prince Truchses, he had * 1.246 seized vpon the Towne of Bonne, hauing wrested it out of the Spaniards hands, for

that it is an Imperiall towne the which the King of Spaine did seeke to incorporate [ D] to himselfe, as if it had beene his owne inheritance. That hee could hardly defend it against so mighty an enemie: offring to deliuer it vp to the Empire, who might easi∣ly defend and maintaine it, seeing that hee had taken it with so little labour, admoni∣shing the Princes and Estates of the Empire, that it was high time to preuent the Spaniard, least hee crept farther into their limits, for whatsoeuer he got was hardly got from him againe, and that which they might now preuent with small charge, should not bee neglected, seeing it would not bee recouered but with great difficul∣tie. Wherefore the Germaines should now make shew of their wisdomes and dis∣cretions, before that the Spaniard by his dilligence (as hee had lost it by negligence) should recouer it: who not satisfied with that, (seeing himselfe planted there) would [ E] not faile to extend himselfe into their territories. Shewing moreouer that if the Prince of Orange had with small meanes made warre, and with-stood the attempts of so mighty a King: with greater reason they should striue to resist him, and to pre∣uent his haughtie desseignes: Preuenting not onely the recouerie of the Nether∣lands, which hee had lost by his owne fault, but also to conquer Germanie, and all the kingdomes of Christendome, to make him-selfe a sole and absolute Monarke. The Marshall Schenck sought by these speeches, and other reasons which hee pro∣pounded, to stirre vp the drouzie spirits of the Germaines. Where-vnto answere was made him; That experience had made them sufficiently wise, in the assistance * 1.247 which they had giuen vnto France and the Netherlands: and that the present [ F] matters were so farre aduanced, by the forces and succours which the Bishop of Co∣logne had procured from the Spaniards: whome hee had caused to enter into the limits of the Empire, as there would bee little good gotten, although they should free the towne of Bonna.

That they had sufficiently knowne, what aduancement the assistance of the French King * 1.248 [ A] brought vnto the affaiers of the Duke of Aniou his brother: and of the Queene mother

to Don Anthony King of Portugall against the King of Spaine, at the conquest of the I∣land of Asores: and that the Queene of England had succored the said Don Anthony with men and shippes, all without any profit, wherefore it seemed expedient to the Princes of Germany, not to oppose themselues against so mighty a King who is also one of the Empire, being more fit to entertaine his loue and friendship. Being very well knowne that some Princes of Germany had beene forward inough to succor the Prince of Orange against the said King; whome they would no more incense, nor bandy them-selues against him, seeing that he pretended not to wrong them, but onely to suc∣cor a Prince and Archbishoppe elector, And the rather for that the French King sought [ B] his frendship and the Queene of England had sent her Ambassadors to Bourbourgh in Flanders to treat a peace with him, and therefore it was not fit for the Germaines for Truchses pleasure, to oppose them-selues against him, knowing how their army had sped which they had sent vnto the King of Nauarre.

Whilest that Schenck was at this diet in Germany, the Prince of Chymay was at the seege of Bonne where in the beginning Iohn Baptista Taxis, an old soldiar was shot, whereof he died, and was honorably interred at Cologne: they within the towne de∣fended themselues valiantly, there commanders being Otto Baron of Potlits, Christo∣pher * 1.249 Wolfe and others; at the last hauing beene halfe a yeare beseeged, and finding that there was no meanes to bee releeued, and that more forces came against them vnder [ C] the command of the Earle of Mansteldt, being sent out of Flanders as soone as euer the Spanish fleet was past, vpon the twenty nine of September they yeelded vp the towne, the garrison departing with their armes, bagge and bagage. The be∣ginning of this yeare (after the Earle of Leicesters retreat) was full of troubles, as well in Zeeland, as in Holland and Vtrecht: for as the said Earle (vpon his last returne) into England had beene at Campuere, whereas he had fortefied the captaines of his party against the Estates, as he had don in like manner at Arnemeuyen, so as both these townes opposed them-selues against the Prince and the councell of estate, refusing to acknow∣ledge * 1.250 any other superiors then the Queene of England and the Earle of Leicester as her Lieutenant, wherein Sir William Russell Lord gouernor of Flusshing and of Rame∣kins [ D] for the Queene, after the Earles departure entertayned them daily, as well by his owne words, as by letters, hauing commission from her Maiesty to keepe the Captaines and soldiars of those two townes of Campuere and Arnemuyden at her deuotion, and the Bourgers them-selues desiring to be vnder her Maiesties command as Flushng was, to the end that they might enioy the same priueledges in England that the Flushingers did. But such as vnder-stood not the reasons of this negotiation did impute it to some dislike which Sir William Russel (now Lord Russell) had conceiued against the estates, for that presently after the death of Sir Philip Sydney (before he was chosen gouernor) they had giuen away the Regiment of Zeeland to the Earle of Solms the which (said they) he expected, for that Sir Philip his predecsseor, had beene collonel thereof: where∣vpon [ E] they coniectured that hee grew in ielousie of the estates, seeking to make him∣selfe maister of the Iland of Walchren, the which was but a coniecture and is dis∣auowed by him-selfe, protesting that hee affected the Estates, and the good of the generall cause and that hee honored Prince Maurice, and the house of Nassau as much as any man.

And whereas at that time there was some doubt that the Duke of Parma would come into the Iland of Walchren with a great number of smal boats and Pinaces, which he caused to bee built in Flanders; the Estates thought it fit to send a cornet of horse∣men into the Iland. Wherevpon the said Sir William Russel required the Estates of Zee∣land, and after that the councell of estate being at the Hage that his compaine of [ F] horse which hee had in garrison at Berghen vp Zoom, might be sent thether, pro∣mising to keepe it in good disciplyne: But in the meane time, and whilest that hee expected an answer, the marshall of Villiers company was sent thether. The which did so discontent Sir William Russel, as hee sent to Scotland and ouer all the Iland,

putting it to their owne choyce whether they would haue his companie or that of the * 1.251 [ A] Marshall of Villiers, who was newly come out of prison from the enemie, & might be * 1.252 corrupted, so as they freely make choyce of his company, where-vppon hee writte let∣ters vnto the councell of Estate, by the which hee complained much of the wrong was done him, in preserring an other company before his: which gaue him iust occasion of distrust, and to beleeue confidently that they practised some-thing against him: For which consideration hee would not suffer that any garrison should enter into Walchren so neere the places of his gouernment: saying that they had no reason to wonder, if in so turbulent a time hee stood vppon his gard, seeing that both his go∣uernment, his honour and his life depended thereon.

To the which letters the councell of Estate made answer that they were sorry that the sending of the Marshall of Villiers company had giuen him any cause of distrust: see∣ing * 1.253 [ B] that according to the Estate of the country and the concurrence of time, no∣thing could happen more preiudiciall vnto them, then mutuall iealosies, for the which they thought they had giuen him no subiect: For as for the said troope of horse, it had beene sent by Prince Maurice and not by them, hauing proceeded therein according to the order of his pattent, and the authority which hee hath, as Gouernor of Holland and Zealand, onely for the conducting of the Peasants and them of the champian country, to the gard of the Sea-coast, fearing least the ene∣mie should attempt something: For the which seruice three score horses were suffici∣cient, which small number could not attempt any thing against the places of his [ C] Gouernment. Moreouer they held those horsemen to bee of no seruice there, doing more harme then good: wherefore they were resolued (at prince Maurice returne) to speake vnto him to call them backe: Intreating him therefore not to importune them any further to haue his company there. They said also that the protestation hee made by his letters, not to indure any soldiers in Walchren, nor about Flushing, and Ramekens, had much troubled them.

Hauing also forbidden at Sooetelandt, not to receiue any of the Estates soldiers: Wherein they would aduertise him, that he opposed him-selfe directly to the Contract which they had made with his mistresse the Queene of England, exten∣ding his authority and command ouer the Champian country of Walchren, [ D] the which belongs onely to the Gouernor generall, or to the particular of the Countrie: Wherefore they intreated him in any case to forbeare to attempt any thing to the preiudice of the said contract, for the inconueniences that might happen vnto him Intreating him also to lay aside all iealousies, and bad impressions which hee might haue conceiued of them, the which they neuer had of him, but haue fought to entertaine all good amity and correspondencie with him, for the seruice of the Queene his mistresse and the vnited Prouinces: assuring him they would neuer in∣dure any thing that should tend to the dis-seruice of her Maiestie, and impayring of his charge and authority. This answer was dated the second of February.

This troope of Villiers horse beeing arriued in Walchren, the Estates of Zealand [ E] had appointed that thirty of them should bee lodged in Middelbourg, eighteene at * 1.254 Campuere and twelue at Arnemuyden The Magistrates of Campuere and Arnemuy∣den refused to receiue them, protesting not to receiue any soldiers, but such as should be sent by order from the Earle of Leicester, their Gouernor generall. But not content here-with, they made a contract with the Captaines of the garrisons, the which they confirmed by oth, signed and sent it into England to the Earle of Leicester who was ve∣ry well pleased with this message. The Estates of Zealand seeing the vnwillingnes of these two townes, sent the 18. horse which should haue bene at Campuere, to a village called Haek & the 12. of Arnemuyden to Middelbourg, vntill they were imploied else∣where, Here-vpon as wel the General as the particular Estates of the vnited Prouinces, [ F] seeing these factions, & the boldnes of the English & their Partisans to increase daily: and that all garrisons carried them-selues as if they were no more subiect to the Estates, not to the preseruatiō of the country: hauing considered al things, & meaning to settle a good order (although they were yet much troubled with thē of Medenblick) they sent

in March Prince Maurice into Zeeland, onlie with his houshold traine. Being but new∣ly * 1.255 [ A] arriued and in conference with the Estates of Zeeland; Behold there presently arriues the Lord Charles Howard, high Admirall of England, with nine or ten shippes of warre, bringing with him two hundred and twenty thousand florines to pay the English troupes. This sodaine arriuall of so many shippes of warre in such a iealous season, * 1.256 made them presently to murmur, that hee might make himselfe maister of the Island of Walchren, and carry Prince Maurice into England. Wherevpon the Prince retired sodenly from Middelbourg, and went to the ships of warre which the Estates doe com∣monly entertaine in the riuer of Antwerp, lying before the fort of Lillo, whether hee might safely retire himselfe when he pleased.

The Lord Admiral (hearing that the Prince was departed) sent Sir Edward Hobby and [ B] Peter van Heyl•…•… with charge from her Maiesty, to treat with him, to remooue all iealou∣sies, and if it were possible to raise the siege of Medenblike. Whereof the Prince excus∣ed himselfe honestly, referring that businesse to the generall Estates, and to them of Holland. They of Campuere and Arnemuyden were exceeding glad of the Lord Ad∣miralls comming, hoping that he would make him-selfe maister of Walchren and raise the siege of Medenblike. But being come to no other end but to conuoy the money safely, hauing a faire gale, he returned fiue daies after. Then came Prince Maurice pre∣sently backe to Middelbourg; From whence hee did write vnto Sir William Russel by Iames Valcke a Councellor of Estate, to consider of the means how to remooue all these distrusts, to the seruice of God and of the Queenes Maiestie, the prosperitie of the vni∣ted [ C] Prouinces, and the confusion of their enemies, who sought their aduantage in such disorder.

The signior of Valcke, (who was a man of iudgement) being entred into conference with Sir William Russel, he sought to purge himselfe of all that had beene done, saying: * 1.257 that for his part hee was ready to doe all good offices. Wherevpon Valcke went to Campvere (whereas Mandemaker the treasorer generall of Zeeland, with some others, were deteined prisoners) promising them all good and fauor, if they would acknow∣ledge and obey Prince Maurice as their chiefe and Gouernor, but the Captaines would not giue eare to any thing vntill they were first assured of their pay, and to continue still in their garrison, with some other conditions. Sir William Russel excused himselfe [ D] also, that he might not meddle with the money vnlesse he had other order out of Eng∣land. And in this Estate the affaires stood, vntill that the common feare of apparent danger of the Spanish fleet, made them to take an other resolution.

In the meane-time the Queene by the instigation of some that were about her Ma∣iesty, * 1.258 who were enemies to the Estates, did write vnto the generall Estates, charging them that they intreated them of Vtrecht ill, and had cruelly proceeded against them of Leyden, growing also verie bitter against them of Medenblike, whome they held be∣sieged, wondring why they should be so rigorous against all those that shewed any loue and affection to her Maiesty, which proceeded onelie from a true fealing of the benifits which they had receiued from her, with many other like reasons, set downe in the sayd [ E] letter. Wherevnto the Estates answered. That they had neuer vsed any other then ciuill and honest admonitions to them of Vtrecht, for that they had chased away their * 1.259 best Burgers, and committed the gouernment of the towne to strangers, who had no∣thing to loose in the whole countrie. As for the matter of Leyden, that they had pro∣ceeded iudicially, as vpon a notorious crime. And for Medenblike, the mallice of them of the garrison was the cause thereof, and therefore they deserued to bee punished. Prince Maurice did also write vnto the Queene, complayning much that the townes of his inheritance (out of the which both hee, his Brethren and Sisters and all those of the * 1.260 house of Nassau, had their maintenance) as Campuere and Geertruydenberg, (the which alone was worth fortie thousand gilders a yeare rent) were fallen into mutiny, [ F] vnder collour of her Maiesties seruice, and in great danger to bee absolutly lost▪ Com∣playning also that Sir William Russel had charged him, to haue ment to attempt against the towne of Flussing, and to wrest it out of his hands, wherewith he held himselfe to be much wronged, desiring that it might bee honorably repaired, and that speedily,

considering the exigence of the cause. * 1.261 [ A]

The Queene considering the danger which consisted in these discontents, seeing the Spanish armie at Sea approaching, and ready to fall vppon the one or the other: the which they could not resist, nor preserue the Estate of the country, but by good vnion and mutuall correspondencie: (diuision beeing like to cause the ruine of both) shee sent a very kinde answer by her letters to Prince Maurice, giuing him all contentment, dis-auowing all mutinies, as well of the English, as of other sol∣diers that sought to shrowd them-selues vnder the cloake of her seruice: and to that end she did also write expresly vnto the Lord Willoughby, to Sir Henry Killegrey, to Sir William Russell, and others, as also to the generall Estates. By reason whereof the garrisons of Campuere and Arnmuyden were pacified, with a certaine summe of mo∣ney [ B] (hauing kept the Tresorer Mandemaker a long time prisoner, & committed ma∣ny * 1.262 Insolencies) and after-wards cast: and the resignation of the Earle of Leicesters gouernment being published: all factions and partialities began to cease, and the gene∣rall Estates to recouer their first authority.

The Captaines of these mutinies in Campuere and Arnemuyden, beeing cashierd and discharged from their garrisons by the Estates, thought them-selues to be very hardly dealt withall, after their long seruice, for the which hauing long solicited the Estates who little regarded them; In the end in the yeare 1590. they sent a pe∣tition * 1.263 vnto the Queene of England, shewing the many yeares they had spent in the Estates seruice, and how faithfull they had continued; till that vpon the seauenth of [ C] September, 1587. when as the Earle of Leicester went from thence into England, they were commanded (without an expresse commission from her maiestie or him∣selfe) not to depart out of their garrisons with their soldiers, according to their oth of fidelity taken in that case to her Maiestie, the Earle of Leicester, and the generall Estates, with a promise that if the Estates should refuse to pay them, that shewing their due obedience to him, hee would in the Queenes behalfe, giue them their in∣tertainment: Where-vppon for the better defending of their towne▪ by the aduice of Sir William Russell they had increased their comp•…•…ies twenty fiue and thirty men a peece, for the which they receiued money of Sir William Russell to bestow vp∣pon their soldiars, all for her Maiesties seruice, who by her letters of the twenty [ D] foure of February, 1588. charged them to credit and to follow the aduice of the said Sir William Russell, who had also both by word of mouth and by letters (which they shewed) desired them to continue constant in their resolution, as they had done, and were yet ready to liue and dye in her Maiesties seruice. After which it pleased her Maiestie by the Lord Willoughby and Sir Henry Killegrey to discharge them of their oth, with command to bee obedient vnto the Estates of the vnited Prouinces: So as they entred into treaty with Prince Maurice and the Estates, which contract was not held with the Captaines, her said supplyants, but to the contrary they were dischar∣ged from their garrisons, and their companies, entertainments, and after-reckonings taken from them, and all for the faithfull seruice they had done vnto her Maiestie: [ E] and so were fallen into disgrace with Prince Maurice and the Estates, forgetting all their former seruices, whereby they had as then lost all their credits, honors, and reputations, in regard whereof they desired her Maiesties fauor and aid, and to bee accepted into her seruice. This petition was signed by Captaine Ioos vanden Ende, Cor nellis Palant and Peter de Costere: the like was made by the other Captaines as Ambrosio le Duck, Adrian Ost & others, all desiring to serue vnder the English Collonels, but they obtained small recompence from the Queene, who thought it not to stand with her honor, to intertaine such Captaines against the liking of the Estates, for that her owne English soldiers were (by vertue of the contract) bound by oth vnto the Estates, yet she gaue her Agent commission, to intreat the Estates for them and to deale in their be∣halfes: [ F] But they will haue their authorities knowne and better obserued, by punishing of such offenders, for example to others.

The Estates of the vnited Prouinces beginning now againe to florish in their au∣thorities & thereby to resume their superior command, as in former times: the Earle of

Leiceister hauing resigned his place of Gouernor: And for that there was scarce any * 1.264 [ A] in England fit for such a gouernment, in whome did concurre the knowledge to go∣uerne * 1.265 in ciuill causes & to make war against so mighty an enemie: wherefore many in England were of aduice, to suffer the Netherlands to gouerne, and to follow the wars them-selues, and the Queene onely to ayd them with money, or else to pay her owne soldiers, whereby they might maintaine their owne Prouinces in vnitie: But others (especially such as had intertainment in the Netherlands, vnder the Earle of Leicester) sought to perswade the Queene, that the vnited Prouinces by meanes of the confused gouernment among them, decayed dayly more and more, and went to ruine, so as all her money would be lost, and she her selfe left in great hatred with the King of Spaine, vnlesse she would take the soueraignty, or absolute protection vpon her, by her Lieu∣tenant, [ B] with ful authority; but it was hard to finde a Gouernor among them with al qua∣llities fit for such a charge (especially for that soone after in Septem. the Earle of Lei∣cester dyed, of whome there was great hope, that he should haue bene sent againe for Gouernor, with limited authority) some others likewise at the same time were named, as the Lord Willoughby (hauing then had some experience of those countries) the Lord Gray of Wilton, and Sir Iohn Norrice, but they were not held capable for so great an office of State: Yet the Earle of Leicesters fauorites perswaded them-selues that all things would bee well gouerned by some English Gouernor, and the Councell of Estate, hauing two English Councellors in it, & certaine Englishmen also in the tre∣sory, all vnder the Queenes authority, according to the contract made in the yeare [ C] 1588. And so they were of opinion that the countries might be well gouerned, and incorporated vnder her, in some sort acknowledging the generall Estates, and the Pro∣uinciall Gouernors, especially for the leuying of the contributions.

But the generall Estates duly weighing all things (although at that instant they were ingaged in great difficulties) held that kinde of gouernment to be very vncertaine, knowing the English to be vnacquainted with the affaires of that State: The Queene being a woman, and then of good yeares, that her maiestie was not ambitious, but onely sought to gouerne well and wisely, and to secure her selfe and her owne Estate: And if that they should rely onely vpon the assistance of her Maiestie & her followers who had nothing to loose within their countries, they feared that vppon some sodaine [ D] disaster, they might be scorned & abandoned, as they were continually threatned, when as any thing fell out otherwise then was expected, or else they should be perswaded to hearken to a peace, contrary to their mindes, or haue dayly causes of distrusts giuen, the Englishmen seeking all the preferment, & the Estates being loath to be, serui ser∣uorum, where-vpon they resolued to continue in their authorities, and to maintaine the same as well as they might.

But newes came dayly of the comming of the Spanish fleete, which made both par∣ties to incline to a good vnion in these dangerous times: they were incited there-vnto by certaine counters that were made: On the one side whereof there was grauen two Oxen plowing, parted with the armes of England & of the Netherlands, with this in∣scription; [ E] Trahite aequo iugo: That is, draw euenly: On the other side were two earthen pots driuen vppon the waues of the Sea, with this inscription: Frangimur si collidimur: If we strike one against another we breake.

Thus the disorders and diuisions began some-what to decrease, the Lord Willough∣by (being a good & well minded Noble-man) had at that time appeased the controuer∣sie in Naerden, and labored to do the like in Vtrecht, which the Estates seemed desi∣rous to requite, preparing their shippes of warre for the common seruice of her Ma∣iestie and the country, against the comming of the Spanish fleete, and more-ouer (the which was more then the Queene her selfe desired) they agreed to take vp a thousand saylers in the Netherlands for her Maiesties seruice. [ F]

We haue before made mention, how that the Queene of England, had very earn∣nestly prest the vnited Prouinces not onely by the Earle of Leicester, but also by her Ambassadors, to ioyne with her in the treatie of a peace, and what reasons had moued her (notwithstanding their resolute deniall) to proceed therein, and to attempt it

whilest that the comming of this great armie of Spaine was bruted ouer all Europe. * 1.266 [ A] To which end shee sent her Commissioners on the foure and twenty of February 1588. to Ostend, which was then kept by an English garrison, vnder the gouernment of sir Iohn Conway. The Commissioners names were, Henry Earle of Darby, the Baron of Cobham, Lord warden of the cinq Ports, both Knights of the garter, Sir Iames a * 1.267 Croft Knight Comptroller of the Queenes house, and all three of her Maiesties priuie councell, Doctor Dale, and Maister Iohn Rogers, both Maisters of Requests. For the Duke of Parma, and in the Kings name, were sent Maximilian Earle of Aremberg, Knight of the treasury, and gouernor of Antwerpe; Monsieur Richardot, President of Arthois, councellor for the State, and of the priuie councell: Iohn Mace Doctor of * 1.268 the lawe, Councellor and Aduocate fiscall in the councell of Brabant, and Blaminius [ B] Greiner, Secretary of the councell of Estate: these came to Bruges in March after, where by messengers sent from one to another there was a long disputation about the precedence, and where they should meete, and whether hostages should bee giuen of eyther side, for their securities: after which they mette in certaine Tents set vp vnder Ostend, where the Spaniards gaue the English the precedence. After three moneths question, the English yeelded to goe to Bourbrough in Flanders, without any hostages, where vpon the sixt of Iuly they began to enter into treaty.

Among many propositions and disputations, on both sides touching the Spanish Commission, and other things, the Queene of Englands demands were: To haue a present truce or surceasing of armes, being thought necessary for both sides, thereby * 1.269 [ C] to stay and diuert the comming of the Spanish fleete, which the Spanish Comissioners seemed to incline vnto, seeking to perswade them that it was not intended for Eng∣land. More-ouer they demanded the renuing of old contracts and intercourses, the sending away of forraine gouernors and soldiers out of the Netherlands, for the Queenes owne safety: and the restitution of such summes of money as the Queene had lent vnto the Estates of those Prouinces, the which the King had promised in his perpetuall Edict made at Brussells. For the Netherlanders they demanded; that they might enioy their ancient liberties and priuiledges; bee gouerned by their naturall borne country-men, and not by Strangers; that there might be a tolleration of religi∣on for two yeares at the least, and in the meane time the religion to be ordred and esta∣blished [ D] by the Estates: and that the articles of the pacification of Gant, and of other treaties might be obserued And as concerning the townes that were in her Maiesties hands, they said that (the foresaid articles being concluded) her Maiestie would yeeld vnto any reasonable conditions, that all the world might know she had not taken those townes into her possession for her owne vse and commodity, nor for increase of her dominions, but onely for her necessary defence and assurance, &c.

The King of Spaines Commissioners made answer to these propositions that they were content to revew the contracts, but it would aske a long time, and therefore * 1.270 they desired to proceed to the concluding of a peace: Touching the sending away of strange soldiers, the King could not resolue thereon, vntill that the Hollanders and [ E] their associates did submit them, and so long as the Frenchmen were in armes. Con∣cerning the money lent, they said the King was not informed thereof, and that hee must first see the accoumpt. Touching the priuiledges of the Netherlands, the Queene had not to doe there-with, and that there was no reason to prescribe the King a lawe, how he should gouerne his subiects. Concerning religion, and the exercise thereof, the King would not heare of it, but was content to grant a tolleration, such as he had allowed vnto the townes that had submitted them-selues vnder his obedience. As for the pacification of Gant, they would not heare it named, for that the Prince of Orange and the Estates (by whom it was made) were the first that brake it, as they sayd.

Wherevnto the English commissioners replied, that the contracts might be renued [ F] by prouiso, and afterwards reformed or made better, by Commissioners appointed * 1.271 by both parties: for the sending away of forraine souldiers, it was the onely cause that had mooued her Maiestie to enter into the treatie, fore-seeing the dangers inci∣dent there-vnto, if strangers should continue still in the Netherlands, the which

remayning in that estate, the Queene for her owne safety and assurance could not leaue * 1.272 [ A] armes: nor the Netherland Prouinces be assured of any peace, as long as the forraine soldiars were within the country.

Touching the money which the Queene had lent, and that she then demanded from the Estates, the King him-selfe was bownd for it, by his Edict made at Brusselles, as well for that which was lent vnto them before the said edict as for that which was sence or that should be lent: yet the Queene sought not that mony from the King, but one∣ly that the Estates might haue liberty from him, to collect mony for the paiment there∣of: concerning the priuiledges of the contry, her Maiesty said she had a speciall interest therein: first in regard of Neighborhood: Secondly for that she was especially no∣minated in seuerall pacifications, and thirdly for that it was not possible for her [ B] subiects and Merchants to enioy their preuiledges in the Netherlands, vnlesse the Prouinces them-selues were allowed the same: so as her Maiesty should haue iust cause to complaine, if those preueledges were denied them, which had beene a∣greed vnto by the pacification of Gant, the perpetuall Edict made at the recon∣ciliation of Arthois and Henault, and generally consented vnto at the treaty of peace made in Collogne by the Duke of Terranoua, at the intercession of the Empe∣ror and the Duke of Cleaues: and if the Netherland Prouinces might not be gouerned by such as were borne in the country, there was no hope to bring them to any good and firme peace.

And for the point of religion, if the King would not heare of any tollera∣tion [ C] of the exercise thereof, then they of the said Prouinces should be forced to for sake the religion wherein they were borne and bred from their youths, or bee constrained to liue in perpetuall exile out of their countries, by which meanes all those that would not leaue their religion, would for sake the country wherby it should become desolate: Neither could the King with any reason refuse his subiects that which in times past was by his father the Emperor Charles permitted vnto the Germanes: and by other Princes, and namely by him-selfe in his perpetuall Edict, and that by the aduise of the best and the most learned Doctors in diuinity and councellors of estate, the breaking whereof had beene the cause of all the tumults and troubles in the Netherlands, as also in France and other places, and was likely to bring many more inconuenien∣ces [ D] to the King in his old age, and like-wise to his sonne who was yet but very young.

To all the points of this replication, the King of Spains commissioners, made none but dilatorie answers to no effect. In the meane time the Queene of England was aduertised of an English booke printed at Antwetp, written by Doctor Allen, who * 1.273 not long before had beene made Cardinall at Rome, being an admonition to the Nobility of England and Ireland to execute the Popes sentence against her Maiesty, which executions the King of Spaine had taken in hand (as Allen said) and the Duke of Parma was appointed by the King cheefe Commander in that action. The Queene was also aduertised of a Bull sent forth by Pope Sixtus, conteyning many false and [ E] scandalous points against her Maiesty, wherein was also contayned that he had con∣cluded with the Catholike King to imploy all his power and meanes to expell the Queene out of her Kingdome, straightly commanding all her Maiesties subiects, in a most fearefull and thundring manner, to ayd and assist the great, noble and invin∣cible army prepared to that end, vnder the command of the Duke of Parma. The * 1.274 Queene being made aquainted with these things during this treaty of peace, shee commanded Doctor Dale one of the commissioners, to go and speake with the Duke of Parma in person, and to charge him in good sort with the things contayned in these aduertisements, and to know his direct answere, whether he were not appoin∣ted to bee generall ouer the army that was then preparing in Spaine, and of the enter∣prise [ F] thereby pretended, and to tell him, that if it were true (as shee could heardly beleeue it) shee ment no longer to contynue the treaty but to call home her Commissioners.

The Duke of Parma made answer to Doctor Dale, that he knew of no such booke,

neither had he any knowledge of the fore-said Bull sent forth by the Pope: neither had * 1.275 [ A] hee attempted any thing of him-selfe but honorably, in regard of the dislike that was betwixt her and the King his maister; and that as a good and faithfull seruant, hee was to execute his maisters commandement, with many such Court-like speeches: But her Maiestie was not satisfied with that answer, for that hee did not say directly, whether hee had vnder-taken to inuade England or not with that armie; wherefore shee resolued not to call home her commissioners, yet commanding them to treat with the Spanish commissioners by word of mouth, and try if by that meanes (better then by writing) they might finde more reason and better furtherance: But to the contrary and beyond their expectations, they found that the longer they continued in this treatie, the lesse hope there was of any good conclusion The Kings Comissio∣ners [ B] telling them, that they were grieued they had spent so much time about the matter, and that the King of Spaine had kept fifty thousand men in pay almost a whole yeare, to lye still and doe nothing, to his great charge, by the meanes of that treatie, and so they blamed one an other. At the last the Kings Commissioners said * 1.276 plainly touching the religion, that the King of Spaine were better to giue his one and onely Sonne vnto them of Holland, then to allow them the excercise of their re∣ligion: And that the Queene had no more to doe to trouble her selfe with the reli∣gion of his countries, then hee had to meddle with the religion in her Dominions: As for the pacification of Gant, they would not heare of that, for that it had beene broken by the makers thereof; saying that the Prince of Orange had receiued a iust re∣ward [ C] for the same. The forraine soldiers might not bee sent away, so long as there was any warre with Holland and feare of France. To conclude, they refused all the English demands. But Sir Iames a Croft (riding priuately to Bruges) shewed secretly vnto the President Richardot and to Mounsier Champigni, certaine articles concerning a peace, but much to the preiudice of the vnited Prouinces, which Champigni see∣med to like well of, beeing very desirous by that meanes to haue the vse of the Eng∣lish Hauens, for the harboring of their Spanish fleete, for the which after-wards there grew great dislike betwixt him and the duke of Parma.

Before the departure of the English Commissioners, the Earle of Darbie (to dis∣couer the Spaniards intents) asked them if they intended to haue the cautionary [ D] Townes deliuered ouer vnto them without any conclusion: But the Spanish fleete approaching then in August, brake off all further conference, either side hearing the shotte at Sea, and so all dissembling was laid aside, and the Duke of Parma was found contrary in his word, hauing protested to some of the English Commissioners vppon * 1.277 his Princely word and faith (as the English reported) that the armie came not for England, if they could agree vppon the fore-said articles of peace propounded But the Queene obseruing the constant resolution of the vnited Prouinces, and seeing the fleete of Spaine already before her dore, she called home her Commissioners, where∣vpon they desired a conuoy to conduct them safely from thence, being in some feare for that they had no hostages: but after fifteene daies stay, they got a passport with certaine wagons and a conuoy to guard them to the Frontiers, whether the Kings commissio∣ners [ E] did very honorably conduct them, for the which they gaue them great thanks, & much commended the Duke of Parmaes honorable disposition, hauing kept his word so iustly with them.

Now I come to that great Spanish fleete, whereof although there haue beene some petty discourses written and published in our owne language, yet for that it concer∣ned the vnited Prouinces as well as England, I haue thought good to make a briefe re∣lation in this history, for posterities sake, both of the preparations and the successe.

The King of Spaine hauing long fore-cast and sought by what meanes hee might bring the Realme of England into subiection, and so to re-establish the Catholike re∣ligion [ F] there, hoping by that meanes to re-possesse his inheritance in the Netherlands: for that beeing once Lord ouer England, hee might easily debarre them of all tra∣ficke by Sea, the which (not without great and probable reasons) was held easie to bee done, by such as were best acquainted with the scituation of England and the

Netherlands, together with the trafficke and commerce of the sayd contries. Wher∣vpon * 1.278 [ A] the King of Spaine hauing preuailed little with one and twenty yeares warre in the Netherlands, hee concluded with his priuie councell, once againe to inuade the Netherlands by sea, the which hee had often attempted, but not with sufficient forces, where-vnto hee should now bee constrained to vse a greater power, in regarde that * 1.279 England was then his enemy, the scituation of which great Iland is such, as it may hinder all trafficke and negotiation in those parts what-so-euer.

Wherevpon hee was fully resolued first to inuade England, which Escouedo Secre∣tarie to Don Iohn of Austria; and many subtill Spanish and Netherland spirits, with some English rebells, held more easie to bee conquered then Holland and Zeeland, perswading the King that it would bee much more profitable to inuade both Eng∣land [ B] and the vnited Prouinces by sea at one instant, then to entertaine continually a mightie armie, to prohibit the trafficke of England and the Netherlands into both the Indies. For the effecting whereof in the beginning of this yeare 1588. hee had gathered together so great a fleete of shippes at Lisbon, as in many hundred yeares before the like had not beene seene North-wards in the Ocean seas. In the which there came so many great Commanders, Noblemen, and voluntarie Gentlemen, as there was not any house of honor and credit in Spaine, but had a sonne, brother or nephew in this action, who all thought with this inuincible armie (as they termed it) to winne eternall honor, and to make them-selues rich in England and the Ne∣therlands. The description of this armie, and of euery particular, was set forth in [ C] Print by the Spaniards, whereof I will make a breefe rehearsall.

Portugall did furnish to this great fleete, vnder the conduct of the Duke of Medina Sidonia Generall of the whole Armie, ten great gallions, two small ships, thirteene * 1.280 hundred Saylers, three thousand three hundred soldiers, three hundred fiftie peeces of great ordinance, and all other things necessary. Biscaie vnder the command of the Ad∣mirall Iohn Martinez de Richalde, brought ten gallions, foure pinasses, seauen hundred Saylers, two thousand soldiers, and two hundred and fiftie peeces of ordinance. Guy∣pusco vnder the conduct of Michael de Oquendo furnished ten gallions, foure-teene pi∣nasses, seauen hundred sailers, two thousand saylers, & foure score peeces of ordinance. Andolozia vnder the command of Pedro de Valdez, ten gallions, one pinasse, eight hūdred [ D] sailers, two thousand foure hundred soldiers, & two hundred sixty peeces of ordinance. Italy, vnder the leading of Martin de Bretendona, ten gallions, eight hundred saylers, two thousand soldiers, and three hundred and ten peeces of ordinance.

Castilia vnder the conduct of Diego Floris de Valdez, foureteene gallions, two pinas∣ses, a thousand seauen hundred saylers, two thousand three hundred soldiers, and three hundred and foure score peeces of ordinance. And vnder the command of Iohn Lopez de Medina, there were three and twenty hulkes, seauen hundred saylers, two thousand three hundred soldiers, and foure hundred and ten peeces of ordinance. Vnder the lea∣ding of Hugo de Moncado, there were sent frō Naples foure galliasses with 1200. slaues to rowe in them 480. saylers, 870. soldiers, and 200. peeces of ordinance. Out of Por∣tugall [ E] vnder the conduct of Diego de Medrana, were sent foure galleys, with 880. slaues, 424. saylers, 440. soldiers, with ordinance accordingly.

There were two and twenty pinasses, and other small ships, vnder the gouernment of Don Antonio Buccado de Mendoza, with 574. saylers, 479. soldiers, and 193. peeces of ordinance. Besides all these, there were twenty Carauels laden with owers, ready for the great ships if need required, so as they were one and other a hundred and fifty sayles, well prouided, in the which they had aboue 8000. saylers, and 20000. soldiers, besides the commanders, officers, and voluntary gentlemen, and 2650. peeces of ordi∣nance. Their shippes being so great as they might haue carryed three score thousand tunnes in burthen. [ F]

The gallions being aboue 60. in number, were exceeding great, faire, and strong, and built high aboue the water like Castles, easie to bee fought withall, but not so easie to borde as the English and the Netherland ships, their vpper decks were Musket proofe, and beneath they were foure or fiue foote thick, so as no bullet could passe them.

Their Mastes were bound thick about with Ocham or peeces or fazeled ropes, and ar∣med * 1.281 [ A] against all shot. The Galliasses were goodly great vessels, furnished with cham∣bers, chappels, towers, pulpits, and such like: they rowed like galleys with exceeding great owers, each hauing 300. slaues, and were able to doe much harme with their great ordinance.

In this great fleete were one thousand sixe hundred great brasse peeces, and aboue * 1.282 one thousand Iron peeces, to the which were two hundred and twenty thousand bullets, foure thousand sixe hundred Kintals of powlder, one thousand Kintalls of Lead, one thousand two hundred Kintals of Match, seuen thousand Muskets and Ca∣liuers, ten thousand partisans and halberds, with murthering peeces, double ca∣nons, * 1.283 and field peeces, with great store of furniture for carriages; mules, horses, and whatsoeuer was necessary for an Armie either by sea or land. There was bread and [ B] bisket prouided for sixe moneths, euery one hauing allowance of halfe a hundred a * 1.284 moneth. Wine for sixe moneths, Bacon sixe thousand and fiue hundred Kintals, cheese three thousand quintals, besides flesh, rice, beanes, pease, oyle and viniger, and twelue thousand pipes of fresh water: they had great store of torches, lanthornes, lampes, canuas, hides, and leade to stop holes made with great ordinance, and other things needfull for their vse. This armie cost the King thirty thousand ducats euery day, as Don Diego Piementell confessed, reporting the same to bee two and thirty thousand strong.

In this armie were fiue regiments of old Spanish soldiers, of the Tertios of Naples, Sicilie and the Terceraes commanded by fiue Maisters del Campo. The first was Don * 1.285 [ C] Diego de Piementel, brother to the Marquis of Taueras, and cousin to the Earles of Be∣neuent and Calui, he was a Knight of the order of Saint Iohn, and was allyed to many of the best houses of Spaine. The second Collonel, was, Don Francisco de Toledo bro∣ther to the Earle of Orgas. The third Don Alonso de Luson. The fourth Don Nicholas de Isla, or Patritio Anselmo. The fift and last Augustin Mexia, (brother to the Marquis de la Garda) who was afterwards made gouernor of the castle of Antwerp, each Col∣lonell hauing in his regiment two and thirty companies, besides the Italian and Por∣tugall bands. No women nor whores were suffred to enter into any ship, vpon paine of great punishment, but such women as were with them, hired ships and followed [ D] the armie, and were most cast vpon the coast of France.

The Generall of this mighty armie was Lodouicus Perez, Duke of Medina Sido∣nia and Baron of Saint Lucas, a Knight of the order of the Golden Fleese, (the * 1.286 Marquis of Sancta Cruce, who was named for that charge, being dead not long be∣ford) Iohn Martinez de Ricalde, a wise Gentleman, was Admirall. Don Francisco Bo∣uadille Marshall: And for chiefe councellors in the warre, Diego Pimentel, Flores de Valdez, Pedro de Valdez, Michael Oquendo, Don Alonso de Lieua, Don Diego Maldona∣do, Don Georgio Manriquez, and many others. Don Martin Alarson was Vicar ge∣nerall of the holy Inquisition, and with him aboue a hundred Monkes, Iesuites, and other religious men. There were many Noblemen, and aboue one hundred and [ E] twentie Gentlemen of good esteeme, aduenturers, that went at their owne charges, to winne honor, among the which were the Prince of Ascoly, the Marquis of Pen∣nafyel, the Marquis of Barlango, with many other Marquises and Earles of good account.

Whilest this armie was in this sort preparing the Duke of Parma receiued com∣mandement from the King to make ready his forces in the Netherlands, to ioyne * 1.287 with this armie, where-vpon hee sent for ship-writes and worke-men out of Italy, to build shippes, setting many thousands on worke, to digge and deepen riuers, especially the riuer of Iperlee, to bring certaine shippes from Antwerpe to Gant, and so to Bruges, where hee gathered together aboue three hundred small Boates, [ F] lading them with victuals and munition, the which hee thought to bring to Scluce, and so into the Sea, or through the new deepned water of Iperlee, into the other hauens of Flanders. Hee had also prepared three score and ten flatte bottomed boates, which laye in the water of Watene, euery one able to carry thirty horses,

with bridges made to shippe and vnship them. There were also two hundred flatte * 1.288 [ A] bottomed boates more ready in the hauen of Newport, but not so big as the others. In Dunkerke they had made ready two and thirty ships of warre, and hauing want of saylers, hee sent to Hambrough, Emden, Breme and other places, to hire them: hee expected fiue ships from Hambrough well appointed with many saylers, and had hy∣red fiue ships that then lay at Dunkerke. These shippes hee went to lade with great store of piles of wood, made sharpe at the ends with Yron pikes, and at Graueling hee had twenty thousand emptie caske, which might soone bee made fast one vnto the other with cordes, like a bridge; with all other furniture to make bridges, to stoppe hauens, and to pyle vp waters: and to that end hee had prouided within Nieuport a mighty great heape of fagots, and all other prouision for sconses. Hee had shipt ma∣ny [ B] saddles and bridles, and other furniture for horses, and horses also for carriages, with ordinance, and all other necessary prouision for the warre.

Neere vnto Nieuport, hee had lying vnder the command of Camillo maister of the campe, thirty companies of Italians, two of Wallons, and eight of Bourguig∣nons, * 1.289 euery company being a hundred men. At Dyxmewe hee mustred foure score companies of Netherlanders, three score of Spaniards, three score of high Dutches, and seauen of rebellious and trayterous Englishmen, vnder the leading of Sir William Stanley and others, which were ready to take shippe. In the suburbes of Cortricke there were foure thousand lodged, and at VVatene nine hundred horse with the Cor∣net of the Marquis of Guast who was generall of the horse. To this great enterprize [ C] and imaginary conquest, diuerse Princes and Noblemen came, from diuerse countries. * 1.290 Out of Spaine came the Duke of Pastrana, who was sayd to be the sonne of Ruy Gomez de Silua, Prince of Mileto, but hee was held to bee the Kings Bastard sonne: the Marquis of Bourgou, one of the Archduke Ferdinands sonnes, by Philippina Welse∣rime, Don Vespasian Gonsagua, of the house of Mantua, a great soldier, who had beene Viceroy in Spaine: Don Iohn de Medices, bastard of Florence, Don Amedeus bastard of Sauoy, with many such like, besides others of meaner qualitie.

Sixtus Quintus Pope of Rome, forgot not likewise to send forth his Crusado (as hee vseth against the Turkes) published by his Bulles for the furthering of this great * 1.291 enterprise, with great perswasions, the which were Printed in all places. The Eng∣lishmen [ D] and the Netherlanders scoft at these Bulls, saying, that the diuill was be∣come a theefe by the high way, and cared not for such pasports. It was sayd hee had giuen the realme of England to the King of Spaine, with the title of the de∣fender of the Christian faith, commanding him to ouer-runne the same, vpon condi∣tion that hee should hold it as feudatorie of the Sea of Rome, and to that end the Pope should contribute a Million of golde, the one halfe to bee payed presently, and the other when England, or any notable hauen therein should be wonne. The Queene hearing of this great preparation in Spaine, shee sent forth her shippes of warre, with other Marchants shippes, the greatest to lye at Plymouth in the West parts vnder the command of the Lord Charles Haward, Lord high Admirall of Eng∣land, [ E] and of many other Noble men of qualitie; and the small shippes (being some forty or fiftie sayle) kept the narrow Seas, betwixt Douer and Calais, vnder the conduct of the Lord Henry Seymor, sonne to the Duke of Sommerset. The vnited * 1.292 Prouinces first of all (in regarde of the shallowes and flattes of their coast) made prouision of twenty small shippes, to keepe all the hauens of Flanders, from Lillo in the riuer of Scheld, vnto Graueling by Calais, putting great garrisons into their sea Townes: and when as this great armie of Spaniards should bee ready to come, they sent forth Captaine Loucke of Rosendale, with fiue and twenty or thirty shippes, to ioyne with the Lord Henry Seymor, but when as the shippes were forced by a storme to leaue the Flemish coast, and to sayle backe into Zeeland: it beeing past, [ F] they put to sea againe, and with them Iustinus of Nassau the Admirall, and Ioy•…•… Moyer, vice-admirall of Zeeland, being in all about fiue and thirty ships, from a hundred and sixtie to fiue hundred tun burthen a peece; very well appointed with great store of good saylers, and 1200. old soldiers, all Musketiers, chosen out of the regements,

and well acquanted with the sea, being fully resolued to fight, and to keepe the Duke of * 1.293 [ A] Parma from bringing his fleet out of any hauen in Flanders, whereon consisted the greatest part of their safety.

Vpon the nine and twenty day of May 1588. this great and mightie armie of Spaine, put to sea, and sailed from Lisbon to the Groine in Gallicia where they tooke in more * 1.294 men and munition, it being the neerest hauen to England. Being at sea they were scat∣tered by a tempest, the Duke of Medina entring againe into the Groine with foure score shippes, the rest following as well as they could, except eight of them which had * 1.295 spent their Maisters. Of the foure Galleies which came out of Portugall, one by great fortune was saued in that hauen, the other three were driuen into Bayon vpon the coast of France, whereas one Dauy Gwin an English slaue with diuers French and Turkish slaues, first ouercame the one, and then wonne the rest, where∣as [ B] Don Diego de Mendiana was slaine, the slaues sauing themselues in France with these Galleies they thought to haue driuen the Zeeland shippes from the coast of Flanders, and so to haue drawne the Duke of Parmaes shippes out of the hauens.

The Spanish armie beeing refresht, and their shippes rigged againe, receiuing day∣lie commandement from the King to put to sea, on the one and twenty of Iulie, they * 1.296 went out of the Groine, and sailed till they came to the entrie of the English chanell, from whence they sent certaine small Pynnasses, to the Duke of Parma, to certefie him of their comming and to will him to make himselfe readie to ioyne with them. The Spanish fleet being discouered by an English pinnasse and the Lord Admirall bee∣ing [ C] aduertised thereof, when hee little expected them, supposing that the fore sayd storme would haue kept them longer in harbour: on the nine and twenty of Iuly, ear∣ly in the morning, hee made all the hast hee could to get his shippes out of the hauen of Plimouth, imbarking his men not without great trouble and difficultie: the same night hee himselfe with sixe shippes onelie put forth to sea, and the rest following as fast as they could.

On the thirtie day of Iulie at noone, they had a sight of the Spanish fleete, the winde beeing then fouth-west, holding their course (as it seemed) directly for Plimouth, but perceiuing the English shippes without the hauen, they sailed along the coast, wherein many of good iudgement thought they committed a great error; but they * 1.297 [ D] had expresse commission to saile directly towardes Flanders, and both togither to assaile England about Margat, but it is reported that the chiefe amongst them, and such as had greatest experience in sea causes, as Iohn Martinez de Ricalde, Diego Flo∣res de Valdez and other's, shewed great reasons, and sayd that it could not otherwise bee, but that great difficulties would arise in their proceedings, hauing such limmi∣ted instructions, alledging many things that were to bee obserued in such actions, as whether, winde and tide to get out of the hauens of Flanders, and to enter vpon * 1.298 the coast of England, as also darke and light moone-shine nights, roades and depthes, all beeing subiect to the windes and other seuerall daungers: but their [ E] Commission was, they should followe their instructions, and anchor about Ca∣lais, where the Duke of Parma should come to him with his flat bottomed boates, and so passe on vnder the protection and gouernment of the great shippes, or els whilest they were in sight, should saile along and land his men in the Downes, but as the prisoners confessed they chiefe deseigne was to haue entred into the mouth of the riuer of Thames.

And as the Spanish fleete past along by Plimouth, the English army made pre∣sently towardes them and got the winde of them. On the one and thirtie daie the English bare vp close with the Spanish fleete within musket shot, the Admirall shoo∣ting verie hotly against the Vice admirall of Spaine, which when the Spaniardes [ F] suspecting, and perceiued that the English played so on them with their great Or∣dinance, they kept verie close togither in order of battaile, and in the forme of a halfe moone, carrying but little saile, for that they would not loose any of their companie, and holding their course in that manner, one of their great Galliasses

was wonderfully battred by the English shippes and they sailed so close and nere togi∣ther * 1.299 [ A] as the chiefe Gallion of Sicilia (wherein Don Pedro de Valdez, Don Basco de Silua and Don Alonso de Sayas with other Gentlemen were, brake her mast against an other shippe, whereby it was not able to follow the fleet, neither would the army stay to helpe her, but left her behinde, which the Admirall of England descrying (being loth to loose the sight of the Spanish fleet) past by her in the night, with as many shippes as could follow her, for that Sir Francis Drake (who was appointed that night to beare the Lanthorne) had fiue great Hulkes in chase, the which were seperated from the Spa∣nish fleet, and found them to bee marchants shippes of the East countries: so as the English Admirall did all night follow the Spanish Lanthorne, and in the morning found himselfe to bee in the midst of his enemies, wherevpon hee made all the hast hee [ B] could to free himselfe of so great a daunger. On the first of August Sir Francis Drake * 1.300 met with Don Pedro de Valdez ship, hauing foure hundred and fifty men in her, whom he sommoned to yeeld; after some parle, Don Pedro (vnderstanding that it was Drake, whose fame was so great) yeelded himselfe, and was well intreated. In this shippe there was some part of the King of Spaines treasor, about fifty fiue thousand ducats, which was all made prize.

The same Vice-admirall Oquendos shippe was set on fire, in the which there was great store of poulder and munition, it was burnt downe to the water, and verie fewe of the men saued, this shippe was also taken and carried into England with many poore men, miserably burnt, yet the poulder beeing vnder the hatches, was miraculously pre∣serued. [ C] This night the English Admirall had followed the Spanish fleet so close, as in the morning hee was alone among his enemies, so as it was foure of the clocke in the afternoone before that all his fleet could reach him. It is sayd that at that instant Don Hugo de Moncado Generall of the Galleasses, did presse the Duke of Medina to giue him leaue to charge the Admirall, which by no meanes he would grant, in regard of his lim∣mited commission.

Vpon Twesday the second of August, the Spanish fleet was thwart of Portland, and then the winde came Northward, which was against the English, but they recouered it * 1.301 soone againe, for they were small shippes and of better saile; that day there was a verie great fight betweene them, but the Spaniards seeing the English shippes maintaine it [ D] so valiantly all the daie long, they gathered themselues againe togither, and sailed on their intended course, which was to ioyne with the Duke of Parma about Dunkerke. In this fight a great Venetian shippe with an other smal shippe of the enemies were sonke. The English armie increased daylie, beeing about one hundred saile, but most of them too small ships to board the Spaniards, except two or three and twenty of the Queenes great ships, which onely made the greatest fight. Thether also came many Noblemen, as the Earles of Oxford, Northomberland, Comberland and others, with many knights and Gentlemen of the best houses of England, to winne honor.

The third of August the sea beeing very calme, the fight continued onely betweene the Galliasses and the English ships, who for that they went with owers had some ad∣uantage [ E] to continue fight, but the Englishmen shot chaine shot, which did cut both their sailes, tackling and owers in peeces, but they grew to be verie scant of poulder, so as they were forced to send to shoare for more. On the fourth of August, the Spanish army being before the Ile of wight, the English Admirall did valiantly assaile the Spa∣nish Admirall, beeing accompanied by some of his best shippes, as the Lion wherein was the Lord Thomas Howard, (now Earle of Suffolke) the Elizabeth Ionas, commanded by Sir Robert Southwell; the Beare by the Lord Sheffeld: the victorie by Sir Iohn Hau∣kins, and the Gallion Leicester, wherein was Captaine George Fenner, the Spanish Ad∣mirall was then accompanied with the best of his shippes and in the midest of them, where there was a dreadfull noise of Cannon-shot, within three or foure hundred foote [ F] distance: at the last the Spaniards sailed on before the winde. On the sixt of Au∣gust being Saterday, the Spaniards cast anchor before Callais, being resolued as it see∣med to stay there, and so to ioyne with the Duke of Parmaes forces, and the next day the English fleet also cast anchor, and lay close by them, within shot one of an other, and

thether came the Lord Henry Seymor, with his fleet of shippes, the which had lien at the * 1.302 [ A] lands end, in the mouth of the riuer of Thames.

The Duke of Medina aduertised the Duke of Parma of his beeing there, and many Noblemen and Gentlemen went to land, to refresh themselues, and among the rest the Prince of Ascoly (who was held to bee the King of Spaines Bastard sonne) a gallant yong Gentleman, who by good fortune was forced to stay on shoare, for that hee could not get aboard, whose shippe withall the men was afterwards drowned in Ireland. The Duke of Parma hauing heard of the comming of the Spanish army vpon the coast of * 1.303 England, made all the hast hee could to imploy his person in this exploite, and to that end had giuen the gouernment of the country vnto the old Earle of Mansfield, going himselfe in pilgrimage to our Ladie of Hall in Henault: and from thence to Brugges, [ B] where he arriued on the seauenth of August, ryding the next day to Dunkerke where his shippes attended him, where he heard the shooting of both the armies, and at the e∣uening as he entred into Dixmuyden, he was aduertised of the successe thereof.

Vpon Twesday being the ninth of August, he returned againe to Dunkerke, euen as the army past by, not one of his ships daring venter to put forth, by reason of the fiue and thirty shippes of Holland and Zeeland, commanded by Iustin of Nassau their Ad∣mirall, which lay there to keepe the passage, that none should come out of the hauen, neither any of the smaler shippes of the Spanish armie aide and assist them, for they had no cause to feare the great shippes, by reason of the shallonesse of the water: But the * 1.304 Duke of Parmaes men were neither shipt nor yet ready, onely the runnagate souldiars [ C] of Sir William Stanleys regiment beeing seauen hundred strong, were alreadie shipt: thinking at the first entrance into England to be the leaders, the rest of the soldiars see∣med vnwilling to set forward, finding their small number of sailers to bee verie back∣ward, and their prouision of bread, beere and victualls not all ready and wholy vnshipt: the sailers did feare the ships of Holland & Zeeland, which they found did both braue and threten them, which made them hourely to run away, fearing they should haue bin forced by the soldiars to put forth, and to aduenture that which could not be done; then they wanted the Spanish Galleies which were lost vpon the way, with the which they might haue driuen the ships of Holland and Zeeland from the coast. The Spanish fleet lying thus at anchor before Callais, staying to heare from the Duke of Parma, for the [ D] effecting of that which they had in commission from the King: it was resolued amongst them (as it was afterwards descouered) that vpon the twelfth of August beeing a darke night, to put that in execution which they had intended on either side▪ wherevpon the Admirall of England and his councell resolued, (by the expresse commandement of the Queene her selfe, as it was sayd) either to force the Spanish fleet from their anchors, or to burne them: wherevpon they sodenly appointed some of their wast ships, out of the which hauing taken all that was good, and filled them with great store of wild-fire, and other stuffe, that would easily burne, charging the Ordinance full of Poulder, Iron and Stones, vpon Sunday 7. of August two houres after mid-night (the men hauing left * 1.305 them, and they beginning to burne) they sent them before the winde and tide right [ E] among the Spanish fleete, which fire being in the night time, strooke such a terror, con∣fusion and alarme among them, (fearing that these ships might bee laden with poulder and stones, such as the Ingenier Frederik Innebell, had vsed three yeares before against the duke of Parmaes bridge vpon the riuer of Scheld) as they cried out the fire of Ant∣werp, the fire of Antwerp, so as euery man did presently cut his cables, and setting saile put to sea confusedly. In which fearefull cry, the great Galliasse fell foule vpon the ca∣ble of an other ship, and could make no way, and by that means her rudder slipping out was lost, so as for want of a helme to gouerne it, it was driuen by the force of the sea vp∣on Callais sands, the which was followed by their Pinaces, & in the end boarded by the English long boates. Don Hugo de Moncado Generall of the foure Galliasses, making [ F] some resistance, but after some fight he was shot in the head and slaine, with many o∣ther Spaniards, some leapt into the sea to saue themselues, whereof diuers were drow∣ned. Don Antonio Manriquez the countroller Generall with a few others escaped, and were the first that carried the certaine newes of their successe into Spaine.

The great Galleasse hauing in it three hundred slaues and foure hundred souldiars, * 1.306 [ A] being thus taken, they were three howers vnlading the munition and other things that were found in her, and there they also found fifty thousand ducats of the King of Spaines treasor, the slaues being all loose and at liberty, the English would haue burnt the ship, but Mounsieur Gourdan gouernor of Callis would not suffer them, finding it to be hurt∣full both for the towne and hauen, wherefore he shotte from the towne and draue the English from thence.

The same morning, as the Spanish fleet (after their great feare and disorder) had againe put it selfe into Battayle: the English army began to charge them valiantly be∣fore * 1.307 Graueling, but they chose rather to passe a long with a forewind before Dunkerke, then to open them-selues, or to alter their ranks, standing wholy vpon their defence. [ B] The English had not aboue 22, or 23. ships fit to board the Spaniards (who were ninety great ships at the least) but the English had the aduantage, being better of saile, and could easelier wind and turneabout them going close vp to them and discharging their broad sides, and so continued the fight with their great and smale shotte all the day long, vntill their poulder and bullets began to fayle them: so as they thought it not conuenient to board the Spaniards in regard of the greatnesse of their shippes, and for that they kept themselues so close together, being content to haue driuen them from Callis and Dunkerke, and from ioyning with the Duke of Parma, but especially for that they had forced them to sayle before the wind, and to passe a long beyond their coast. That day the Spiniards receiued great hurt, both in their shippes and losse of men, by [ C] reason that many of their shippes were shotte betwixt wind and water. In all these fights the English lost not one shippe, nor any man of quality, nor aboue a hundred * 1.308 men in all. There were so many of the Spanish shipes shotte vnder the water, as in the night and the next day, two or three of them sounke, among the which there was a great shippe of Biscaye, whereof some of the men were saued, who shewed that the comman∣ders of that shippe had stabbed one another, for that one of them perswaded the rest to yeeld, so as the other thrust him into the body with his poiniard, whose brother re∣uenged his death in stabbing him, and there-with the shippe sounke presently.

The same night two great gallions of Portugall of fourteene or sixteene hundred tonnes a peece, were forsaken by the fleet, the one called Saint Phillip, the other Saint [ D] Mathew, being shotte so vnder water, as they could hardly keepe them-selues vpright. In the Saint Phillip was Don Francisco de Toledo, brother to the Earle of Orgas, and one of the 5. collonels with other gentlemen; whose mast being shotte downe; they sought * 1.309 to saue them-selues in Flanders, but finding it impossible, the cheefe men escaped in boats, and the shippe was taken by the Flusingers. In the Saint Mathew was Don Diego de Piementel, an other of the Collonels, being brother to the Marquis of Taueras with many other gentlemen and Captaines: hauing a great leake before Graueling, the Duke of Medina sent a boat for him and some of the cheefe to saue themselues, but he to pre∣serue his honor resused it, then he willed him to stay by him, the which he could not doe, by reason that the water came in the night time so fast into the shippe as they [ E] were forced to keepe fifty men continually at the pumpe, to keepe the shippe aboue water: but at the last seeing him-selfe forsaken by the Admirall, he sought to runne her on ground vpon the coast of Flanders and to saue his life, desiring ayde of the fisher∣men, but being descried by foure or fiue shippes of warre which lay vpon the coast, they made towards him: bidding him yeeld, which he refusing, they all shotte at him, and slue aboue fourty of his men, so as hee was forced to yeeld him selfe into the hands of Peter vander Does, who brought the shippe into Zeeland, with the other, the which (when as most of the goods were taken out of them) through negligence sunke vnder the water. An other small ship being forced to run a shoare about Blankenbergh in Flanders, Sir Iohn Conway manned out 2. or 3. fisher boats (for that the Spaniards were [ F] already gone out, and had taken forth two peeces of ordinance and brought them on shore) to take and ransacke the shippe, who draue the Spaniards from her, and brought the spoyle into Ostend. On Monday the eight of August the Spanish armie being in this sort assayled, they thought it best (hauing done as much as they had in charge) to

retire themselues, so kept togither with small sailes vntill they were past Dunkerke, be∣ing * 1.310 [ A] followed by the English; the next day hauing gotten some-what before, they set on more saile, seeming to haue more desire to flie then to fight, wherevpon the Lord Admirall of England, sent the Lord Henry Seymer with the small shippes backe a∣gaine, to ioyne with the Netherlanders, who lay before Dunkerke to keepe in the Duke of Parmaes forces, and hee with the greatest shippes followed the Spaniardes, but the winde rysing, and the Spaniards bending their course towards Norwaye, mak∣ing shew as if they sought meanes onelie to get away, and to commit themselues to a dangerous Northerne nauigation, the English fleete, (wanting both poulder and shot) returned backe into England, leauing some small pinasses to follow them, and to bring aduise what course they tooke.

The Spanish fleete being in the North seas tooke a fisher boate of Zeeland, with * 1.311 [ B] twelue men in her who were carried into the Admiralls shippe, and sailed with them into Spaine: at their returne home, they reported that whilest the English fleet follow∣ed them, they saw a white flag preparing to bee set vp in the poope, in token of yeeld∣ing, or at the least to parle, fearing to passe through the Northerne seas: but beeing disswaded by certaine Clergy men, and seeing the English desist from following them, they changed their resolution. Those fisher men also reported that in the Dukes shippe there was a place made Cannon proofe, wherein the duke himselfe with twelue persons more remained all the time of the fight, and that of 1200. men that were in the shippe, there were 300. slaine and hurt. Thus the Spanish fleete hauing lost ten or twelue of [ C] their best ships, with foure or fiue thousand men, hauing many sicke and wounded a∣board their ships, wanting many necessaries for their ships, despayring of any aide from the Duke of Parma (who expected their returne, and continued still his preparation) they resolued (if the winde would serue them) to saile home into Spaine behinde Scot∣land and Ireland: hearing that they should finde small releefe in Scotland, and that Norway, could not supplie their wants, they tooke all the English or Scottish fisher∣men they could, to serue for pilots, and doubting they should want fresh water, they cast their horses ouerboard, and so they past betwixt the Orcades and faire Island; landing in no place, but sailed so farre Northwards as they were vnder three score and two de∣grees and two hundred and forty miles from any land: Being there the Duke of Medi∣na [ D] commanded all the shippes to take the best course they could for Biscay, and he him∣selfe with twenty or fiue and twenty shippes, which were best prouided of fresh water, kept his course very high into the sea, which brought him directly into Spaine, but the rest being aboue forty, vnder the leading of the Vice-admirall, held their course neerer * 1.312 vnto Ireland, making towards Cape-Clere hoping to refresh themselues there, but the winde being contrary, a great storme arose out of the South-west, about the second of September, and cast most of them vpon the coast of Ireland, where many of them peri∣shed, and amongst others the Gallion of Michaell d' Oquendo; one of the foure great Galliasses, two great Venetian ships, called la Ratta and Balanzara, with many others, to the number of 36. or 38. shippes and most of the men. Some hauing a Westerly winde [ E] got againe into the English seas, some were taken by them of Rochell, and a great Galli∣asse was driuen by tempest to Newhauen in France, two ships were cast away vpon the coast of Norway, so as of a 134. saile that went out of Lisbone, there returned but 53. ships great and small into Spaine. And hauing 30000. soldiars and marriners in that ar∣my, the losse of men was very great according to the rate of the ships; and after their re∣turne many died of sicknesse, wounds and other misfortunes which they had gotten in this voiage. The Duke of Medina Sidonia (a wise and prouident Prince,) who had ta∣ken * 1.313 this charge vpon him much against his will, excused himselfe by his pilotes, and vpon the want of aide from the Duke of Parma, who was not readie, so as hee had leaue to returne home to his house to rest himselfe, yet manie spake verie hardly of [ F] him for this action. Diuers Noblemen and Gentlemen died: as Iohn Martinez de * 1.314 Ricalde, who died soone after his returne, and Diego Floris de Valdez, Michael d' O∣quendo, Don Alonso de Lieua, Don Diego de Maldonado, Francisco de Bouadillo, and Don Georgio Manriquez, all of the Councell of warre for the armie. Many were

drowned, as Thomas Perenot of Granuelle, Earle of Canterroy, Cardinall Granuelles * 1.315 [ A] brother sonne, Don Diego de Piementel Collonel of two and twenty companies of Spani∣ards, with others were taken prisoners in Zeeland.

In Ireland many Gentlemen of good account were drowned, and diuers of them were slaine, by the Irish and by Sir Richard Bingham, at that time Gouernor of Co∣nocke. There were brought out of Ireland into England, Don Alonso de Lucon, Collo∣nel of two and thirty companies of the Neapolitain bands, Don Rodrigo de Lasso and two Gentlemen of the house of Cordua, whom the Queene set at libertie, to haue Mounsire Teligny released, being then a prisoner in the castle of Dornicke by Antwerp. To con∣clude, there was no great house of any account in Spaine, but that lost a brother, sonne or Nephew in this action. [ B]

In the Netherlands, the blame of this vnfortunat successe, was layd vpon the Duke of Parma, as Generall, vpon Mounsire la Motte, (who had the greatest charge to prouide for the Arimie) and Comissary Drinckweart, countroller of the prouision: who excu∣sed * 1.316 themselues, saying that the Spanish fleete came to soone, and that it was impossible to shippe all things necessary for such an army in foureteene daies, the shippes beeing scarce readie; and that the Earle of Barlaimont who had twelue shippes appointed him for his men, found them so vnready and leaking, as many of them were halfe full of water, the fault whereof was put off from the one to the other, so as the Duke of Parma caused some to be hanged which had not discharged their duties, and being badly spo∣ken of by many, hee blamed the Spaniards delaies, saying that they perceiuing many [ C] English and Netherland shippes lying before the hauens of Flanders, they held it im∣possible for them to get forth, when as their mightie armie durst not offer to charge them. His commission from the King was (if it were possible to bring both their fleetes togither) to hazard a battaile. But to venture the Kings armie so slightly, being vnprepared, and not so well furnished with shippes and sailers as it should haue beene, and thereby to hazard the losse of so many braue Noblemen and Gentlemen, as were therein, would bee no honor nor credit for him: yet being perswaded by some that the Spanish fleete would returne backe againe, he continued his preparations for all things necessarie for the army by land.

Thus did the great GOD of battailes fight miraculously for the preseruation of [ D] England and the vnited Prouinces, who with his powrefull arme scattered (like a heape of dust before the winde) that mighty and (as they termed it) inuincible Spanish fleete, to the shame and confusion of the furtherers thereof. The duke of Parma hearing for certaine that the Spanish fleete was past quite away, without the which hee could not do any thing: beeing loath to remaine idle, hee brought his armie out of Flanders (the * 1.317 which was quite wasted) into Brabant, and beeing verie melancholie and discontented for this disgracefull successe, hee resolued (contrary to the aduise of his Councell at warre, and especially of Collonel Mondragon) to goe and besiege the towne of Berghen vp Zoom, whether he sent the Marquis of Burgau sonne to Ferdinand Archduke of Au∣stria, with his Regiment of Lansknetchs, newly come out of the country of Tyrol. Peter [ E] Ernest the old Earle of Mansfieldt, the Duke of Pastrana and the Prince of Ascoly.

The seauenteenth of September he came thether in person: where being arriued, he commanded the Marquis of Renty (before Lord of Montigny) to attempt the Island of Ter-Tolen with his Regiment, at a place called Vosmeer which diuideth Tolen from Brabant, and so to besiege it as well by sea as by land. The Marquis (beeing accompa∣nied by Octauio Earle of Mansfield) thinking to enter it with eight hundred men, through the fauour of two thousand musketiers which lay vpon the dike of Berghen, they were repulst by George Euerard Earle of Solms, Collonel of the Regiment of Zee∣land, so as hauing giuen two furious charges and preuailed nothing, they retired with the losse of foure hundred men, all shot in the head, the which onelie appeered aboue the [ F] water: the Marquis of Renty and Octauio Earle of Mansfieldt sticking so fast in the mud, as they could hardly be drawne out. The Zeelanders had but one man slaine and two hurt, hauing a good parapet vpon the dike for their defence.

About that time they of Arthois and Henault made a truce (the which continued

some yeares) with the Lord of Balaigny gouernor of Cambray, to bee freed from the * 1.318 [ A] incursions and spoiles which were committed of eyther side: wherevnto Balaigny did willingly yeeld, that by the meanes of this truce, he might restore the making of fine Cambray cloath, and so maintaine his reputation with the people, and confirme his gouernment and authoritie. The Archbishop of Cambray, sonne to the Lord of Bar∣laimont, had some times practises vpon the said towne, by meanes of his intelligence with the Chanons and Bourgers. But Balaignies pollicie, and especially his wiues, did still discouer them, so as such as dealt in it prooued but bad marchants.

We haue made mention before, of some diuision growne betwixt the townes men * 1.319 of Vtrecht, and the spiritualtie, who would bee esteemed the chiefe members in the sayd Towne, which the Bourgers would not yeeld vnto, fearing they were too much [ B] affected to the Pope and the Spaniard, against whom the Pollititians sought to assure them-selues in making of a standing councell, whereas before it was changed yeere∣ly, not acquainting the Estates of the Prouince there-with. Afterwards (the Earle of Leicester being Gouernor generall; hauing ended this former controuersie) it happened that certaine men some-what addicted to the Romish religion, and others, being chiefe rulers in the sayd Towne, good common-weales men, and such as had furthered the vnion of Vtrecht with Holland, and beene carefull of the well-fare of their countrie, were charged with certaine practises against the vnitie of the Church: for the which (through the Earle of Leicesters countenance and authoritie) they were not onely sent out of the Towne, but banished out of the Netherlands, (as [ C] you haue heard) and commanded to remaine in newtrall places, choosing new of∣ficers at their owne pleasure, which bred great dissention in the Towne, the which continued two yeares.

The Estates of the vnited Prouinces fearing that the enemie was a great meanes to maintaine this diuision in Vtrecht, hoping thereby to breed some greater faction and disorder among them, finding that diuerse of the chiefe actors, were strangers in the towne and territories of Vtrecht, in the which they had no lands to loose, where∣by they had the lesse care for the wel-fare of the same, and that the best townes-men, and such as were most carefull for the State, were banished from thence: they sought by all good meanes and intreaties, to haue the banished men restored to their houses, [ D] goods, and offices, which had beene taken from them, which being by no meanes gran∣ted, vpon mature deliberation and aduise, they practised all the secret meanes they could (being there-vnto sollicited by the sayd banished persons) to place soldiers in the Forts of the sayd territories, and especially in Vtrecht, to secure the same, fearing that if the enemie should besiege the Towne, wanting the best Bourgers, and the rest in diuision, and with a small garrison, that it might bee soone taken, being most cer∣taine that the intruded officers (fearing to bee displaced) would not bee perswaded (vpon any extremitie) to receiue any ayde from them of Holland: and for that they of Vtrecht were growne iealous of these practises, they were the more carefull to defend themselues against them of Holland, then against their common enemy. For [ E] this cause the Estates of the vnited Prouinces, commanded Adolph Earle of Moeurs, &c. Gouernor of Gelderland, Vtrecht and Oueryssell, to keepe within Vtrecht, and to put in practise their secret desseignes, seeking all oportunitie to effect the same. To which end on the seauenth of October this yeare 1588. when as the ancient cu∣stome of the Towne was to bee obserued, and their Magistrates changed, they of the Towne had sent their deputies into England to bee recommended from thence for the continuance of their places, but (the Earle of Leicester being dead, and they finding but small assistance there, it seemes for that the Queene had beene otherwise informed by the Earle of Moeurs, who had likewise sent into England about the same businesse,) they were deceiued of their expectation: so as the fift of [ F] October, the Towne being full of trouble and dissention, the Captaines of the towne desired the Senate and the Captaines of the garrison, to haue libertie to make in∣quiry in all places of the causes of these rumors, and to certifie the Bourguemai∣sters thereof, which beeing granted them, insteed of pacifying all disorders, they

secretly practised how to effect their pretended enterprise, and to fortifie them-selues, * 1.320 [ A] the which they began to put in practise the same euening, thinking that night to seaze vpon some of the contrary faction, and to put them in prison, without the pri∣uitie of the Bourguemaister or the Earle of Moeurs: where-with the Earle being made acquainted (being very circumspect) hee secretly began to fortifie him-selfe with diuerse Captaines, Commanders, and friends, which hee had within the towne, keeping a strong garde about his house, as if hee feared some attempt against his per∣son, calling the townes-men to ayde him: the other Captaines of the towne (who had taken armes, and placed them-selues in garde about the towne) at ten of the clock in the morning sent for their Bourguemaister Prouinck (otherwise called Deuenter) vnto the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 house, who being come thether, hee first tooke order that the chiefe lea∣ders [ B] of the contrary watch, should not bee molested, but bee brought into the Towne-house, and there kept vnder the protection of Iustice, assembling the Senate, to know the cause of this alarum, and to pacifie it: But in the meane time the Earle of Moeurs authoritie was of such force among the Townes-men (by reason of the ge∣nerall discontent betwixt the soldiers and them) as they perceiuing the Earle to bee armed, the one halfe stood still, and the other halfe followed him, so as hee preuai∣led * 1.321 ouer them of the towne: and as Captaine Iulian Claerhagen (who lay with his company in the sayd towne, (hearing of this tumult) was going vnto the Towne-house, hee was sodenly thrust into the body, yet hee dyed not of the wound, his com∣pany and the company of Mounsieur Villiers stood still, and so did the English horse∣men, [ C] who tooke part with neither side: by this meanes the tumult was presently ap∣peased, which being done, the Bourguemaister Prouincke was brought from the Towne-house, and committed prisoner to the Earles lodging; and after that the Scout Trillo and one of the Captaines of the watch: the next day the Earle tooke order for the gouernment of the towne, according to their ancient priuiledges, and not long after the banished men returned home againe: First taking an othe not to seeke any reuenge in regarde of their banishment, but to liue louingly and quietly toge∣ther. Many witnesses were produced against the sayd Bourguemaister, who was ex∣amined vpon diuers interrogatories, and after fortie two weekes imprisonment set at liberty, and the rest likewise, so as the towne and territories of Vtrecht were once [ D] againe reconciled to Holland, conforming them-selues in all things with the rest of the vnited Prouinces, wherein the Earle of Moeurs did very good seruice, and be∣haued him∣selfe well.

Now I must returne to the siegeof Berghen: the Duke of Parma seeing the re∣pulse * 1.322 which the Marquis of Renty had receiued at the Iland of Ter-Tolen, and that hee could not impeache the succours which might bee sent vnto the besieged by sea out of Holland and Zeeland, and finding that the siege would bee long and tedi∣ous, hee entertained a practise for the deliuering vp of the great North Sconse, which stands at the head of the hauen: the discourse whereof I haue thought good to set downe plainely as I had it from the chiefe actor himselfe, both in regarde of him∣selfe, [ E] who is very neere vnto mee, and of the Historie to the which it doth belong, but most of all to satisfie such as eyther ignorantly or maliciouslie haue detracted from this seruice, sugiesting a meere falsehood and vntruth, the which he offers to maintaine by all the courses fitte for a Gentleman and a soldier: and this was the manner of it.

The Duke of Parma hauing marched from Dunkerke through Brabant with his armie, being betwixt twentie and thirty thousand strong, hee sent certaine officers before to view the commodiousnesse of the ground before Berghen, (which hee meant to besiege) as well for the planting of his ordinance, as for the quartering of his men. One of these officers who was a commissarie of the ordinance called [ F] Pedro de Luco, and an other named Thomas Swegoe, (who professed himselfe to bee an Italian) were taken prisoners by certaine soldiars of the garrison of Berghen, who were at that time sent out as Scoutes, which prisoners being thus surprized, were com∣mitted to the safe keeping of maister Read-head, who was then appointed by the Lord

Willoughby to be deputie Prouost of the towne of Berghen. These prisoners had not * 1.323 [ A] continued many dayes in his custodie, before that William Grimeston (hauing had some conference with Swegoe,) found cause to suspect him to be an Englishman borne, and there-vpon deuised with Read-head how to discouer him; who hauing good oportu∣nitie to discourse with them, for that they were in his custodie; hee told Swegoe that hee was much discontented, with his entertainment and vsage on that side, wishing that he were with the Kings forces, vnder the command of Sir William Stanley, vnder whom hee had serued in Ireland. Where-vpon Swegoe wisht Read-head to bee merry and of good comfort, saying that hee was an English man, and borne in Seething lane in London, that his Mother was one of the Queenes women, and that hee had a sister which attended on the Lady Lomley; protesting that it was a happy time for Read-head [ B] that euer hee was taken prisoner, and if hee would be aduised by him, hee would be the meanes both to aduance him to great wealth, and to make him liue in great re∣putation: where-vpon Read-head did willingly yeeld to performe any thing that hee would direct him in.

Then did Swegoe acquaint the foresaid comissarie of the ordinance with all this con∣ference which had past betwixt him and Read-head: where-vpon the comissary told him, that if he could deliuer any port of the towne, or any of the sconses, or any peece of ground of aduantage, he would assure him he should bee so bountifully entertained by the King, as hee should neuer want whilest hee liued; to whom Read-head made answer, that hee had no command neither within the towne nor sconses, but hee had [ C] a friend who hee knew was as greatly discontented as him-selfe, whome hee would acquaint there-with, not doubting but to effect their desire. The same day Read-head did conferre with William Grimeston, (who had then the command of Captaine Tho∣mas Baskeruile his company lying in the North Sconse) and told him that hee had discouered the foresayd Swegoe to bee an English man, and that if he would secretly ioyne with him, hee doubted not but they should giue the enemie a great ouer∣throw, doe good seruice to the country, and purchase great credit and aduancement to themselues: where-vnto Grimeston did very willingly assent, who presently went and aduertised the Lord Willoughby their generall, of all that had past; who seemed to be very glad thereof, willing the sayd Grimeston to proceed in this practise, and to [ D] promise to deliuer vp the North sconse vnto the Duke of Parma, and for a discharge of Grimestons dealing in this action, the Lord Willoughby gaue him a warrant vnder his owne hand.

Then did Read-head bring Grimeston to the Comissarie of the ordinance, and to Swegoe, who told them in what manner Read-head had broken with him, and that hee was willing to doe the King seruice, but hee would haue some assurance how he should bee entertained, for that hee was not able to liue in his owne country, and had many friends of worth; all which he must forgoe, and therefore he would be assured of some certaintie: where-vpon the Comissarie of the Ordinance and Swegoe, did assure Grime∣ston of the Duke of Parmas honorable dealing with him, if he did performe that seruice, [ E] and deliuer vp the North sconse: wherewith he seeming to rest satisfied, the comissa∣rie of the ordinance and Swegoe did write three letters, one to the Duke of Parma, an other to sir William Stanley, and the third to Owen, of all their practise and proceedings, which letters they could not deuise to send without discouery, where-vpon Read-head told them, that rather then the seruice should be any way hindered or protacted, hee himselfe would aduenture to carry the letters, whereof hauing giuen copies to the Lord Willoughby, hee past with them accordingly in the night time through Grime∣stons sconse, to the enemies campe, where at his comming the Sentinell gaue an alarum, and some fiue or sixe shotte were discharged at the sayd Read-head, but in the end hee was receiued by a Sargeant, and some two shotte, carrying him presently [ F] to the Marquis of Renty, who (after many questions) sent him with a Captaine and some twenty soldiers vnto the Duke, vnto whom he deliuered his letters, which when hee had read, hee sent for his councell, and for Sir William Stanley, who examined the sayd Read-head of diuerse matters, as well of the strength of the garrison within

the towne, as how they were furnished with munition and victualls, with sundry other * 1.324 [ A] questions concerning himselfe and the seruice he had in hand? how he came out of the towne without descouery? and how hee could returne againe? with many others, all which were answered to their contents.

Then the Duke of Parma desired to know when hee should haue the sconce deli∣uered vnto him, wherevnto Readhead made answere, that hee could not tell, for that it was in Maister Grimeston to performe, who had the commande thereof: And if it pleased his highnesse to send some one with him whome hee might trust, he would bring him to conferre with Maister Grimeston, by whome hee should vnderstand his full and certaine resolution, wherewith the Prince was well pleased, and sayd that hee would send one with him to talke with Maister Grimeston, protesting to deale hono∣rably [ B] with them, and to performe whatsoeuer his men had promised, with an increase: wherevnto Readhead made answere, that for his owne particular hee did vereliebe∣leeue it, because hee heard him speake it, but to satisfie Maister Grimeston and to in∣courage him the better to effect the seruice, hee desired him to haue it vnder his hand, wherevnto hee did willingly consent: And at that instant Readhead brought a∣way certaine Articles signed by the Duke, the which hee deliuered to Grimeston, and with him the Duke of Parma sent one Alford a Yorkeshire man and a guide to speake with Grimeston, and the chiefest reason was to know when hee should haue the sconce deliuered: Wherevpon Grimeston willed Alford to tell the Duke, that hee could not appoint any certaine time, for that hee was suspected for his Religion, and had [ C] many eies to ouer-looke him. But when hee had made all matters cleere and readie to bee performed, hee would come ouer to the Duke, beseeching him in the meane∣time to haue patience, and not to thinke the time long, for that it should bee effectually performed.

On the sixt of October beeing Sunday, Grimeston and Readhead went to the Dukes Campe, about eleauen of the clocke at night, where they were quietly receiued with∣out any great alarum in the campe. Beeing entred, Grimeston was presently mounted and sent away, and Readhead stayed the Dukes comming (who was vewing of cer∣taine ordinance which hee had caused to bee planted, to hinder a passage by water) whereof the Duke beeing aduertised, hee came presently away, commanding a horse [ D] for Readhead, with whome hee discoursed all the way to his Tent, beeing three miles: Grimeston attended him at the entrie of his Tent, whome hee tooke verie kindely by the hand, bidding him welcome: And after many questions made by the Duke to Grimeston, concerning the Estate of the towne besieged, wherein the sayd Grimeston delt directly and plainely, knowing it to bee his safest course, the Duke hauing so good intelligence out of the towne, in the end the Duke desired to know when hee could be sit to performe the seruice which hee had vndertaken? who presently an∣swered that hee should haue it deliuered vnto him on the Wedensday-night follow∣ing, which was Grimestons garde night; wherevpon hee tooke his hand, and com∣maunded Sir William Stanley, Hugh Owen and diuers other captaines to bee merrie [ E] with Grimeston and Readhead, who conducted them to an other Tent where there was a banket prepared, beeing in the midest of it, there were two gold chaines sent from the Duke, one to Grimeston, the other to Readhead. The banket beeing done, they were re-conuaied to the Duke, who after some more questions with Grimeston con∣cerning the intented businesse, hee gaue them leaue to depart, commanding they should bee mounted vpon two of his owne horses, and Sir William Stanley with Owen Salisbury to garde them to the water side, which they did accordingly, and so taking leaue one of the other, Grimeston returned to the Lord Willoughby ac∣quainting him with all their proceedings, who sayd that it could not be performed as Grimeston had concluded it with the Duke, for that hee was altogither vnproui∣ded, [ F] hauing neither Ordinance planted nor a Portcullis made, nor such Com∣maunders with him to bee partakers of the seruice, as were in the country. And ther∣fore if one of them did not returne to the Duke the next night after, to put it off for three daies more, it was all nothing which they had done.

Where-vpon Grimeston moued the Lord Willoughby to call Read-head, and to incou∣rage * 1.325 [ A] him to goe againe the next night, to winne a longer time; which he did, and com∣ming into the campe, he found the Duke ready with his troupes of horse to second his foote, thinking to haue entred the sconse presently: But as soone as he heard Read-head say the sconce could not bee deliuered that night, hee fell presently into a great rage, laying his hand on his rapier, and swearing that hee did thinke it was but a stratageme to cut his throate, whereof if he were assured, he would kill Read-head with his owne hands: but Read-head gaue him so great reasons for this delay, as hee rested satisfied, promising that Grimeston should deliuer it vnto him, or loose his life; where-vpon the Duke tooke his hand, commanding him a cup of Sack, and so dismist him for that time. Sir William Stanley came back with Read-head to the water side, who vpon the way in∣treated [ B] the sayd Read-head, if it were a stratagem, to tell him, and hee would neuer re∣ueale it: but hee made him answer that there was nothing but truth; Then hee gaue Read-head a watch-word, that when they should enter the sconse, they might send in some hundred or two hundred men before, that himselfe and the rest might enter with safety; all which Read-head promised should be done. Hauing taken leaue of sir Willi∣am Stanley, he returned to the Lord Willoughby, and acquainted him with what had past, and what sir William Stanley had resolued to doe by his watch-word, all which his Lordship willed him to keepe secret, and to acquaint no man there-with; and in the meane time he made all things ready to receiue them.

Vpon the night prefixed, betwixt eleuen and twelue a clock, being as darke as pitch, [ C] Grimeston according to appointment, went forth to conduct them into the sconse, who comming to the Dukes quarter, where his troopes were ready, they demanded for Read-head, and sayd that they thought it was a plot to cut their throats; but Grime∣ston answered that Read-head had slaine one of the Gouernors men in the market place, and that except the expedition of that seruice did saue his life, hee would bee hanged for the fact: yet for all that they would not trust him, but sir William Stanley caused his hands to bee bound with a match, and appointed a Sargent to lead him with his dag∣ger drawne to stabbe him, if hee discouered any treason, and so they came vnto the sconse, where there entred not aboue fortie, whereof some twelue were slaine, and the rest taken prisoners. The alarum being giuen, Grimeston did strike vp the Sargeants [ D] heeles which held him in bonds, and so got to his company, who was likewise in dan∣ger to haue beene slaine by his fellow soldiers, if GOD had not preserued him; the Dukes forces that were with-out the sconce, when the alarum was giuen, being foure thousand men attempted to force it, and to breake downe the Pallessado, being then a lowe-water, but they were repulst, and the water flowing, were forced to retire. There were in this action slaine, drowned, and taken prisoner, betwixt foure hundred and fiue hundred of the enemies, all being men of especiall note.

This is a briefe and true relation of all that action performed by Grimeston and Read-head, which some malicious papists, or ill affected to the State, haue giuen out to haue beene vnder-taken by the receiuing of the Sacrament, wherein they protest and will [ E] maintaine it, that they haue spoken falsely, vntruly and dishonestly, vnlesse they take a banket and a couple of gold chaines to bee a Sacrament. The Queene in recompence of this seruice, did giue vnto Grimeston a hundred pound in money, and an anuitie of fiftie pounds a yeare during his life, causing him to be sworne an Esquire for her body; to Read-head she gaue a hundred pounds and forty pounds a yeare during his life, com∣manding him to bee sworne an ordinary Sewer of her chamber, which place hee still enioyeth vnder his royall Maiestie.

The Duke of Parma hauing receiued this disgrace, and seeing his bad successe a∣gainst the Isle of Ter-Tole, with-out the which he could not fully besiege Berghen, the * 1.326 which might be releeued at euery tide by the ships of Holland and Zeeland, through [ F] the fauour of the great sconse, hee raised his campe, and put his men into garrisons. His retreate was the ninth of Nouember, hauing besieged Berghen sixe weekes to his great losse and shame. After the Duke of Parmas retreate from Berghen, Prince Mau∣rice went to his towne of Campuere, where hee tooke possession of the Marquisate of

Vere, being his inheritance, with the accustomed ceremonies, in the which he caused * 1.327 [ A] peeces of siluer to be cast abroad, on the which were grauen the armes of Nassau and * 1.328 la Vere, tyed together with a double knot, with this circumscription; Nodus indisso∣lubilis: on the other side was an arme armed holding a sword, and the deuise; Ie main∣tiendray Nassau. There was an other kinde of coyne with two hands ioyned as if they plighted their faith, out of the which came Mercuries Caduceus, the writing about it was; Auxilia humilia firma consensus facit, that is; Vnitie and consent make small forces firme and strong. He had receiued the like honor at Flushing, but by reason of some iea∣lousie betwixt the English and the Estates, it was deferred vntill August the yeare following.

Whilest the Duke of Parma was at the siege of Berghen, Charles Earle of * 1.329 Mansfield lay before Wachtendonck, a small Towne in the vpper quarter of Gelder∣land, [ B] the which hauing refused to yeeld vpon summons, he began to batter it, but pre∣uailing little by reason of the great difficultie there was to come vnto the assault: hee resolued to ruine all that was within the towne, which was very little, to which end he caused two great and high caualiers or platformes to be made, whereby he might discouer all that was done in the towne, whereon he planted his Artillerie, which scou∣red ouer all, so as the besieged were forced to abandon both streetes and houses, and to keepe in their caues and sellers; so as in the end despairing of all succors, they were forced to compound the twenty of December, the soldiers departing with their rapi∣ers and daggers onely. About the same time and before (the Netherlands being in [ C] these troubles and garboyles) many bordring vpon those countries, which were to re∣ceiue * 1.330 money from the same, for the which they had the Estates billes formerly made, whereby they bound their subiects to the paiment thereof, vnderstanding that for want of payment it should be lawfull for the said creditors to arrest their subiects and their goods which dwelt out of the Netherlands, as it hath beene often vsed in Ger∣manie and the East-countries; so as for the like debts, and for the arrerages of rents for diuers townes, many Netherland Marchants of Antwerpe and other places, were arrested, and their goods stayed, and actions entred against many Netherland Marchants inhabiting in London, vpon such billes of debt, the which bred great troubles. [ D]

The vnited Prouinces at that time were much troubled about the like cause with the King of Scotland, who this yeare, about the two and twenty of August, sent his * 1.331 Herald vnto the vnited Prouinces, to will them within fortie dayes after his message done, to take order for the satisfaction of their martiall debt for seruice done vnto them, by certaine of his subiects, as to Collonell Stuart, and to other Captaines and soldiers which had serued vnder him in the Netherlands, which amounted to aboue fiue hundred thousand gilders, else hee should be constrained to giue the sayd Collo∣nell and his associates leaue to execute his letters of Mart, granted vnto them alrea∣die by the aduise of his councell, and so paye themselues: to preuent this danger, and all other controuersie which might grow betwixt the King of Scotland and the [ E] sayd Prouinces: the Estates sent Maister Leonard de Voocht one of their councell of * 1.332 Estate vnto the King, with Commission to informe his Maiestie, that the vnited Pro∣uinces, and especially they of Holland and Zeeland (who were most threatned, and in greatest danger of the sayd letters of Marte) were not to pay any thing vnto the sayd Collonell Stuart and his associates, of his pretended debt, which (they sayd) grew, when as they serued the Estates of Brabant, Flanders, Arthois and Henault, vnder the gouernment of Mathias Archduke of Austria, and after him vnder the duke of Aniou, by whose Commission the sayd Collonell Stuart with his regiment, serued in the sayd Prouinces, whereas they of Holland and Zeeland had not any thing to do touching the paiment of soldiers which serued in those Prouinces, but euer since [ F] the pacification of Gant had diuided them-selues from them, as touching those pay∣ments, and by contract made betweene them, had agreed to aide them with 25. compa∣nies of foote, and a hundred horse, wherewith they contented themselues. And that it was against the common custome of all Kings, Princes, Potentats & commonweales, to

seeke to get old debts for seruice done long since in warres by letter of reprisall, so long * 1.333 [ A] as the warres continued, and that it is an vsuall thing amongst them to appoint such debts to bee paied at such daies and times as their State may best spare them without deniall, or constraint of their neighbors: and that in such sort the Emperor Charles and the Kings of France, England, and Denmarke, yea and the King of Spaine himselfe, were indebted many milions, vnto such as had serued them in fore-passed warres, the which was not yet paide.

The Estates gaue commission vnto their Ambassador to returne by England, to in∣forme the Queene of his proceeding in this businesse, and to intreat her Maiesty that * 1.334 shee would be pleased to compound this controuersie betwixt the King of Scotland and them: wherevpon on the tenth of Nouember shee wrot very effectually vnto the King in fauour of the vnited Prouinces: and not long after the Estates sent the sayd [ B] Maister Voocht and Iohn vander Wercke an other Councellor of Estate into Scotland by sea, who satisfied the King so well in all points, as the aforesayd letters of reprisall gant∣ed by the King vnto Collonel Stuart, were called in. The Estates finding themselues some-what eased of the feare they had of the Spanish fleete, and of the mutiny of their souldiers, hauing thereby re-established their authorities, they resolued to settle a bet∣ter * 1.335 course for the gouernment, finding the great vnwillingnesse that was generally a∣mong the soldiars, as then seruing in the Netherlands, by reason of their bad pay, during the Earle of Leicesters Gouernment, wherevpon they determined to establish a new order in martiall pollicy. First, they compared their charges of the warre, with the [ C] meanes of the sayd Prouince, and for that cause discharged diuers companies both of horse and foote, which had beene entertained by the Earle of Leicester, more then the sayd Prouinces could well pay: And finding that by reason of their long and continuall warre, there were many which pretended to be behinde hand with their pay, for former seruice, they caused all the Collonels, Captaines and Officers to promise by oth not to importune the vnited Prouinces, for any such old debt during the warres, vpon condition that euery mans account and reckoning should bee cast vp, and whatsoeuer should be thereby found due vnto them, they tooke order should be paied at such daies and times as the sayd Prouinces could well spare it, and so cut off all yearely pensions formerly granted for them their wiues and children. [ D]

Thirdly the Estates tooke order that the monthly paiments which from thence forth the soldiers should receiue, should be accounted at 48. daies to the month, causing the * 1.336 Collonels, Captaines & common soldiers to sweare that they should rest satisfied with such pay, but the entertainment of superior officers, was appointed to be paied at 32. daies to the month. And to the end that good order might be obserued concerning the payment of the soldiars which serue in the sayd Prouinces, the Estates appointed the sayd soldiers to be kept in garrisons in the sayd Prouinces, according to the order made concerning the contributions wherewith euery Prouince was charged, according to * 1.337 their abilities, whereof ensued many notable effects, especially that the contributions of the respectiue Prouinces, were not diuided, but truely imployed for the furnishing [ E] of their seuerall taxations, made for the payment of the soldiers which were in ech se∣uerall Prouince. Secondly that the soldiers might know in what Prouince they were to demande their pay, and if any default were made, they might presently know how to seeke remedy for the same from the Councell of Estate.

And finding that the charges of warre grew so great, as the ordinarie contributions were not sufficient to defray the same, the sayd Prouinces were content to bee rated extraordinarilie, ouer and aboue the old contribution, which euery of the sayd Pro∣uinces vsed to pay, whereof the Councell of Estate had the disposition, and imployed it for the extraordinary charge. And it was agreed that at the end of the yeare the sayd Prouinces should assemble and account together, to see if euerie of them [ F] had payd there new and old contributions orderly as they ought, and what remained vnpaied.

The meanes wherby the sayd Prouinces raise their particular monthly contributions, are not alike in euery Prouince, for they of Holland and Zeeland (beeing the richest

and mightiest Prouinces) do raise their contribution by excises and imposte rated vpon * 1.338 [ A] wines, beere, cattell, gold, siluer, silke, wollen-cloathes, horned beasts, sope, salt, vinager, aqua-uitae and many other things, the which are euery sixe monthes by certaine com∣missioners appointed by the Estates of the sayd Prouinces let out to farme: and besides this by the poundage rated vpon all lands, according to the yeerely value thereof, and if the reuenues and taxations within the particular Prouinces, will not extend to the summe ordained to bee paied by them, in ordinary and extraordinary contributions, then that which is found short, is either made vp by the townes in Holland, or els it is layed vpon the rest of the generall diuision, that is equally and by a generall consent, whereof the townes are satisfied againe, either by selling or letting out of certaine rents belonging to the whole country of Holland, or in money, out of the poundage which is [ B] collected generally out of the whole Prouince aforesayd.

Some Prouinces haue other meanes to raise their contributions, as the scituation and condition of the Prouinces may afford, of the best meanes they can deuise for the preseruation of the sayd Prouinces townes and villages, which prescribed contribution is not to be diminished, but must bee paied out of such meanes as they shall finde least preiudiciall to their subiects. With these and such like meanes, the vnited Prouinces of Holland, Zeeland, Vtrecht and Friseland, haue not onely valiantly defended them∣selues against the powre of so mightie a King, but also (as it shall appeere) with the aide of Gelderland and Oueryssel, haue oftentimes made offensiue warres against the sayd * 1.339 King, and haue taken whole Prouinces, with many strong townes and fortes from him, [ C] wherein the sayd Prouinces haue neuer imploied any greater powre in the field (besides the garrisons of Bourgers in their townes and fronter places) then 12. or 13000. foote and 3000. horse well furnished and prouided of all kinde of munition for the warre, as the necessity of the place besieged required; hauing alwaies maintained their soldiers both in field and in garrisons in good discipline, punishing open offences, reforming a∣buses and satisfying the interessed.

The warre by sea is maintained by the Estates in as good order as that by land, ap∣pointing in their sea Prouinces an office of the Admiralty, which consists of diuers per∣sons of good iudgement in pollitick affaires, or els in traficke by sea, and are diuided in∣to fiue seuerall places, where they haue their ordinary residence, as at Amsterdam, Rot∣terdam, [ D] and Horne or Enchuysen for Holland; at Midlebourg for Zeeland, and at Har∣linghen or Doccum for Friseland, of the which Prince Maurice (as Admirall Generall of the sea) is the head. In whose name all commissions and orders for the warre ap∣pointed * 1.340 by the sayd Officers of the Admiralty, are sent forth: the Officers vnder him are sworne and receiue their commission from the generall Estates. The Admiralll hath three or foure Vice-admiralls, which keepe in Holland and Zeeland, in places that are most conuenient vpon the sea-coast, as in Holland Iohn van Deuenvoord Lord of Warmont, and vnder him Peter vander Doos and Iohn Gerbrantson. In Zeeland Iustin Nassau and vnder him Ioos de Moor.

The Officers of the Admiraltie direct all the warres by sea, by aduise from the gene∣rall [ E] Estates, and to that end they receiue such money as is payed for conuoies and Li∣censes rated vpon goods going out and comming in, according to the order set downe by the generall Estates, which taxes are raised higher euery yeare by the sayd Estates, if necessity require it and be thought conuenient for the good of the Netherlands. The money rysing of the sayd conuoies &c. is collected by sworne Officers, appointed by the sayd courts of Admiralty, and is imployed to the paiement of the souldiars which * 1.341 serue by sea, and are at the charge of the generality, as also for the building and repay∣ring of shippes of warre, and for the rigging and furnishing them with all things neces∣sarie, the which is a very great charge in respect of the great number of shippes of war which they are forced to entertaine continually. [ F]

The warre by sea is ordered by the Admiraltie in this sort; first they appoint diuers shippes of warre to watch the hauen townes, which are vnder the enemies commande, as before Dunkerke, Nieuport, Ostend &c. Secondly there are certaine ships of warre sent out to keepe the seas. Thirdly they vse yearely to send out some shippes of warre

to defend the fisher-men, which take herings and cod vpon the coasts of England, * 1.342 [ A] Scotland and there-abouts, fourthly as the Marchants shippes saile out of the said Pro∣uinces to traficke with France, England, Scotland, Denmarke: and other places, they are safely convoyed by certaine shippes of warre, to defend them from their enemies and from pirats at sea. Lastly they haue a great number of small shippes appointed for the warres, which they vse within the land, to keepe their riuers and fresh waters from Inuasion of the enemies, as also for the beseeging of townes and forts, which lie vpon the said riuers. The said admiralty hath authority to punish offences and reforme dis∣orders committed at sea, to determine of prisoners ransomes taken: to value the prises of all goods brought in by sea Captaines. And to the end the saylers should doe their duties and fight willingly, euery one is allowed his part of the prises which they [ B] haue taken, according to his place, and they are often times rewarded by the admiralty for their good seruices, besides their monethly wages. This yeare the States garrisons made diuers incursions into the enemies country: they of Heusden and Geertruyden∣berg * 1.343 in Brabant went forth with eight hundred men, horse and foote (the horsemen taking vp the foote-men behind them) and went to Tilborch by Boisleduke whereas some of the Duke of Parmas troupes lay, whome they charged and defeated, whereof diuers being slaine the rest fled into the church, but they durst not stay to force them fearing that vpon the alarume, the garrisons there about would issue forth and charge them, and so they returned backe with good prize. The like did they of Berghen vp Zoom, being lesse then a hundred soldiers (whereof fiue or six were horse-men of [ C] captaine Baxe his companie) and led by a Sargent, they went to doe an exployt vpon Botchloon, whereof they fayled, yet they past valiantly through a company of soldiars and came to Thienen, where there lay fiue or sixe companies of Spaniards, into the which they got by reason that the towne is great, and draue out the Spaniards, putting three companies of them to the sword, and then spoyled the towne: the enemie attended them at their comming forth being about foure hundred strong, but they making head valiantly, not onely forced through them, but came safe to their garri∣son withall their booty which is a thing almost incredible.

The Zeelanders being about seauenty strong, past ouer the water into Flanders, and there cut of a conuoie going to Cortrick, where besides the foote there were a∣boue [ D] two hundred horsemen, and thirty Marchants which did ride; the Zeelanders first charged the horse-men with their shot, and tooke some of them, and then defea∣ted the rest, carrying away as much booty as they could, and so returned into Zee∣land. Sir Martin Schenck in like sort was not Idle but made road as farre as Momedi, and in December he had secret intelligence with some of Nymeghen, meaning to vndermine the wall, whereas the ditch was not very deepe, and so to blow it vp, but by reason of some store of raine which fell about that time and stood in the diches, he could not effect his desseigne. There were many subtill enterprises attempted about this time of either side both in Brabant, Gelderland and Freezland, some-times with profit, some-times with losse, for that there were many good soldiars [ E] of either side, who sought daily to winne honor and credit. Sir Martin Schenck to recouer some of his losses in the beginning of Nouember made a sconse at Herwer∣den vpon the Rine without the consent of the Estates, which was some impayring of their publicke authority, but by the perswasion of Prince Maurice and the Lord Willoughby hee had a great charge giuen vnto him that hee should throw it downe againe.

The English garrison in the Brill began to mutine for their pay, being some-what long ere it came: that garrison lying in such sort, as the soldiars had good meanes to helpe them-selues by incursions vpon the enemie, but for that their pay (accor∣ding to the contract) was to be brought out of England, the Estates of Holland dis∣bursed [ F] the mony for the Queene, and so stayed the mutiny. The enemies garri∣sons being also in great want and misery began to mutine for want of pay, for that the Kings Indian treasor was not able to counteruaile the great cost and charges of * 1.344 his warres, part of those wants were supplied by the King of Spaines name and

authority, and yet not so well, but diuers of their souldiers put themselues vnder the [ A] Estates, where they might haue surer pay, and better meanes to helpe themselues by incursions.

In the beginning of this yeare the garrison of Geertruyden bergh beganne to mu∣tine againe, it is a towne belonging to Prince Maurice, lying right against Dort, vpon * 1.345 the Mecwe or Vlack, which is a water made by the Rhine and the Mase: this garrison suspecting that some-thing might bee attempted against them, they presently disarmed the Bourgers, and staied all the shippes and boates that past by, taking contributions, burning villages and committing all insolencies as enemies to the Estates. Vpon the sixe and twentie of Nouember past, the souldiars beeing perswaded to vnion, they made answere by writing the which (they sayd) was signed by Sir Iohn Wingfield Go∣uernor [ B] of the towne, the Englishmen and other captaines, that they would all die be∣fore they would deliuer the Bourgers their armes againe, and beeing sent for to serue in any place they made them this answere that they were all resolued to serue vnder the enemie rather then vnder Prince Maurice or the Estates; who consider∣ing of this their resolution, and finding that they entertained all fugitiue souldiers, and sought to incite other garrisons to the like rebellion, hauing receiued intelligence that from the second day of February this yeare, they had beene in treatie with the Duke of Parma: Prince Maurice (with the aduise of the Estates) resolued (seeing that the Lord Willoughby, Sir Iohn Norris nor Maister Bodley could not preuaile with them, and that the Lord Willoughby was as then to goe for England) to besiege [ C] the towne both by water and by land, considering the daunger thereof, and of the * 1.346 townes lying about it: and so comming before it the fiue and twenty day of March, hee sent a kinde letter to them of the towne by a drum, giuing them to vnderstand that the Gouernor Sir Iohn Wingfield and other captaines had threatned to deliuer the towne in∣to the enemies hands, and what a dishonor and danger they should thereby purchase vnto themselues, offring them all contentment, wherevnto they made answere, that they would rather seeke aide from the enemie, then yeeld to Prince Maurice or the States, threatning to hang vp his messenger.

The towne of Dort did likewise write vnto them but they tare their letters. And when as the Lord Willoughby wrot his letters on the eighteenth of March, to Sir [ D] Iohn Wingfiled his brother in law, desiring him to finde meanes to come away rather then his presence should giue any cause of offence: Sir Iohn Wingfield refused it, say∣ing that he had sworne to liue and die with the souldiers, as long as they would hold that towne for her Maiestie and the good of the Netherlands, who protested to deliuer it rather to the enemie then to Prince Maurice or the Estates, with other words to the like effect. In the meane time Prince Maurice did what he could to win the towne, and beganne to batter it furiously, they within defended themselues, yet there was a rea∣sonable breach made, and being readie to giue an assault, they within cunningly offred a composition by a minister and a deputie, whom they had sent forth to treate with the Prince and the States, to whome the Articles were deliuered, with the which they re∣turned, [ E] so as there was great hope of an agreement. But the souldiers hauing repay∣red this breach in the night, and the waters being growne so high by a tempest as they could not vse their Ordinance, perceiuing both by signes of fire out of the towne, and by letters sent to Breda, what secret dealing they had with the enemie, as also by let∣ters from the Duke of Parma from Brusselles, bearing date the 24. day of March, and from Breda of the 29. of March from Odoardo Lansavechio, which they within the towne had receiued, hearing also that the Duke of Parma was within few miles of the towne; Prince Maurice resolued to with-drawe the siege, that they might haue no iust occasion to pretend they had beene forced to yeeld the towne vnto the enemie, ho∣ping by that meanes to mooue the best minded soldiers to consider thereof, and to bee [ F] better aduised; and to that end on the second of Aprill he offred them againe all fauour and contentment, shewing them that they were deceiued by the vaine speeches giuen out concerning the Queenes authority, sending them diuers acts and discharges made to that end by her Maiesty, & letting them vnderstand what a dishonor these disordred

dealings might be vnto her. And vpon the fourth of Aprill he wrot vnto them by mai∣ster * 1.347 [ A] Leuinus the minister, saying, that hee sought not the life neither of officer nor sol∣dier, * 1.348 but assured them that as many as would continue in pay should bee still entertai∣ned, and such as would not, might depart whether they pleased withall they had: so as they would assure the towne vnto him. To whom they made answere the same day, that their full resolution was to stay there in garrison, and to doe the like seruice they had done before, and that they would make choise of their owne Gouernor.

On the fift of Aprill Prince Maurice did againe offer them all security, and to per∣forme whatsoeuer they would else demande by contract, desiring them to send their deputies vnto him, but all was in vaine, for that vpon the ninth of Aprill they receiued the Duke of Parmaes deputies into the towne, with whom they compounded to yeeld the towne for fifteene monthes pay, and not any of them would yeeld vnto Prince Mau∣rice * 1.349 [ B] but onelie two soldiers, such powre hath greedinesse of money whereas prodiga∣litie beareth sway, and the feare of GOD is reiected, and yet they cloakt their trea∣cherie, with a pretence of the Queene of Englands seruice. The townesmen were kindly delt withall, they had a generall pardon, and licence to depart when they would, or els to stay for the space of two yeares, without any molestation of Religion, and all their preuiledges confirmed, so as they tended not to the preiudice of the Kings authoritie. The souldiers were pardoned whatsoeuer they had committed, promising to procure them the like in Germanie, Luyke-land and Collen, and for that the Duke professed to loue and honour good souldiers, (such as they were) hee was content to accept and receiue them all into the Kings seruice, with restitution [ C] of all their goods consiscate; and such as desired not to serue should haue the like free∣dome, and might staie sixe monethes within the towne, and cause themselues to bee payd by lawfull meanes out of the assignation of contribution giuen them be∣fore by them of Brabant, Holland and Zeeland. And in recompence of the good ser∣uice which they had done vnto the King therein, hee gaue them ten monthes pay, which the States ought them, and for a rewarde fiue monthes pay more, all in readie money, that they might goe out with credit. All such as had fled from the Kings ser∣uice, and were then there with them, were pardoned for their sakes, all prisoners should bee ransomed, and vpon payment thereof made let goe, except they were spi∣rituall persons, who should pay no ransome: and that Sir Iohn Wingfield and Charles [ D] Honings should depart when they would with all their housholds, goods and moua∣bles, and that they should haue pasports giuen them to that end. This was concluded at Breda vpon the tenth of April 1589.

The garrison being in this sort payd, rewarded and gone out, the same daie Charles Earle of Mansfieldt entred the towne. The Estates of the vnited Prouinces proclay∣ming * 1.350 both the Gouernor, Captaines, Officers and all the Souldiars, Traytors and Rebells, condemning them to be hanged where-soeuer they should bee found, with promise of fiue poundes in rewarde for euerie priuate souldier, and ten poundes for euerie Officer, to them that could bring any of them to the Estates, and their goods [ E] confiscate, all their names beeing set downe in the proclamation, beeing to the number of sixe hundred and fiftie persons. These souldiars lyuing in the Duke of Parmaes armie, were for a long time despised and skorned by the name of Mar∣chants, manie of them were afterwardes taken in the vnited Prouinces, and present∣ly hanged for example to others. Sir Iohn Wingfield with Captaine Honnings re∣tired themselues into England: Hee is much taxed in this action by the Estate, but it seemes hee had but the bare title of a Gouernor, and no commanding powre ouer the garrison, who compelled him to doe what they pleased, the which seemes to bee true, for that they set a gard ouer him during all the time of the seege, as I haue heard himselfe affirme, neither was it in his powre to yeeld the towne vnto Prince [ F] Maurice.

During the seeke of this towne there were slaine of the States side these captaines, Wolffart van Brederod, vander Aa, Landas captaine of Prince Maurice his foote gard, and Cornellis Adrianz Schaeps; and aboue fiftie more, there were hurt Peter vander Doës

viceadmirall of Holland and captaine Sydenborch, the marshall of Villiers was also * 1.351 [ A] shotte, whereof he died not long after, a good soldiar and one that had beene alwaies faithfull vnto the vnited Prouinces.

This losse of Gheertruydenberg did much preiudice the vnited Prouinces, wherefore they presently stopt vp the riuer with shippes of warre both to hinder their fishing and passage out of the towne by water. The thirteene of Aprill Cont Charles of Mansfeldt went with a small army from Gheertruydenberg into the quarter of Boisleduke by the Duke of Parmas commandement, where he tooke the Castell of Lobben the which he * 1.352 was forced to leaue three daies after. On the seauenteene of May hee also tooke the Castell of Daetoren neere vnto Heusden: on the twenty one day passing out of Boisle∣duc, his men tooke three ships of war of Holland, lying at anchor in the riuer of Meuse [ B] aboue Buchouen, and the next day he went before the castle of Hemert, which he tooke: The castle of Blenbeeke (which collonel Schenck had held so long as his owne patri∣money, being scituated in the vpper quarter of Gelderland) was also yeelded vnto him the twenty fiue of Iune after that it had beene a while beseeged: and the sixteenth of Iuly the castels of Puydroyen and Brakel, the which was afterwards abandoned, and burnt with the whole village. But going to campe before Heusden the same moneth hee was forced to rise with shame and losse. The same moneth three companies of the Estates horse were surprised nere vnto Boisleduc by the new garison of Gheertruy∣denbergh, * 1.353 and defeated, the one was of Prince Maurice his garde whereof Rysoyer was Captaine, the second the Seignior of Kynschys and the third the deceased Marshall [ C] of Villers, whereas Rysoyer and Kynschy with diuers horse-men were taken, the rest were put to rout. Whilest that the Earle of Mansfeldt with the duke of Pastrana and the prince of Ascholy with many shippes and boats, beseeged the house or castle of Hele in the Ile of Bomel: Prince Maurice, the Earle of Hohenlo and the Earle of Solms, drew the garrisons about Heusden together in the moneth of August, and by force victualed the towne in the face of the enemy, who laie not far from it. The Castle of Hele had bin sore battered with nine hundred shot at the least, whervpon Sidenborch the gouer∣nor * 1.354 yeelded the twenty foure of August, by meanes of a dissention fallen among the sol∣diers, who were most slaine, whereof afterwards he excused him selfe. From thence the Dukes army marched to Louesteyn, lying at the end of the Ile of Bomel, and they [ D] made a sconse meaning to take Louesteyn, but the waters being very much risen by rea∣son of great store of rayne which had fallen, they were forced to leaue it.

In September the Duke of Parma supposed by the inclosing in of Heusden, and the taking of Hemert, Hele and other sconses there abouts, that the country was sufficient∣ly garded on the one side Hemert to passe ouer the Meuse into Tielsche-Weert, and so to go to Buren or Vtrecht, but the Spaniards (who had the fore-ward vnder Collonell Lieua) hauing some quarrell with the Italiens, and being set on by the Duke of Pastra∣na & the Prince of Ascoly, (who were no great friends to the duke of Parma) would not passe ouer the riuer, but cryed out viue el Re, fuora il mal gouerno, and when the Earle of * 1.355 Mansfeldt would haue forced them to passe, they shot at him, and draue him away [ E] & so went to their garrison in the Graue: And for that Prince Maurice had gathered to∣gether great forces stopping their passage, and beseeged the castle of Hele round about with sconses, being the winter time, the Dukes army was forced to leaue the field, for∣tifieng the Castles of Hemert, Hele and the Sconses at the mouth of the Deymse by Boscher. This yeare the Duke of Parma was very sickly, which some thought to pro∣ceed for that on the 10. of Nouember before cōming from Berghen vp Zoom & riding to Mechline, he fell into the water: where vnto other misfortunes were added, as the Melancholike humor which did possesse him for the vnfortunate successe of the Spa∣nish army, and his dishonorable retreat from Berghen, for the which (by the meanes of the Dukes of Pastrana and the Prince of Ascoly) he was reprocht and flouted at: It [ F] might also be furthered by an other occasion, for that hauing taken vp certaine hundred thousand of Ducats by exchange, to bee paid in Spaine, by the practises of such as loued him not, they were not discharged, so as hee was forced to giue the Italien Marchants in Antwerp contentment out of his owne cofers. Moreouer at the same

time his vncle, the great Cardinall Farnese dyed in Rome the three and twentith * 1.356 [ A] of March, a man on whome hee much depended. All these crosses made him sick∣ly * 1.357 and very melancholy: So as in Maie hee went to the Spawe in Sweborn, and lodged at Mentfort or thereabouts, drinking dayly of those waters for the recouery of his health.

Before his departure hee called togither the Estates of Brabant, Flanders, Ar∣thois, and Henault, to ayd the League of France both with money and men, and * 1.358 to take it out of the rents wherewith the reuenues were charged. They were content to yeeld to his desire in many things, although they were much impouerished by rea∣son of the great taxations which were imposed vpon them, the which were raysed with harder conditions then vppon them in the vnited Prouinces, who had free and [ B] open trafficke in all places, where as they that liued vnder the Kings commaund, did flye dayly out of the Country by reason of their small trafficke, dearth of all thinges, & bad protection so as the Duke of Parma grew daily to bee more dispised and hated, not onely of the Country people, but also of the Spaniards, who imputed the bad successe of the Spanish flcete onely to him, for that hee was not ready nor prouided of Saylers, neither had forecast the dangers that might insue, so as his enemies the Duke of Pastrana and the Prince of Ascoly, knew well how to blemish his credit in Spaine, as we haue said before.

About the same time hee had sent certaine Mules laden with rich Tapistries and cloth of Arras with other costly thinges, out of the Netherlands to bee transpo•…•…ed [ C] into Italie: passing through Lorraine or the Franch Conty they were sette vppon * 1.359 and taken away, the which afterwards was openly reported, and did manifestly ap∣peare, that it was done by aduise from Spaine, whether it were by the Kings owne command, or his Councels, or by the practises of such as loued him not, I know not, but it was a great hindrance vnto him, and bred a great dislike in him against Spaine.

Moreouer there fell a controuersie with great reproches, betwixt the Lord of Champigny and the President Richardot (the Duke of Parmas fauorite) and afterwards with the Duke himselfe, concerning the treaty of peace at Bourbrough, betwixt the Deputies of the Queene of England and those of the King of Spaine, of which num∣ber * 1.360 Champigni and Richardot were, but both of diuers opinions: Champigni sought to [ D] deale roundly and sincerely in the said treaty of peace, the which being obtained, hee perswaded him-selfe it should much aduance the Kings affaires, hauing libertie to en∣ter into the Ports and Hauens of England for the safegard of the great Armado, which was the way to conquer Holland and Zealand, and to subdue the Estates. But Richardot had contrary instructions from the Duke of Parma to breake of the treaty, holding the conquest of England easie, according to the aduise and proiect which Don Iohn had left in writing at his death: for the which Mounsier Champigni was much offended in regard that hee had past his word to the Queene of England that there was no other intent but to deale sincerely and vprightly, so hee was thereby disgraced and proued a lyar: where-vpon after the bad successe of the said armie, Champigni complained there∣of [ E] in many places, and writte diuers letters vnto the King, shewing that the onely cause thereof proceeded from the negligence and indiscretion of the Duke of Parma: where∣vpon hee grew into such hatred of Champigni, as hauing written vnto the King that all would go to ruine in the Netherlands, if speedy remedie were not had, & especial∣ly then when as he was ready to go to ayd the League in France, & therfore he thought it not fit to leaue such backe-biters & comptrollers behinde him in the Countrie, so as * 1.361 he obtained leaue to send Champigni out of the Netherlands, the which he put in prac∣tise with no small rigour, commaunding him to dislodge out of the Netherlands, and to retyre into Burgongne within a very short time: Champigni asking him the reasons why, the duke answered, to teach your tongue to keepe silence, & your pen to write better: [ F] so as no intreaty, nor intercession of his friendes could preuaile, nor the indisposition of his body, beeing scarse able to trauaile, desiring that hee might rather continue in some Cloyster of Capuchins or Iesuits, but all was in vaine, and so hee was forced to liue a banished man in Bourgongne so long as the Duke of Parma liued.

The Duke seeing him-selfe maligned and slandered by them that were and ought to be * 1.362 [ A] neere his person, to iustefie all his actions (as they of Arthois and Henault were more * 1.363 affected vnto him then vnto any other Spaniard, that might aspier vnto the gouer∣ment) he sent the said Richardot presidēt of Arthois into Spaine vnto the king, to answer in his name to al obections and slanders, wherwith they had filled the Kings eares, and to bring back a continuation of the dukes cōmission in his gouernment of the Netherlands in despite of his enemies. Whilest that Richardot was in Spaine the duke went the eight of May toward the Spawe (as we haue said) for his indisposition, his seruants and other Italiens complayning openly at the Spawe, that the Spaniards had drest their maister in that manner, hauing his belly and legges sowlne.

The Duke of Parma being much distasted both of Spaine and Spaniards, he wanted no remembrance•…•…s to put him in minde of the Kings displeasure, being charged to haue [ B] beene the cause of the bad successe of the Kings Army, and that great Princes doe not easely forgiue nor forget conceyued displeasures: and that it were better for him to looke to himselfe, and (following Machauells councell) rather make him-selfe Lord of * 1.364 the country, wherevnto hee had good reason to aspire, in regard of the Spaniards ha∣tred towards him, and the wrong which was done to his sonne Raynutius, touching the crowne of Portugal, whervnto he had better title (as they said) then the king himself. And that if he would attempt any thing in the Netherlands, whether it were with the title of Soueraigne, or as Protector or Lieutennant thereof, he should want no friends within the contry, nor wel-willers without it, as France, England and the vnited Prouin∣ces [ C] themselues, with whome secret treaties might be made, whereby the Netherlands on the other side, might obtaine a good and free enter course of trafficke, for the good of the whole country, for as then hee had to many ouerseers, both before behind and round about him: it being well fore-seene long before by the councell of Spaine, hauing therein taken example by the procedings of Don Iohn of Austria. Others thought hee would defer the execution of his desseigns, till after the death of the King of Spaine, being very old, and that the house of Farnese was wont to be sub∣till and couetous inough yet alwaies warie and very circomspect: But the King granting his desire, and at the last sending for the Duke of Pastrana into Spaine he was well satisfied: And for that the King was fully resolued to ayde the Leaguers in France [ D] at Richardots returne out of Spaine, hee recommended that busines vnto him, as the fittest man for that action, and he for his part resolued to vndergo the charge, being a fit meanes to purchase more honor, and for that cause hee made all the hast he could sending both men and money to the frontire townes and gathering an army together in Arthois, wherein La mot had the cheefest charge, who not long before in April thought * 1.365 to haue surprized Ostend, by the secret intelligence with some of the soldiars, but hee fayled of his purpose, where-vpon the garison of Berghen vp Zoome with that of Ostend and others, spoyled Gramont, or Geecsbergh.

On the twenty of September the duke of Parma went from Spawe to Aken or Aix la Chapelle three leagues of, hauing three companies of horse with him: there he [ E] was honorably entertained and presented with diuers guifts. In that towne hee did visit the cheefe relicks, which are Iosephs breeches, the virgine Maries smocke, the sheete wherein Iohn Baptist was buried, Charlemagnes chaire, and some other petty ones, and from thence he went to Bins to bee neerer vnto the frontiers of France. This sommer Berke was beseeged by the Duke of Parmas forces, Collonel Schencke came in the end of Iuly with many shippes to releeue it with victualls, mounting vp the riuer * 1.366 within a league of the towne, from whence hee carried such store of victualls and munition as they had neede of by land, and entred safely there-with into the towne.

Cont William Lewis of Nassau Gouernor of Freezland for the Estates, was daily at warres with Verdugo Gouernor of Groning for the King of Spaine, to whose aide the [ F] Duke of Parma sent seauen Companies of foote and three of horse, the which mar∣ched through the Country of Westphalia and the Conty Vander-Lippe, and so

to enter into East Friseland and then into the countrie of Groning. Colonel Schenck * 1.367 [ A] being aduerised of the course they held, hauing gathered together all the men he could out of the garrisons of Gelderland, he went & attended these troupes vpon the heath or plaines (which they call Lipper-heyde) where hee defeated them, and put them to rout, * 1.368 taking from them all the money which they had brought to pay the garrison of Gro∣ning and other neere places, which the King held in those parts of Friseland. Schenck victualled Berck and defeated these troupes in lesse then eight daies, about the begin∣ning of August.

The third day after his victory beeing fortefied with all the forces hee could get * 1.369 (carrying a splene to them of Nymeghen) he went from his sconcse called the Bril or Vossenhole, lying by Tolhuys, and sailed along the riuer of Wahal, that hee [ B] might come to Nymeghen by night, hauing sent his horsemen by land: It was a very still night and the tyde very high, so as they could not aduance much with their ships being vnfit to rowe, and they came on so slowly as day began to breake. The Punts or smaler vessells for that they went with owers, came on first and gaue an alarum to the towne, so as the Bourgers and some souldiars went to armes: wherevpon Schenck not staying for the rest, resolued to giue an attempt before it was day, and landed by the Maie-gate, then presently taking two Rammes which he had brought, he went to Saint Anthonies gate, the which (although it were very strong) hee brake open, and so got through certaine iron grates and windoes into a house, which they tooke, from whence they thought to ceaze vpon the market place, beeing not farre from thence; in the [ C] meane time the rest of the shippes came on, and shot into the towne, and they of the towne at them. The townsmen beeing in armes beganne to assaile the house a farre of, but to small pourpose, vntill they had brought two field peeces before it, where∣with they shot into it, and with that the souldiars and then the Bourgers got in and draue Schencks soldiars out againe, the rest being not yet come: In the meane time the horsemen with some footemen were busie to gette open the Hessenche gate, but they beganne to late, for before they had beaten of the lockes and bolts, it was day light, so as they within the towne casting stones and other things vpon them, forced them to leaue it.

This succeeding so vnfortunatly on euerie side for that they came too late, and were [ D] descouered by the day-light, euerie man, yea & the women of the town being in armes, al the ships with the men being not come forward, Schenck with his men were forced to retire back againe vnto their ships, which retreat was with such confusion, disorder and feare, as euery man sought to saue himselfe as speedely as hee could; wherevpon there leapt so many into foure or fiue great boates that were neerest, as three of them sonke with the waight thereof, so as such as could not swim were drowned, whereof Sir Martin Schenck himselfe was one: who was opprest with the waight of his Armor and could not helpe himselfe: The shippes that were laden did driue downe halfe * 1.370 a mile beyond the towne, by a village called Ostenholt, where they cast Anchor, missing their Commander: One of their great Puntes or boates full of men, did [ E] driue before the streame to Saint Huberts Tower: from whence they could not get, but were slaine in great numbers with stones throwne downe out of the sayd Tower; some leapt into the water to saue themselues; and in the meane time foure more of their shippes full of men stood and beheld that Punt, but by reason it was a calme they could by no meanes passe by, but at the last two of them escaped awaie, and the other two fell into the enemies hands, but the souldiars got away: within the towne there were not aboue eight or nine found dead and wounded, but without there were a hundred at the least. This vnfortunate mischance happened vpon the leauenth daie of August, Corn. llis Zeghers and Iacob Ween beeing Bourguemasters of Nymeghen. [ F]

The townsmen of Nymeghen beeing somewhat eased of their feare by this victo∣rie, tooke certaine scutes and boates, and went to see if they could with their nettes and hookes get any men or bootie out of the water; where amongst the rest they found a man with a faire armor and well appareled, which beeing brought to

land, they knewe it to bee Sir Martin Schenck, by the markes hee had about him, * 1.371 [ A] as a wounde in his head which hee had gotten before Steenwicke, an other on his side, which hee had at Arnham, and the third on the for-head: and after that they had hanged two prisoners which they had taken, the Bourgers in reuenge, powred out * 1.372 their rage vpon his dead ca•…•…case, the which they quartered and hung vp ignomini∣ously at the foure corners of the towne, and his head was set ouer Saint Anthonies gate, but not long after they were taken downe againe by commandement from the Marquis of Varembon, Gouernor of Gelderland for the King of Spaine, for that many poore Townes-men of Nymeghen were slaine and murthered for it in manie places; and so the head and quarters were layed in a coffin and kept in a Tower, till that the towne was taken three yeares after by Prince Maurice, [ B] and then it was buried verie honorably and with great sollemnitie, after the man∣ner * 1.373 and order of a souldiar, and laied in the great Church before the high Altar in the Dukes of Gelders tombe, Prince Maurice and all his traine accompanying the body.

Thus did Sir Martin Schenck of Nydeck (one that had tried his fortunes on both sides to his great honour and reputation) end his life, beeing one of the most reso∣lute, valiant and polliticke captaines in his time, which his worthie enterprises and exploites doe well witnesse, as his many victories, his releeuing of the castle of Blyen∣be•…•…ke, * 1.374 where hee beseeged the beseegers, and forced them to leaue the seege. His stratagems were likewise notable, as the winning of Nymeghen and Breda from the [ C] Duke of Parma, but beeing badly rewarded for his seruice, hee left him and went to ayde the Elector Trucses and his adherents.

In his youth hee was fi•…•…st page to captaine Enchuisen, and after that to the Earle of I•…•…elsteyn whome hee with other captaines beseeged in a sconse before Goore, and there hee tooke his maister prisoner. Hee did winne Werle in Westphalia, and behaued himselfe poll•…•…tickely and valiantly in the taking of Bonna, with many o∣ther memorable enterprises, which deserue an honorable remembrance: hee was made knight by the Earle of Lecester: when hee died hee was but young; hee was verie stronge and hardie, and alwaies brought vp in the warres; a great enterpriser, and actiue beyonde all measure, and soden in his actions, for when as the enemie [ D] thought him to bee dronke and fast a sleepe, hee would bee manie times either vp∣on their walles, or before their gates: hee was liberall and well beloued of his soul∣diars. His verie enimies would confesse and say of him that hee knewe how to take townes and fortes, but hee could not hold them when hee had them, but that was no disgrace, nor any blemish to his reputation beeing but a priuate Gentleman, and no King nor Prince, for hee left the keeping of them to his captaines. Being high min∣ded, some-what willfull and rough of behauiour, he was many times held in disgrace with the Estates, but at the last hee applied himselfe to the time, and for that the Mar∣shall Villiers died not long before, it was thought in time hee should haue beene ad∣uanced and preserred to that same place.

After the death of Collonel Schenck, the Fort which hee had built (called then [ E] the spectacle, or the Foxes hole and nowe Grauenward, although most commonly * 1.375 they call it Schenkes-sconse) which during his life-time had beene kept in verie good order and discipline, mutined for their paie, the which they sayd resolutlie the would haue, or els they would finde them that should pay them. And it was giuen out that they had alreadie begune to treate with the Duke of Cleues to yeeld it vnto him. But the Earle of Meurs comming thether the fifteenth day of August, pacified al, promising them vpon the word o•…•… an Earle, they should bee paied and satisfied, mak∣ing it his owne debt.

In the beginning of Sommer William Earle of Nassau Gouernor of Friseland for * 1.376 [ F] the Estates made a certaine enterprise vpon Delfziel, for the effecting whereof, hee attempted the Fort of Rheyde, which is almost an Island, lying in the riuer of Ems, right against the towne of Emden, which he battred and tooke by force, the which

he fortefied and made a very strong sconst Iland: and then he tooke some other small [ A] forts thereabouts: the duke of Parma to hinder these petty victories sent both men and * 1.377 mony to Verdugo gouernor of Groning, but Collonel Schenke defeated them vpon the plaines of Lippe, as we haue said. The twenty of October William Earle of Nassau tooke an other sconse called Saltcamp, lying in the mouth of the Reedeep, and entring it by force in the sight of Verdugo, (who could not preuent it) he slue eighty men there∣in, and tooke many prisoners, this sconce lieth in a marish, stopping the passage vpon Reedeepe vnto Groning.

The twenty eight of August, the Earle of Meurs with the garrisons of Lo∣chem and other neere places, entred into Westphalia: And for that the great Borrough of Graue two leagues from Munster the cheefe Towne of Westphalia, did * 1.378 [ B] commonly entertaine the Spaniards which came from about Groning and did fauour them more then the estates men: being that day a great free fare especially for horses and much frequented, they entred into it, sackt the faier and all the inhabitants and marchants that were come thether, carrying away a great spoyle. The generall estates to make their nauigation to France and England free, manned forth a good number of shippes of warre to conuoy their marchants, and to defend them against those of Dunkerk and other ports which the Spaniard held vpon the coast of Flanders, which shippes were set in gard before the said hauens, besides many others that were vpon the riuers of Ems, Rhine, Meuse, Wahal, Leck, and other places, where as the enemy might haue any passage to make his courses into the vnited Prouinces, so as all the [ C] ships of warre which were intertayned at that time by the estates (besides their pinasses which is like a small galley) and the hoyes of munition came to a 114. saile, and oftentimes more, as the necessity of the time and occasion required. It happened at that time that one of the estates shippes (whereof Iacob Antonissen, vice Admirall of Harlem was captaine, but not then aboard for that hee was sicke) lying with other shippes in gard before Dunkerke, while the rest of his company had the enemy in chase he being alone, certaine fisher-boates well manned and other shippes of Dunkerk cun∣ningly * 1.379 set vpon him, grapled with him and borded him, where after they had fought a∣long time and valiantly defended them-selues, finding them-selues in the end too weake they set fire on their pouder, and blue both themselues vp, and a great number of them [ D] of Dunkerke that had borded them, few onely escaping by swimming, and burnt the shippes that were fastned to it.

The Dunkerkers being now very strong at sea by reason of the great prizes which they tooke daily from them of Holland and Zeeland, where with they did so inrich their soldiars, as they tempted many saylers and soldiars of the vnited Prouinces, to runne thether and to serue them, and so they kept in the north seas, and tooke diuers English men, Netherlanders and fishermen, and put them to ransome, for assurance whereof they tooke out the maisters, pylots and marchants and whatsoeuer was good within the shippes and then let them goe. The Englishmen for their parts made no meanes to preuent these spoyles, but the vnited Prouinces first somoning all their [ E] saylers and soldiars which serued vnder them of Dunkerke (hauing committed no heynous crimes) to come from them, promising them a pardon, they appointed a great number of shippes to keepe the seas, so as they tooke diuers shippes of Dunkerke, and hung vp the men presently, of whome the gallowes hung full in some townes of Holland and Zeeland, for an example vnto others, as vnworthy to bee ransomed: whereby their number being some-what decreased, they durst not put forth so bold∣ly as they had a fore time beene accustomed, vntill that they ioyned them-selues with the leaguers of New-hauen and of the riuer of Soome keeping in their hauens.

The towne of Bercke lying vpon the Rhine, and belonging to the iurisdiction of [ F] Cologne, being pend vp (though not very neere) by diuers sconses made and strongly garded by the Duke of Parmas forces, the Estates were still forced to victuall the same by strong hand, either by the Earle of Meurs, Mounsire Villiers, or Collonel Schencke.

This yeare in Ianuary they made a bridge ouer the Rhine, and thereby vsed to victual * 1.380 [ A] the towne, the enemie looking on them, but beeing to weake in horse, he was forced to endure it, and in Iuly after they made a sconse aboue Rees, the better to releeue it, which the Marquis of Varambon would willingly haue hindred, but hee could not. The two and twenty day of September the Earles of Hohenlo, Meurs and Ouer∣stein past with goodly troupes of horse and foote for the Estates into the Betuwe, to dislodge those Spaniards, that were entred into the Island of Bomel. But beeing aduer∣tised thereof they were to wise to attend them, and repassing the Meuse, after they * 1.381 had burnt the castle of Puydroyen and some other places, they returned into the Mai∣rie of Boiseleduc in Brabant.

At that time Mounsire Balaigny Gouernor of Cambray was wauering, keeping both the Kings of France, Spaine and the league in breath, and drawing comoditie from [ B] them all. When as the league sought succors from the King of Spaine, offring him the townes of Guise, La Fere and Peronne in pawne, the Spaniard demanded ouer and aboue to haue Cambray: wherevnto Balaigny opposed, meaning as hee sayd to keepe it for the Crowne of France, whosoeuer were King, but rather for him∣selfe. The Duke of Parma building vpon certaine intelligences which hee had with some of the Clergie and Bourgers of the Towne, sent the Marquis of Renty, Charles Earle of Mansfeldt, and la Motte Pardieu thether, who came with their troupes neere vnto Cambray the fifteeneth day of September, attending the effect which they expected of their intelligences; which was that making a generall pro∣cession [ C] on the nineteenth day, the Chanoins and Bourgers of that faction should keepe a port open by the which they should giue entrie to the Duke of Parmas men. But Balaignyes wife (who was verie cunning) hauing vented this mine, bee∣ing aduertised by some one of the enterprise, (whome shee had wonne) they were disapointed, for the which the Deane of the Cathedrall Church with some Chanoin•…•… and Burgers were committed to prison, who at Balaignyes returne (being then absent) were executed.

The Earle of Meurs to victuall the towne of Bercke, sent the Earle of Ouerstein, the Barron of Poetly•…•… and Sir Francis Vere thether with a thousand horse and two thousand foote, knowing well that the Marquis of Varambon was there attending [ D] with eight hundred foote, and fiue hundred horse to hinder the sayd victualing. These three Commanders beeing vpon their marche with some Artillerie, they set vpon a fort which was called the Roynettes of Cologne, the which they tooke and manned with a good garrison: from thence passing the water neere vnto the castle of Loo, hauing now past Teckenhof, the Marquis thinking to charge them in the reere, he found that (contrary to his expectation) he was valiantly with-stood by Sir Francis Vere with foure Companies of English, and by Christopher Wolfs Cornet of * 1.382 Reyetrs being on the wing of the reereward: so as this charge turned into a Battaile, whereas Varambon lost aboue 600. men vpon the place, with ten Enseignes and three Cornets, besides the prisoners, and aboue 200. horse, whereof the English had sixe [ E] score for their part, and amongst them there was one which the Marquis did vse to ride on, who had now saued himselfe by flight. Among all the prisoners there was not any one of reckoning, but a pettie Italien Count, Cousin to the Cardynall Ca∣raffa, who was wounded, and one Lieutenant. There were not aboue foure•…•…eene Knights, Captaines and Officers slaine, whereof one was the Marquis of Cico, Nephew to Spinelli, Maister of the Campe; Iohn Antonio Caraffa and Alonzo Palagano both cap∣taines, and seauen Antients, most Neapolitaines. Whilest they were in fight Count Charles of Mansfeldt came posting thether with threescore and ten companies of horse and foote, but the Earle of Ouersteyn, the Barron of Poetlys & Sir Francis Vere hauing won this victorie made hast to recouer Berck with their conuoy and victualls. The Earle of Mansfeldt thought to haue met with them in their returne, but they took an o∣ther [ F] course, passing the Rhine nere vnto the fort of Rees. This incounter was the 15. of October. The same month the Earle of Mansfeldt hauing made prouision at Nymeghen of al things needfull to beseige a town, hauing marched away with his horsemen from

Boisleduc towards Graue, passing by a little wood, hee was saluted with a Volley * 1.383 [ A] of small shotte, which wounded some horses, wherefore hauing caused the wood * 1.384 to be compast round about and searcht, they found 35 soldiers there, whereof 30. were slaine vpon the place, and the other were hanged.

Whilest that the Earle of Mansfedlt made preparation to go and besiege Berke, the Earle of Meurs to succor it (as hee had done twice or thrice before) gathered to∣gither all the men hee could, beeing at Arnhem, the chiefe towne of Gelderland, in * 1.385 the Dukes Pallace, where meaning to make a tryall of some fire workes, the powlder was vnfortunately sette on fire, where-with a part of the Chamber was blowne a∣way, and hee burnt, and drawne from vnder the ruines of the house, whereof he died within few daies after, full of paine, whereby the succoring of Berke was broken of and [ B] yet it held out three monthes longer.

The Earle of Mansfeldt had resolued to besiege Berke after an other manner, ha∣uing prepared all things necessary, hee came out of Bommels-Weert, where 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had battered the sconse of Vorne tenne daies togither in vaine, and in Nouember hee •…•…oke the Sconse of Reez aforesaid, the which by reason of the dry wether and the lownesse of the water, they did yeeld by composition, whereby the besieged could not bee now well releeued, who hauing great want of victuals, and finding that their succors failed them; the Estates considering also that this towne being so farre from them would bee ouer chargeable to victuall so often, they did consent that the besieged should make the best composition they could with the Spaniard: so as in the end of Ianuary [ C] 1590. the towne of Berke was yeelded to Charles Earle of Mansfeldt for the King of * 1.386 Spaine, the Captaines, Officers, and all the soldiers going forth with their ful armes, and baggage, the Drumme sounding, Coullors flying, matches light, and bullets in their mouthes, and to carry them away they should haue fifty shippes and Scutes with conuenient Conuoy, and a Captaine called Dauid Soper a prisoner should be dischar∣ged without ransome. The Burgers likewise had good conditions, and so Berke (other-wise called Rhynebercke) was giuen ouer: It is thought that there were certaine secret promises made, which caused the garrison to yeeld more willingly, as that the Countesse of Meurs (then a widdow) should quietly inioy her landes by circum∣scription, as beeing a member of the Empire and Neutrall. Thus the Duke of Parma [ D] tooke in the townes and places in the Territories of Cologne to the vse (as hee said) of Ernestus Bishoppe of Cologne, but hee kept the chiefe places with good garrisons, as Rhynebercke, Bonna, Nuys, Keysersweert, and after the taking of Bercke, hee had some disseignes vppon the Townes of Cleues, Goch, Reez, and Emric, belonging to the Duke of Cleues, but all was in vaine, his enterprise beeing discouered.

There was not much more done this yeare neither by the Duke of Parma nor yet by the vnited Prouinces, the Duke (beeing busie to send men and money into France) stayed at Bins in Henault, where the Duke of Maine and other comman∣ders of the League came to speake with him: on the other side the vnited Prouin∣ces [ E] sent vnto the French King tenne thousand poundes starling, with victualls and munition of warre, by the Lord of Brederode (issued from the Earles of Holland and Zealand) Iustine of Nassau Admirall of Zealand, and the Seignior of Pree Agent there for the Estates. And the Queene of England sent him first twenty thousand pounds starling, by Sir Edward Stafford then her Maiesties Ambassador with some poulder, munition for war, and ships to serue him: & within 15. daies after being besie∣ged in Deepe by the League, the Queene sent the Lord Willoughby ouer with 4000. men to his succor. The generall Estates had long before reduced all the enemies Frontier Countries to certaine ceasments and contributions of money, payable monethly, as well vppon the landes as vppon the Countrie houses, Villages and [ F] vnwalled townes, which had no Forts to supplie the payment of their frontering Garrisons. By which contributions the Peasants and Inhabitants of the sayde frontering places were freed from the courses, spoyles and ransoming of their Soldiers: The which without all doubt was a very great ease for the poore people and

laborers and other good people, who might freely doe their worke and follow their * 1.387 [ A] trafficke and marchandise with all safety, going and comming freely into the townes and Fortes of either party.

This was against all right in the warres of fore-passed ages, who would not yeeld any thing vnto their enemies (as the Duke of Alua caused a poore peasant to be hang∣ged, for that he had bene forced to carry a bottle of hay to the Prince of Oranges Camp before Maestricht) and it was also dangerous. But the profit which did rise thereby, did counteruayle the paine to prouide for the dangers which they feared. The which the Spaniard might in like manner doe for his part, who might reape farre grea∣ter comodities thereby then the Estates. But no man smarted so much as the Lord of the soyle and proprietary, who by reason of these contributions, did not receiue halfe [ B] the reuenues they were accustomed to doe. Mondragon Gouernor and Castellan of Antwerp, notwithstanding the profit which the King of Spaine reapt thereby, did for∣bid * 1.388 the Inhabitants of the Champian country to pay any more contributions to the Estates: The which they did not bring in as they had bene accustomed: Which made the Estates seeke to force them (that occupied such houses and land) therevnto by the way of armes. Where-vpon Captaine Marcelius Bax brother to Paul Gouernor of Ber∣ghen vp Zoome, with his company of horse and part of his brothers, went often to field to make these executions, so as one day among the rest the Village of Vlrich was burnt, for an example and terror to the rest, they hauing done some displeasure vnto the gar∣rison of Berghen, and this was the last of Nouember. [ C]

In December Marcellus Bax with other Captaines went forth of Berghen with 160. horse and 70. foote to attend for a Conuoy of victuals which was to go from Antwerp to Steenberghen, conducted by three companies of high Dutches: being in ambush * 1.389 they charged them vpon a heath, where they defeated them quite, tooke Collonel Mal∣dits prisoner, with the three Captaines and many others, as well soldiers, Marchants, victuallers, as peasants, with all their wagons, victuals, munition and baggage, among other bootie his men found new cassocks for Don Fernando of Gonzagues company of horse, with great store of good and rich marchandise, but they paied dearely for it, for many of their horses were slaine or wounded by the Germaines shotte, who in the be∣ginning had intrencht themselues with their wagons, and could not haue beene forced, [ D] had not the 70. shot followed at the first charge. Bax lost three of his best horses, two in the fight, and the third being shotte in diuers places brought him home to Berghen. The three companies of Germaines were 400. pikes & 200 musketiers and smal shot: they sent two Enseignes to Prince Maurice, and the peeces of the third with all the boo∣ty they kept for them-selues.

Cont William of Nassau hauing taken from the Spaniards in the country of Groning, the Forts of Immentes, Soltcamp and others, he did fortifie them to keepe al that quar∣ter of Friseland vnder the Estates contribution, with the helpe of the Forts of Otter∣dome and Rheid lying aboue Groning: There fell out also a great iealousie and discon∣tentment betwixt the inhabitants of Groning and their Gouernor Verdugo, they of the [ E] towne complaining that he sought to bring in a garrison, seeing that since the retreat * 1.390 of Gaspar of Robles Lord of Billy, as also during the time they held for the Estates, they had alwaies defended them-selues well without any garrison. Where-vppon Verdugo seeing that the Earle of Nassau did still prosper, and that he had small assurance of them of the towne: He writte vnto the Duke of Parma, intreating him to send him supplies of men: who presently dispacht away Cont Herman Vanden Berghe, with twenty two com∣panies, as wel Spaniards as others, to receiue the which at the passage of the Rhyne, Ver∣dugo went with certaine troups; but hearing that the Estates were entred into the coun∣try of Groning, he turned head. These companies sent by the Duke of Parma, hauing past the Rhyne, marched towards Oldenzeel, & by the Tuente in the quarter of Ems, to enter that way into the country of Groning: Cont William of Nassau was also fortified [ F] by the comming of the Earle of Ouersteyne with fiue hundred horse and some foote: so as the Spaniards and the States men went to campe vpon the Frontier, one neere vnto an other, but without any blowes: Wherefore they of Groning seeing that it was

against them that either party aymed: and aboue all that Verdugo had sent for those * 1.391 [ A] forces against them, they stood more vpon their gards then euer, and were more fearefull to be surprised, knowing well that all townes were ruined, whereas the Spa∣niards keepe a garrison, and in effect the champian country endured no lesse at that time of them who were their friends then of the Estates men whome they held for eni∣mies: neither were they of Westphalia (which is a neuter country) free. The towne of Aix la Chapell called by some Aken, an old imperiall and rich towne, lieth betweene Cologne and Mastricht, and by meanes of the troubles in the Netherlands was of late * 1.392 yeares become very populous and of great trafficke, by reason that it is a free neutrall Towne, many of the reformed religion fled thether with their whole families, so as they grew to so great a number, as it seemed the magistrates by common consent [ B] would haue allowed them free exercise of religion within their towne, if they had not feared the authority of the Emperor and the power of their neighbours: yet had they liberty enough to exercise it priuatly within some great howses, whereat the Catho∣likes did much murmure especially their neighbors the Dukes of Parma and Cleues, who for that cause (vnder pretence of other quarrells) obtained diuers comissioners from the Emperor, to authorise the neighbors about them, as the Dukes of Parma and Cleues and the country of Leege to compell the towne of Aix to obey his comman∣dements. But for a long time they excused them-selues with modest and reasonable answers; till now about this time the King of Spaine and the Duke of Parma thinking it in vaine to bring any more regiments into the Netherlands, vntill they were assu∣red [ C] of the neighbour countries townes, as of Emden, Wesel, Aix and others, houl∣ding * 1.393 it not fit to suffer the Netherlanders (whome they termed rebels) to settle them∣selues there, wherefore they thought good to begin first with them of Aix, thinking them-selues in a manner assured of the countries of Iulliers and Cleues, by reason of the ould Dukes infirmity, whome they had long gouerned by a Spanish affected coun∣cell, and as for the young Duke, who was but simple, and married to a daughter of the house of Baden an ernest Catholike Princesse, they feared him not. In the territo∣ries adiacent there-vnto as Cologne, Leege and Munster, they had placed Ernestus of Bauaria to bee Bishoppe, being there creature, whereby the King of Spaine did hope that in the end hee should haue the dominion of those places, when as the inhabi∣tants [ D] by incursions and the spoyles of warre should bee brought to extremity, as they of Vtrecht had beene in the yeare one thousand fiue hundred twenty seauen, vnder Hendricke Bishop of Bey•…•…rne: they were in hope also by some meanes to get the towne of Cologne and Emden, omitting no practise nor stratageme: for the effecting of this their desseigne, they had often delt with them of Aix by the Emperor and the Duke of Cleaues, and now at last the Duke of Parma by authority from the King, as Duke of Brabant and Limbourch, and vpon pretext of being Protector of the towne of Aix, he sought by Proclamation to cut of all the preuiledges which that towne of Aix claymed in the Netherlands, and declared openly that he did not accoumpt it a neutrall towne, whether the fugitiue Netherlanders should fly for refuge, and inioy * 1.394 [ E] their lands and possessions in the Netherlands, as was graunted vnto such as did dwell in neutrall places, wherefore he commanded them to depart and leaue the said towne of Aix, and either to returne into his dominions, and there to liue like good Catholikes, or else to goe and inhabite in other places and that within the space of foureteene daies after the publication of the said Proclamation, within the townes of Antwerp and Mastricht, vpon paine of forfeyture of the said graces and preuiledges, and all their goods moueable and immouable: commanding all his Officers to see it presently published, proclaimed and put in execution. This proclamation was made at Bins the tenth of December in the yeare of our Lord one thousand fiue hun∣dred eighty nine. [ F]

And in the beginning of the yeare it was signified vnto them of Aix; The Maior and Sheriffes (which were fled) seeking by this meanes to ouerthrow the authority of the great Councell of the towne, had beene first sutors for it to the Emperor and the Duke of Iuliers as one of the Protectors of the aforesayd towne: whose

Councell (and among the rest one Shynckern Amptman of the towne and Castell of Iui∣l•…•…ers) * 1.395 [ A] did solicit it with the Bishop of Liege, who procured it from the Duke of Parma in the King of Spaines name, to whome the Emperor both in this & many other things, referred much. The reason was that after the retreat of strangers, (whose goods and reunues did lye most in landes in the Low-countries) through the ayd of their Partisans they might returne, and dispossessing the Magistrates of the reformed religion, settle them-selues in their places, but for this time they were disapointed of their expectati∣on: yet afterwards in the yeare 1598. they addrest them-selues vnto Cardinall Albert of Austria, who vndertooke it.

This proclamation did spoile many of the chiefe of the straungers, for that they be∣gan to ceaze vpon their lands & goods in the Netherlands, which dwelt in Aix, where∣fore [ B] some retyred to Cologne, others into the country of Iuilliers: Such as went to Leege were presently chased away, some continued there still, and some redeemed them-selues for money, purchasing safeguard from the Duke of Parma at a deere rate, for a yeare, or halfe a yeare, more or lesse, being forced still to renue them still at the same price, the which was held mechanike and dishonorable in such a Prince. The of Aix made petition vnto the Princes Electors at an Imperiall Diet held at Spires, and to the Emperor to haue their priuiledge confirmed.

By reason of the warres in France in Anno 1589. the Estate of the Netherlands was then much altered, for that the Prouinces of Arthois, Henault, Luxembourg, Namur, * 1.396 and others, bordering vpon France, were then to defend them-selues, from the inua∣sions [ C] of the French, in regard the King of Spaine (as head of the holy League) tooke vp∣pon him to aid and assist the rebels of France, giuing the Duke of Parma charge to haue * 1.397 a care thereof, for the which in the beginning of this yeare 1590. hee assembled an ar∣mie vpon the Frontiers of Arthois, which he sent into France vnder the commaund of the Earle of Egmont: by which meanes the vnited Prouinces had some time and res∣pight to breath, after their long miseries and intestine warres, which they had indured against so mighty an enemie. And for that the gouernment of many is most tedious and dilatory, but wise and prouident in resolution, so in the two yeares last past, they had spent their time to aduance their affaiers first appeasing all factions betwixt the Estates and the English, and the mutinies of their garrisons, great wisdome, policie, money and discipline beeing thereto requisite and necessary, the Queene of England being well [ D] pleased they should gouerne among them-selues, as wee haue formerly declared.

Concerning religion (whereof the gouernment of the country much consisteth) they had alwaies an especiall care to follow the necessary resolutions of the generall Estates, in the time of the late Prince of Orange, making a religious peace, and hauing a dislike that men should i•…•…gine their consciences should be forced otherwise then by good in∣struction, good liuing and by prayer. And finding them of the reformed religion (the most zealous to defend the liberties & wel-fare of the Netherlands, in regard they had bene many times persecuted for religion by the Spaniards) to bee wel vnited togither, they therefore grounded their foundation vpon the greatest number: and for that the * 1.398 [ E] Estate and gouernment consisted of so many heads and opinions, they sought to reduce this diu•…•…rsitie of mindes and opinions into one vnitie and consent, for the good & well∣fare of the country, whereof they had an especiall care, in regard of their continuall wars, in which vnity their only support & maintenance consisted, as by their common seale (wherein standeth a bundle of Arrowes bound togither) appeareth: and for that consideration they neuer forced any mans conscience, but only seditious Sectaries, as certaine Anabaptists and Munsterians, and such as were il conceited of the Magistrates, for that they punished Malefactors with the sword of Iustice; to them they allowed no open assemblie•…•…, other sects (whereof God amend it, there haue bene to many for a long time) they thought good to suffer them for the present time & to reclaime them if they could, by preaching and sermons, made in the reformed Churches, with commande∣ment [ F] to liue in brotherly loue, and to win them with loue and charitie: the reformed vsing to that end in their Churches a certaine Christian discipline, to auoyd scandall and ill speeches.

Those of the confession of Ausbourg (which seeke to diuide themselues from the re∣formed * 1.399 [ A] religion) were allowed to haue preaching and exercises (with carefull ouer∣sigh) in certaine townes. The Catholikes also had no publike exercise of their religi∣on allowed them, the which was done in pollicie, because of the warres, attending a time vntill it should bee otherwise prouided for, and resolued by the countrie or gene∣rall Estates, after an assured peace. The Catholikes made no great question about their baptizings and burialls, and touching marriages, it was decreed by a publike pro∣clamation, that all such as were not of the reformed religion, (after law full and open publication) comming before the Magistrates in the towne-houses, were orderly giuen in marriage one vnto an other.

And to shew that their onelie care was for vnity, religion and libertie, this yeare they [ B] caused certaine counters to bee made, hauing on the one side two hands griped fast together, and holding sixe arrowes bound together with this inscription, Deo iuuante. On the other side was a strong piller, standing vpon a great square booke called religi∣on, and vpon the piller was a hat, which signified libertie. This pillar was fast bound by sixe strong armes noting the sixe Prouinces of Gelders, Holland, Zeeland, Friseland, Oueryssel and Vtrecht, with this inscription vnder the foundation called religion, Hac nitimur: and ouer the hat of libertie, Hanc tuemur, as if they would say, By the force of truth and vnity, grounded vpon religion, with the helpe of God, we enioye and main∣taine our libertie.

For the generall gouernment of the Prouinces, they had a counsell of Estate, con∣sisting * 1.400 [ C] of gentlemen, and lawiers, where the Queene of England was to haue two coun∣cellers, but at that time there was but one, which was Maister Thomas Bodley (now a Knight) and Maister Gilpin Secretarie of the sayd counsell; this councell had the or∣dring of all causes in euery Prouince, the generall Estates being not alwaies assembled, who commanded ouer this councell of Estate: and besides this euerie particular Prouince had their priuate councell.

After the death of the Prince of Orange they did chuse Prince Maurice, Earle of * 1.401 Nassau, Gouernor of Holland and Zeeland, Admirall of the sea, and Lieutenant gene∣rall of their forces, and Philip Earle of Hohenlo; an old souldiar and of great experi∣ence his Lieutenant. Vtrecht, Oueryssel and Gelderland, did likewise at that time [ D] chuse Prince Maurice for their gouernor. William Lodowike Earle of Nassau, eld∣est sonne to Iohn Earle of Nassau was gouernor in Friseland, a souldiar of good expe∣rience and polliticke. Prince Maurice was from his youth trained vp by his father in the warres, and in affaires of Estate, and was his second sonne (his eldest brother Philip William, who is now Prince of Orange and Earle of Buren, beeing yet kept prisoner in Spaine) and for that cause beeing verie fit to supplie the place hee was chosen chiefe Generall and Commander ouer all their forces both by sea and land. In matters concerning the land, hee was to bee ruled by the aduise of the councell of Estate, and touching the sea by the admiralitie: and certaine Comities were appointed vnder him, when any thing was to bee done concerning the countrie, and the limmits of their liberties, by whose aduice all causes touching the state were [ E] directed in the armie, and the particular affaires concerning Gouernment and Pollicie by the Councell of warre, chosen out of euerie Regiment and Nation seruing therein. And for that Holland was the greatest strongest and mightiest of all the vnited Prouinces, therefore many causes which were handled in the councell of Estate, were done by the aduise and councell of Iohn van Ouden Barne∣velt, Lord of Crimpel, Aduocate of Holland, in regarde of his great wisdome and experience.

The Netherlanders haue as great meanes to bring in money for the maynte∣nance * 1.402 of their warres, as euer was heard or seene in any Countrie, the which is done willingly, with a generall consent, and with little hurt and preiudice to [ F] the Inhabitants, and by that meanes the countrie grewe rich, mighty and strong, for they suffred any thing to bee carried vnto the enemie paying lycense for the same, especially such things whereof they had aboundance and superfluitie, and

that there subiects by making, working and carrying it thether may get any thing, ary∣sing * 1.403 [ A] or abating the rate of the license, as they found the enemy to haue neede of their commodities, moderating it in such sort as the enemy could not buy it better cheape in any place then of them. They suffred the enemy to bring any thing vnto them that they had neede of, especially such things as they could not well haue but from thence, paying but small custome or lycense mony, and contrarywise making them to pay great cus∣tome for things which they brought, whereof they had no neede, hauing still a great regard vnto their trade of marchandise and especially vnto their sea-faring and fishing.

Besides this they could so well husband their mony and imploy it to the best profit, as all Potentates, common weales, and commanders in the warres might take example * 1.404 [ B] by them, capitulating with their Collonels, Captaines and soldiars as strictly as they could, yet alwaies paying them wel, which made the captaines to complaine oftentimes for that a captaine seruing vnder the enemy or in other places, might reape more beni∣fit by a Company of men, then a Collonell vnder the Estates by ten companies but it was vncertaine. And for that the vnited Prouinces did pay their men duely and truely, there was very good discipline held among their soldiars, so as wheresoeuer they past throughout the country, they were well vsed, and welcome in all places, for that they found their necessaries alwaies redy for them, the which was truely paied, whensoeuer they dislodged to any other place, and throughout all the Prouinces they did seuerely punish theeues and such as offred any violence. [ C]

They did not vsually entertaine any great forces, but they had old, valiant and well disciplined soldiars with the which they did many great exploits. At that time they * 1.405 had about twenty thousand foote and two thousand horse, besides the Bourgers, whom in time of necessity, they imployed and paied as soldiars. They entertained about a hun∣derd shippes of warre at sea and within their riuers, being all well appointed; and whensoeuer they came from any seruice, their men were presently to be paid. Besides this ordinary charge of shippes, saylers and soldiars, they tooke order by a generall consent for a certaine prouision of money to be made, for the entertayning of an army in the field, for certaine monethes in the yeare, with ordinance, pioners and a supply of soldiars, to make an offensiue warre, to inlarge their fronters, and also to aide the French [ D] King, with money, munition and men both by sea and land.

The Queene of England also paied to her souldiars in the garrisons of the Brill, of Flushing, and to those that aided the Estates within the country twelue thousand fiue * 1.406 hundred twenty six pounds starling euery moneth, accounting 56. daies to the moneth according to the contract, besides extraordinary charges for transportation of soul∣diars, and the apparell both for horse and foote, which was yearely to bee prouided.

By this prouident care and wise gouernment of the Estates and their assistants, the vnited Prouinces were exceeding rich and mightie, yea in the midest of their greatest warres, which commonly makes any countrie poore and miserable, and yet they rob∣bed no man at sea, but were rather robbed, and at land they vsed but the ordinary course [ E] of warre: and this is euident by their fare, great and costly buildings in their townes, their strong and great fortifications, their aboundance of Ordinance, and great num∣bers of rich and welthie inhabitants, who for that their wanted houses for them to dwell in, many were forced to dwell in shippes, whereof they haue many in that coun∣try, very sweete, faire and necessary for that vse: and some townes haue bene constrai∣ned to inlarge their walles for the building of more houses, with such hauens, walles, bulwarkes, gates and sumptuous workes, as it were admirable to bee written; the which may well bee seene by many townes from West-friseland along to Wal∣chren in Zeeland.

In the beginning of this yeare, a regiment of Spaniards complayning for their pay * 1.407 beganne to mutine, seeking what townes of Flanders they might surprize for their pay, [ F] so as in the end they found a good oportunitie to cease vpon Cortrey, whilest that all the people were busie to see two freebooters of the Estates side burnt aliue, they entred into the towne with a furious and fearefull alarum, in the which there were

some Bourgers slaine, making themselues maisters of the towne and lyuing at discre∣tion. * 1.408 [ A] They sent to other Spanish garrisons to doe the like, and to ioyne with them in their mutiny. They thought to haue done the like at Bruges and other places, but they were preuented, the Bourgers standing vpon their gards, hauing such an exam∣ple of their neighbors before their eyes. They continued long there in this muti∣nous humour, behauing themselues verie insolently to the townesmen, and the in∣habitants round about, which the Prince of Ascoly himselfe could by no meanes ap∣peaze, but they retayned him forcebly for a while as a pledge, but this disorder pro∣ceeding from the couetousnesse of the Officers at the comming of the Earle of Fuen∣tes out of Spaine, was partly punished, who caused the Lord of Sanfoy and other Of∣ficers to bee committed to prison, and some to be executed, taking a better order for their pay out of the treasory of Brusselles. [ B]

All these mutynies were thought to bee by the prouocation of the Duke of Pastra∣na and the Prince of Ascoly who hated the Duke of Parma, and sought by that meanes to doe him an affront, but hee surmounted all, hauing receiued a continuation of his commission, and commandement from the King of Spaine, to goe and succor the league in France. Beeing at Bins in Henault, the Duke of Maine chiefe of the * 1.409 league, carrying himselfe as Lieutenant of the Estate and crowne of France comming to conferre with him, with some other Noble men of the league as wee haue sayd. The Spaniards that were mutined in Courtray durst not refuse to make this voiage with him into France, being the Kings pleasure, for the effecting whereof, they made hast to ran∣some the poore Bourgers, threatning to burne their towne, so as they forced them to [ C] pay the vttermost of all their arrerages, in what money, and at what rate they pleased.

The fourth day of March Breda was surprized for Prince Maurice, beeing his inhe∣ritance, after this manner. The signior of Herauguiere a gentleman of Cambray, cap∣taine of a companie of foote vnder the vnited Prouinces, beeing in garrison with his companie and some other souldiars in the island of Voorn neere vnto Bommel, vn∣der the command and authoritie of Count Phillip of Nassau gouernor of the townes of Gorrichom, Vaudrichom or Vorcum and Louestein, and Collonel of a Regiment of foote. This Earle after the retreate of Prince Maurice out of those quarters, did impart vnto the sayd Heraugiere (whome hee knewe to bee a hardie and valiant cap∣taine) [ D] a certaine designe which the Prince would willingly haue made vpon the towne of Breda, and the meanes that were offred for the execution thereof, which was by a certaine man which went with a little barke laden with woode, the which hee did often carrie to the castle of Breda, or by an other boate of the like bignesse which did vse to carrie turfe vnto the castle: which two men had beene long time greatly affected to doe some seruice to the generall cause of the vnited Prouinces, as they had often giuen good testimonies: wherevnto captaine Herauguiere made answere: that first of all hee did most humbly thanke the Prince and the Earle for the honour which they had done him therein. That hee for a long time had dedicated his life and fortune to the Princes seruices, as all his actions might well witnesse during the [ E] warres: desyring nothing more then by some great and notable exploit, to shewe the sincere affection of his heart in that behalfe, and how little hee valued his life, in re∣gard of the loue hee bare vnto the Prince. And therefore if it so pleased him, there should not bee any one that would more willingly imploye himselfe in so gallant and honorable an enterprize. And hauing discoursed together of the importance of this action, and of the meanes to put it in execution, and dulie considered of all daun∣gers, hee resolued (according to the Earles commandement) to goe to Prince Mau∣rice at the Hage in Holland, beeing newly returned from the army, to determine fully of this businesse. [ F]

Herauguiere beeing come thether, and hauing conferred with the Prince of the man∣ner * 1.410 of the execution, and of the number of choise and resolute souldiars that should bee needfull to be imployed in the action; they found at that time no better expedient▪ then to attempt it by a boate laden with wood. But as this enterprize was protracted

by reason of the great and long frosts in winter; in the end of February the Prince sent * 1.411 [ A] for Herauguiere, letting him vnderstand in the presence of captaine Edmont (now Col∣lonel of the Scots) that a fit time was offred to put it in execution, and that hee held the best meanes to bee by a boate of turfes, the maister whereof was called Adrien van Berghen. Herauguiere who wished nothing more then to be at worke, desired the boat∣man might bee sent for. To whome (hauing beene well examined vpon all circum∣stances) instructions were giuen what hee had to doe; and commandement giuen him not to treat with any other from that time but with Herauguiere: who then went to∣wards the Fort of Noortdam where his company was in garrison, and the man with his boate to a village called Leur two leagues from Breda, where hee was to take in his turfes. Who hauing laden and being ready according to the order, hee aduertised Herauguiere for the putting it in execution on the Twesday following, as it had beene [ B] resolued by the Prince, sending him word by captaine Lambert Charles (who for this ser∣uice was afterwards made Sargeant Maior of Breda) that it was necessary to anticipate the day, and to begin on the Monday, for that the Receiuor of the castle did presse him to deliuer his turfes: The sayd Lambert made such speede, as hauing spoken with the Prince at the Hage, hee returned presently with answere to Herauguiere, that the Prince would bee ready at the place appointed, with a number fit for the exploite.

In the meane time Herauguiere according to the charge he had from the Prince, sent to diuers garrisons for many Officers, with the most choise and resolute souldiars. Out [ C] of the Collonels companie of Count Philip of Nassau sixteene, led by captaine Iohn Logier: from the garrison of Heusden (whereof Mounsire de Famas was Gouernor,) sixteene led by captaine Iohn Fernel: from the garrison of Clundert of the Signor of Lieres men beeing gouernor of the Island, twelue, commanded by captaine Mat∣this Helt his Lieutenant, and of Herauguieres owne companie Gerard des Pres a Squier with foure and twenty soldiers. On Sunday the fiue and twentith of February, about tenne of the clocke at night, after that hee had acquainted the chiefe Officers with his disseigne, knowing that the boate attended them, the which lay at Swertten∣barchsweer, they marched that way as couertly as they could for the space of some sixe houres, yet they could neither finde boate nor men, the which did much [ D] trouble them, fearing that they should bee discouered, and therefore they resolued, secretlie to returne: Beeing vpon the way at a village called Terheyden, as they crost the riuer, the boate man, excusing himselfe for this fault, which had happe∣ned (as hee said) by his companion, who fell a sleepe, himselfe doubting that all was dasht, and that hee must burne his boate, as if the matter had beene too much desco∣uered, and that hee could neither goe forward nor backward, but with great and appa∣rent danger: Wherevpon beeing demanded if there were meanes to returne the next day, hauing considered a little thereon, hee answered yes. And to fall no more into the like errour it was decreed that the marriner himselfe should goe and fetch them at the castle of Seuenbergh, and so they parted one from an other. [ E]

Night beeing come, the marriner fayled not to come vnto them, assuring them that it was time to march. Before they departed Herauguiere sent word vnto the Prince (who was come with good troupes vnto Clundert) of all that had past. Then they went on with such speed, as with in two houres they entred all into the boate, and were not descouered; where they endured great discommodities for that the winde was contra∣rie, so as they continued there from Mondaie at night vntill Thursday in the morning, with great colde, hunger and other extreamities.

But seeing the impossibilities to passe on by reason of so many difficulties, they resolued to aduertise the Prince, for that they would not doe any thing without his leaue, vnto whom they sent one of the marriners with letters, wherevnto the [ F] Prince made answere, intreating them to haue patience, one day longer, and charging them not to depart from thence before they aduertised him. They seeing no change in the wether, & wanting victualls, they resolued to go forth to refresh themselues a little: & so they returned to the fort of Noort-dā on the thursday morning before day, where

they staid vntill eleuen of the clocke at night and then their boates-man returned say∣ing, * 1.412 [ A] that he thought the wether was changed and grone more comodious yet he would not assuer any thing, only he did think the Ice could not anoy them, which the company vnderstanding, they departed with a good resolution, and entred into the boat at a place called the warren, being but a quarter of a league from Breda; so as on friday by nine of the clocke in the morning they were with their boate before the Herourie, which is neere vnto the castell, And betwixt tenne and three in the after-none they were brought within the outwardest barre of the Sluce the which was presently shut behind them: where staying, a corporall of the gard of the castell came in a little skife to serch the boate, entring into the marriners caban, hee opened a litle doore which lookt vnto the pompe, where there was but a board betwixt it and the soldiars. Hauing sercht [ B] it well, and not able to iudge that there was any thing in it but turfes (for at that time very happely, and without doubt by the prouidedence of God noe man did cough or make any noise, as they had done before and after, not withstanding any prohibition) he shut the Caban doore, and so retired, During their aboad in the boat, Herauguiere was forced to heare and endure from some priuat soldiars many complaynts and re∣proches, telling him, that he had brought them to the Butchery and to an assured death. But he answered them couragiously, that they were in noe sort better, nor equall to him-selfe: and that being their commander vnder so generous a Prince, it would be a perpetuall infamy to abandon so honorable an enterprise, basely and for want of cour∣rage. That they which spake thus should remember, that oftentimes to watch the [ C] marchant and the poore passengers like theeues, they made no difficulty to endure all discomodities of winde and raine: whereas now for so glorious an enterprise, they would shew them-selues vnwilling, whereof they should be much ashamed. As for him-selfe that he had rather die then fayle of his duty: and in the end thretning them that if they did otherwise, hee would bee their aduerse party to demand Iustice of their couardise and trechery, so as vanquished by his admonitions, they all resolued to •…•…zard their lyues, not any one daring to speake a word.

Whilest they expected the returne of the tide to enter into the Castell by the great Sluce, the boat was fast vpon a banke of sand, vnknowne to the boate-men, the which did trouble them very much, fearing that by the water which entered into her [ D] they being vp to the mid legges, the boat would sinke and they all should bee drow∣ned, wherewith the boatsman him-selfe was very much perplexed, expecting noe better, vntill the returne of the tide they mending their boat, they grew more as∣sured. On Saterday about two or three of the clocke in the afternoone, the Sluse was open, by the which the boat was brought into the Castell, being drawne in by some of the soldiars of the garrison, therein like to the indescreet and miserable Troians, who made a way into their towne for that great wodden horse which was their ouerthrow.

There boate being thus drawne into the midest of the Castell, the Sargeant Maior commanded the boatman to furnish turfe for euery Corps de garde, so as there were [ E] such a nomber taken away, as the light began to shine vpon the soldiars, through the cranies of the Planks, which supported the turfes, vnder the which they were hidden in the bottome of the boat the which bred a new feare, doubting they would proceed to discharge the boat. But through the pollicy and industrie of the mar∣ryner, who gaue a peece of siluer vnto the laborers to goe drinke (as he was accus∣tomed to doe) the worke ceased in good time, saying, that they had wrought too much for a Saterday at night, and that they must discharge the rest on Munday fol∣lowing. Then the Sargeant Maior gaue order that but one of the marryners should remaine in the boate, and the other should goe and lie in the towne. Thus Herauguiere and his soldiars contynued betwixt hope and feare vntill eleuen of the clocke at [ F] night, causing them to pumpe often, that they that co•…•…ghed might not be heard: and to the end that when they should goe forth, the gard should not heare the noyse: yet they sent a soldiar to demand what it was that made such a noyse: the marryner an∣swered him, it was the pumpe, which hee was inforced to vse often for that his

boate was olde, wherewith they were satisfied, and in this sort hee continued pumping * 1.413 [ A] vntil twelue of the clocke. Herauguiere seeing then that it was time to worke, hauing ad∣monished euery souldiar of his duetie, and to shew themselues men of courage and resolution, hee willed the Marryner to make all the noyse he could at the pumpe, to take away the noyse of their going forth Those that were first appointed to land went forth as couertly as they could, to whome they gaue their armes as they went forth. Beeing all landed without descouerie (an admirable thing beeing so neere the Court of garde where there was a sentinell) Herauguiere diuided his troupe in two, hee appointed two captaines Lambert and Fernel to leade one of the troupes towardes the Court of garde on the side of the towne hauen, on the South-east: and he with the rest marcht along the munitiō house, vnder a false port towards an other Court of gard [ B] at the port towards the towne. Herauguiere marching in the head of his troupe, met vp∣on the way an Italien souldiar, who beeing demanded who goes there, hee answering in his owne Langage, Am•…•…go, was seized on, and commanded vpon his life to hold his peace; beeing demanded of the number of the souldiars that were in the sayd Court of garde, and in the whole castle, hee sayd they were three hundred and fiftie men, com∣prehending those that came out of the towne in the euening, to fortefie the gard, which hearing, it made him keepe him a while, and when the worke should beginne, to kill him. Herauguiere seeing that the souldiars did demande curiously of the number of men, which the prisoner sayd were within the castle; he answered them that hee was well informed they were but fifty, (to hide the enemies force) and that it was no time [ C] then to debate thereof.

Then marching instantly towards the Court of garde the sentinell cryed out, Who goes there? Herauguiere made no other answere, but thrust him through the body with his pike: then was the alarum giuen of all sides, and the fight grewe furious: for they of the Court of gard and the round, seeing themselues surprized, defended themselues valiantly, so as they endured the first charge a long time, keeping themselues strong in the sayd Court of garde, out of one of the which there went an Ancient, who in∣countred Herauguiere brauely, and hurt him in the arme with his sworde but hee ouer∣threw him, and there hee was slaine. But seeing they could not drawe them out of the Court of garde, he commanded his men to shoot through the doores and windoes, [ D] which made them to cry out for mercie, intreating they might haue faire warres; But Herauguiere seeing that neither the time nor the occasion would suffer him to vse mildenesse, but that hee must withall speede make himselfe maister of the place, they were all in a manner presently slaine. Before that all this was ended cap∣taine Paulo, Antonio Lancauechia, the Gouernours Sonne, and commanding in his absence, beeing retired into the dongeon, made a braue sallie with about some thirtie men, and charged the other troupe (whereas Lambart and Fernel were,) furiously, who withstood him as resolutely: so as Lanca-vechia with such as escaped of his troupe, were forced to retire vnto the Dongeon, himselfe beeing hurt, and so was Fernel with a shot. [ E]

In the meane time the alarum grew hot in the towne: some aduancing to set fire on the castle gate, notwithstanding the shooting of Herauguieres men, who were there, and had defeated that Court of garde, whereof beeing well assured, hee runne speedely with some of his men to charge an other Court of garde, neere vnto the great plat∣forme, where there were fifteene or sixteene souldiars, who were soone defeated. A∣bout two houres after, Prince Maurice hauing heard the charge, the Earle of Hohenlo his Lieutenant arriued, with the foreward, and for that (by reason of the yce) they could not open the castle gate towards the fields, they entred by a palissadoe of the riuer nere vnto the Sluse whereas the boate came in. The Earle being arriued, Lanca-vechia (who before had begun to parle) compounded with him, that he and his troupe should depart with their liues onely. [ F]

Soone after followed the Prince bringing the rest of his troupes, being accompanied by the Earle Philip of Nassau and Solms his coussins, the Lord of Famas generall * 1.414 of the Ordynance, the Admiral Iustin Nassau, the Admirall Verdoes, Sir Francis Vere and

others: who being busie to giue order for the entring the towne at two portes which * 1.415 [ A] answered vnto the castle, a drumme desired leaue for some Bourgers to approch and to parle with the Prince, the which was granted, so as in lesse then an houre the appoint∣ment was made, by the which the Bourgers (to auoide the sacke of the towne, and the spoile of their goods) should giue two monethes pay vnto all the troupes that were come thether with the Prince: in consideration whereof the Burgers laied down their armes: and instantly the Prince sent Vander Noot, captaine of his gards, with his compa∣ny, to seaze vpon the towne-house, and some others into diuers other places, to assure himselfe of the towne.

We must note that in the beginning of the alarum giuen in the castle, the Marquis of Guasts company of horse and fiue other companies of Italian soote, being dismayed and fainting, notwithstanding that many Burgers fearing the spoile (as in deed it was to [ B] be feared) prouoked them to make defence, but they fell into such disorder, as breaking * 1.416 open one of the towne gates; they fled away shamefully. The Duke of Parma, hearing of this, and not able to endure this losse and disgrace, yea the Spaniards and other of the King of Spaines seruants laying all the blame vpon the Italiens, and reioycing therear, hee committed the chiefe Commanders to prison, and cut off some of their heads in Brustelles, as of Caefar Guerra, Iulio Gratiano of Tarlantino Lieutenant to the Marquis of Guast, and the Corporalls who sercht the boate. * 1.417

This towne and castle of Breda was miraculously wonne, without any great bloud∣shed, and yet they had diuers skyrmishes, onely one of them that first entred fell in∣to the water in the darke and was drowned, and not any hurt but Heraugiere and •…•…rnel, [ C] and a gentleman of Count Philips company, called Nicholas Genietz, who beeing made Ancient, died soone after of that wound, and of the garrison of the castle there were a∣bout forty slaine.

For this victory all the vnited Prouinces did generally giue God thankes and made fires of ioye, and in memory thereof, they caused certaine peeces of gold, siluer and cop∣per to be minted, whereon was grauen. Breda a seruitute hispanica vindicata, ductu Prin∣cipis Mauritii a Nassau. 4. Martii 1590. that is, Breda vpon the fourth of March in the yeare 1590. by the meanes of Prince Maurice of Nassau, was freed from the Spanish slauery: On the other side stoode the castle dicth with a turfe boate, and the soldiars comming forth, with this inscription; Parati vincere aut mori, & Inuicti animi premium [ D] that is redy to win or die, and the reward of an inuincible courage. Prince Maurice with the consent of the Estates, gaue the gouernment of the towne, Castel and territory of * 1.418 Breda to Heraugiere; captaine Lambert Charles was made Sargeant maior, and the other captaines and priuat soldiars ech had one of the said peeces of gold with a summe of mony giuen him, and promise of preferment when time and occasion serued, ech one in his degree. The scippers were also rewarded, with pensions during their liues, and other preferments. The towne was presently prouided for out of Holland (ac∣cording to the order before taken by Mounsire Barneueldt) of all things necessary for a yeare and a halfe, and that was done within lesse then ten daies, placing therein foure [ E] hundred horse and one thousand and two hundred foote, the Bourgers likewise redu∣ced them-selues into fiue companies and kept watch among the soldiars vnder their lea∣ders. The Estates gaue vnto Heraugiere a cup of siluer and guilt made like a boat, with the which he did this exployt, with other rich presents.

The tenth of March Charles Earle of Mansfeldt went out of Antwerp with good troupes of horse and foote to lie about Breda to stoppe their incursions, and to keepe the peasants from spoyling, who presently put garrisons into Osterhout, Ter∣nigh * 1.419 and other conuenient places, and tooke Seuenberghen where they vsed great cruelty: At Heyden a village betweene Seuenberghen and Breda hee built a great Sconse with a bridge ouer a water called Mercke, whereby to stoppe the passage [ F] by water to Breda, thinking thereby to keepe it from victualls and other necessaries. In May he beseeged Nordam Sconse, lying vpon the water by Seuenberghen, where at that time Captaine Mathyas He•…•…t was gouernor, he was in the turfe boate at the taking of Breda: vpon the thirteene and fourteenth of May he battred it with seauen peeces of

Ordinance, hauing spent at the least twelue hundred shotte, hee gaue a very * 1.420 [ A] fierce assault, and brought a great shippe before the Fort, placing many mus∣ketiers in the toppe of the Castell, to driue them within the Fort from their defen∣ces, making diuers bridges to gette to the walles to giue an assault, and in that man∣ner hee attempted it twise, but his men were valiantly repulst, with the losse of two Italien Captaines, Horatio Fontana of Modena, and Iohn Francisco Pagano a Nea∣politaine, with diuers others, and some Netherlanders of very good accompt, hee lost at this assault at the least sixe or seauen hundred men, the losse was the greater by reason that fire fell into the shippe, and burnt both it and al the men within it, where∣vpon he was forced to leaue the Sconse, and to retyre with many wounded men, so as Captaine Mathias Helt wone great honor, and the Estates soone recouered Seven∣berghe [ B] and the Castell.

In the meane time the vnited Prouinces had gathered togither a small armie, vn∣der the commaund of Prince Maurice and the Earle of Hohenlo, who marched in∣to the Betuwe, and incamped ouer against Nymeghen, where-vppon the point of the Riuer of Wahall they began to build a great Sconse, to keepe the towne from pro∣uision on that side: The Earle of Mansfeldt (finding him-selfe to weake to fight with them) came to Nymeghen, & finding that the Prince intended to make a Sconse there, hee planted certaine Ordinance within Nymeghen, which draue them from their worke and battered it downe: Then hee went and lodged in the land of Cuyck, along the Riuer of Meuse, and Prince Maurice stayed all that Summer thereabouts [ C] to make vp his Sconse, both in the view and in dispight of the Ordinance of Nyme∣ghen, who by the Earles commandement shotte continually against it; and yet in the end of Iuly it was finished and made reasonable strong, the which they called Knod∣senbourgh, in dispight of the Knodsendragers of Nymeghen, for so were the townse∣men * 1.421 of Nymeghen called when they grew contentious, and brought the Knodsen into the streets: It was victualled and furnished of all thinges for sixe monethes, wherein there were foure or fiue hundred men placed, vnder Gerrard of Yough, after that he laie in the Betuwe and made the Riuer of Wahall his defence, mea∣ning in time by continuall shooting to tyer them of Nymeghen, and to that end from Bomell to the Tole-house or Shencks Sconse hee placed soldiers, and by [ D] the ayde of some shippes of warre kept the Riuer of Wahal to stoppe the ene∣mies passage, for that the Earle of Mansfeldt lying in Cuick, and dayly growing stronger made a shew as if hee would passe the Riuer of Wahal, they of Nymeghen im∣portuning him therevnto, who otherwise by reason of the Sconse were very much weakened.

The Estates caused a new Chanell to bee cutte crosse the Betuwe, to drawe the water of the Rhyne into the VVahal beneath Nymeghen, and defended it on either side with good bankes, that they might ascend and descend the Riuer of Rhyne by the VVahal, without any danger of Nymeghen. By this chanell and the bankes the lower Betuwe vnto Dordrecht is greatly defended from Inundations: they spent most [ E] part of this Summer in building of the Fort of Knodsenberg, and in making of this Chanell.

The Estates made also an other strong Fort in the Iland of Voren by Herwerden, aboue Bomel, the which was done by the Earle of Solms, whereby they of Gelderland (as much as was before vnited with the other Prouinces) receiued Prince Maurice for their Gouernor, the rest by the King of Spaines command was gouerned by the Mar∣quis of Varrenbon a Bourguignon.

In Friseland certaine inhabitants of the town of Groning, made a motion vnto the Queene of England to receiue them into their protection, which she refused to doe and yet shee caused her Secretary to commaund Sir Francis Veer (who lay then about [ F] Doesborgh with his English regiment) to take some order for them with William Earle * 1.422 of Nassau and the councell of Estate, and although they had assembled about three thousand foote, yet they of Groning would receiue no garrison into their towne, but

without it they offred to deliuer certaine places if they thought well thereof, vpon * 1.423 [ A] condition that they would not by any meanes treate with the Estates, but with the Queene of England, wherevpon they brake off: And for that Verdugo their Gouer∣nor had more men sent vnto him from the Duke of Parma, hee complayned by his letters of the fifteeneth day of March, which were intercepted, that his souldiars mu∣tined for money, and that in steed of money they had sent him more men, whereas hee sollicited the Duke of Parma chiefely for money, so that as then hee had three score and fiue companies of foote, and fiue Cornets of Reistres, but at the last hauing * 1.424 found meanes to pacefie his souldiars hee tooke the s•…•…onse of Immentil, part of the garrison beeing gone forth about an enterprize: from thence hee went to Nieuwelt which made William Earle of Nassau to go to field, hauing some troupes sent vnto him from the campe before Nymeghen, vnder the leading of the Earle of Ouerstein, and [ B] incamped at Colum, Verdugo lying right ouer against him about a mile on the other side of Vpslach, where they lay long to get some aduantage one against the other, but little done, there were diuers enterprizes taken in hand, and some conuoies cut off.

This Sommer there was an assembly of the deputies of the Electors of the Rhine and other Princes of the Empire at Cologne, whereas it was declared by the deputies of Cleues, Westphalia, and Saxony, what great losses, spoiles, and ruines they were for∣ced * 1.425 to endure, by reason of the warres in the Netherlands: making complaint espe∣cially against the souldiars which serued vnder Verdugo and Emanuell de Vega, which continually ouer-ranne and held the territories of Munster and the Earldom of Bent∣hem [ C] in contribution: and in like sort against Charles Earle of Mansfeldt, who com∣mitted the like outrages in the Duchies of Cleues and Iuiliers and the Earledome of Lippe: And in the territories of Cologne by Iohn Manriques de Lara, taking in of Abbayes, and Noblemens houses, and building of diuers sconses to keepe the coun∣trie in a we and subiection.

They shewed moreouer that the like insolencies were committed by the souldi∣ars of the vnited Prouinces, and therefore they desired their aduise, and helpe both of men and money, to preuent these spoyles and incursions, either by perswasions or by force: but the fruites of this assembly were small (for that many of the de∣puties were affected to the Spaniard) but they onelie referred all to an other meeting [ D] at Francfort, whether they should come with more ample commissions and instructions, and withall haue recourse vnto the Emperour and the Princes of the Empire: they also concluded, that in the meane time they should send Ambassa∣dors in their names, both to the Duke of Parma and the vnited Prouinces, intreat∣ing them to yeelde vp all those Fortes and places which they held vpon the Rhine, belonging vnto the Empire, whereby their incursions might bee stopt, and the ri∣uer of Rhine (which belongeth vnto the Empire) freede. Moreouer it seemed, (or at the least they gaue it forth) that at their next assembly it should be conclu∣ded, that whosoeuer refused to yeeld vnto their request, should bee forced therevn∣to at the charges of the Empire. The Ambassadors which they sent were Gaspar [ E] van Eltii State-holder of Langstein Adam Gants Barron of Potlitz, councellors to the Electors of Mentz and the Count Palatin. Otto van Welmernechuysen, State-hol∣der * 1.426 generall of the nether Circle of the Rhine: Wynant van Perordt chiefe chamber∣laine of the Duchie of Iuilliers, Iohn Bauman and Bernard van Puts, deputies for the sayd borders.

These Ambassadors went to Brussells, but they preuailed verie little there, after which they desired a pasport from the vnited Prouinces and so came to the Hage, wherevpon the three and twentie daie of August, they had audience, and de∣liuered

their charge in writing, giuing them to vnderstand, that the Electors and [ F] Princes of the Empire on both sides the Rhine', Westphalia and lower Germanie, after their due commendations, were forced to complaine of the great spoyles which were committed, and the great contributions which were exacted of their subiects

and that without respect of the Lords and Princes of those countries, they held many * 1.427 [ A] Forts vpon the lymits of the Empire, and intertained a great number of shippes of war, in the Riuers of Rhyne, Ems and others, to the great oppression both of •…•…aylers and Marchants, whome they forced to pay licence money, the which was very hurtfull and preiudiciall to those countries, against all good neighbourhood, and contrary to the promise which they had made vnto the Empire: whereby they said, that such as gouer∣ned in the Netherlands for the King of Spaine, excused them-selues, saying that by rea∣son of their forcible actions, they were constrained to doe as they had done, wherefore they were sent vnto them to informe them of their bad neighbourhood and to request them both to forbeare from any further attempts, and to repaire the losses which they had susteyned, and to ruine their Forts, or else to deliuer them vp vnto the Lords [ B] of those Territories, to call home their shippes of warre, and to exact no more lycence money of their Marchants, but to suffer them to haue free trafficke: to keepe their soldi∣ars in better discipline, and to refraine their incursions into the country, and likewise not to follow nor pursue the enemie marching vppon the Territories of the Empire; which if they refused to doe, they gaue them to vnderstand, that the Princes Electors and others, would no longer forbeare, but were fully resolued with the assistance of the rest of the E•…•…ectors Princes of the Empire, not onely to giue eare to the complaints of their oppressed subiects, but also to receiue thē into their protections, according to the [ C] customes of the Empire and al good lawes: whereof they desired a short, speedy and per∣tinent answer, that they might make report thereof accordingly, annexing there-vnto diuers particuler complaints, for actions done by priuate persons, as the taking of Fortes, &c.

Wherevnto the generall Estates of the Vnited Prouinces made an answer in writing on the 23. of •…•…eptember, as followeth.

The generall Estates hauing duly considered of the necessitie of the present time, first giue thankes vnto the Princes Electors, and other the Estates of the aforesaid * 1.428 Territories of Germany, for their good and friendly admonition; desiring to inter∣taine peace and good neighbourhood with them: And praying them to perswade them-selues, that for their parts they had not spared, neither would, their best dilligence and indeauors, to lette both the Electors and the rest of the Estates of the [ D] Empire, as also al other Kings, Princes, Potentates and common weales knowe, that notwithstanding all their continuall warres (whereof the Vnited Prouinces to their great hindrance and almost ruine had borne the greatest burthen) the naturall loue and affection of the Inhabitants thereof, was yet in full force & vigor: So as next after their natiue countrie, they had nothing more recommended, nor pretious vnto them, then loue and vnitie with al the world, and especially with their friends and neighbour coun∣tries, and aboue all that they might attaine to that long desired peace and vnitie of the countrie. Wherefore they were discontented to heare them-selues charged to haue broken that League that was wont to be betwixt them and the borders of the same Em∣pire, [ E] especially of them from whome they expected al aide & assistance, with a relenting cōpassion of the miseries falne vpon the Netherlands, in the which there had bin so ma∣ny fires kindled, as it was impossible to quenche them, but the smoke would flie into the neighbour countries, beeing a needles thing to seeke to extinguish those flames of fire, for that in the very heart and midst of these countries (which are inseperably bound one vnto an other) there is nothing sought but continuall kindling and increasing of the said flames, vnlesse they held it an easie matter to cure the outward members of the Countrie, when as the heart it selfe is inwardly sicke and consumed.

But whereas they were charged (although they might freely and with good consci∣ences protest, that they had alwaies dislikt, and bene much discontented, for the wrongs and iniuries done vnto their neighbours) to haue suffered their soldiers to commit all [ F] violence and insolences against their neighbours, their commissions, decrees and pro∣clamations published in that behalfe, can sufficiently witnesse, and the punishments in∣flicted vppon the offenders and breakers of the same haue manifestly declared the con∣trary, and that the fault was not in the said Estates: besides it might bee well presumed

that neither they nor the Councel of Estate, could so restraine the insolencie of sol∣diers, * 1.429 [ A] nor obserue such good discipline therein as necessitie required: and yet that the greatest part thereof had happened through the sinister practises of the enemie, and that good order could not alwaies bee maintayned among vnruly soldiers, the which is not to be held straunge, for the Estates them-selues were much troubled in that case, as suffering the greatest wrong. Neuerthelesse they had rather in the meane time indure a little disorder for a time, vppon hope of speedy amendment, then to expect a greater mischiefe, and altogither at one instant (to the vtter ru∣ine and distruction of the Netherlands in generall togither with their neighbours) fall vnder the insolent and proud commaund of such, as vnder the pretext of spi∣rituall gouernment haue made such bloudy proclamations, which forbid the rea∣ding [ B] of holy Scriptures, and doe execute the lawes by their Inquisitors in steede of Iudges, making so turbulent a Councell as the like was neuer heard of in the Netherlands before: And seeking nothing else but (contrary to their promises and sollemne othes) to violate and tread vnder foote the liberties, rights, and priuiledges of the Netherlands, to spoyle, ruine and roote out all the Nobilitie, and chiefe men of the country, and to oppresse the poore commons with intollerable imposts and ex∣actions, thereby to get an absolute gouernement ouer the Netherlands, and to aspire the more easilie to their pretended generall Monarchy.

And it appears their disseignes and intents haue alwaies tended to that end, by the ta∣king into their hands of all the richest Abbeys and spirituall liuings of the country: for [ C] that they must chiefly roote out all the Prelates, being the first members of the Estate, in most of the Prouinces, & raise vp and plant in their places a new kind of people, mais∣sters of Heretikes, bearing the name of Bishops, creatures of this new pretended Monar∣chy: to the end that these new Bishops ioined togither might continue and sitte fast in their new power & authoritie, to serue as spies in these countries for the Spaniards, and to take true notice of them that would oppose them-selues against this new Monarchy, & also by that meanes to ruine the second member of the Estate of that country which is the Nobility and gentry, whereof they haue brought part miserably vnto their ends, and disarmed the rest, pretending it a sufficient cause, that they had presented humble petitions vnto their King, beseeching him to forbeare to shed any more innocent blood, [ D] the which was imputed to them for high Treason: for which cause alone, they resolued to make war against the Netherlands, and to ouer-run it as it were a new conquerd Countrie: And lastly they sought to bring the Estates and the Commons vnder so great tribute, exactions and impositions as neuer were heard of, whereby they might haue a yearely contribution & reuenue, to vphold and maintaine their absolute power and Dominion.

Touching their intent to attaine vnto their pretended Monarchy; Germany it selfe might produce many examples which diuers yet liuing could witnesse: as it was very apparant by their vniust taking of many townes and Prouinces in the Netherlands, be∣longing vnto the holy Empire, and by the shedding of the innocent bloud of the chie∣fest [ E] Noblemen, Gentlemen and other rich Burgers of the country, by many thousands: The absolute gouernement they held in Naples, Millan and other places in Italie. The detention of the Crowne of Portugall from Don Antonio his neere kinsman. The vniust intent and purpose (and the execution thereof put in practise) to conquer the Realmes of England & Ireland, the spoiling and forcible detention of many townes belonging to the Empire, and lastly the daily enterprises & inuasions made vpon France with whole armies. Al which doth sufficiently shew what they aspire vnto vnder this Spanish go∣uernment, when as the Noble Kingdome of France doth with a wofull voyce, cry, sigh, and bewaile hir iminent decay and ruine. It is most certaine that al they which at this time aspire vnto the Crowne of France, doe it not in regard they doubt of the [ F] Kings lawful right vnto the Crowne, but their disseinge is, that they imagin it would be a great hindrance to the absolute Monarchy which the Spaniards pretend, if the said kingdome of France should cōtinue in the ancient line, & to that end authority was gi∣uen to beare armes against their naturall king, to aid the spaniards, not for that they

would liue freely and vnbound and inioy that quietly which God and nature had giuen * 1.430 [ A] them: but to force your King to renownce the religion, wherein hee had bene borne and bred, & to leaue the crown: wherein you may obserue a strange alteration, for that not long since it was acoumpted capitall treason, for the subiects to craue of their Dukes, Earles, and Lords, with all submission and humilitie, and with the purchase of great summes of money, to haue liberty of conscience allowed them: whereas now the sub∣iects of France, not onely inioy the freedome thereof, but are also sette on to lay violent handes on their Kinges Crowne, vnlesse he will change his religion. These be the pri∣uiledges which they vsurpe, to doe al that (which they blame & discommend in others) without any restraint of law, yea commanding ouer the law it selfe: that is ouer the con∣sciences, liues & goods of poore men, after their owne willes; and so by outward shews [ B] and deuises (though apparantly false) abuse the simple people, and mislead their Inno∣cencie, forcing a beleefe in them, that it is lawfull to beare armes against their true and natural King, without any iust cause or exception against him, but onely that they might be absolute masters of the said Kingdome. Wherefore the subiects of the Netherlands are not to be condemned, (if they fore-seeing the disseignes of this pretended Monar∣chy: setting before their eyes many strange examples of forraine Nations, and the cruell executions of the chiefe Noblemen, Gentlemen, and many thousands more in the Ne∣therlands) doe oppose them-selues against it, and do that which wiues, children and subiects, may lawfully do against their husbands, parents, and Lords, in the like case: is it not then against reason they should be held for disturbers of the publicke peace, or [ C] such as would attempt any thing contrary to their promise and othes, or against the constitutions of the holy Empire, the Estates beeing assured that they haue hitherto sufficiently acquitted them-selues, according to their power, wherein they persist: de∣siring (for that they did of old time belong vnto the holy Empire & were so accoūpted) that they might by meanes of the holy Empire (as a member of that body) obtain some ayd and assistance, against the oppression of their enemies; which they haue often desi∣red and sued for, both by humble petitions and by their Ambassadors, and now againe desired the same, to the end that according vnto the constitutions of the holy Empire, all strange soldiers might bee sent out of all the Confines of the Empire, and that both the vpper and the nether parts of the Netherlands might haue free entercourse of traf∣ficke [ D] one with an other, as in former times they were wont to haue.

But if this their request might not be allowed of, nor granted (whereof they had no doubt) they then desired the said Electors, and the rest of the Princes and Noblemen of the Empire, not to misconster their actions in those troublesome and chargeable warres, whereby they should with more courage and allacratie, beare this great bur∣then (which in their necessary defence increased daily) and proceed therein as they had begun, that the said Netherlands by their meanes and habilitie (which doubtlesse are not smal) might not in the end be made Sedes Belli to the ruine and ouerthrow of their neighbours, and bee an instrument to raise and vphold their absolute pretended Monar∣chie. That the Estates beeing forced by meere extremitie to beare armes, and that [ E] whatsoeuer insued, was to bee accoumted as In terminis defensionis, to defend and pre∣serue that which belonged vnto them, and to recouer that which by force, practises, or any other vniust meanes, had bene wrested from them: hauing no desire to force or with-hold any of their neighbor townes, Castels or Forts: & therefore they see no rea∣sō why they should be intreated or commanded to forsake any places which they held. Touching Sgrauen-Veerts Sconse, whereof question is made, the Estates are fully infor∣med that it lyeth in the Iurisdiction of Gelders and not of Cleues, as it is pretended: it was built at the great charge of the vnited Prouinces, by the late Collonel Sir Martin Schenck, after whose death it was preserued from the practises of the enemies, and hath beene maintained euer since by the Estates, not to wrong or preiudice, but to stoppe the enemies Irruptions into their Prouinces; beeing allowed by the Imperiall [ F] Lawes in cases of necessitie to build Forts vppon their neighbours Territories: But to auoyd all questions that might grow touching the said Sconse, the Estates did assure the said Electors, that they desired not to proceed therein but by all iust and

lawfull meanes, whereof they should haue no cause to complaine, meaning to haue [ A] made a more ample proofe touching the said Sconse, if the Estates of Gelderland had * 1.431 sent their deputies thether, whome they daily expected, who do constantly mayntaine it to bee in the Duchy of Geldres, as at their comming they will plainely shew. On the other side the Spaniards had built & made forts, in the territories of the Empire, and in the Duchy of Cleues, where ther haue no title nor interest: and haue taken and de∣teyne many good townes, not forced thereunto by necessity for their owne defence, but to oppresse their neighbors and to inlarge their absolute pretended dominion, as hath appeered by their letters which of late haue beene intercepted: wherefore the Princes and Estates of the Empire ought to haue an especiall care, least the Bishopriks there a abouts belonging vnto the Empire, fall (some by force and some by practises, corrup∣tion and other secret deuises) into the hands of the creatures of Spaine: whoe here∣after [ B] watching their oportunities, will deliuer their gouernments into their hands vp∣on whome they haue depended the, like whereof hath beene seene in our time. What their intent is to yeeld vp the townes and places which they hould, may well appeere by their late attempt to surprze the townes of Gogh & Rees, the which the Estates sup∣posed, was not vnknowne to them, and that the new Sconses built in the Bishopricke of Cologne, was for their good, and by their directions. Moreouer there is no reason to thinke that the Estates were the first which attempted to surprise their neghbours Townes and forts: and it shall appere that to this day not any of the said townes haue beene taken by them or their commandements: And if for a time (vpon vrgent neces∣•…•…ie yet without their commission) any such thing hath happened: they haue bin restored [ C] by the estates to the right owners againe: hauing had no desire to deale in those actions which had hapned in the Bishopprike of Cologne, being very apparent by whose com∣mandement those things had beene done. It is true the soldiars vnder the Estates seruice did aide and assist the Elector Trucses, but it was done, when as his enemies not onely called in the Spaniards to ayd them, but after that they had taken and held diuerse townes and places, whereon great consideration ought to be had. It hath happened not long sence that their soldiars haue taken the stronge fort of Luttekenhouen, for that the enemy had great aduantages therby, being very commodious for him to effect his war∣like attempts against Freezland: and in like manner they had taken the fort of Buricke, which the enemy had built there, and manned it with a good garrison, thereby to spoile [ D] the country, they haue also taken the towne and castle of Buricke it selfe which was held by the enemy. And seeing they had done these things as well to take away the enemies aduantages as to keepe the country from spoyle, they ought to consider that those places were not taken from their neighbors, but from the common enemy of those countries, and yet to make knowne their sincere intentions, they desired to liue in amity and friendshippe which the Electors and Princes of Germany, and by no meanes to surprize and hold their neighbors townes and places, they were present∣ly content to yeeld them vp into their hands to whome they did belong, that the enemy might pretend no collour to detayne those places which he had taken and held. And if happely the Estates soldiars in their necessary exployts, or in the poursuite of the ene∣mies, [ E] haue in any sort spoyled or hurt their neighbor country, it was done against their wills, which they would neuer haue left vnpunished, but that they respected the necessity of the time: being their vsuall manner and custome to maintaine their soldiars at the charges of their owne Prouinces, and not at their neighbors cost: whereas it hath bin and is daily seene, that whole regiments of the enemies soldiars, both of horse and foote, haue beene maintained and lodged many moneths in the neighbour coun∣tries, not so much to anoy vs, as to ruine the country, whereby they might the sooner attaine to their pretended absolute dominion, for proofe whereof the enemy giueth very smal or no pay to those regiments & companies which he maintaineth at the cost [ F] of the neighbor countries: whereas the estates (to obserue good discipline, & to preuent al disorders in their soldiars, and also to free their neighbors from al exaction) do conti∣nually giue such reasonable pay (according to their habilities) as it might be doubted in so great and long a warre, whether the greatest Potentate in Europe euer gaue better.

It is true that the Estates to their great charge, entertaine ships of warre which lie at * 1.432 [ A] ancher not only in the sea, but also in the riuers and common passages, the which is not done to hinder or preiudice any man, but for the necessary safegard of marriners and marchants, against the force of the cōmon enemy, who also maintaineth much shiping, only to roue at sea, & to spoile passengers. The estates haue greater cause to vse this kinde of defence then any other, beeing a matter of great importance, & necessary for their Prouinces. And in the meane time the subiects of the Empire and the country people reape no smal commodity, by the said ships of war, being paid, & kept in good discipline as they are. And seeing that the seas and riuers be Iuris publici all men being allowed to he at anchor therein without offence; there is no cause why this action of the Estates should be ill taken, for that they only seeke to stop and hinder the enterprise, and incur∣sions [ B] of their enemies. And whereas the Estates towards part of their charges, which they are forced to vndergo, to free the sea and riuers from Pirats, are compelled to raise certaine conuoy and lycense mony, vpon all goods and marchandise going out of the country, it is done to their great greefe as being more preiudiciall to their Prouinces and the inhabitants therof then to any others: wherevnto they would neuer haue giuen consent, if necessity had not inforced them, for that the prosperity of their Prouinces, depended on the trade of marchandise, the which si much hindred by such impositions, and is as burthensome vnto the Prouinces them-selues, as to their neighbors, which conuoies and licenses are not vsed in any other places, but in their owne hauens and pas∣ages with all conuenient order.

[ C]

In the meane time it seemes strange vnto the Estates, that any should dislike of their proceding therein, seeing that many Princes, and common weales, liuing in peace and free from all enemies, doe (without any vrgent necessitie) impose the like exactions, yet the Electors and other Princes of the Empire, may rest well assured, that these bur∣thens wilbe withdrawne, the affaiers of the country being once reduced to their desined end, and their necessities ceasing, and if in the meane time any disorders shall be com∣mitted by the soldiers, either by water or by land they shall be seuerely punished. And to shew how much they dislike all disorders and spoyles, the good orders which they had made in the fort of Sgrauenweerd sence the death of Collonell Schencke, do suf∣ficiently witnes, where they haue discharged all Tolles and such like impositions which [ D] were exacted contrary to their wills. Moreouer if any soldiars being in the Estates ser∣uice, either by water or by land, shall be conuicted to haue slaine, beaten, or robbed any man, burnt their houses, or any way wronged their neighbors; the Estates will by all meanes seeke to punish such offences as they deserue, or will be content that due pu∣nishment shall bee done vpon them by the said Electors. &c. and other their neighbors, so as it may be done without partiality, recommending therein the mutuall correspon∣dency which ought to bee betwixt friends and neighbors. Thus much the Generall e∣states of the vnited Prouinces (being requested by the Electors and other Princes and Estates of Germany) thought good to giue for answer: once againe desiring the high and mighty Princes Electors and others, that they would vouchsafe to bee fauorable [ E] and assistant vnto the said vnited Prouinces of the Netherlands, who as now stand as rampars and Bulwarks for them, against the generall necessity of imminent danger.

They also intreated the Ambassadors, to make a fauorable report of their answer, vnto the high and mighty Princes Electors and others: hoping that almighty GOD (whose powerfull arme, had hetherto wonderfully preserued these countries) with the aide and assistance of their friends, allyes and neighbors, will send them a spedy, happy and long expected issue, in the affaires of their common welfare. Lastly whereas the Noble contesse of Nieuwenar. &c. widow to the Noble Earle Adolph Earle of Nieu∣wenar, Muaers. &c. complaineth that against the constitutions, Lawes and Ordynances of the empire she hath (contrary to all lawe and reason) bene depriued and is yet of cer∣taine [ F] Lands and goods belonging vnto her, and lying in the confines of the Empire, and vnder the protection of the same: The said Estates desired the heigh and mighty Princes Electors of the Empire, &c. that through their authority order may bee taken for the restitution of the said lands & goods, and that the said countesse in her sor∣rofull

widoes Estate may be no longer thus wrongfully opprest. Giuen in the Hage the * 1.433 [ A] thirteene day of September in the yeare 1590.

Vnto this answer made by the Estates vpon the twenty fiue of September the Am∣bassadors * 1.434 deliuered a replication, wherein they promised to make a fauorable report of their answer, but touching the fort of Sgrauenwert, they sayd, that they must (accor∣ding to their commission) make answer: that it seemed very strange to them, to heare them pretend that it stood vpon the territories of the Duchie of Geldres, whereas they were certainely informed, that the sayd Sconse, for the space of a hundred yeares, be∣yond all memory of man had beene a certaine issue or current of water, which ranne from the towne of Cleues into the Rhine, (as the land of Alwinch) lying in the duchie of Cleues, and that the Dukes of Cleaue had from time to time receiued rent for the same, as being their owne inheritance, and such as had hired it of them did enioye it [ B] peaceably without any molestation of them of Gelderland, or any others, for that be∣fore that time it was seperated from the firme land by a small water-mill, the which hath beene since eaten away by the riuer of Rhine: that at this time the sayd water or riuer is called Vossegat, they of Gelderland neuer laying any title or claime therevn∣to, as it also appeereth by a speciall contract made at Brusselles, betweene the Empe∣ror Charles the fift and the Duke of Cleaues, in the yeare of our Lord 1545. the 2. of Ianuary, which treaty was called the confirmation of lands of inheritance, hauing in it an Article which maketh mention of the limmits, wherein there is no mention made of Sgrauenweert, being then in the possession of the sayd Duke, as also in the treatie made before Maestricht in the yeare 1549. in October, where mention is made of the sayd [ C] Sgrauenweert, without any question betweene the sayd Princes touching the possessi∣on thereof. And since that, Sir Martin Schenck in the yeare 1586 had begun to make vp the sconse, there had alwaies complaint beene made touching the same, so the Estates could not denie the restitution thereof. And moreouer they sayd that they must of force let the generall Estates vnderstand, that they had no iurisdiction neither vpon the Confines nor yet in the riuers of the Empire, although they pretended that they were Iuris publici common, and therefore they had no right to keepe their shippes of warre there, to the preiudice of marchantes and sailers, to preuent the which, no doubt but the Empire would take some good order, therewith desyring their resolution vpon those particularities, as also concerning the other com∣plaintes.

[ D]

The French King beeing this yeare at the seege of Paris, and hauing reduced it to great extreamitie, the Duke of Parma was prest by the Duke of Maine and them of the league, to goe and releeue it: And beeing in Iuly at Brusselles, hee sent for the Estates of the countrie, letting them vnderstand that hee was of force to goe into France, to the releefe of Paris, appointing in his absence old Peter Ernest Earle of Mansfeldt, Gouernor and Captaine generall of the Netherlands by prouiso. It is sayd that a motion was then made vnto the Estate, to accept and acknow∣ledge the Prince of Spaine, the King of Spaines onelie Sonne (though then absent) to bee their succeeding Lord, the which was done onelie to trie the peoples [ E] disposition.

The Estates on the other side layed before him, how vnfit and vnnecessarie they held it to make an offensiue warre in France, and how preiudiciall it might bee in time to the fronter Prouinces of the Netherlands, but whatsoeuer they could pretend or obiect, it was held more conuenient to maintaine the warres in France, then to at∣tend it in the Netherlands, holding it most certaine that the warlike French King would seeke to reduce those Prouinces vnder his command, with the aide and assistance of the vnited Prouinces of Holland and Zeland.

The Duke of Parma hauing taken his leaue in Brabant, hee went from thence [ F] into Henault and so into France, taking with him about eightteene Cornets of horse, most Italiens, besides those that were sent before him, and some of the bandes of Ordinance. Of foote men, hee had his owne Regiment, the Regi∣ments of Noyer-carmes and the Lord of Frenes: ten companies of Camillo Capres, ten

Companies of Ballisons; and about three thousand Duch-men of Barlaymonts and * 1.435 [ A] Ar•…•…enbergs regiments with three and twenty companies of the mutinous Spaniards which were in Courtray, which three and twenty companies reckoned them-selues to bee eighteene hundred men, and caused them-selues to bee paid for three and twen∣ty monethes after that rate, and yet they were not aboue twelue hundred strong: but to cry quittance with them, the money was raised foure in the hundred higher then it was before. These troopes altogither were about tenne thousand foote, all old sol∣diers, with a good number of horsemen, besides the remainder of the Earle of Eg∣monts forces, and other that came vnto him vppon the Frontiers. Hee left behind him in the Netherlands vnder the Earle of Mansfeldt (who had the charge of Mar∣tiall affaires) about eight or tenne Cornets of horse, and the rest of the bandes of Ordinance, and about sixe Regiments of foote, with many companies of seuerall Re∣giments: [ B] with the Duke there went the Prince of Ascoly the Prince of Chasteavetra∣ne * 1.436 and Don Octauio, both sonnes to the Duke of Terranoua, the Prince of Chymay, the Marquesse of Renty, the Earles of Arremberg and Barlaymont, and Don Sancio de Lieua with diuers others: Iohn Baptista Taxis was superintendent of the Armie, La-Motte generall of the Ordinance, Don Alonzo Idtaguez and Don Antonio de Sunega Collonels of the Spaniards, Pedo Galeran and Biazio Capezuca Collonels of the Italiens: With this Armie well furnished with Artillerie, Munition, great store of Wagons and all other necessaries, the Duke of Parma, in great pompe marcht through Henault into France, in the moneth of August, his Halberdiers, Archers, and his Cornet [ C] of Reisters, were all apparrelled in crimson veluet, the Reisters being all imbrodered with white Flower de Luces, and marching in that manner neere vnto Cambray, they had an eye vnto the towne, but Mounsier Balagn•…•… was too vigilant for him. At Meaux hee ioyned with the Duke of Maine, and there tooke charge of the whole army. What hapned during his aboad in France, I leaue to the French Inuentory, where it is related at large.

The Duke of Parma hauing releeued and entred into Paris, winter beeing come, and therefore not fit to besiege any townes, in regard his armie was full of sicke men, hauing great want of prouision, for that nothing could come vnto him out of Henault, neither could the old soldiers which were appointed to come with some necessa∣ries [ D] vnder the leading of Verdugo, passe: Hee in the end of Nouember, resolued to leaue France, finding some dislike growne betwixt his soldiers and the French, and that the townes of France would not receiue any garrisons of his, besides the vnited Prouinces had gotten such victories in his absence, as his presence was very necessary, so as in December hee came to Brusselles. It is thought that the third part of his men dyed of hunger, pouertie, sicknesse, and by the sword, and that all the Hos∣pitals in in Arthois and Henault were filled with those that returned home, where∣of many died.

At the same time died Emanuell of Lalaine Lord of Montigni, and Marquesse of Ren∣ty by his wife, who was daughter to the last Marquesse, of the house of Croy, a wise [ E] Noble man and of great experience, and one of the chiefe of the Nobilitie seruing vnder the King of Spaine: a man of great authoritie and command: at the first hee was held in great iealousie, although he held with the generalitie, for that he affected the Spaniards much.

Whilest that the Duke of Parma was in France, Peter Ernest Earle of Mans∣feldt beeing his Lieutenant, wanting the King of Spaines chiefe forces hee had no meanes whereby to doe any thing that was of importance. But in the meane time Prince Maurice slept not, but came vnto the field with an Armie, to performe a promise which was made by him and the Estates vnto the Princes of the Empire, for the restitution of the Forts and places held on either part in the Territories [ F] of the Empire: VVhere-vppon hee went along the Riuers of Rhyne and Meuse, where hee recommended all the Castles and Forts which the Spaniards held, as the Castle of Hemert the 27. of September, that of Heel the 3. of October, the Towne and Castle of Buricke right against Weezel, the Fort of Graue, beneath the Rhyne in the

Duchie of Cleues; and at Kenhouen in the diocese of Cologne, causing al the forts to be * 1.437 [ A] raized which the Spaniards had built along the Rhine vpon the lands of the Empire, which done passing his army into Brabant, hee tooke the Fort Terheyden at the mouth of the riuer of Breda, which the Earle of Mansfeldt had built not many monethes be∣fore: then hee tooke the Fort of Roosendael, and after that beseeged the Towne of Stenbergh, the which yeelded by composition: Then he sent a part of the garrison of Breda and of Berghen vp Zoom to scoure the country, who running ouer the countrey of Campeigny, tooke the towne of Tillemont in Brabant by scaladoe, but being a great thing and heard to keepe, after they had spoyled it they left it, and euery one being la∣den with bootie returned to his garrison.

The Bourgers of Venlo in Gelderland, finding themselues tyranously opprest by * 1.438 the souldiars of their garrison, and could not bee eased by any intreaties, nor their com∣plaintes [ B] heard: in the end seeing the signior Bentinck their Gouernor absent; they consulted togither how they might free themselues of their garrison which consis∣ted of Italiens and Germaines, but these were somewhat more modest then the Ita∣liens. The Bougers hauing acquainted them with their intent which was to driue out the Italiens; the which done they should haue the more profit, and therefore intreated them to assist them in this execution, or at the least (if by reason of their oth they might not doe it) that they would stand still as Neuters, and not put themselues in armes against the Bourgers. The which hauing promised, they of the towne beeing all in armes, commanded the Italiens to depart, if not, they knewe well how to force [ C] them, and so beeing retired, the Bourgers would not disarme themselues, nor leaue their gardes vntill they were all forth. But the people were not satisfied to be so ridde of the Italiens, but they would doe as much to the Germaines, whome they cha∣sed away with all the reproches and indignitie that might bee. Bentincke (who was then busie about the raysing of a newe Regiment of foote) would gladly haue beene reuenged of this indignitie: But the Bourgers to bee ridde of him also, caused his wife and all his familie to depart: and so hee lost his gouernment and the King of Spaines fauour, and with all his Regiment was soone after quite disperst, whereof a part bee∣ing sodenly surprized betwixt the townes of Aix and Mastricht, was defeated by the Estates men. [ D]

Behold how Bentincke of a pettie companion grewe great, and fell againe into the same Estate. They of Venloo, did write their excuses, vnto the Earle of Mansfeldt, and to the councell of Estate at Brusselles, promising to continue con∣stant in the Catholike religion and in the Kings obedience, and not depart from the one nor the other, neither had they chased away their garrison to▪ seeke any innoua∣tion, nor to attempt any thing against the Kings seruice, but to free and deliuer them∣selues, their wiues and children, from the barbarous cruelties and execrable villa∣nies of those Italien souldiars and others, the which they could no longer endure: And they intreated it might not bee misconstred not taken in euill part, seeing that the King should not be thereby preiudiced, and that they would keepe the towne vnder the Kings obedience and seruice without a garrison. [ E]

The Spaniard had at that time built a Fort ioyning to the town of Houy in the coun∣trie of Leege to keepe the riuer of Meuse subiect from all which came from aboue, in the which was captaine Grobbendonc but with a hundred men. The Estates angrie that the Spaniards should play the maisters in that manner, and hinder the nauigati∣on of the riuer of Meuse, they sent some eight hundred men, who beeing camped be∣fore * 1.439 this Fort, they prest the captaine to yeelde vpon the first sommons, if not, if they tooke it by force, they would not leaue a man aliue: The beseeged knowing themselues to weake for so great a number, and that the place was not to bee held long against any great force, hauing small hope of succors, they offred to yeeld, vpon [ F] condition to depart with their full armes, bagge and baggage.

But the States-men knowing that the place was filled with the goods of the neigh∣bour villages, brought thether for refuge, they would make no other composition but to depart with white wands, as they were forced to doe: beeing gone forth the

Fort was raized to the ground, the Estates men returning into Holland laden with * 1.440 [ A] spoile, and the others with emptie hands into Brabant.

They of Zeeland had at that time an enterprize vpon Dunkerke, which they thought to surprize by scaladoe in the night. The desseigne had not beene ill plotted by Collonel Nicholas Meetkerke, with three thousand foote and one hundred horse * 1.441 which were imbarked: but the winde beeing contrarie, and driuing them backe vpon the coast of Flanders, it made the Flemings growe into suspition, and so they were discouered. Yet hauing landed, the sayd Meetkerke shewing vnto the Earle of Solms and to Sir Francis Vere the place where hee ment to assaile it, beeing vpon the edge of the ditche, they were all three hurt with shot. Sixe daies before the garrison of Ostende surprized the towne of Oudenbourg neere vnto Bruges in Flanders, where there were about the number of foure hundred souldiars, the which they spoy∣led [ B] and burnt.

The nine and twenty day of October the Spaniards sought to surprize the towne of Lochem with three cartes laden with haie, euery one hauing two or three souldiars * 1.442 by it attired like Pesants with forkes. The first beeing past ouer the drawe bridge, the porters sonne and an other boy (as it is their custome and right) beganne to pull as much haie as they could whilest the cartes were betwixt the two bridges; And the cart making no hast, one of them tooke a souldiar that was hidden vnder the haie by the foote, and presently cryied out treason, treason, wherevpon the souldiars leaping out of the cartes slue them that were in the Court of garde: But the Townesmen [ C] putting themselues in armes, Francis Ballochi Sargeant Maior, made head against them, and boate them backe beyond the bridge, the which was presently drawne vp; and so this enterprize fayled for want of horsemen. The Sargeant Maior of Zutphen was the vndertaker, who was slaine within the towne and buri∣ed there.

In the end of December the Earle of Ouerstein entred with a good troupe of horse into the countrie of Westphalia (for that they did still maintaine the Spanish facti∣on) * 1.443 and spoyled many villages about Munster and the Diocese of Paterborne; The like did the Spaniards in the countrie of Liege, without any mercy: Where the Bi∣shoppes councell complained at Brusselles, first to the Earle of Mansfeldt, and then to the Duke of Parma at his returne from France: But they had small succor or [ D] comfort, nay it was told them, that if their Prince and Bishoppe were not a good Spaniard, that his countrie must endure more: And that they had no cause to com∣paine for what was past, seeing that they and the King of Spaine maintayned one quar∣rell for the defence of the Catholike and Romish religion.

The Duke of Parma had certaine intelligences in the towne of Breda, which hee hoped to surprize by their meanes who were corrupted, but they were dis∣couered, and such as were of the practise were layd hold on, and afterward ex∣ecuted. The Spaniardes sought to doe the like vpon certaine townes in the coun∣trie of Oueryssell and in diuers other places. [ E]

Whilest that the Spaniardes continued in their mutinies about Herentall and other places, the Estates free-booters (which are aduenturing souldiars without * 1.444 pay) Hollanders and Zeelanders, made a roade into the countries of Brabant and Flanders, spoyling all they incountred; and often-times the shippes which went from Antwerp to Dendermonde and Brusselles: yea they were so bold and hardie, as to demaunde a tribute of ordinarie passing boates, which went and came dailie betwixt Antwerp and Brusselles.

Sir Edward Norris Gouernor of Ostend in Flanders; Brother to Sir Iohn Norris Generall of the English, went with a good part of his English garrison on the fifteene day of February in the yeare of our Lord 1591. to set vpon the Fort and * 1.445 village of Blanckenbergh in the night, lying by the sea side betwixt Scluse and [ F] Ostende▪ the which hee tooke, the souldiars of the garrison retyring themselues into a verie strong Fort the which was vpon the downes, and were afterward

the next day summoned them to yeeld by a drumme: wherevnto they would made no * 1.446 [ A] answer, but shotte at the messenger and slue him, the which did so incense Sir Edward Norris and and all the English, as they tooke it by force and slew aboue a hundred, few of them beeing spared or saued. This Fort was raised and the Scluces of the Sea broken and burnt, then Blanckenbergh was abandoned, carrying away the Artil∣lerie they found in it. The same day some soldiers hauing failed of an enterprise vppon the Castell of Crimpen within the Diocesse of Cologne, they fell vppon certaine horses and passengers, whome they tooke prisoners, but beeing incoun∣tred by the garrisons of Nuys and Meurs, they were defeated and lost all their boo∣ty. The same moneth of February the Seignior of Teligni sonne to Mounsier la Nouë hauing beene taken (as wee haue said) vppon the Riuer of Antwerp, going to Lillo, [ B] in the yeare 1584. was released out of the Castell of Tournay, in exchange of two Spanish Knights which had bene prisoners in the Castle of Ramekins in Zealand, since the defeate of the Spanish army, in the yeare. 1588.

At that time the Earle of Ouersteyn and Sir Francis Veer, tooke in the name of Prince Elector Truxes, the Castle of Colenborch neere to Ordange, at their returne from an * 1.447 enterprise which failed vpon the towne of S•…•…calen in Gelderland. The Peasants there∣abouts came presently and inuironed this Castle, summoning it to yeeld, but they with∣in made answer that they were soldiars, and not accustomed to yeeld vp any place to clownes, and so they were constrained to retyre But the Castle being afterwards besie∣ged by certaine soldiers, it was yeelded to the Seignior of Milendoncke, where∣as [ C] one Hans van Gulich (who had bene the conductor of the enterprise) was hanged at the Port.

The tenth of Aprill they of the garrison of Breda surprised the Castle of Tournhout, by the meanes of a Brewers man, who did vsually carry beere thether by Cart: VVho (beeing come with his Cart and beere within the Port) ouerthrew the Centinell in∣to the ditch, and slew an other, at which brute those which lay in ambush iust by an old burnt house came running, who recouered the Port, and made them-selues mais∣ters of the place.

Prince Maurice and the generall Estates began this Spring to gather their forces to∣gither, and to prouide all things necessary for to go to field, and to besiege townes and * 1.448 [ D] places of strength, re-enforcing their companies both of horse and foote. Then ma∣king shew as if they would attempt something vppon the townes of Boisleduc or Geer∣treuydenberghe, they caused forty Canons to be imbarked, and some dikes to be seazed on towards Boisleduc, and ready to bee pierst, to make a passage for the shippes into the country, and all the troupes were brought to Breda: so as they could not conceiue any other but that it was for one of the two aboue named townes, who began to fortifie them-selues, to make gabions, and to sette all thinges in order. The Duke of Parma for∣tified the garrison of Gheertruydenbergh, and furnished it with all necessary munition. In the meane time Prince Maurice departed with a hundred shippes great and small, fayning to enter into the Riuer of Meuze: but turning suddainely hee mounted vp the Riuer of Rhyne towards Arnhem, and from thence slipt into the Riuer of Yssell, [ E] where in a very shorte time with a good Northerly winde, hee came neere vnto Zutphen.

The two and twentith of Maie, fifteene or sixteene soldiers vnder the commaund of Sir Francis Veer, going out of the garrison of Doesbourg in the Country of Zutphen at∣tyred like country people, some men, some women, came by the breake of day before * 1.449 the Port of the great Fort, which is vppon the Riuers side right against the towne of Zutphen, bringing egges, butter, cheese, herbes, and other commodities which they had in their baskets, staying there and leaning vpon their staues, as Peasants doe when they rest them-selues, attending the opening of the Port: which being opened, a part [ F] of the garrison came forth, and past the water to the towne: The counterfeit Peasants entring in at the Port, they of the gard demaunded some egges, others butter, where∣vpon one of them drawing forth a pistol from vnder his coate, discharged it at one of the Guard, and so did all the rest: at which noise their companions came running, who

lay in ambush vnder the conduct of Sir Francis Veer, who made them-selues mais∣ters * 1.450 [ A] of that Court of Guard and consequently of the whole Fort: In this exployt there dyed not aboue one man on either side, but all were taken prisoners.

Prince Maurice hearing of the good successe of this gentle enterprise, went the∣ther withall speed with his Armie, and inuested the towne of Zutphen causing his * 1.451 Artillerie (which was at Doesbourg) to aduance, and hauing made a bridge vppon boates, to passe fiue horses in Front: At his first approach (which was the eight and twentith of Maie) the Earle of Ouersteyn (hauing very inconsideratly aduanced neere vnto the towne ditch) was shotte and slaine vppon the place: they had some difficultie to draw away the dead body, which the besieged thought to haue for his spoyles. The same night they made their approaches, and the Canon was planted [ B] with such speed, as it was not credible, that in so short a time they could bee drawne out of the shippes, mounted vppon their carriages, and brought to the place of bat∣terie, the which was done by the Marriners which the Prince had brought with him, who were very expert and actiue in such buisines. About noone the Canon began to play, but soone after the besieged began to parle of a composition, demaunding some daies of cessation of armes, within the which if they were not releeued, they would yeeld, to haue their liues, armes and baggage saued. They had some houres gran∣ted them that they might resolue, in which time if they did not yeeld, there was no more grace for them. And whereas the garrison was small, and the towne so great as they could not manne the Rampars if they came to an Assault, finding also that [ C] they would soone make a sufficient breach to assaile them, and that they wanted vic∣tuals, and especially salt, poulder, and other munition of warre: It made them so fearefull, as they durst not attend the hazard of an Assault: knowing well that their succors were yet farre off, and nothing ready, and that they could not hold out so long, but they should bee forced: VVherefore they yeelded the same night, their * 1.452 capitulation was that they should depart with their rapiers and daggers, and as much goods as they could carry vppon their neckes: VVhereas the Prince entred, and the same night hee sent all his horse-men to inuest the towne of Deuenter which is but two leagues from thence, causing his Artillerie to march the next daie, with the rest of the Campe. Thus was the Towne of Zutphen wonne, with that migh∣ty [ D] Fort: In Holland they had newes of the taking thereof, before they heard of the siege.

The Prince beeing before Deuenter, hauing quartred his Armie of either side the Riuer, and made two bridges aboue and beneath the towne, to go from one * 1.453 Campe vnto an other. The Canon beeing planted where hee meant to batter it, On the nineth day of Iune beeing VVhitsonday, by the breake of the day hee began to play on either side of the Port with eight and twenty double Canons, and hauing discharged some Vollies against the Rampar, hee sent to summon the towne by a trumpet. Cont Herman vanden Berghen made answer, that hee recommended him to his cousin: But as for the towne hee would keepe it for the King his Maister, as long [ E] as hee breathed. Hauing receiued this answer, there was no more any question of stay, but the Canon played continually from morning vntill night, with such fury, as it was thought they could not possibly haue indured so many charges, without danger of breaking: For in a very short time they spent foure thousand shotte, du∣ring this violent batterie there were certaine shippes brought into the Hauen, vp∣pon the which they made a bridge, and in the meane time men were sent for from euery quarter to giue an assault: The first charge was giuen to the English at their instant intreaty, shewing them-selues so earnest as they contended who should haue the point. The second charge fell to the Scottes: And the third to the Earle of Solms and to Floris of Brederode Lord of Claeting, all very resolute and in good order. But as the Bridge made ouer the Hauen (as it often times falles out, the most [ F] haste the worse speede) proued too short, and could not reach to the end of the Kaye, the assault could not be giuen as it was appointed. Yet some of the English which had the point, being at the end of the bridge; cast them-selues downe and leaping vp to

the kaye, ranne to the breach, where as an Ancient mounted with his collours beeing * 1.454 [ A] followed by some others, who were repulst by the beseeged: the Ancient was hurt, but fewe were slaine: but by reason of the shortnesse of the bridge the rest could not followe, and they retired. The beseeged being resolued to endure an assault, were at the breach with seauen companies, whereas the canon had such an aduantage on them twice as they could see nothing but heads, armes and legges flie: And there was Count Herman hurt with a slate of the wall, which slue almost as many as the cannon, and strooke off captaine Mullers head, iust by Count Herman. The next day in the mor∣ning beeing ready to renewe the batterie, they had word from the towne that they de∣manded a parle, wherevnto Prince Maurice yeelded, giuing them leaue to depart with their armes and baggage. [ B]

During the seege of Deuenter there came a gallant Albanois out of the towne, to the Princes campe, chalenging any man to breake a lance with him, like an other Go∣liath; * 1.455 Prince Maurice commanded his men to forbeare this challenge: but Charles Van∣der Cathule signior of Rihouen a Ganthois, impatient of his bragges, intreated leaue of the generall to breake a Lance, the which they did without any aduantage, and then they drew their swords: but the Albanois had a pistoll which Rihouen did not see, who running at the Albanois, hee cut off his hand that held the pistoll, which fell to the ground, and his hand hung still by a peece of the flesh, and so he was taken priso∣ner, confessing himselfe to bee vanquished, and putting his chaine of gold about Moun∣sire Rihouens necke: Prince Maurice sent him backe to the gouernor with a letter, and [ C] gaue him his liberty, as being sufficiently punished for his pride.

The Prince poursuing his victorie aduanced towards Steenwick, and passing on hee entred into the countrie of Groning, where hee beseeged the great Fort of Delfziel, the which yeelded easily the first of Iuly. Then he went before Oslach, whereas the gar∣rison thinking to carry themselues more valiantly then the first, attended a battery of foure cannons: But seeing a breach almost made, without attending any assault, on the seauenth day of the month they yeelded, to depart without armes or baggage. The like happened to the Fort of Immentil the leauenth of the same moneth, and to that of Dam, which were all Forts about the towne of Groning.

The Duke of Parma beeing importuned to succor Deuenter, (not thinking they [ D] should carrie it in so short a time) went to field, and camped at the Abbay of Marien∣boom in the country of Cleues, betwixt the townes of Zanten and Calcar, beeing re∣solued to make a bridge to passe the Rhine two leagues beneath Wezel, and to charge Prince Mauricee his campe: But beeing come thether, and hearing of the taking of Deuenter, and that the Prince was marcht farre into the country, and had taken Delfzy∣el &c. hee returned with his armie into Brabant, not without some murmuring of the captaines: Where hee was intreated by them of Nymeghen to free them from the Fort of Knotsenbourgh, which the Estates held right against the towne, vpon the Betuwe, and did much anoy them with their cannon, so as they could not rest quiet in their houses, and withall the nauigation was quite taken from them Hee to cease these murmurings and discontentes came to Nymegen (whilest the Prince was be∣fore [ E] Groning with an intention to beseege it) and with as many barkes and boates * 1.456 as hee could recouer, hee entred into the Betuwe, and the third daie of Iulie planted his seege before this Fort: whereas the Earle of Mansfeldt with his Regiment was camped on the West side, Barlaymont on the East, Bossu, Beaurains and other Collo∣nels were dispersed here and there in the countrie, the horse-men were lodged in a village called Lent, on the North side. The Dukes armie was great, where there wan∣ted no Artillerie, the which was commanded by La Motte; making their approches the Spaniards lost many men.

The two and twentie daie of Iulie the batterie beganne with sixe peeces, and then [ F] with three more, so as there were two hundred and thirtie shot made that day, and it ceased about seauen of the clocke at night, hauing made a small breach, a Spanish An∣cient mounted, being followed by some Irishmen, who skyrmished with the beseeged, vntill they were forced to retire.

Prince Maurice hearing that the Spaniard was come into the Betuwe, leauing Groning * 1.457 [ A] he went thether, going downe at Arnhen in Gelderland, he past the Rhine there, vpon a bridge which he caused to be made with all speed, meaning to doe the Spaniard an af∣front. Hauing laid an ambush of horse and foot not farre from the Rhine vnder the con∣conduct of the Earle of Solms and of Sir Francis Veer Collonell of the English: he sent two Cornets to view the Dukes campe, who being descouered were charged by six companies of horse, among the which the Duke was one, who at the first made some shew of resistance, but turning their backs sodenly they fled, the Spaniards following * 1.458 them vntil they had past the Ambush: then they that fled turning head againe they were compassed in of al sides, & charged so furiously, as in a short time they were al defeated, or put to rout: many were slaine or prisoners, among the which were Don Alphonso d' [ B] Aualos bastard brother to the Marquis of Guast, Don Pedro Francisco Nicilli leading the Duke of Parmas company with his Cornet: Cont Ieronimo Manfredi Lieutenant to Don Ieronimo Caraffas company with his Cornet, captaine Padilla was sore hurt, whereof hee died in Arnhem; the Seignior of Lievin brother to the Lord of Famas of the compa∣ny of Biasio Capesuca and Anthony d' Agina, a Spaniard, with many Italien Gentlemen slaine vpon the place and aboue two hundred and fifty horse taken. The Duke of Par∣ma being in a high place within Nymeghen, did with his owne eyes see this defeat of his men.

The newes wherof being come vnto the campe the whole army was so amazed (know∣ing * 1.459 the Prince Maurice was come thether in person, & hearing that the ships of Holland [ C] were comming downe to shut them in) as without any stay they trust vp their baggage and left the seege of Knotsenbourg: abandoning two peeces of ordinance which they could not carry away, and some great boats which were sonke. The Duke parted the 26. of Iuly with his sonne Rene or Raynutius Farneze (being newly come out of Italy,) excusing him-selfe as well as he could, and making faire promises to them of Nyme∣gen, who at his departure gaue him some skoffing tawnts: and hauing left his army vn∣der the command of Verdugo in a village called Cranenbourg, he went to the Spaw, aban∣doning Nymegen, as despayring to succor it: whereof the States made their profit soone after.

They of Collogne (desiring to entertayne a neutrality and to liue in amity and good [ D] neighbourhood with the general estates of the vnited Prouinces,) sent their deputies to * 1.460 the Hage in Holland in August, where-vpon an answer was made them in writing the 19. of September. That the estates desired nothing more then to entertaine amity and good correspondency with them of Cologne, as well in generall as in particular, so as they medled not in any sort with their warres, nor with that which depended thereon and so doing there should be no hinderance nor wrong don to any persons, goods nor marchandise of the inhabitants of the said towne and contry of Cologne: whereof commandement should bee giuen to all the garrisons of the vnited Prouinces. The Estates also intreating them of Collogne to bee fauorable to the Lady Walburge Con∣tesse of Meurs and Nyeuwenart in her affayers, considering the wrong which their Bis∣hoppe [ E] and Prince Earnest of Bauaria did her, in the detention of her rents and reuenues lying within his diocese.

The said estates did in like manner make answer by writing on the 30. of October to the complaints & greeuances of some deputies of the neigbour Prouinces, and the states of * 1.461 the country of Liege, touching some excesse and disorders committed by the Estates men of warre, and for some prisoners: whereby among others the taxed the Bishoppe and Prince of Liege (who is also Bishoppe of Cologne) to be a partisan and fauorer of the Spaniards their enemies: whome hee supported in his countrie by the seazure, confiscation and descouery of their goods that serued them and held their party, a∣gainst all right and duty of neutrality. That the country of Liege was iustly wasted by the Spaniards and other soldiars of the league, whereof they maintayned whole [ F] regiments. That they made the Villages contribute to entertayne them. That in the saide country of Liege they did not onely proceed against them of the relligion,

after the manner of the inquisition of Spaine, but also against their men of warre, * 1.462 [ A] by extraordinary cruelties, without any forme of Iustice: And contrariwise the Spa∣niards and other enemies did not onely remaine vnpunished for the disorders which they committed; but were also supported, assisted and succoured. By reason where∣of although they were well inclined to intertaine all good amitie and neighbourhood with the Country and Inhabitants of Liege, yet for these former reasons, and in consideration of the treaties they haue with other great Princes and Potentates con∣cerning their warres.

The said Estates could not yet resolue any thing touching that buisinesse, but they would bee more amplie informed, and better instructed. And then if they found that the Liegeois sought their friendshippe with a good meaning and intent, and de∣sired [ B] to liue like good neighbours with the vnited Prouinces, for their parts they would lette them of Liege know that they would not faile (so much as in them lay) the like duty. Since the which, matters past in such sort, as the Liegeois promised to remaine more neutrals then they had done in former times; and that they would suffer the Estates men to passe through their Country with their Armes and boo∣tie, to a certaine number both of horse & foote, so as they were led by their Captaines and Commaunders. And so began the trafficke betwixt Liege and Holland, by the way of Breda.

Prince Maurice after that hee had (in a manner) chased away the Duke of Parma from Nymeghen, and refresht his Armie some few daies, after their great marches, [ C] one while into Friseland, an other while into Gelderland, making a shew to mount vp the Riuer of Rhyne with his shippes, hee turned suddainely downe, and went in-Flanders, * 1.463 to the land of Waes, where with all speed hee planted h•…•…s siege before the towne of Hulst; the which finding it selfe not sufficiently fortified, neither with men, nor with any other things necessary to indure a long siege, the batterie and the as∣saults which the Prince might giue them in a shorte time, they agreed to yeeld the twentith of September: vppon condition to haue two yeares free excercise of the Ro∣mish religion within the said towne, and that they should haue but fiue compa∣nies of foote and two of horse in garrison: Whereof George Euerard Earle of Solms; was made Gouernor, for that hee was Collonell of the Regiment of Zealand. [ D] 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Mondragon Gouernor of the Cittadell of Antwerp, hearing of the losse of this towne, hee gathered speedily togither foure thousand foote and a thousand horse, with whome there ioined a thousand Spaniards of those which had continued at Cour∣tray: VVith the which troopes he thought sure to recouer it: But at his approach hee found some dikes broken, and the towne so well foritified with men and mu∣nition, as hee was of an other opinion; and retyred without attempting any thing at all.

The nine and twentith of September dyed Iohn Earle of East Friseland, younger brother to Edsard Earle of Emden. He was a Nobleman full of pietie, who onely sought the peace and quiet of the countrie, and of the towne of Emden, which some (yea of the Contesse wife to Edsard and sister to the King of Sueden) sought to trouble, [ E] by innouations, contrary to their priuiledges, whereof wee will speake more here∣after.

In the same moneth there came Ambassadours to Cologne in the Emperours name (but at the instance of the King of Spaine) Salerin Earle of Ysenbrugh, Noble Symon Earle of Lippe, the Bishop of Wirtzbourgs brother, the Baron of Pernsteyn and Rhede, with certaine Doctors of the Law; these were sent to trye if there were any * 1.464 course to bee taken for a peace betwixt the King of Spaine and the vnited Prouinces: They were first to go to Brusselles to the Duke of Parma, as they did to the Kings great charge. And from thence they were to go with pasport to the generall Estates at the Hage: demanding which pasport the Estates desired them to spare the cost & la∣bor, [ F] & not to come vnto them to that end: seeing they found no assurance in any treaty they could make with the king: as his letters intercepted written to Don Guilaume of S. Clements his Ambassadors which the Emperor did sufficiently shew, that it should bee

but a fayned and counterfeyt peace: besides they could not treate of any peace with∣out * 1.465 [ A] the aduise and consent of their confederates. Yet notwithstanding this answer the Ambassadours sent the Baron of Rhede vnto the Hage in the end of the yeare, who remained there about three monthes, and returned as wise as he came: The Estates giuing him their answer by writing, containing the causes why they could not treat with the King of Spaine, and the reasons of their distrust, with which answer hee departed.

They of Bruges seeing the town of Hulst taken, & finding them-selues inuironed with many enemies, as Ostend, Axell and Terneuse, they were sutors to the Duke of Parma that they might bee vnder the Estates contribution, and (seeing their towne could not * 1.466 subsist without comerce) to trafficke into Zealand with a pasport, paying the ordinary customes, as they of Antwerp did by Lillo, and they of Gant by the Sas, the which [ B] the Duke refused, but afterwards they obteyned it of the Arch-duke Ernest of Austria.

Sir Edward Norris Gouernor of Ostend, would willingly haue brought the country of Flanders, neere vnto his garrison vnder contribution, thereby to fortifie him-selfe, * 1.467 & to de•…•…end his towne the better from the violence of the sea, and to supplie all neces∣sary reparations, the which he pretended to do of his owne priuate authoritie. But the generall Estates finding it to be of great consequence would not allow thereof. Where-vpon (the said garrison being intertained and paid by the Queene of England) he went and made his complaints of this prohibition to her Maiestie, who at the first seemed to iustifie his doing. [ C]

But when as the Estates had duly informed her of the importance of this action, and how preiudiciall it would bee, appertayning onely to the Soueraigne Gouernor, and that it would be a very bad example, whereby the other Gouernors & Superintendants (for at that time the title of Gouernors seemed odious to the Estates, giuing vnto them that had the like charge but the name and quallity of Superintendents) would in euery towne play the petty Kings, as experience had taught sufficiently in France. Norris yet seeking to proceed in the leuie of these contributions, he so incensed the Queene as she commanded him to keepe his house, and would not suffer him to returne to his gouern∣ment, vntil that the Estates themselues were intercessors for him: the which they did for the respect they bare vnto generall Norris his Brother, who had done them so ma∣ny [ D] good and faithfull seruices.

After that Prince Maurice had ordered all things well in the towne of Hulst, hauing caused his armie to imbarke, and commanded all the horsemen he could recouer vnder the Estates seruice, to march speedily into Gelderland: he mounted vp the Riuer of * 1.468 Wahal, and the fourteenth of October landed all before Nymeghen, besieging it both by water and land; then he made a bridge ouer the Riuer, to go from one quarter vnto an other, through the fauor of the Fort of Knodsenbourg, which the Estates had built on the other side of the Riuer right against the towne. And although at the Princes first comming, they of the towne shewed them-selues very couragious, playing continually with their Canon to hinder the approaches: yet soone after, seeing the great trenches; [ E] the preparation for Mynes; the battery of forty two Canons, planted in fiue seuerall places: most part of the Burgers, yea they that were most partiall and best affected to the Spaniard, were more willing to yeeld then to hold out. The which did also make three companies that were in garrison to faynt, although at the first they seemed very resolute. Where-vpon the Burgers and soldiers agreed to send their Deputies vnto the Prince, who went vnto him the twentith of the moneth, that is one Bourguemaister, two Lieutenants and an Ancient, in pledge for whom, the Prince sent three men of very good accoumpt. And as they could not agree that day for the difficulties which did arise on either side: they of the towne demaunding chiefly to retaine the Romish religion, or at the least the free excercise of both: and vpon the number of the Estates soldiers which [ F] they should receiue in garrison, the next day they agreed: which being concluded, the Prince sent in two companies (either being two hundred strong) before the garrison came forth, so as the soldiers of both parties (beeing enemies) continued quietly vntill the next day within one precinct of walles, without iniuring one an other, either in

word or deed: so as the 22. of the moneth the Seignior of Gheleyne, captaine Snator * 1.469 [ A] and Iohn van Veerden went forth with their three companies, marching towards Graue and carrying with them their full armes, collours flying, and all their baggage. In this manner Nymegen was reduced vnder the command of the Prince and the Estates, who appointed Cont Phillip of Nassau, cousin germaine to the Prince, to bee gouernor thereof. This was the conclusion and end of their victories and happy successe that yeare, 1591. In the which (a remarkable thing) they wone the townes of Zutphen, Deuenter, Hulst, Nymegen, all townes of great importance, with so many forts (whereof we haue made mention) as well in the country of Groning as other places: defeated the Spaniards in field, and forced the Duke of Parma to rayse his seege from before the sort of Knotsenbourg, and all with such celerity, as it is scarse credible they could haue intrencht them-selues and planted their cannon in so small a time as they [ B] were before either of the said townes; so great and spatious are the townes of Zut∣phen, Deuenter and Nymegen, standing vpon great and broad riuers, as the Yssel and the Wahal, both armes of the riuer of Rhine.

We haue shewed before how that Collonel Martin Schenck, hauing fayled of his en∣terprize vpon the towne of Nymegen, was there drowned, and through the fury of the Bourgers his dead body cut in foure quarters, the which hung long vpon the rampars, and his head on a Lances point in the toppe of a tower: but the Marquis of Varenbon Gouernor of Gelderland comming to the towne, whilst it held for the Spaniard (knowing him to haue beene a braue caualier) caused them to take downe that spectacle, and that the body thus cut in peeces should be put in a coffin the which [ C] was done and layd in a tower: where hauing beene found at the yeelding of the towne, Prince Maurice caused him to bee honorably interred, with a goodly military pompe, where hee assisted in person, being followed by all the Commanders, Collo∣nells, * 1.470 captaines, magestrats of the towne (being renewed) a great number of soldi∣ars, and the common people, vnto the great temple, where hee was buried in the monument of the Dukes of Geldres.

There was a Prouost Marshall in Brabant called Danckart, who before had serued the Estates in the same office, but hauing beene taken in the castle of Eckeren neere vnto Antwerp, by the Spaniards, to free him-selfe hee promised to doe the King great * 1.471 seruice: And hauing obtayned a new commission, he pursued the Estates Frebooters [ D] with all violence, yea some braue soldiars both of horse and foote, when hee could catch them going to the warres, or to the picory or seeking any aduantage vpon the enemy: whome without any respect of their pasports, or putting them to ransome like soldiars (seeing there was no quarter broken) hee caused to bee hanged, some hee burnt, and roasted with a slow fire, wherevpon he grew so odious and detested of all the Estates soldiars, as they sware if they could once get him, to shew him the like measure without any mercy. And it fell out that they tooke him the leauenth of December, in an Ambush which they had laid without the towne of Liere in Bra∣bant, with thirty horse, which they tooke and put the men to the sword: as for him they did cut of his nose, and both his eares, and hauing dragged him a long time at a [ E] horses tayle, in the end they roasted him aliue with a slow fire of straw. The like hap∣pened in Flanders to an other Prouost whome they call Rooderoede, that is to say Red Rod, who was slaine in fighting: his Lieutenant being taken was burnt in a hollow tree with a fire of straw.

The French King hauing resolued in the end of this yeare to beseege Rouan, the leegue sent presently to sue for ayd of the Duke of Parma, who being retired confu∣sedly from Nymegen, and returned to Brussels to attend the comming of the Empe∣rors Ambassadors. He who would not fayle them, according to the expresse charge which hee had often receiued from the King of Spaine his maister, which was to lay [ F] all other affayers aside for the aduancement of his dessigne vpon France, he caused his army to march by the country of Henault, whereof meaning to take a view neere * 1.472 vnto valenciennes, newes came vnto him of the arriuall of the Ambassadors to treat of a peace; wherefore the Duke of Parma commanded his army to march by small iornies

towards Picardy, hee went post againe to Brusseles, to giue them audience, where * 1.473 [ A] hauing conferred with them, and appointed Peter Ernest Earle of Mansfeldt his Lieu∣tennant in the gouernment of the Netherlands, vnder the obedience of the King of Spaine during his absence, hee returned speedely to his army. They reason why he mar∣cht thus slouly, was to make him-selfe the more necessary to the league, and vnder the shew of armes to manage another desseigne, which was to procure the Estates of the league, to giue the crowne of France to the Infanta of Spaine whome they should pro∣mise to one of the heads of that party. What he did in this his second voiage into France, you may read at large in the French Inuentary. The French King hauing resolued to be∣seege Rouen, the Queene of England (at the instant request of his Ambassador) sent him ouer to his aide 4000. foote and 200. horse, vnder the command of the earle of Essex with some ordinance. And the general states of the vnited Prouinces did also send him ouer [ B] Phillip Earle of Nassau, who brought about 3000. foote, and among them the company of Prince Maurice his gards being 200. pikes and musketiers, vnder van Noot their cap∣taine, with eight cannons and some culerins, with all necessary munition. In the end of this yeare prince Maurice had an enterprize vpon the towne of Gheertruydenberge, going from the Hage with 1600. men, thinking to giue it a secret scaladoe: the ladders were let vp, but being descouered they of the garrison defended them-selues so vali∣antly as he was forced to retire, without doing any thing, with the losse of two of his Captaines. All the winter this yeare 1591. there were of either side, betwixt the Spa∣niards and the Estates, many enterprizes and surprizes, amongest the which the Es∣tates [ C] garrison within Nymegen surprized the towne of Alpen belonging to the coun∣tesse of Meurs.

The Prouinces that were vnder the Kings subiection lay more open to the spoyle then the vnited Prouinces, which were well defended with great riuers and forts: the * 1.474 number of such as ranne vp and downe the contry to spoyle all passengers increased daily, most of them putting them-selues vnder the Estates, and were called freebuters, being of no companies, not vnder any command. To preuent these insolencies and spoyles, they of Brabant sent forth their Read Roeden or prouost, commanding the country people vpon the sound of a bell, to aide and assist their Officers or else of them-selues to set vpon those Freebuters. And for the redresse of these disorders, the Estates [ D] of Brabant on the fift of Nouember this yeare agreed to giue thirty fiue thousand gil∣ders a month, for the space of halfe a yeare, to be raised vpon such wares and marchan∣dise as were sold in Brabant at a certaine rate, as for a hogshed of French wyne and an Aune of Remish wine eight gilders, and so vpon corne, flesh, fish, sope, gold, siluer, silks and other things: the like orders were made in Flanders, and else where. And in the Duke of Parmas second voyage into France, the Earle of Mansfeldt gouernor in his absence, gaue order for the raysing of three hundred soldiars in Brabant for 3. monthes to free the country of Frebuters, especially the riuers, which were much anoyed, and the mart ships and passage boats often spoyled by them, and this they should doe insteed of the contribution which they were inforced to pay them: the which was to be leuied [ E] vpon the country villages, woods, medoes, pastures, fishponds. &c. Wherevpon many of these Frebuters were taken and cruelly executed in diuers places, which the vnited Pro∣uinces did little regard, for that they harbored them-selues among their troupes, and did no seruice vnto the country; and therefore they made an order that none should goe forth vpon any exploit, vnlesse they were twenty fiue or thirty strong, and to bee lead by a Captaine; Lieutenant, Sargent or some Officer, and that they should suffer no frebuters to liue among them whereby the Country was soone rid of these Frebu∣ters to the credit of honest soldiars.

The mutinous soldiars in Brabant, being come into the land of Vase, were satisfied by the Duke of Parma, so as the forts against Hulst were the more easely built, after [ F] which they made Sconces against Ostende, at Blanckenbergh, Oudenbergh, and other places where they cōmitted many insolencies, for being commanded to march with the Duke of Parma in his second voyage into France, they behaued themselues so insolently at Oudenbourg by Sluyes, as the Inhabitants were constrayned to fly away with the

best of their goods, and the soldiars taking what else they found good, brought it into * 1.475 [ A] the market place before the towne house, meaning to sell it there at an outcry to them that would giue most, but finding no buyers, they brake all in peeces and burnt it. They also tooke away all the ornaments of the Churches, beating and ill intreating Priests, who intreated them in the Bourgers behalfe, and so those countries were spoyled, not onely by Frebuters but also by their owne soldiars. At Sea there were certaine Spa∣nish and Biscaine Freebuters which had gotten Netherlanders to bee their Pilots, who taught them the way to saile behind England & Scotland into the North seas, wher they * 1.476 tooke certaine fishermen, which shippes they manned, and tooke other shippes with them, but the shippes of warre of Holland which garded the fishermen pursued them and tooke them, and bringing them to Rotterdam, hung 39. of them. [ B]

In the begnining of Ianuary, in the yeare 1592 William Duke of Cleaues Iuilliers and Monts, Earle of Marck, Lord of Rauestine &c. died being 76. yeares old in his towne of * 1.477 Dusseldorp: hee had beene a quiet and peaceable Prince in his time, after that hee was reconciled to the Emperor from the prime of his youth both he and his wife (who was daughter to the Emperor Ferdinand) were troubled of their sences, and in their speech. They haue spoken diuersly of the causes of these accidents. At his death were present the Duke of Deuxponts his sonne in Law, and the Duches of Prusse his daugh∣ther, pretending in his life-time the administration of all those Dukedomes and Signeu∣res, as well for the weakenes of his sences, as of Duke Iohn his onely sonne: But nothing followed, by reason of the oppositions made by the Emperor, the Popes legat and the [ C] Duchesse, wife to Duke Iohn, being of the house of Baden, and of a contrarie relligion to the Duke of Deuxponts and the duchesse of Prusse, who all met the yeare before at Dusseldorp, to treat. Those of Groning being opprest of all sides by the Estates forces, which cont William of Nassau held in many forts there abouts, fearing to be beseeged in the spring, they sent their deputies with letters to Peter Earnest Earle of mansfeldt, lieu∣tenant of the gouernment of the Netherlands in the Duke of the Parmas absence, let∣ting * 1.478 him vnderstand into what miserable Estate they were reduced, hauing alwaies continued constant in their faith and duties to the King, and that their condition grew daily worse. These letters being full of greefe and commiseration, fell into the estates hands. By reason whereof Verdugo Gouernor of the said Towne went thether in per∣son. [ D] The Earle of Mansfeldt hearing therof & vnderstanding the complaints of them of Gronning, writ lettes of comfort vnto them, greeuing with them for their miserable estate, and the rather for that hee himselfe had not meanes to assist, and free them from the oppression and violence of their enemies, but that hee had written vnto the King and sent their letters, beseeching him to haue pitty on them and to giue order for a leauy of men, not onely to defend them but also to recouer all those forts which they had lost, and to chase the enemy out of the country: of which letters he expected a spee∣dy answer. And in the meane time for that it should not seeme they would abandon them, he sent them nine thousand florins (hauing demanded thirty thousand) to releeue their poore commons. And that hee had treated in Antwerp with some marchants of Hambourg to assist them with some quantity of poulder, and that he labored to haue the * 1.479 [ E] soldiars which were on the other side of the riuer of Rhine, wherin he did persist, whilest that Verdugo should remaine in Brabant to sollicit what should be here after most fit and necessary to be done: finally he intreated them to continue constant, and to haue a care of them-selves, and of that which did concerne them, and not to suffer the honor which they had pourchased by their fidelity, to be now blemished and quencht: but that it may bee said of them that the Groningers haue loyally persisted vnto the end in the obedience and seruice of their Prince and King.

Afterwards they of Groning sent vnto the Emperor, to let him vnderstand, how that sence the yeare 1536. they had freely and willingly giuen them-selues to the house of Austria, vpon condition that they should be mayntayned and defended by them against [ F] all their enemies: the which in reason they ought to doe, and not to abandon them to those dangers, where-with they see them-selues daily enuironed: And to assure and free them from feare, they must not (as they had vsually done) send small suplyes,

of two or three thousand men with a little munition but they must imploy a mighty * 1.480 [ A] royall army: and that the presence of the Earle of Mansfeld, then gouernor was very necessary. The Emperor sent their griefes and complaints from Prage to the King of Spaine accompanied with his owne letters: the King receiued them the twenty of Aprill in his Escuriall, by the which hee intreated him to succor and assure this good imperiall towne which was so faithfull vnto him. The King did thanke the Emperor for the care he had of the said towne, promising to take some order: where-vpon hee commanded the Earle of Mansfeld by his letters, that all other affayers set aside, hee should go into Freezland, and free the towne of Groning from all feare. But as it was a tedious and dangerous peece of worke, and could not bee done without the winning of all Freeseland, the greatest part whereof being vnder the obedience of the Estates, and the gouernment of William Lewis Earle of Nassau: and withal the states and Prince Mau∣rice [ B] prouided him worke in Brabant, being also forced to entertaine some troupes vpon the fronters of France, he could doe no more at that time then send Verdugo with a sup∣ply * 1.481 of some 6000. men, horse and foote, part, vnder the conduct of the earles Herman and Frederic vanden Bergh bretheren, who did nothing worth memory, but recouered some-times a little fort, some-times a trench, and some-times a Barricado in this coun∣try of Freeseland: finally it was not to beseege or to take any Townes by force, but by surprize, if they could.

At the same-time in the beginning of this yeare, the Germaine regiments of the Earles of Arembergh and Barlaimont did winter in the Dutchy of Luxembourg, where [ C] they endured much miserie, after they had eaten all they could get from the poore peasant, and for want of pay, many ran away so as their companies were not halfe full: whereof the said Earles wrot into Spaine vnto the King, complayning that they little regarded them nor their company, and that without money they could noe longer stay them. To conclude by reason of the Duke of Parmas absence in the warres in France, and to releeue Rouen, there was nothing but complaints, as well of soldiars for their pay, as of the townes and champian country for the oppressions they endured.

Prince Maurice by the intelligence which he had with the Baron of Pesch, made an [ D] enterprize vpon the towne of Mastricht in March, for the effecting whereof he gathe∣red together in Cempeine some foure thousand men horse and foote, and with cer∣taine boats which hee had vpon the riuer of Meuze, had entred on the side of Wyck (the which is a part of the said towne, scituated vpon the other banke) whilest that a∣scaladoe should be giuen in an other place: But the ladders being found to short vp∣on * 1.482 the noise they made, they tooke the Alarum in the towne, which terrefied them in the boats so as they did not their duties. And so this enterprize failed, and the Prince returned without doing any thing, being much discontented that his men vp∣on the riuer had carried them-selues so fayntly: and the Baron being discouered to haue beene of the enterprize, hee retired with the Prince into Holland, where after∣wards * 1.483 [ E] he had the command of a company of horse. In returning from this voyage by Cempenie they tooke the Castle of Berycerke as they past: the Spaniard to recouer it, posted presently thether, and beseeged it but the Estates sent some troupes, who chased them from thence, and freed the Castle from seege.

They of the garrison of Nymeghen, passing by the countries of Geldres and of Iuil∣liers, entred into the quarter of Eyffel, and set vppon the Abby of Steynfeldt, neere vnto the towne of Sleyden, in the which there were some peasants, who at the first made a little resistance: but they were forced, and the said Abby spoyled. This happened for certaine indignities which the Monkes had formerly done vnto them. [ F]

There was at that time some speech betwixt the particular Estates of the country of Oueryssel and Cont Herman vander Bergh, to raze certaine forts of either side. Those of the Spanish party did ruine Goor and Twyrkloo, and the Estates Dorthet and Verworden: whilest they were vpon these tearmes, Captaine Gerard of Beuers∣fort with a very few men seazed vppon the Castle of Saesfeldt, the which was

ill garded by captaine Leucama. The Earle hearing of this surprize, would proceede * 1.484 [ A] no farther in that which had beene concluded for the razing of these Forts, vnlesse the castle might bee yeelded, the which was done, and the other Forts were ruined accor∣ding to the conuention.

The seauen and twenty of Aprill about two hundred of the Estates soldiars of the * 1.485 garrison of Westerloo in Campeine (the which a little before they had surprized) went to make a roade into Brabant, betwixt Louvain and Brusselles, where they were incoun∣tred by the Spaniards and quite defeated, so as few escaped but they were afterwards spoiled by the Peasants neere vnto Dyestheim. There was at that time two factions in religion within the towne of Vtrecht, the one were called by some the consistori∣ans, * 1.486 the other the Iacobits, these were so called by reason of a minister in Saint Iames church, who gaue more libertie vnto his troupe: And the other was so termed by rea∣son [ B] of the consistorie, which doth excercise discipline and ecclesiasticall censure. The consistorians foure or fiue yeares before, when as the Earle of Leicester had the gouern∣ment (by whom they were fauored) had chased some of the chiefe of the Iacobits out of the towne, who were well allied, and most esteemed amongst the common people. On a certaine daie, when as the consistorians doubted nothing, some of the Bourgers put themselues into armes early in the morning, and went vnto them who had most credit in the consistorie, whom they tooke prisoners, leading them presently towards the port, and so thrust them out of the towne, calling backe those which had bin before chased away, amongst the which was the signior of Brakele Burguemaister, a gentleman of a good house. [ C]

At that time Prince Maurice made a voiage to Midelbourg in Zeeland, whereas the particular Estates of the Prouince were assembled, he required that hee might bee fur∣nished (for their parts) of that which was necessarie to raise the bodie of an armie the next Sommer, for the beseeging of some townes. The which beeing resolued, and ha∣uing determined some other affaires in that quarter of Zeeland, he returned into Hol∣land, where hauing gathered togither all his troupes, leauing but halfe garrisons, the which hee filled with the Bourgers of the neighbour townes, in those places that were vpon the fronters, hauing commanded his cousin Count William to doe the like in Friseland and Oueryssel, he resolued to go and set vpon the towne of Steenwyck, the which hee had let alone the yeare before, and yet after the taking of Zutphen and De∣uenter, [ D] hee would willingly haue beseeged it, if the Duke of Parma comming with his armie into the Betuwe had not called him from thence (as wee haue sayd) to fight with him, and to make him leaue the seege of Knotsenbourg, the which hee did. But see∣ing then that by the Duke of Parmas absence, (who was with his army in France for the releefe of Rouen) there was no likelehood to succor it, nor to make him rayse his seege.

Before the seege of Steenwick, the Spaniards had an enterprize vpon Enchuy∣sen, * 1.487 which they thought to haue surprized, by the meanes of a Sayler who dwelt in that towne, who not long before had come out of Spaine, where hee had spoken with the King himselfe about this exploit, and had receiued money both for himselfe, and to [ E] corrupt some Captaines and Commanders: But this Sayler made it knowne vnto Prince Maurice, from whom hee had such directions as hee perswaded the Spaniards, that the enterprize might bee easeliest effected by the hauen, for the which they should send some thousand men from Steenwyc (which lay not farre from thence) in an e∣uening, in certaine shippes, the which might come thether without any suspition by meanes of the sayd Bourger, for that some of the captaines and chiefe Bourgers were alreadie ingaged in the enterprise, who did assure them of their credits that all was well prepared for the effecting of their designe; and the better to confirme them of Steenwyc in this conceit, hee that layed the plot, offred to deliuer himselfe for hos∣tage [ F] to them of Steenwyc, and to endure all torments if they were not truelie and faithfully dealt with all, but they growing into some iealousie, the enterprize sur∣ceased, wherevpon Prince Maurice sent his armie presently to beseege Steenwyc.

Hee came before the towne the eight and twenty day of May the which hee did

inuest on that side which goes from Ommen to Gyethorn, and of the side of the forest: * 1.488 [ A] Captaine Anthony Coquille a Wallon commanded within the towne with sixteene companies of foote, among the which there were many of those traitors which had sould Gheertruydenberg to the Duke of Parma, and of those which at the taking of Deuenter had sworne not to serue the king of Spaine against the Estates for one yeare: whome Coquielle called vnto him, and they all sware to defend and keepe the towne vnto the last droppe of their blouds.

The rowne being beseeged on all sides, and the campe sufficiently intrencht; on the eight of Iune he planted twenty foure cannons, the which did batter continually with such fury, as the earth did shake aboue a League of, and there were reckoned that day aboue seauen thousand shot: the Seignior of Famas generall of the artillery sparing neither bullets nor poulder, so as towards night he was forced to cease the battery, for [ B] that the cannon being very much heat, shot ouer the towne into Cont William of Nassaus quarter, and slue some soldiars. The battery ceasing, the beseeged made a skoffe at it, sweeping their rampar, as if it had done them no more harme then the sweeping of a beesome, with many opprobrious words, from the which it is hard to restraine indiscreet and ill conditioned solldiars. The thirteene of the moneth the bat∣tery began againe more furious then before, from foure of the clocke in the morning vntill sixe at night; and although the breach were not sufficient, yet the Prince caused fiue squadrons to approch as if he went to giue an assault; but they past no farther at that time. The beseeged did often make very furious sallies vpon the Estates campe, [ C] some-times vppon one quarter, and some-times vpon another, where still they got some thing, and retired like gallant fellowes with some prisoners, whereof they did hang some without the rampar. Among others they made a camisado on the seauen∣teene of the moneth with about 500. men and winning the trenches they fell vpon the company of Captaine Olthouen, which they defeated, and there the captaine and his lieutenant were slaine: Captaine Cornput of the Estates regiment of Freezland inuented a certaine engine of wood in forme of a tower with three stages, the which was let vp and downe by vises, so heigh as they might descouer any thing that was done in the towne. In either of those stages there were certaine musketiers, which scou∣red the streets, so as they durst not shew them-selues, and much lesse vpon the ram∣pars, [ D] where-vpon the beseeged peerst through their houses, so as they had no need to go into the streets, and they vncouered all the houses that were thacht with straw least they should shoote fiery bullets into them. And as this engine did much hinder their comming to the rampar, they planted certen peeces of ordinance to beate it downe, with the which they sometimes carried away some of the peeces, and slue some of the men, so as in the end neither for faire promises nor for threats they could get any soldiars to enter into it, but this instrument remained vnprofitable and not vsed, being called by them in their language Lymstanghe, that is to say a lyme-twig to ketch birds withall, meaning that it serued for no other vse at all but to loosemen without any profit. [ E]

The twelth of Iune Frederic Prince Elector Palatin of Rhine, duke of high and Low Bauaria married the Lady Louyse of Nassau, eldest daughter to the deceased Prince of Orange, by his third wife, the Lady Charlotte of Bourbon, daughter to the Duke of * 1.489 Montpensier, a Prince of the royall bloud of France. This young Princesse was con∣ducted from the Hage in Holland by the young Earle Iohn of Nassau his Cosin ger∣maine, and by the Lady of Nassau countesse of Schwartsenbourg her Aunt, and the Seignior of Saint Aldegond, representing Prince Maurice her Brother: Shee was conducted to Cont Iohn of Nassau her Vncle, to the Castle of Dillenbourg, in the country of Nassau, whether the said Prince Palatin came and married with her; Shee was honorably and richly indowed by the generall Estates of the vnited Prouin∣ces, [ F] acknowledging the great seruices they had receiued from the Prince of Orange her father.

About the end of Iune Verdugo knowing that the besieged within Steenwick had want of

poulder, he sent two hunderd and fifty soldiers euery one with a bag of ten or twelue * 1.490 [ A] pounds waight, to make a tryall if they could get into the towne, and for their greater as∣surance he sent a man before to aduertise what hower they should come, that the besee∣ged might at the same instant make a sally vpon that quarter, whereby they might enter with more ease. But this man being taken by them of Prince Maurice his Campe, and well examined, he descouered the succors that were to come, the which fayled not at the hower which the gouernor had set downe, who being watcht for vpon the pas∣sages of those two hunderd and fifty men two hundred of them were slaine the rest es∣caped as well as they could. The beseeged vnderstanding and finding their men to decrease more and more, hauing lost cont Lodovic vanden Bergh, the captaines Blundel of Hessel, the Lieutennants of Steenbach and Camega with many others, seeing also that there was no hope to be deliuerd, and that as well their victualls as munition began [ B] to faile them, they thought to yeeld vp the towne by composition. But Prince Maurice demanding all those marchants of Gheertruydenbergh at his discretion, there was nothing concluded at that time: alledging that from the beginning of the seege, they had all sworne to liue and die equally together: by reason whereof the condition of the one ought not to be worsethen the other, desiring rather to die fighting then being pri∣soners after the towne was yeelded to be hanged, as their sentence did import: where∣vpon the Prince caused his battery to be doubled with sixty peeces of Ordinance, which did thunder into the towne: besides three mines which played the fourth of Iuly, and made such a murther of soldiars which were on the toppe and at the foote of the ram∣par, as the could see nothing but men flying in the ayer, and it made such a breach as [ C] they might goe on horsback to the assault: Prince Maurice desiringe to vewe the ope∣ration * 1.491 of those mines, approchinge somewhat neere, he was shot into the cheeke from the towne but without daunger, whereof he was soone cured. The beseeged being ama∣zed at this thundring, despayring of all meanes to hold out long, fearing to be taken by assault, hauinge such great and large breaches, they consented all with one accord to parle and to make a composition, the which Prince Maurice yealded vnto, and the next * 1.492 day being the fifth of Iuly it was concluded: the beseeged departing without armes, and swering not to carry armes against the Estates beyond the Rhine in halfe a yeare. In this sort was Steenwic yeelded to Prince Maurice by composition, vnder the obedience of the generall Estates after it had endured 29000. Cannon shot, the Prince hauing lost [ D] about one thousand and fiue hundred men and many hurt, among others Sir Francis Vere Generall of the Englishe and Sir Horatio his brother, William van Dorp Collonel of the Regiment of West Friseland, whereof he died and many others. The towne being yeelded, Captaine Beresteyn was put into it with foure companies, the Estates armie re∣maining thereabouts, vntill the rampars were repaired, the ditches made cleane and raysed and the trenches made euen. The Marchants of Gheertruydenberg (not compre∣hended in the accord) as many as could bee taken of them were hanged; Captaine Co∣quielle, who had commanded in the towne during the siege, and all his men, with those that were hurt and sicke, with all their baggage, were conuoyed vnto the Conty of Benthem in the frontiers of Westphalia. [ E]

About the middest of Iuly Collonell Mondragon Gouernor of the Cittadell of Antwerp, was sent with three thousand men and fiue peeces of Ordinance, into the countrie of Cempeine to besiege the Castle of Westerlloo, the which yeelded the eighteenth of the moneth by composition. Passing on he went before Tournhout, which yeelded also the twentith: and that of Berghey the one and twenty, by which three places the Es∣tates did alwaies afflict Brabant and the country about. Prince Maurice pursuing his victory of Steenwick, marcht with his armie before the towne and strong Castle of Couoerden, in the country of Tuente; and drawing forth of his campe some twelue hundred men and fiue peeces of Artillerie, he went towards the towne of Otmarsen in the said country; whereas at that time Alphonso Mendo a Spaniard commanded: who [ F] seeing that hee could doe little or no seruice in the towne with his horse during the siege, he retyred in good time with 60. horse, promising them of the towne that hee would deale▪ so with the Gouernor Verdugo, as hee should bring them succors. The

Prince being camped before the towne, he commanded the Seignior of Famas as gene∣rall * 1.493 [ A] of the Artillery, to plant his battery, the which being done, the same night the Seig∣nor of Famas being neere vnto the cannon, he was shot into the head, from the towne, by the sound of his voyce with the which he was strooke dead and neuer spake word. The Prince did much lament him, hauing beene one of his cheefe councellors for the * 1.494 warres and sitter then any other man to gouerne the ordinance. The beseeged hearing of his death would attend no more greater extremity, but some cannon shot; knowing well that if they continued obstinate the Prince would reuenge on them the death of that gentleman, whome he had so much loued, and therefore they yeelded: They being gone forth, and a garrison put into it for the free Estates, the Prince came with his smale army to his campe before Couoerden. [ B]

The Drossart of Couoerden hearing of the comming of the Princes campe burnt the towne, and beat downe all the gardins and hedges about it, for that he would leaue noe coue•…•…t for the ennemy, yet the Prince intrencht himselfe by little euen to the brinke of the castell dich, the which is strong by scituation, by nature and by art, and held impreg∣nable. There was a raueling neere vnto the port which defended the bridg, the which was presently battred downe: yet the beseeged made furious sallies; and one among the rest at noone daies, in the which they cut in peeces a whole companie both Cap∣taine, Liuetenant and Ancient, of the which there were onely eleuen soldiars saued. To hinder these sallies, it was thought good to plant certaine ordinance to breake the bridge, the which was done. This summer was in the beginning very dry, so as they [ C] might with more ease beseege this place round about, yea in the boggs and marish places. And as the castell ditches were deepe and large, after they had drawne forth as much of the water as they could, they were by little and little filled, rowling earth of ten or twelue foote broad only, and as the ditch filled vp, they couered it in the night with plankes set vpon proppes or prillers, being like a gallery vnderneath, the which they continued by little and little, vntill it came to the foote of the rampar. The plankes aboue were alwaies couerd with earth and flaggs, that the beseeged could not set fire of it, nor the ordinance could not hurt it. Then by this gallery they came to the sappe of the rampar which nothing could hinder. And as the said rampar was armed with [ D] great bodies of trees, and armes of trees laid crosse, and straight with earth, and some bauines betwixt them, this earth being taken away they resolued to set it on fire.

Whilest these things passe in this sort, the Duke of Parma knowing of what impor∣tance this place of Covoerden is as being the kay of all the country of Freezland, Drenthen and Groning, hee sent about foure thousand foote and sixe hundred horse vnder the leading of Verdugo Gouernor of the country of Groning, to passe through the Estats campe, or to force Prince Maurice to retire. Being come thether and finding the Prince well intrencht he went and campt at Enlichom, to cut of the victualls, which came vnto the Estates campe from towards Zwol. But after he had stayed their some dayes, Verdugo seeing that there came aboundance from other places, he resolued to try his fortune, and to set vpon the trenches: The which was very successefull in the begin∣ning; [ E] for the Spaniards had past one, and began to cry out victory. But they were at the * 1.495 same instant entertayned in such sort by the Earle of Hohenlo, who came running the∣ther with all speed, that as many as were entred, remayned vpon the place: And then began the cannon of the Campe to play through the thickest of their squadrons, so as they were sorced to make a retreat alwaies skyrmishing yet marching away like soldi∣ars, as if they had resolued to come a second time. The beseeged seeing their succors retired being without all hope, finding their rampars to be so sapt, as there remayned nothing but to set fire on them, their defences and parapets quite beaten downe, so as there was not any man that durst shew him-selfe if hee were not weary of his life, they [ F] were content to yeeld the place by composition. Verdugo being thus retyred with his troupes, and Couoerden fallen vnder the obedience of the Estates; Prince Maurice who * 1.496 during the seege would not goe out of his campe to fight with the Spaniards (fearing to loose so good an occasion as was offred to make him-selfe Maister of that place) after that hee had put a garrison into it, and given order for the reparation of the rampars

and ruines thereof, and for the making plaine of his trenches, hee parted withall his * 1.497 [ A] armie and pursued the Spaniards, marching towardes the Rhyne, thinking to passe it at Bercke. But the Prince following them at the heeles, as they had no meanes to make their passage there, Verdugo finding his men so much discouraged as they slipt away in small numoers, passing along the towne of VVezel (the Prince pursuing him still, meaning to doe him an affront) hee went and campt vnder the fauor of a little towne in VVestphalia called Bucholt: whereas the Prince would willingly haue char∣ged him, if the Spaniard had not so well obserued his retreate: whereas there was but one narrow passage to come vnto him, and a great bogge or moorish plaine betwixt both. For which consideration the Prince not able to approach neere vnto him, being loath to pursue him any further, (for that Autumne was well aduanced, and the moist wether and the bad time of winter approached) hee left him there; and went backe [ B] with his armie, sending euery man to his garrison vntill the Spring following.

After the Duke of Parmas retreat out of France from the releefe of Rouen, the leag∣guers held an assembly of Estates at Paris, and the partizans of Spaine were in hope that the Duke of Parma would returne the third time with a mighty army, to performe some great worke, and assure the Crowne of France to the King of Spaine, or to the Infanta his daughter, but death cut of his life and all his enterprizes, for marching towards Picardy with an army of seauen or eight thousand men horse and foote, his foreward being neere vnto the tree of Guise, hee staid in Arras to call an assembly of the Netherlands, that were vnder the King of Spaines obedience, He had beene alwaies sickly and ill since his last retreat: Being in the towne his sicknes increased in the be∣ginng [ C] of September, and he died the second day, in the Abbots lodging of Saint Vast. * 1.498 His body was conducted through Lorraine into Italy with eight scorehorse all in mourning. They say that he ordayned in his testament to be buried in a Capuchins weed. He was much lamented by them of Arthois and by many others, who are of a mylder disposition then the Spaniards or the Iesuits, by whome he was not much mo∣ned, He was held the honestest man and (although an Italien) a lesse dessembler then any of the former gouernors which the King of Spaine had sent into the Netherlands: Iealous of his honor, and holding his word aboue all things. He died being about for∣ty eight * 1.499 yeares old. Being dead and opened, they found his vitall parts much perished: so as he could not haueliued long. He lies interred in his towne of Parma. At his funeral [ D] in the towne of Brussells, there had like to haue fallen out a great tumult, for that the Earle of Mandsseldt marching after the herse, as his Lieutenant, and then the officers of his household, the Spanish gentlemen would haue marcht before the Italiens, who kept them backe by force: as in truth it was not then the Spaniards rancke. The like funeralls were made vnto him in many townes of Italy, and the tenth of Aprill 1593. in Rome, as the great champion and defender of the Romish Church, of the which hee was standard-bearer by inheritance: and there was a statue of marble set vp for him in the Capitoll, after the manner of the ancient Romains.

VVith this inscription. * 1.500

QVOD. ALEXANDER. FARNESIVS. PARMAE. PLACENTIAE. DVX. TERTIVS. MAGNO. IN. IMPERIO. PRO. RE∣PVB. CHRISTIANA. GESSERIT. MORTEM∣QVE. OBIERIT. ROMANIQVE. NOMI∣NIS. GLORAM. AVXERIT.

S. P. Q. R.

HONORIS. ERGO. MAIORVM. MVLTIS. SECVLIS. INTER. FVSIS. REVOCANDVM. CENSVIT. STATVITQVE. CIVI. OPTIMO. EIVS. VIRTVTIS. SVAEQVE. IN. ILLVM. VOLVNTATIS. TESTIMONIVM.

EX. S. C. P.

CLEMENTIS. 8. P. M. ANNO. 11. GABRIELE. CETARINO. I. V. C. IACOBO. ROBERO. PAPIRIO. ALBERO.

CELSO. CELSO. CAPO. REG. PRIORE.

Besides the Dukes Image there stood a faire table wherein was written as followeth.

ALEXANDER. FARNESIVS. OCTAVII. F. PARMAE. ET. PLA∣CENTIAE. DVX. 3. PROVINCIAM. NACTVS. BELGI∣CAM. PHILIPPI. HISPANIARVM. REGIS. IMPERIA. DETRECTANTEM.

MAstrichum vrbem munitissimum expugnauit: Birronium Gallum diuersarum partium Ducem, collatis signis praelio vicit, Dunchercham, Gandauvm, Brugas, Hypras, Denremun∣dam, Bruxellas, Exclusam, alia{que} plurima Belgiae Oppid•…•…, aut vi cepit, aut ad deditionem com∣pulit, Antwerpiam humanis viribus inexpugnabilem, ingenti ad scaldin fluuium operum magnitudine circummunitam, in deditionem accepit: Nusium acceptum, Coloniensi archiepis∣copo reddidit. Belgas omnes qui continentē incolunt, in Philippi regis potestatem, & ad Romane ecclesiae obedientiam reduxit. Hasce ob res, alis{que} fortiter gestas S. P. Q. R. summus imperator elogio, prope maiorum triumphus, quorum gloriam aut vicit, aut certe aequauit, ornatus est.

ALexander Farnesius sonne to Octauius the 3. Duke of Parma and Plaisentia, being Gouernor of the Netherlands which disobeied the King of Spaine, wanne the strong towne of Mastricht, defeated the Marshall of Biron generall of the French army, he tooke Dunkerke, Gand, Bruges, Ypre, Denremonde, Brusselles, Sluys, and many other townes in the Netherlands. Antwerp inuincible to be wonne by mans force lying vpon the riuer of Sheld, hee forced to yeeld. He tooke Nuys and restored it to the Archbishop of Cologne, All the Belgick Prouinces vpon the maine land hee subdued to the King, & brought vnder the obedience of the Romish Church, for which and other his worthy deeds, he hath beene honored with the title of Emperor by the citty of Rome, deseruing a tryumph, such as were made to the ancient Romains, whose glory if he did not surpasse, yet did he equall it. This standeth in Rome, for his honor and perpetuall memory.

Notes

• * 1.1

  1585
• * 1.2

  1585
• * 1.3

  Isselloort yeel∣ded to the Estates.
• * 1.4

  1585
• * 1.5

  The Queene of Englands letters to the townes of the east countries.
• * 1.6

  1585
• * 1.7

  1585
• * 1.8

  1586
• * 1.9

  1586
• * 1.10

  The earle of Leicester ac∣knowledged gouernour ge∣nerall.
• * 1.11

  1586.
• * 1.12

  The Earle of Leicester re∣fuseth all in∣structions.
• * 1.13

  1586
• * 1.14

  The Queene of England offended with the states for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Earle of Lei∣cester the gouernment.
• * 1.15

  1586.
• * 1.16

  A proclama∣tion made by the Earle of Lecester for marshall dis∣cipline, and for the prohi∣biting of tra∣fick with the enemy &c.
• * 1.17

  The Earle of Lecester sought to force the sea∣fareing men to buy passe∣ports, and to contribute something to the warres.
• * 1.18

  1586.
• * 1.19

  The King of Spaine ares∣ted the Eng∣lishmen in Spaine.
• * 1.20

  The English∣men of warre take the Nei∣therlanders at sea, and make them prizes.
• * 1.21

  Certaine Pro∣testants Fri∣sons defeated.
• * 1.22

  1586.
• * 1.23

  80. Spanish horse defeated
• * 1.24

  An enterprise vpon Zybrich failed.
• * 1.25

  1586
• * 1.26

  The Marshall of Westphali∣as men de∣feated.
• * 1.27

  The brauery of thirty sol∣diers.
• * 1.28

  1586.
• * 1.29

  Schenck ouer∣runs the Dio∣cesse of Col∣logne.
• * 1.30

  The Prince of Parma besie∣geth Nuys.
• * 1.31

  1586
• * 1.32

  Nuys som∣moned.
• * 1.33

  The Prince of Parmas offer.
• * 1.34

  The answer of them of Nuys.
• * 1.35

  1586.
• * 1.36

  Nuys batte∣red.
• * 1.37

  The gouernor Cloet shot in the legge.
• * 1.38

  They of Nuys offer to yeeld and are sent back.
• * 1.39

  The great spoile and slaughter at Nuys.
• * 1.40

  1586.
• * 1.41

  The cruell death of Cloet Gouernor of Nuys.
• * 1.42

  The Pope sends a hal∣loued sword to the Prince of Parma.
• * 1.43

  1586.
• * 1.44

  The Earle of Leicester discontented.
• * 1.45

  Paul 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Pri∣soner at Vtrecht.
• * 1.46

  Some bani∣shed from Vtrecht.
• * 1.47

  1586
• * 1.48

  Paul Buys escapes out of prison.
• * 1.49

  1586.
• * 1.50

  1586.
• * 1.51

  R•…•…inberg be∣sieged by the Prince in vaine.
• * 1.52

  Dearth of corne in Bruges.
• * 1.53

  1586
• * 1.54

  Peter de Bronsqualx & Ioos van Pee∣nen beheaded in Brugges.
• * 1.55

  The discrip•…•… of Doesborch
• * 1.56

  Doesborch wun by the Earle of Lei∣cester the 13. of September.
• * 1.57

  1586
• * 1.58

  The Earle of Leicester marcheth to Zutphen.
• * 1.59

  The Earle of Leicester en∣treth into Deuenter.
• * 1.60

  The Prince of Parma •…•…aueth Berck.
• * 1.61

  1586.
• * 1.62

  Sir Philip Sid∣ney shot be∣fore Zutphen whereof hee died.
• * 1.63

  The Earle of Leicester be∣sieged the sconce at zutphen.
• * 1.64

  The Prince of Parma victu∣aleth Zut∣phen.
• * 1.65

  The Earle of Leicester takes one of the sconces by zutphen forcibly.
• * 1.66

  Sir Edward Stanley for his valor made knight by the Baile of Leicester.
• * 1.67

  The greatest sconce by zutphen for∣saken by the enemy.
• * 1.68

  1586.
• * 1.69

  Rouland yorke made gouernor of the sconce be∣fore Zutphen
• * 1.70

  Sir William Stanley made gouernor of Deuenter.
• * 1.71

  The Earle of Leicester breakes vp his campe in Nouember.
• * 1.72

  The States request to the the Earle of Leicester
• * 1.73

  1586.
• * 1.74

  The Earle of Leicester at his departure commandeth the gouern∣ment of the Neitherlands to the Coun∣cell of Estate, by act dated the 23 of Nouember.
• * 1.75

  1586.
• * 1.76

  An act of re∣straint made by the Earle of Leicester during his absence.
• * 1.77

  The Earle of Leicesters pic∣ture made in gold & giuen to his friends in the Lowe-countries.
• * 1.78

  1586
• * 1.79

  Death of the Cardinall Granuelle.
• * 1.80

  The Earle of Maeurs leuies Reistres and they mutine.
• * 1.81

  A great drought.
• * 1.82

  Deuouring Snayles.
• * 1.83

  An extraordi∣nary dearth of corne.
• * 1.84

  1586
• * 1.85

  Flanders pun∣nished with three scour∣ges this yeare.
• * 1.86

  Captaine Luth a priso∣ner and in∣larged.
• * 1.87

  A prodigy of bloud.
• * 1.88

  Deputies of the Estates sent into England to attend on the Earle of Lei∣cester.
• * 1.89

  A discours of aduise to the Earle of Lei∣cester.
• * 1.90

  1586.
• * 1.91

  1586.
• * 1.92

  1586.
• * 1.93

  1586
• * 1.94

  1586.
• * 1.95

  1586.
• * 1.96

  1586
• * 1.97

  1586
• * 1.98

  1586
• * 1.99

  The com∣plaints of the States soldiars
• * 1.100

  Aqua•…•…ll be∣twixt the earle of Hohenlo and Sir Ed∣ward Norris.
• * 1.101

  1587.
• * 1.102

  A vaine enter∣prise vpon Bu•…•…ich.
• * 1.103

  Wouwe castle sold to the Spaniards by a French Captaine.
• * 1.104

  1587
• * 1.105

  Roero ort sur∣prized by Schenck.
• * 1.106

  The King of Denmarke seekes to make a peace betwixt the King of Spain and the states.
• * 1.107

  Caius Ranson being vn∣knowne is taken prisoner
• * 1.108

  Ranson com∣plaines vnto his King.
• * 1.109

  Stanley seekes to berray De∣uenter to the Spaniard.
• * 1.110

  1587.
• * 1.111

  Stanley yeelds Deuenter to the Spaniard.
• * 1.112

  Stanley seekes to excuse him-selfe.
• * 1.113

  Rouland Yorkes life and treason.
• * 1.114

  1587.
• * 1.115

  Certaine spee∣ches vsed in th•…•… counc•…•…ll of State.
• * 1.116

  1587
• * 1.117

  1587
• * 1.118

  1587.
• * 1.119

  1587
• * 1.120

  1587
• * 1.121

  1587.
• * 1.122

  The towne of Graue besieg∣ed by the Prince of Parma.
• * 1.123

  The towne of Graue ye•…•…l∣ded vp the 7. of Iuly.
• * 1.124

  1587.
• * 1.125

  The fort of Sgr•…•…uenweert built by Schinck cal∣led Schenks sconce.
• * 1.126

  The Lord of Hemerr be∣headed in V∣trecht.
• * 1.127

  The Nobility of the Ne∣therlands fall in dislike of the Earle.
• * 1.128

  Venloo be∣sieged by the Prince of Parma and won the 28. of Iune.
• * 1.129

  1587.
• * 1.130

  Venloo yeel∣ded to the Prince of Parma.
• * 1.131

  A conuoy of 3000. strong going to Col∣le•…•…, cut off by their owne soldiars and many of them slaine.
• * 1.132

  1587.
• * 1.133

  Prince Mau∣rice gouernes in the Earle of Leicesters ab∣sence.
• * 1.134

  The Barron of Buckhorst s•…•…nt into the Netherlands.
• * 1.135

  1587.
• * 1.136

  Rose nobles coynedat Amsterdam.
• * 1.137

  1587
• * 1.138

  1587.
• * 1.139

  S•…•…phen Perret a prisoner.
• * 1.140

  1587.
• * 1.141

  General Nor∣ris called home into England.
• * 1.142

  The Queene discontented vvith the E∣states letters.
• * 1.143

  The Duke of Parma pre∣pares to be∣siege Scluse.
• * 1.144

  The Seignior Groenevelt gouernor of Scluse.
• * 1.145

  1587.
• * 1.146

  Sir William Russel Lord gou•…•…nor of Flussing sends corne to Sluce and men.
• * 1.147

  Supplies of men and mu∣nition sent to Scluse.
• * 1.148

  Patton a Scottish-man yee•…•…ds Gelders to the Spani∣ards.
• * 1.149

  1587.
• * 1.150

  Prince Mau∣rice m•…•…kes a roade into Brabant to di∣uert the siege of Sclu•…•…e
• * 1.151

  The Earle of Leicester re∣turnes into Zealand.
• * 1.152

  Haultepenne defeated and slaine.
• * 1.153

  D. Leonl∣nus sp•…•…ech to the ge∣nerall es∣tates in his Excellen∣cies name.
• * 1.154

  1587.
• * 1.155

  Sir Roger Will••ams words in his discours.
• * 1.156

  1587.
• * 1.157

  1587.
• * 1.158

  The Earle ex∣cuseth himself
• * 1.159

  The generall estates held at Dordrecht where the Earle excuseth him-selfe.
• * 1.160

  1587.
• * 1.161

  The States declaration to the Earle of the Leices∣ter.
• * 1.162

  For want of a natural Prince the gouern∣ment returnes to the Noble gentry and townes.
• * 1.163

  1578.
• * 1.164

  The forme of the othe made by the men of warre.
• * 1.165

  The Earle of Leicesters an∣swer to the declaration of the first of September.
• * 1.166

  1587.
• * 1.167

  The estates seeke to re∣concile the Earles of Lei∣cester and Ho∣henlo.
• * 1.168

  The Earle of Hohenlos an∣swer to the estates.
• * 1.169

  1587.
• * 1.170

  Great consu∣sion by mista∣king betwixt the Earle of Leicester and Hohenlo.
• * 1.171

  1587.
• * 1.172

  The Earle of Leicesters de∣claration to the estates.
• * 1.173

  The Earle complaines of their letter to the Queene the forth of February.
• * 1.174

  If the estates meanes were not sufficient ther was bope of a peace.
• * 1.175

  1587.
• * 1.176

  The Earle de∣sireth m•…•…re contribu•…•…ion.
• * 1.177

  The Queene desiteth to en∣tertaine the ancient con∣tracts.
• * 1.178

  The Estates answere to the Earle of Leicesters letters.
• * 1.179

  1587.
• * 1.180

  The •…•…states compl•…•…ine of the act of re∣straint.
• * 1.181

  They excuse t•…•…e bitternesse of their •…•…etter of the 4 of February.
• * 1.182

  1587.
• * 1.183

  The Hollan∣ders contribu∣tion in two yeares.
• * 1.184

  The Estates hoped that the Queene vvould make no peace without them.
• * 1.185

  1587.
• * 1.186

  Another de∣claration made by the Estates to the Earle of Lei∣cest•…•…r 16. October.
• * 1.187

  That the E∣states haue lausu•…•…l autho∣rity ouer the Prouinces.
• * 1.188

  The Estates desire an oth of the soldi∣ars accord•…•…ng to the con∣tract.
• * 1.189

  1587.
• * 1.190

  The Estates desire to haue the authority of particular Gouernors maintained.
• * 1.191

  A declaration of the Estates of Holland and Friseland touching their preui∣leges.
• * 1.192

  1587.
• * 1.193

  During the minority of the Emperor Charles the Estates had the soueraign∣ty.
• * 1.194

  The con∣tempt of the Estates cause of the trou∣bles.
• * 1.195

  1587.
• * 1.196

  From whence the authority of the Estates is deriued.
• * 1.197

  How the towne of Hol∣land & Zea∣land are go∣uerned.
• * 1.198

  The Councell chose the Bur∣guemaisters & Schepen.
• * 1.199

  1587.
• * 1.200

  The forme of gouernment.
• * 1.201

  What the Estates be.
• * 1.202

  Whence the soueraignty of the Estate•…•… proceedeth.
• * 1.203

  1587.
• * 1.204

  The Duke of Parmas new disseigne.
• * 1.205

  The Ministers perswade the Estates to re∣conciliation with the Earle of Leicester.
• * 1.206

  The Estates answer.
• * 1.207

  The Magis∣strates of V∣trect write vn∣to the Estates.
• * 1.208

  Their answer.
• * 1.209

  1587.
• * 1.210

  The Earle of Leicester seekes to seize vpon Leyden.
• * 1.211

  The Estates do wisely conceale the cause of the execution at Leyden.
• * 1.212

  Meppel sur∣prized by the Estate•…•….
• * 1.213

  1587.
• * 1.214

  The towne of Enchuysen desier the earle of L•…•…icester to forbeate to enter into their towne being iealous of Sonoy.
• * 1.215

  Speeches in England touching the Netherlands.
• * 1.216

  1587.
• * 1.217

  The Earle of Leicester cal∣led home into England.
• * 1.218

  The Earle of Leicesters letter at his departure out of the Nether∣lands.
• * 1.219

  The estates write to the Earle of Lei∣cester.
• * 1.220

  87.
• * 1.221

  The Earle of Leicester resig•…•… his gouernment of the Vni ted Prouin∣ces.
• * 1.222

  Schencks en∣terprize.
• * 1.223

  1588.
• * 1.224

  Schenke sur∣p•…•…seth Bonne
• * 1.225

  Bonne spoiled and ransomed
• * 1.226

  1588
• * 1.227

  Ville •…•…orde surprized by the estates.
• * 1.228

  Deputies from the Queene vnto the states
• * 1.229

  Deruties sent from the e∣states into England.
• * 1.230

  The contribu∣tions of the Prouinces in two yeares.
• * 1.231

  1588.
• * 1.232

  1588.
• * 1.233

  A certaine coyne made by the Estates.
• * 1.234

  Commissio∣ners sent out of England to treat with the Duke of Par∣ina.
• * 1.235

  The reasons that mooued the Queene of England 〈◊〉〈◊〉 treat.
• * 1.236

  1588.
• * 1.237

  Hattem at∣empted by the Spaniards with great losse.
• * 1.238

  Verdugo armes s•…•…ps of war at Delf∣ziel.
• * 1.239

  A mutiny at Medenblick•…•….
• * 1.240

  1588
• * 1.241

  Medenblicke besieged by the Estates.
• * 1.242

  The Queene refuseth to speake any more for them 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Medenb∣•…•…ke.
• * 1.243

  1588.
• * 1.244

  A mutinie in•…•… Geertruyden berg.
• * 1.245

  Bonne besie∣ged by the Prince of Chymay.
• * 1.246

  Schinek goes to an imperial dyet.
• * 1.247

  An answer made to Schenck at the Imperi∣all dyet.
• * 1.248

  1588.
• * 1.249

  Bonne yeel∣ded vp againe.
• * 1.250

  Sir William Russel enter∣taines them of Campuere in the Queenes obedience.
• * 1.251

  1588.
• * 1.252

  St. Williá Rus∣sel writes to the Councell of Estate.
• * 1.253

  The Councell of Estates an∣swer.
• * 1.254

  They of Campuere & Arnemuyden refuse to obey the Estates.
• * 1.255

  1588.
• * 1.256

  Prince Mau∣rice retiers himselfe not∣without cause.
• * 1.257

  That he had not done any thing but by expresse •…•…∣rant.
• * 1.258

  The Queenes letters to the Estates.
• * 1.259

  The Estates answer to the Queene.
• * 1.260

  Prince Mau∣rice writs to the Queene.
• * 1.261

  1588.
• * 1.262

  partiallities be∣gin to cease.
• * 1.263

  A petition by the Cap∣taines dischar∣ged, to the Queene for recompence.
• * 1.264

  1588
• * 1.265

  Opinions on both sides tou∣ching the go∣uernment of the Nether lands.
• * 1.266

  1588.
• * 1.267

  The commis∣sioners sent to treat with the duke of Par∣ma.
• * 1.268

  The commis∣sioners for the King of Spaine.
• * 1.269

  The Queenes demands.
• * 1.270

  The Spani∣ards answers.
• * 1.271

  The Queenes replication.
• * 1.272

  1588.
• * 1.273

  Cardinall Al∣lens booke a∣gainst her Ma∣iesty.
• * 1.274

  The Queene sends to the Duke of Par∣ma about the in vading of England and his ansvver.
• * 1.275

  1588.
• * 1.276

  The last an∣swer of the Spanish comi∣ssioners.
• * 1.277

  The treatie of peace broke off.
• * 1.278

  1588
• * 1.279

  The King of Spaine pre∣pares to in∣uade England and the Ne∣therlands.
• * 1.280

  The descriptiō of all the ships. saylers and soldiers.
• * 1.281

  1588.
• * 1.282

  The descripti∣on of the or∣dinance and munition.
• * 1.283

  A Kintall is a hundred waight.
• * 1.284

  Description of the victuals and other necessaries.
• * 1.285

  The Com∣manders of the armie.
• * 1.286

  Chiefe offi∣cers and gen∣tlemen.
• * 1.287

  The Duke of Parmas pre∣paration to ioyne with this armie.
• * 1.288

  1588.
• * 1.289

  His forces.
• * 1.290

  Great noble men came in∣to Flanders.
• * 1.291

  The Popes helpe towards the conquest of England & the Nether∣lands.
• * 1.292

  Preparation made by the Netherlands.
• * 1.293

  1588.
• * 1.294

  The army of Spaine puts to sea.
• * 1.295

  Disperst by a tempest.
• * 1.296

  They put to sea againe.
• * 1.297

  The Commis∣sion of the Spanish army was to ioyne vvith the duke of Parma.
• * 1.298

  Difficulties for the effect∣ing of the Spanish com∣mission.
• * 1.299

  1588.
• * 1.300

  Don Pedro de Valdez ship taken.
• * 1.301

  A fight before Portland.
• * 1.302

  1588.
• * 1.303

  The duke of Parma pre∣pares himself.
• * 1.304

  His troupes are not ready shipt.
• * 1.305

  A notable stratagem v∣sed by the English to driue the Spa∣nish fleet from their anchors.
• * 1.306

  1588
• * 1.307

  A sight before Graueling the 10 of August.
• * 1.308

  The Spaniards losse in the last fight.
• * 1.309

  Two Gallions brought into Zeeland.
• * 1.310

  1588.
• * 1.311

  The Spanish army in des∣paire.
• * 1.312

  Many of the Spanish fleet cast away vp∣on the coast of Ireland.
• * 1.313

  The Duke of Medina ex∣cuseth him∣selfe.
• * 1.314

  Many Spanish Noblemen and Gentle∣men died soone after their returne.
• * 1.315

  1588.
• * 1.316

  The Duke of Parma and la Motte being blamed excuse themselues.
• * 1.317

  The duke of Parmaes de∣seigne to be∣siege Berghen.
• * 1.318

  1588.
• * 1.319

  A declaration of the trou∣bles in V∣trecht.
• * 1.320

  1588.
• * 1.321

  The Earle of M•…•…urs recon∣ciles Vtrecht with Holland
• * 1.322

  The action at the •…•…use of Berghen.
• * 1.323

  1588.
• * 1.324

  1588
• * 1.325

  1588.
• * 1.326

  The Duke of Parma raiseth his si•…•…ge from Berghen.
• * 1.327

  1589.
• * 1.328

  Prince Mau∣rice installed Marquis of la Vere.
• * 1.329

  Wachtendonk besieged and taken.
• * 1.330

  The subiects of the Nether∣lands arrested out of the country for the States debts.
• * 1.331

  Iames King of Scotland sends to the vnited Pro∣uinces for pay due to Collo∣nel Stuart.
• * 1.332

  The Estates send Monsieur de Voocht to the King of Scotland.
• * 1.333

  1589.
• * 1.334

  The Queene writes vnto the King of Scotland in fauor of the vnited Prouin∣ces.
• * 1.335

  The pollicy of the vnited Prouinces touching mar∣tiall affaires.
• * 1.336

  48. daies to the month for the paiement of their soldi∣ers.
• * 1.337

  Their care to pay the soldi∣ars where they serue.
• * 1.338

  1588
• * 1.339

  The vnited Prouinces haue done great exploits with small numbers of men.
• * 1.340

  Prince Mau∣rice is •…•…dmi∣rall and chiefe of a•…•… the rest.
• * 1.341

  Conuoy money im∣ployed for the wars by sea.
• * 1.342

  1588.
• * 1.343

  Courses made by the States garri∣sons into the enemies Countries.
• * 1.344

  Mutinie vnder the enemy for pay.
• * 1.345

  1589. The second mutiny at Gheertruy∣denberg.
• * 1.346

  Prince Mau∣rice besiegeth Geertruyden∣bergh the 25. of March 1589.
• * 1.347

  1589.
• * 1.348

  Offers made by Prince Maurice to the garrison of Gheertruy∣denberg.
• * 1.349

  Gheertruyden∣berg sold to the Duke of Parma by the garrison.
• * 1.350

  The garrison of Gheertruy∣denberg con∣demned for traytors.
• * 1.351

  1589
• * 1.352

  Many castles yeelded to the Spaniard.
• * 1.353

  The Cornets of the estates horse defeated
• * 1.354

  The Castle of Hele taken by the Duke of Parma.
• * 1.355

  A mutyne a∣mong the Spaniards.
• * 1.356

  1589.
• * 1.357

  The Duke of Parma goes to the •…•…paw.
• * 1.358

  An assemblie of the Estates vnder the Duke of Par∣ma.
• * 1.359

  The Duke of Parmas goods taken in Lor∣raine.
• * 1.360

  Dislike be∣tween the Duke of Par∣ma & Cham∣pigni.
• * 1.361

  Champigni•…•… forced to leaue the Ne∣therlands.
• * 1.362

  1590.
• * 1.363

  Richardot 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by the duk of Parma •…•…to Spaine.
• * 1.364

  Ba•…•… Councell giuen to the •…•…ke of Par∣ma.
• * 1.365

  Pr•…•…paration to aide the league •…•…n France.
• * 1.366

  Schenck re∣le•…•…ues Bercke.
• * 1.367

  1589
• * 1.368

  Schenck de∣feats some of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Par∣mas troupes.
• * 1.369

  Schencks vn∣fortunate en∣terpise vpon Nymeghen.
• * 1.370

  Schenck drowned.
• * 1.371

  1589.
• * 1.372

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 bo∣•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by th•…•…m of Nymeghen
• * 1.373

  His bo•…•…y ho∣•…•…bly •…•…∣ed.
• * 1.374

  The life and com•…•…ndation of Sch•…•…k.
• * 1.375

  A muti•…•…y in the •…•…ort of Grauenw•…•…erd.
• * 1.376

  Wars in Frise∣land.
• * 1.377

  1589.
• * 1.378

  Graue in Westphalia spoyled
• * 1.379

  A resolute act of one of the estates captaines at sea.
• * 1.380

  1584.
• * 1.381

  The •…•…paniards chased out of the Island of Bomel.
• * 1.382

  The Marquis of Varambon defeated by the •…•…states.
• * 1.383

  1589.
• * 1.384

  A deere bra∣uado of 35. soldiers.
• * 1.385

  The vnfor•…•…∣nate death of the Earle of Meurs.
• * 1.386

  Berke yeelded to the Earle of Mansfeldt.
• * 1.387

  1589.
• * 1.388

  Mondragon forbids con∣•…•…tions.
• * 1.389

  A Conu•…•…e defeated by the Estates men.
• * 1.390

  They of Gro∣ning discon∣tented with their Gouer∣nor.
• * 1.391

  1589
• * 1.392

  The discrip∣tion of Aix la Chapel•…•….
• * 1.393

  The King of Spaines at t•…•…pts against Aix and other townes.
• * 1.394

  The King of Spaines pro∣clamation a∣gainst them of Aix.
• * 1.395

  1589.
• * 1.396

  1590.
• * 1.397

  The Vnited Prouinces haue some by rea∣•…•… o•…•… the wa•…•…e; of •…•…rance.
• * 1.398

  The pollicie of the vnited •…•…states con∣cer•…•…ng r•…•…∣gion.
• * 1.399

  1590
• * 1.400

  The vnited Prouinces ruled by a councell of Estate.
• * 1.401

  Prince Mau∣rice made Lieutenant generall.
• * 1.402

  The meanes how the E∣states leauy money for their warres.
• * 1.403

  1590.
• * 1.404

  The Est•…•…es good husban∣drie for the imployment of their mony.
• * 1.405

  What number of m•…•…n the v∣•…•…ted Prouin∣ces entertay∣ned.
• * 1.406

  What the Queene of England paied euery monthe to re∣leeue the E∣states. The vnited Prouinces rich by their wars.
• * 1.407

  The Spani∣ards murine and surprize Cortrey.
• * 1.408

  1590
• * 1.409

  The duke of Maine comes to the •…•…uke of Parma.
• * 1.410

  Breda surpriz∣ed for Prince Mauric•…•….
• * 1.411

  1590
• * 1.412

  1590
• * 1.413

  1590
• * 1.414

  Prince Man∣•…•… t•…•…
• * 1.415

  1590
• * 1.416

  The Italien garison Hyes out of Breda
• * 1.417

  The Duke of Parma cut of the captains heads that Red
• * 1.418

  Herauguiere made gouer∣ner of Breda.
• * 1.419

  Coat Charles of M•…•…dt takes Seuen∣berghen.
• * 1.420

  1590.
• * 1.421

  Knodsen∣borgh sconse built by the states.
• * 1.422

  Groning craues protec∣tion from the Queene of England.
• * 1.423

  1590
• * 1.424

  The fort of Immentil. in Frizeland ta∣ken by Ver∣dugo.
• * 1.425

  An assembly of the Princes of the Rhine at Cologne.
• * 1.426

  Ambassadors sent from the Princes into the Ne∣therlands.
• * 1.427

  1590
• * 1.428

  The Estates answer to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…lecots 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.429

  1590.
• * 1.430

  1590.
• * 1.431

  1590.
• * 1.432

  1590.
• * 1.433

  1590.
• * 1.434

  The repli∣cation of the Ger∣maine Am∣bass•…•…ors to the Estates answer.
• * 1.435

  1590. The Duke of Parmas forces that went to releeue Paris.
• * 1.436

  Who went vvith the duke into France.
• * 1.437

  1590.
• * 1.438

  〈◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊〉 w•…•…y their garrison.
• * 1.439

  The Fort of Houy yeelded to the Estates.
• * 1.440

  1590
• * 1.441

  An enterprize vpon Dun∣kerke in vaine.
• * 1.442

  An enterprize of the Spa∣•…•…ds vpon •…•…hem but in vaine.
• * 1.443

  The countrie ruined by both parties.
• * 1.444

  Courses of the Estates freeboters.
• * 1.445

  Sir Edward Norrys takes blanckenberg
• * 1.446

  1591.
• * 1.447

  Coll•…•…ch taken by the Estates.
• * 1.448

  Great prepa∣ration made by the Estates.
• * 1.449

  A polliticke surprize of the great Fort be∣fore Zutphen
• * 1.450

  1591
• * 1.451

  Zutphen be∣sieged by the Estates.
• * 1.452

  Zutphen yeel∣ded to Prince Maurice.
• * 1.453

  Deuenter be∣sieged by the Estates.
• * 1.454

  1591. The brauery of the Engli•…•…h:
• * 1.455

  A combate before De∣uenter.
• * 1.456

  Kno•…•…sen∣borg beseeged by the Duke.
• * 1.457

  1591
• * 1.458

  The Dukes horsemen defeated.
• * 1.459

  The Dukes army being amazed leaues the seege.
• * 1.460

  They of Colo∣gne send De∣puties to the Estates.
• * 1.461

  The Estates answer to the complaints of them of Liege.
• * 1.462

  159•…•…
• * 1.463

  Hulst besieged and taken by Prince Mau∣rice.
• * 1.464

  Ambassadors sent from the Emperor a∣bout a peace.
• * 1.465

  1591.
• * 1.466

  They of Bru∣ges perplexed.
• * 1.467

  Sir Edward Norris seeks to bring Flan∣ders vnder contribution.
• * 1.468

  Nymighen besieged by Prince Mau∣rice.
• * 1.469

  1591. Nym•…•…gen yeelded.
• * 1.470

  Schencke ho∣norably buri∣ed by Princ•…•… Maurice.
• * 1.471

  The end of Prouost Dan∣ckert.
• * 1.472

  The Duke of Parma goes into France to releeue 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.473

  1591.
• * 1.474

  Orders for Frebuters
• * 1.475

  1592.
• * 1.476

  Spanish Fre∣buters at sea.
• * 1.477

  The death of the Duke of Cleues.
• * 1.478

  The Gronin∣geois send deputies to cont Mans∣fldt.
• * 1.479

  Cont Mans∣feldt writs to them of Groning.
• * 1.480

  1593
• * 1.481

  A smal supply o•…•… small pro∣ffit sent by the Spaniard i•…•…to Freezland.
• * 1.482

  A frutlesse en∣terprize vpon Maestricht.
• * 1.483

  Berieyck taken by the Estates.
• * 1.484

  1592.
• * 1.485

  The •…•…states men defeated.
• * 1.486

  Two 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in religion at Vtrecht
• * 1.487

  An enter∣prize vpon Enchuysen.
• * 1.488

  1592.
• * 1.489

  The Prince Elector 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 Louyse of Nassau.
• * 1.490

  1592.
• * 1.491

  Prince Mou∣rice shotte.
• * 1.492

  Steenwyc yeelded by composition and other townes besie∣ged by the Estates.
• * 1.493

  1592.
• * 1.494

  Famas Gene∣rall o•…•… th•…•… or∣dinance 〈◊〉〈◊〉 th•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 slaine.
• * 1.495

  Verdugo comming to releeue Co∣uoerden is repu•…•…st.
• * 1.496

  Couoerden yeelded by composition.
• * 1.497

  1592.
• * 1.498

  Prince of Par∣ma dies.
• * 1.499

  His commen∣dations.
• * 1.500

  1592.