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

The Argument of the * 1.1 [ A] fourteenth Booke.

COnt Phillip of Nassau runs ouer the country of Luxembourg, with some of the Estates, troupes: Prince Maurice beseegeth Gheertrudenberg, and takes it in vew of a royal army led by Peter Ernest Earle of Mansfeldt, who beseegeth Crevec•…•…ur in vaine: warre made in Freezeland by Cont William of Nassau for the Estates. The Earle of Solms makes warre in Flanders. Otmarson in Oueryssel and many other forts in Freezelond recoue∣red [ B] by the Spaniard: The Archduke Ernest comes to be Gouernor of the Netherlands for the King of Spaine Michell Reuichors a Preest vndertakes to kill Prince Maurice, for the which he is executed: whereof the Archduke Ernest being taxed, he seekes to excuse him-selfe by his letters to the Estates, where-vnto they make answer: The sayed Archduke makes warre against the King of France, Prince Maurice deliuers Cowarden, beseegeth Groning and takes it: Peter de Four pretends to kill Prince Maurice, for the which he is executed: Cont Phillip of Nassau ioynes with the Duke of Bouillions troupes. The marriages of the Earle of Hohenlo and the Duke of Bouillon: Huyville and the Castle sur∣prized by the Estates in the country of Liege, and soone recouered by the Spaniard. The death of the Archduke Ernest: Collonel Mondragon a Spaniard comes neere vnto the Estates campe, he is pursued by Prince Mau∣rice. The Earles Phillip of Nassau and Ernest of Solms are hurt, taken prisoners and die; Cont Frederic of Nassau remayning prisoner. The Earle of Fuentes makes sharpe war against the French King: The Spa∣niards offer a peace in the Netherlands: Liege in Brabant surprized for the states, but recouered the same day. [ C] Cardinall Albert made gouernor for the King of Spaine, he takes Callis from the French King, who recouers La-fere from the Spaniard. The Cardinal beseegeth Hulst in Flanders, the which in the end yeeldeth. The king of Spaine dispenseth with him-selfe for the paiment of his debts. The English and Estates shippes takes Cadiz in Spaine. The Mareshall of Biron makes warre in Arthois, he takes the Marquis of Var•…•…nbon gouernor of the country. A league betwixt the French King, the Queene of England and the Estates against the Spani∣ard: Prince Maurice defeats the Earle of Varax by Tournhout who is slaine there. Amiens surprised, by the Spaniard, beseeged and taken by the King, the which Cardinall Albert offers to succor in vaine: Prince Mau∣rice beseegeth and takes the Townes of Alpen, Meurs, Rhinberg, Grol, Brefort, Enscheyde, Old•…•…nzeel, Otmar∣som, Goor and Lingen, all in three months. The King of Denmarkes Ambassador to the Estates, and to wh•…•…t end. The King of Spaine makes a peace with the French King: The Admirall of Arragon sent Ambassador to the Emperor, and to what end: Peter Panne vnder takes to kill Prince Maurice, and is executed. The [ D] Estates subiects sayle to the East Indies. Atumult at Emden: the King of Spaine giues his eldest daughter to Cardinall Albert.

AFter the Death of Alexander Farnez•…•… Duke of Parma Peter Ernest Earle of Mansfeldt his Lieutenant during his absence in France, was by prouision appointed to the gouernment by the King of Spaine of all that which remained vnder his obedience in the Ne∣therlands, attending the comming of Ernest Archduke of Austria, the Emperor Rodolphus Brother, being chosen for Gouernor, [ E] lieutenant and Captaine generall. To which Earle of Mansfeldt (as the Spaniards haue neuer fully trusted the Noblemen of the Netherlands) there were ioyned in all affayers, the Earle of Fuen∣tes a Spaniard, Brother in law to the Duke of Alua, and one Stephano Ybarra, Superinten∣dent of the Kings treasure, a Spaniard also: without the aduice of which two hee could not doe any thing, neither yet treat nor dispose of a denier.

About the end of this yeare 1592. as Cont Charles of Mansfeldt, was sent vnto the fronters of Picardy, to prouide worke for the roialists, to the aduancement of the league, and to beseege Noyon, the which he did and tooke it, the King being otherwaies im∣ployed: * 1.2 [ F] the vnited Estates on the other side sent Phillip Earle of Nassau with some 4000. horse & foote into Luxemburg, to make some enterprize as well vpon the towne of Saint Vyt (belonging to Prince Maurice by inheritance) as else where; and also to force them to their contributions.

The Earle of Mansfeldt, father to Count Charles, to make head against him, sent the * 1.3 [ A] Earle of Barlaymont thether, with the garrison of Liere, Macklin and others places, both Spaniards and Italiens. But Count Philip seeing his men laden with bootie, which they had gotten as well in Luxembourg as in Cempeine, hee retired quietly, without any losse. The gouernment of the Kings countrie, beeing (as wee haue sayd) put into the hands of the Earle of Mansfeldt the father (an old and pollitike captaine) with the assistance of the sayd Earle of Fuentes, Stephano d'Ybarra and other Spaniards, and of the Spanish faction: they were of opinion to breake quarter, and (as they were wont to say) to make foule warres, not suffring any souldiars of what qualitie so euer, captaines or other Officers, to bee ransomed, nor exchanged for other prisoners, thinking there∣by to make their men more resolute to fight, and to vanquish, or die: for if they escaped * 1.4 and were no•…•… slaine in the fight, being prysoners there were no ransome, exchange nor [ B] mercie for them: And by this meanes they should also coole the heate of the Estates souldi•…•…rs, from the doing of such violent executions by the right of warre, for the leauy and payment of their contributions: for they made a generall defence vpon all the fronters ioyning to the confederate Prouinces, with other accustomed places, dated the fift day of Ianuary in the yeare 1593. not to pay any such easments and taxes to the Estates collectors and Receiuors. But Mansfeldt and his associates were much abused by this manner of proceding for their souldiars (who commonly seeke more for pro∣fit then honour) had rather draw a ransome from their prisoners, then deliuer them in∣to the hangmans hands; or by this willfull breaking of quarter, to suffer themselues to [ C] bee hanged. Moreouer the gentlemen, the Clergie and such as receiued rents, were more willing to pay a light contribution to the Estates, to saue the rest, then to receiue nothing at all, and moreouer to haue their castles, houses and farmes burnt, at the first roade they should make. The vnited Estates made a publication to the contrary, of the 27. day of Februarie, by the which they declared that the Spaniard sought nothing else by the breaking of quarter, and for biding to pay the contributions, but vtterly to ruine * 1.5 all the Netherlands and the inhabitants thereof: And therefore they signified vnto them of the Champian country that were of the aduerse partie, that if they did not ad∣uise otherwise for there saf•…•…ties after the 10. of Aprill next ensuing, that there would be no quarter for any person, place, Bourrough or village (as now many did reside there [ D] and were free, with any safegard of the sayd Estates) lying vnder the command of their enemies. This countermande of the Estates was the cause that all the world ranne to Brusselles to complaine of the first proclamation, so as nothing was put in execution, but all things remained as they were. And to speake truth the Spanish partie had lost much more thereby, then those of the Estates: for one souldiar which the Spa∣niards could haue slaine or hanged, the Estates would haue had three. The sayd Spaniards associate in the gouernment made no difficultie to forbid the contributi∣ons, and to expose the poore people and others in prey, seeing they neuer came to any combates, nor had any houses or foote of land, that might bee ruined, not caring what men suffred [ E]

Prince Maurice doubting not but the Earle of Mansfeldt Lieutenant for the King of Spaine, was fully resolued to hinder him this yeare 1593. from some good designe, mea∣ning to preuent him, before hee should haue meanes to aduance: he made hast togather his army together in the beginning of the spring, and the 28. of March hee came with all * 1.6 his forces both by sea and land, before the towne of Saint Gheertruydenberg, to be∣seege it, and by a long or a short seege to carry it. And whereas there was a Fort within musket shot of the towne, called Steelhof (which is as much to say as a gardin of theeues) the which hindred him from making of his approches on that side, and kept the passage for victualls towards Osterhout, hee must first of all winne this Fort, the which they of the towne did euery night releeue with new gards; for the preuenting whereof [ F] the Prince thought i•…•… good to cut off the way and to seperate it from the towne: which being done, he soone ma•…•…red the Fort, the which yeelded the seauenth day of Aprill, going forth with their baggage onely. This Fort beeing yeelded the Prince appro∣ched neere vnto the towne, •…•…nd by foote and foote wonne the counter-scarpe, of the

Ditch, where as the soldiars (as if they had burroes in the grownd) lodged them-selues * 1.7 [ A] couered from the towne canon on the West side, appointing Cont Hohen∣lo his Lieutenant to quarter with the regements of Cloetinghen and Locren on the East side beyond the water in the village of Ramsdonch, about halfe an howers passing from the towne, where being intrencht, a brigde was made to passe the water from one quar∣ter to an other, for releefe if need were. The Prince with the Regiment of Cont Henry Frederic the younger brother of the Earle of Solms, the Seignor of Graeneuelt, and of Balfor a Scotishman, camped on the West side. And for the intrenching of his campe, he had the hearts of his soldiars both in generall and in particular, so at his deuotion, as with an incredible celerity, and for a small reward, preforming the duties of pioners (a rare thing) they finished all the trenches of the campe, the which a good soote-man [ B] could hardly go about in fower howers. The trenches were diuided by rauelins, flanking and answering one another, as if it had beene a strong towne, euery rauelin being furnished with two peeces of ordinance at the least, according to the necessity of * 1.8 the place, before which trenches there was a dich about thirty foote broade: And as∣though there were many marish places and full of boggs, the which were not easie to passe; yet in steed of a counterscarp to the said ditches, there were great pyles driuen in, which remayned foure foote high aboue the ground, to the top of euery one of the which, there was a long pike of iron fastened before, that any man striking theron soden∣ly in the night, he should not be able to pull it out of his brest (being one chained vnto an other) without making of a great noyse so as a man might hold himselfe better assured [ C] in that campe, then in the strongest towne he could chose, for speaking without flatery, & that which Iobserued, the discipline which the Prince vsed, and the redinesse and obe∣dience of the soldiers was so great, as the peasants in the neighbour villages came and * 1.9 lodged in the campe for refuge, not only with their wiues & children, but also with their horses, kine, sheepe, and other cattell, yea euen with their hens to saue them from the Spanish army, which they knew to be vpon the way selling vnto the soldiars (as in an open towne market) their butter, egges, milke, cheese, and other commodities, yea the proprietaries or farmers who had errable land within the circuit of the Campe, had liberty to till it, the which will seeme incredible to such as haue beene inlicentious and ill gouerned armies: if an infinite number of the inhabitants of neighbour townes, yea [ D] which were vnder the Spaniard as Antwerp, Mons, Tournay, Lille and other townes comming with the Estates of Hollands pasport, for their affayers, which came to see it and to play in the campe, had not beene true eye witnesses with me. The Earle of Mansfeldt hearing that Cont Charles his sonne, had discharged his duty well on Picar∣die for the seruice of the league, hauing taken Noyon, he sent for him to come with all * 1.10 his troupes, and to ioyne with his army neere vnto Gheertruydenberge. As Charles was vpon his returne at Aussyle chasteau (belonging to the Earle of Egmont, halfe in France, and halfe in Arthois, diuided by the riuer of Authie) meaning to doe iustice vpon a Spanish Captaine who had rauished a young maid of Hesdin: presently all the Spaniards tooke armes against him and against all his Wallon soldiars, whome they put to flight and spoyled all their goods, making a head among them whome they call [ E] Electo: and being thus mutined, they seazed vpon the towne of Saint Paul, the which they fortefied, and from whence they held in subiection and did ransome all the quar∣ter of Arthois, which they call the heigh country betwixt Hesdin, Bapaulmes, Arras, Bethune, Aire, and Saint Omer, whome they did force to bring vnto them euery weeke both mony and victualls, which mutiny continued a whole yeare before it could bee appeazed. After whose example, the Italiens and wallons (which were in the country * 1.11 of Hennault) did mutine soone after, and did fortefie them-selues at Pont vpon Sa∣•…•…bre: from whence they did force the Country there abouts to pay them nine hun∣dred florins a day, the which they of Mons were to furnish euery weeke. [ F]

The garrison of the towne of Berke vpon the Rhine did no lesse, and as the coun∣try thereabouts belongs to the diocese of Collogne, or to the Duchy of Iuilliers, hauing no meanes to ransome it, besides the ordinary customes, they charged all shippes and

marchandise which must of necessitie passe that way with great impositions, deuiding * 1.12 [ A] the money euery day betwixt them.

Prince Maurice and the Estates Campe, beeing thus intrenched, defended and dis∣ciplined before Gheertruydenbergh, towards the land, the towne was in like manner shutte vp by Sea, with about a hundred shippes great and small, to keepe all things from * 1.13 entring. Besides there were a great number of shippes full of victuals and munition, by the Princes quarters: so as there was aboundance of all thinges, and good cheape. The like there was on Cont Hohenloos quarter, so as nothing wanted on any side. As for the horse-men the Prince knowing they would be to more vse in the towne of Ber∣ghen vp Zoome, Breda & Heusden to cutte of the enemies victuals, who began to make head at Tournhout, he retired a small number which were camped at large, betwixt the [ B] Princes quarter and that of Hohenloos, in a place hard to come vnto by the Spaniards, by reason of the waters, but alwaies ready by meanes of bridges, to succor either of the quarters.

The Earle of Mansfeldt being resolued to try all meanes to raise this siege; approached with his armie (being about twelue thousand men) to Osterhout, about halfe a league from the Estates Campe: where hee kept him-selfe intrencht two daies. But as vppon that side (which was towards the Princes quarter) there was no accesse, as well for the marrishes, as for the mighty trenches, and fortifications of the Campe: Changing his place hee went and camped on the East side, in the Villages of VVaesbeke and Capelle, neere vnto Cont Hohenloos quarter: to whome Sir Francis Veer was sent with six hun∣dred [ C] English and about a thousand Frisons. Mansfeldt being camped there, without * 1.14 any shew that hee would force the Estates Campe, still attended some good apor∣tunitie: for hee foudd there was small meanes to go to it by force: and that the Princes Campe (although at the most there were not aboue seauen thousand men in it) was as sufficient in the weakest part, as a good strong place, and could not be attempted with∣out batterie, and the hazard of men, and with small hope of any honour to bee gotten: like an old, wise, and aduised Captaine (who would not rashly aduenture any thing) hee continued about three weekes in that place, seeing with his owne eyes all that was done before the towne, and not able to help it, nor preuent it, but with his good wishes. At that time, besides the batterie which did teare downe the Rampar of the towne; the [ D] Prince caused galleries to be made in three seuerall places, to come to the sappe, as hee had done the yeare before at Covoerden; one of the which was so farre aduanced, as it came within 14. or 15. foot of the Rampar, to the which the ditch was almost filled with the ruine of the breach, which was falne.

The foure and twentith of Iune being Saint Iohn Baptists day, on the which the Earle of Mansfelds soldiers had bragged that they would come (it is an ancient superstition in the Romish Church) and make Saint Iohns fire in the towne, a soldier of the Estates Camp, of the company of Captaine Haene a Tourneisien, aduentured to passe the town∣ditch of Gheertruydenberg about one of the clocke in the afternoone, mounting vp ea∣sily by the ruine of the breach, which was made at the rauelyn of the Port of Breda: be∣ing [ E] alofte, hee shewed the countenance of the soldiers besieged, that were in gard, whereof some dined, some slept, and others lay at ease. This soldier made a signe to his companions to follow him, shewing that it was time: where-vppon the Captaine with the rest of the company, and Captaine Boeuine, casting them-selues into the ditch, got vp to this rauelyn, and wonne it, they slew some, and chased away the rest that were in gard, whome they pursued euen into the towne: where there was one taken, who was brought vnto the Prince.

Vpon this Alarme the Seignior of Gissant (Gouernor of the towne) being in armes to come vnto the Rampar (as the canon from the Campe ceased not) was slaine with a * 1.15 stone shotte out of a morter, and many about him hurt, and among others the Sargeant Maior: The besieged seeing this rauelyn wonne; their Gouernor dead (who was the [ F] third Gouernor, which had bene slaine during the siege) and in the Scottes quarter the ditch in a manner filled vp, so as they feared it would be finished the night following, and so might be charged in two or three places at one instant, they sent their Deputies

and among others the saide Sargent Maior, wounded as he was in the head, to the Prince * 1.16 [ A] to treat of an accord: where vpon hostages were sent for them of the towne, whilest that they remayned all night in the campe to treat of the yeelding vp of the towne: so as the composition was made vpon certaine conditions, the which were confirmed the next day, whereof the Prince did remit some, for whereas at the first by the treaty it was said, that the soldiars should depart without armes, he suffered them to carry them and their collours rolled vp on their shoulders, vntill they should come vnto the last bridg of the campe, and then deliuer them into his hands, the which they did: And de∣parted with their armes and bagage the fift of that moneth, marching towards Antwerp. There happned nothing remarkable in this retreat which I obserued. There were yet remayning two or three of those soldiars, which had sold that towne vnto the Duke of [ B] Parma, one of them being hidden in a cart vnder bagage and grasse that ouerthrew by mischance in the faire way a musket shot from the towne, in the midest of the Estates soldiers as they stood in armes, among whome hee had marcht, so this poore msierable wretch was hanged with the two others.

Al the garrison being gone forth, most of them being heigh Bourguignons and Ger∣mains, comming to the last bridg, whereas the Prince (accompanied with the Earles * 1.17 of Hohenlo, Solms, and others) did see them passe. Euery ancient, deliuered his collours into the Princes hands being sixteene, the which he sent to the Hage. The same day the towne was yeelded, the earle of Mansfeldt sent some troupes of foote to descouer Cont Hohenlos quarter, against whom was sent the Earles company of horse, led by captaine [ C] Cloct, with Sir Francis Veer, and his Cornet and some others, who defeated these foote∣men, and brought two captaines Wallones prisoners, who being brought into the campe, were much amazed to see the towne yeelded, for Mansfeldt knewe nothing of it vntill that day in the euening hee espied bonefiers within the towne, and in the Estates campe, with shooting of the ordinance and their smale shot. Thus this towne (which the Spaniards held impregnable) was taken in the sight of the King of Spaines army, commanded by a braue old Captaine, who (to say the truth) was twise as strong as the Estats. But we must also confesse that the Prince (by reason of his forts and intrench∣ments) had a great aduantage: had the Spaniards beene twice as strong the approch vn∣to the Estates campe, was so hard and dangerous, which grew by Prince Maurice his [ D] dilligence, and the slackenesse of Cont Mansfelt. Mansfeldt to be reuenged of this affront, hearing of the yeelding vp of the towne, hee marcht presently away with his army into the quarter of Boisleduc and camped before Creueceur (lying vpon the riuer of Meuze at the mouth of the channell, which is called Dise) Going towards the towne, that by the meanes of this fort he might command the riuer, so as nothing should goe downe to the townes, of Heusden, Gorrichom and Dordrect, nor mount vp∣wards. Prince Maurice hearing that hee had turned head that way, hee presently sent Floris of Brederode Lord of Cloetinge•…•… brother to the Lord of Brederode, with his re∣giment by the same riuer to the fort of Creuecaeur, causing his shippes of warre, with boats and artillery to follow, the which sailed so happely with a westerly winde, as (without any let) they came and cast anchor iust before the Fort. The Prince being assu∣red [ E] that Mansfeldt began to plant his canon and had resolued to batter it went himselfe in person, with the body of his armie, with the which he past into the Iland of Bommel, * 1.18 going to campe in a village called Heel, right against the said fort, the which he supplied with artillery, which the besieged did so imploy, as Mansfeldt (hauing his quarter drowned with the waters which did rise) was forced to retire his armie, and to campe halfe a League of. In the meane time the said chanell was stopt, that nothing could go in nor out. In the end after that Mansfeldt had stayed there some time, made a great spoile, especially of the Hoppe groundes (whereof that country is very full) his men leauing not a pole vnburnt, so as the hoppes were spoyled; hee left this place of Cre∣uaecuer [ F] in peace, to his great greefe.

Behold what little honor this old soldiar got before these two places of Gheertruyden∣berg and Creuecaeur. This fort had beene first built by the Spaniards, who gaue it * 1.19 that name, for that it held the riuer of Meuze in subiection, to the great greefe of the

Hollanders, and especially of them of Dordrecht, by reason of the marchandise which * 1.20 [ A] came by this riuer vnto them out of the country of Liege and higher. But the Estates hauing taken it from them, left it the same name, for that it was a heart-breaking to them of Boislduc, who could receiue nothing by water, but through the fauor of this Fort: whereas they must pay vnto the Estates their towles and customes, and whereas their shippes are serched as they passe, and must yeeld an account if they bee well freed at their comming out of the country.

Whilest that they made warre in this sort in Brabant: William Lewis Earle of Nas∣sau, gouernor for the Estates in the country of Friseland, going the 4. day of April from Oosthorne, came the 13. to campe at Bellingwolderziel, the which hee fortified, to cut off the passage to Borentanghe. Collonel Verdugo gouernor of Groning for the King * 1.21 [ B] of Spaine, presented himselfe, as if he would hinder him from making of this Fort with 2500. horse and foote. But finding it almost in defence and well furnished, hee durst not attempt it, bu•…•… retired from thence: so as the Earle had good leisure and meanes to finish it: And such men as he needed not in his army, he sent to his cousin Prince Mau∣rice. Verdugo fortefied himselfe with 3000. foote and eight cornets of horse, thinking to do the Earle an affront, who then lay quiet within the Fort of Newoort two leagues from Groning, expecting the return of his troupes, which he had sent vnto the Prince, the which were sent backe vnto him after the taking of Gheertruydenberg: So as hee was re-nforced with twenty companies of foote and twelue cornets of horse, with the which he went to field and beseeged Gramberge, with sixe peeces of artillery, the which [ C] he won, with some other small forts there-abouts. Then hauing victualed Covoerden and Otmarsam, hee went before the strong castle of Vedde, the which yeelded as soone as the battery was planted, with the other fort, by the which they crost the riuer. Win∣schooten was abandoned, and by that meanes the Earle made himselfe maister of all the passage of Boerentanghe, the which he went about to fortifie with all speed, before the * 1.22 succours came which the Earle of Mansfeldt should send vnto Verdugo, beeing two thousand foote, eight hundred horse, eight peeces of ordynance, and two hundred wagons, besides three hundred horse more led by Verdugoes Lieutenant, the which past at Linghen the fift of September, expecting greater troupes from about Namur. This fort of Boerentanghe was then wholie finished, which cut off the passages to the towne [ D] of Groning: the walles were a pike high, with fiue Bulwarkes well flanked: the ditches were 80. foote broade, very deepe and full of water, hauing fiue companies of foote in it. The place was well munitioned for two monethes, neyther could they cut off the victualls which came vnto it from Westphalia side: Cont William appointed captaine Frederic of Iongh to command in the place.

MAVRICE OF NASSAV BORNE * 1.23 Prince of Orange; Marquis of La Vere and of Flushing; Earle of Nassau, Meurs, Catsenellebogen, Dyets, Vianden, &c. Baron of Breda &c. gouernor of Gelder, of Holland, Zeeland, Vtrecht and Ouerysell. Great Captaine and Admirall ge∣nerall of the vnited Prouinces of the Low-countries.

[illustration]

MAVRITIVS D. G. NATVS AVR PRINC: NASSOV MARC VERAE ET VLIS ET BELG PROVIN GVB.

The Spaniard fil'd with rage and deepe disdaine, To haue his faith-breach quit, and bee expeld For his Iniurious and Imperious raigne In Holland, Zeeland, and the rest he held;

Bard from reuenge, vnable to refraine [ A] His wrath against that good vnited State * 1.24 Practis'd a murther, at a costly rate; And cut my Fathers vitall thred in twaine, Halfe cut before: An act vnparalelld For foulenesse: but thankes Heauen (behold what gaine He got by this) my fathers awfull fate Vertue and valor euer curbing Spaine Surviue in me: the Spaniards scourge and awe Am I that euer will vphold NASSAV.

SVRCVLVS FACTVS ARBOR. [ B]

The Branch is made a Tree.

I Must aduertise you, that this picture of Prince Maurice should haue beene placed in the yeare of our Lord 1589. presently after the Earle of Leceister had left the Gouernment of the vnited Prouinces, but not as Gouernor of those Prouinces, but onely as Generall of the Estates armie in those Prouinces, as hee hath continued vnto this day, the which beeing through negligence omitted in his due place, I am inforced to insert it here (though some∣what improperly) rather then to leaue it out altogither, hee hauing done such worthie and me∣morable seruices to the vnited Estates. [ C]

WHilest that the Spaniards and their adherents impoyled all their wits to continue the miseries of France, hoping by the meanes of a par∣liament held by the league, so to trouble the Estate and to breed such a confusion, as in the meane time they should haue good meanes to aduance their designes vpon the Netherlands, England and vpon France it selfe. Henry the fourth was solicited by some councellors nere vnto his person, and from diuers other parts, to leaue the open profession of the re•…•…ormed religion, and to adhere vnto the ceremonies of the Romish church. Their * 1.25 reasons were, that to chase away the Spaniard, and to get Paris and other townes of the [ D] league for himselfe, hee must of necessity take from them of that party the maske of the Romish catholike religion, wherewith they did shadow their rebellion. That whilest the King made open profession of the reformed religion, those of the contrary faction (being far more in number) would follow the duke of Mayene and house of Guise, who through the fauor of the Pope and the King of Spaine, would finde meanes to enter∣taine the fire within his realme, the which (said they) was worth a paltry masse, neither would it be lost for a few ceremonies. Although that these aduises were incountred by notable aduertisments from other councellors, yet it seemed the King was somewhat inclined therevnto, and that the deputies of the Princes and Noblemen of his Councel, conferring with them of the league (to preuent the election of a new King,) put them in [ E] hope of it: and to attaine therevnto with the more ease, they procured certaine lear∣ned Prelats to assemble, in whose presence this businesse should bee debated at large. Wherevpon the King directed his letters to many, bearing date the 18. day of May, ap∣pointing them the 15. of Iuly to come before him, assuring them that in so doing they should finde him readie and tractable to do that which was befitting a most Christian King, who had nothing more deere vnto him then the zeale of Gods seruice, and the maintayning of the true church. This action did not greatly please the heads of the league. Whilest the Deputies assembled to conferre of religion, and that the E∣states of Paris proceeded in their affaires, whereas the heads of the league had their generall designes in regard of the election of a new King, yet all tending to one end, [ F] which was to enteraine the warre in France: the court of parliament at Paris meaning to disapoint all these practises, and to chase the Spaniard out of France, pronounced a decree on the 28. of Iune, as followeth.

Vpon a declaration made by the Kings attorney general, and the matter being debated

in Court, all the chambers being assembled, hauing neuer had any other intention but * 1.26 [ A] to maintaine the Catholike, Apostolike and Romish relligion in the Estate and crowne of France, vnder the protection of a most Christian, Catholike and French King. Wee haue decreed and do decree, that warning shalbe giuen by the president le Maistre (be∣ing assisted by a good number of the court) vnto Mounsire de Mayne Lieutenant ge∣nerall of the Estate and crowne of France, in presence of the Princes and Officers of the crowne, being now in this cittie, that no treatie bee made to transfer the crowne to any forraine Prince or Princesse. That the fondamentall lawes of this realme shalbe kept, & the decrees made by the court for the declaration of a catholike & French king shal∣be executed. And that hee imploy the authority which is committed vnto him, to the end that vnder the pretext of religion, the crowne bee not transferd to any, against the [ B] lawes of the realme: and to procure as speedely as may be the peoples quiet, being re∣duc'd to extreame necessity: and moreouer we do at this present declare all acts which shalbe hereafter made for the establishing of any forraine Prince or Princesse, to bee voide and of no force, as made to the preiudice of the Salique law, and other fondamen∣tall lawes of this Realme.

The Duke was much discontented with this decree; seeing all his designes crost, wherevpon he grew into some high tearmes with the President, who answered him and other leaguers, very resolutly. In the end after many meetings, letters and answers be∣twixt the deputies of the Kings part and them of the league, according vnto the con∣ference which had beene appointed, in despight of the duke of Mayene and the heads [ C] of the league, the perswasions of such as desired the King should make profession of the Romish religion, preuailed, so as the king who since his retreat from the court of France (aboue 15. yeares before had made open profession of the Protestants reformed religi∣on, (against the aduise of his ministers and others) went to the masse in great solemnity to Saint Denis church the 25. of Iuly, and from that time he went vsually to the exercise * 1.27 of the Romish religion, whereof he did aduertise his Parliaments by his letters the same day, which did much amaze them of the religion, yet did they not forsake their professi∣on. The duke of Mayen and his chiefe assistants seeing a part of their designes crost, by that which had happened, and that on the other side the Spaniards sought to entertaine the fire of diuisions by the election of a new King, whome they would marry with the [ D] Infanta, who (as duke Charles of Bougongne with his daughter Mary entertained all the Neighbour Princes) serued for a Leure for the King of Spaine, to draw vnto him all the petty Kings of the league.

To the end they might giue some collour to their affaires, and frustrat al the practises of Spaine, they began in Iuly to negotiat a general truce, so as after some iorneys to & fro it was concluded, in 22. articles at Vilette betwixt Paris & S. Denis, and proclaimed the first of August both in Paris and S. Denis. Notwithstanding this generall truce, the heads of the league and Estates at Paris did not forbeare to pursue their designes. And as they had before opposed themselues at Rome, by the means and fauor of the King of * 1.28 Spaines Ambassador, against the negotiations of the Cardinall of Gondi and the Mar∣quis of Pisaui, deputies vnto the Pope, in the behalfe of the catholike Princes & Noble∣men [ E] of France, before the said 25. of Iuly. In like manner they resolued, to worke so as the King (of whom they spake very odiously) should not be receiued, but they did con∣tradict him as much or more then before, by the rayling and seditious sermons of some, sorbonists; by declarations made to the contentment of their adherents; by secret at∣tempts; and by sinister practises at Rome, to crosse and hinder the duke of Neuers voi∣age, who went thether in the Kings name to make his submission and acknowledg his o∣bedience vnto the Pope, wherein the ambassador of Spaine and the chiefe of the Iesu∣its procured him great crosses and lets: as appeeres by a booke which was set forth of the sayd dukes ambassage, and of the crosses he receiued in the Kings name. [ F]

As for the Sorbonists and other seditious preachers of the league as well in publike as in priuate, both before and after the truce, their discourses were nothing else, but that the masse which was songe before the King, deserued the name of a ballet or stage∣play: that it wasmpossible the King should be conuerted; that the Pope could not make

him a catholike againe, with other such inciuill and strange propositions. In regard of * 1.29 [ A] the declarations made by the chiefe of the league, to recomend themselues vnto their partisans, to make a secret attempt vpon the Kings councellors that were least affected to the catholike religion, and to ingage the realme in greater troubles and calamities then euer. They caused to bee published vnder the authority of the duke of Mayene as Lieutenant generall of the Estate and crowne of France, the entertayning of the coun∣cell of Trent, the which in the time of the precedent Kings could neuer bee allowed nor receiued by the courts of parliament, nor the French church. It was published the eight of August, with a new forme of oth, the which they did for the vpholding and maintay∣ning of their league against the King, whome they sought to haue treacherously mur∣thered, by one Peter Barriere called la Barre, borne at Orleans, who being descouered, * 1.30 [ B] araigned and found guilty, was broken vpon the wheele in the sayd month of August. During this generall truce, their were sundry discourses and many propositions made for the setling of the affaires of the realme. The King who desired nothing more then the reunion of his subiects, and the abolition of that pernitious party of the league, la∣bored to reconcile and to winne vnto him the duke of Mayene, with offers of charges and very honorable aduancements. The duke hauing in his opinion many strings to his bow, stood vpon doubtfull termes, sometimes be promised, and then he refused againe, prot: acting the businesse with many delaies, and vnder hand procuring that the decisi∣on which was made by the Sorbonists in the yeare 1590. in the month of May should take place, which was, That Henry of Bourbon was declared incapable, and fallen from all [ C] right and pretension to the crowne of France, although hee did reconcile himselfe and adhere to the Romish relligion. The Agents of Spaine both in France and at Rome, did further and aduance all these rebellious practises, crossing the Duke of Neuers all they could in his negotiation. On the other side, the people and many great personages continued in their old song of the incompatibility of the exercise of two religiōs within the realme, and many were of opinion that the King should not bee admitted nor receiued, vnlesse he would first promise to banish all them of the reformed religion, or at the least cause the publike exercise of the religion to cease.

There was yet an other sort of people, well affected to the league, and yet seemed to be friends to the publike quiet and tranquility of the land, who secretly and vnder hand [ D] gaue out speeches of the Kings weakenesse and disability: saying that he wanted means to force obedience, and that hee had to mighty, yea inuincible enemies, who would soone tread him downe and ruine him. That France would but languish vnder his raigne, and in the end after many calamities and miseries, shee should remaine a prey to a more powerfull maister: this by their estimation was the King of Spaine, whose greatnesse they did so magnifie and extoll, his double pistolets (sayd the true hearted Frenchmen) hauing dazeled their eyes, and blinded their vnderstandings, they also * 1.31 sought to terrifie such Frenchmen as were faint-hearted and not well assured, with his name. Finally they had for the most part beene so seduc'd, by the practises of the heads of the league, as they admired nothing but the greatnesse and Maiesty of the King of [ E] Spaine, in comparison of whom that of France was little esteemed.

Whilest this truce continued, the King resolued to call an assembly at Mante of some of the greatest personages of his realme, to consult & consider of diuers affaires: among others the deputies of the reformed religion came thether in Nouember, whome the * 1.32 King commanded to come before him on the 12. of the sayd month, hauing giuen them audience and heard their complaints, vpon many breaches of his Edicts, and strange wrongs and iniustices done vnto them throughout all the Prouinces. Hee sayd vnto them in the presence of many Noblemen, and of the Chancellor. * 1.33

My maisters, I haue sent for you hether for three reasons: the first, to let you vnder∣stand from mine own mouth, that my conuersion hath caused no change of my affection [ F] towards you. The second is, for that my rebellious subiects had made some shew to giue eare vnto a peace, the which I would not enter into before you were called, to the end that nothing should be done to your preiudice, as you haue bin assured by the promise made by the Princes of the crown, who did sweare in my presence, that there should not

be anything treated in the conference of peace against them of the reformed religion. * 1.34 [ A] The third is, hauing beene aduertised of the ordinary complaints, touching the miseries of the Churches in many Prouinces of my realme, I would willingly heare them and take order for them. More-ouer you may beleeue that I affect nothing more then to see a good vnion betwixt you my good subiects, both Catholikes and of the Relligion: and I assure my-selfe that no man will hinder it. It may be their are some malicitious spirits which will seeke to crosse it, but I hope to punish them. I assure you that the Catholikes which are about me wil maintaine this vnion, and I wil be a caution and pledge that you will not seperate nor diuide your selues from them. I haue this contentment in my soule, that during all the time that I haue liued, I haue made proofe of my faith and in∣tegrity to all the world. Nor any one of my subiects hath trusted in me, but I haue re∣lied [ B] more in him. I beleeue your informations, and command you to depute foure of your number, to treat with such of my councell as I shall appoint, to whome I will giue this charge, and to resolue of what shal be held fit and conuenient. In the meane time if any among you haue any affaires with mee, they may haue accesse with all libertie.

Afterwards the Kings affaires remayning long in suspence and the heads of the league continuing in their peruers courses to trouble the estate of France, they of the relligion remayned in their accustomed condition, vntill that the league was disperst and vanished. I haue made a long digression concerning this act of the French Kings conuersion to the Romish Relligion, the which I haue presumed to insert here for the rarenes of the example, although it doth not properly belong to this subiect, but now [ C] I will returne vnto the Netherlands.

The 24, of Iuly George Euerard Earle of Solms, past into Flanders by comman∣dement * 1.35 from the Estates and from Prince Maurice his cosin, with 800. horse and 2500. foote he entred into the land of Waes, where hee sent his horsemen to inuest the fort of Saint Ians Steyn and the footemen to the village of Steeken, where there was a fort held by the Spaniards, the which they abandoned before any seege, flying to the fort of Waert vpon the riuer of Escault, right against Antwerp, whereof there were some thirty horses taken, hauing at their retreat burnt the village. The Earles horsemen met with eighty Spanish horse neere vnto Saint Nicholas Bourg, all which were slaine or taken prisoners. This done the Earle went with his artillery before Saint Iaques fort, [ D] the which was yeelded vnto him, and that of Saint Ians Steyn. The which hauing soone performed, he spoyled the whole contry of Waes, for that they refused to pay their con∣trybutions. Such executions were done by the way of armes, when as the Inhabitants of the country liuing vnder the Estates sauegard, refused to pay the said contributions, or were forbidden by the ennemy to doe it, wherefore it is a great indiscretion and wickednesse in gouernors, which forbid vpon paine of burning the peasants houses, to pay any contributions, being wel knowne vnto them that refuzing so to do, they shall be forced by their aduersaries, some-times, to their totall ruine: seeing that neither party can reape any profit by fier and burning, were it not better to suffer these poore labo∣rers to keepe their houses hole in their pouerty, and that (seeing it cannot bee preuen∣ted) either party reape some profit, and not through wilfulnesse (vnder coullor that [ E] they which make these defences, haue no thing to loose) for a small benefit which the enemy should reape, thereby to loose all, and make the country desart? so as neither the one nor the other party can make any vse of it, in the passage and lodging of soldiars when they would.

The Earle of Solms hearing that Mondragon was parted out of Antwerp, to come and meete with him with 2000. foote and six cornetts of horse, which should be fol∣rowed * 1.36 by ten Cornets more, after that he had razed all the forts which he had taken, leduced the country of Waes vnder the estates contribution and done what he would before the enemie was on horsebacke, he made an easie retreat (without any incounter), to the place from whence he came, carrying with him 4000. head of cattell of all sorts-On * 1.37 [ F] the other side Cont Herman and Verdugo played their parts in Freezland: and be∣seeged the towne of Otmarsum in the country of Tuent, which the Prince the yeare be, fore had taken in lesse then two daies: the which being no towne of Importance

after it had bene battered from morning till noone, it yeelded by composition, which * 1.38 [ A] was that the soldiers should depart without armes or baggage, promising not to serue * 1.39 in Friseland against the King of Spaine for sixe moneths: the Captaines, Lieutenants, Ancients, and Officers, remained prisoners vntill they had paied their ransomes. From thence they went before the strong Castle of Wedde, which they tooke by as∣sault: Then they tooke the Fortes of Auwerzyel, Schyloteren, Grysemyncken and Gransberghe where they slue all. This done they approached to Couoerden, a very strong place (as you haue heard, when as Prince Maurice tooke it) and well furnished with victuals and munition; so as finding no meanes to force it, as the Prince had done the yeare before, they blockt it vp, and made Fortes vpon all the approaches, to force it to yeeld in the end through want. [ B]

Cont William of Nassau knowing that Cont Herman his cousine, and Verdugo, were strong in field, being at the siege of the mighty Fort of Borentange, he kept him-selfe close in a sure place, expecting succors from Prince Maurice his cousine, the which Sir Francis Veer Generall of the English brought vnto him. Verdugo meaning to charge him (seeing he could do no good vpon the Fort of Borentange) he raised his siege se∣cretly, thinking to fall vpon the Earle of Nassaus trenches on the suddaine when hee * 1.40 was not lookt for, the which fell out in the moneth of October, but a soldier going out of a little Fort hard by it, hauing discouered the Spaniard in good time, gaue the ala∣rum very happily, which presently put all the Earles campe into armes: so as hee sent forth some few (being loth to hazard more) to skirmish with them, and to keepe them [ C] in breath. Verdugo still thought to draw him to the field, but the Earle knowing it was not fit, would not doe it: this skirmish continued seauen whole houres: Verdugo seeing there was nothing to bee gotten but blowes, retyred, with great losse towards Gro∣ning; Balfour Collonel of the Scots vnder the Estates seruice was shot in the foot there; a Captaine and some others slaine besides those that were hurt.

Verdugo hauing thus blockt vp Couoerden retired towards Oldenzeeel, and from that time his armie began to waste, so as in the Forts which he had built about Couo∣erden, his soldiers died of hungar, cold and pouertie, whereof a great number ranne a way, yea whole companies, with their coullors in their pockets: Cont William seeing him-selfe freed of this armie, he put his troupes also into garrison, as at Visch-Vliet, Soltcamp, and other places towards Borentange. The King being aduertised of the [ D] Duke of Parmas death, he promised them of the Netherlands that were vnder his obe∣dience, to send them in his place for Gouernor, Ernest Arch-duke of Austria, his Ne∣phew, brother in law and cousine, being at that time Lieutenant to the Emperour his brother, in his Kingdome of Hongary, Croatia, Stiria, Carinthia and other Prouinces. Where-vpon the Estates of Brabant, Flanders, Arthois, Henault &c. for that they would not be long without a Gouernor, sent the Earle of Sorres with other Noble∣men into Germany, vnto the said Arch-duke, comming first to Prague in Bohemia, where they found Don William of Saint Clement the King of Spaines Ambassador at the Emperors Court: whome they besought to deale with his Imperiall Maiestie for [ E] the calling home of his brother out of Hongary: shewing how necessary his comming was into the Netherlands; & the rather for that (said they) the Kings affaires in Frise∣land did prosper and were much aduanced, by the good indeauors of Cont Herman Vanden Bergh and Verdugo: where-vpon the Arch-duke being sent for, hee came to Court, tooke his leaue of the Emperor his brother, and passing by Nuremberg and Wirtsberg, going downe the Rhyne, he came to Collogne, whereas Ernest of Bauaria his cousin the Arch-bishop Elector, hauing feasted him, he accompanied him into Lux∣embourg, where he arriued the 17. of Ianuary. 1594. and from thence to Brusselles.

ERNESTVS ARCHDVKE OF AVSTRIA, * 1.41 Lieutenant Gouernor and Captaine Generall for the King of Spaine in the Netherlands.

[illustration]

ERNESTVS D G ARCHIDYX AVSTRIAE DVX. BVRGVND COMES TIROLIS BELGI PROVIN GVBERN

My step-brother and Cousine, Spaynes great King Seeing the sicke Low-countries brought so low, So neere a full and fatall ouerthrow, And by the wracke of wars all ruining

Forc'd from his blouds dominion; hauing past * 1.42 [ A] His promise, to allot their gouernment To some of his owne stocke; For me he sent Into Croatia, where my state was plac'd Neere the Hungarian frontiers: I assent (Perforce) and found a country all defac'd, Yet rul'd: And ere I did was forc'd to beare A guilty slaunder, but God knowes me cleare.

THe last of Ianuary 1594. Ernest Arch-duke of Austria being accom∣panied by the Arch-bishop and Prince Elector of Cologne, the Mar∣quis [ B] of Baden, the Duke of Arschot, Prince of Chymay, the Earles of Mansfeldt, Sores, Fuentes and many other Noblemen, as well Ger∣maines, Italiens and Spaniards, made his entry into Brusselles, the which was so rich and stately, as if the naturall Prince of the country had bene come, with an exceeding great charge, in all sorts of splendor, by liuely re∣presentations, try umphant Arches, Pyramids, tables, pictures, with other excessiue sumptuousnes; the which continued three daies, most part of the towne neglecting their worke. At the end whereof he called the Estates of those Prouinces which hee was to command, to Court, to acquaint them with his commission, and the authority [ C] he had from the King for the gouernment of those countries, as his Lieutenant, Go∣uernor and Captaine generall ouer them; whereof the letters were publickly read. The Earle of Mansfeldt (to whome by the death of the Duke of Parma, the said gouern∣ment had beene committed by prouision) rising from his place deliuered his charge into his hand: which done, both hee and all the Noblemen and States there present, did sweare all fidelitie and obedience vnto him in the Kings name.

The second of February they of the garrison of Groning through the fauour of the Ice, made a braue enterprize vpon the great Fort of Delfziel, they came along a causey * 1.43 where there was no ditch at the rampar, but what was on that side shut vp onely with a pallisado, the which they had pulled downe, before that they of the Fort could discouer [ D] it, or put them-selues in armes: so as part of the vndertakers had already gotten to the toppe of the rampar: But they were presently so furiously repulst, as the combat con∣tinued aboue two houres. And by very good fortune there was one of the Estates shippes of warre, with sixteene peeces of Ordinance, which shotte in flanke through them or Groning, & made a great spoile of them, so as they were forced to retire with great losse. For at their retreat they carried away fiue and thirty sleddes laden with dead bodies and wounded men. Doubtlesse without that ship of warre those of the Fort had bene in great danger to haue bene forced, but they escaped with the losse of one Captaine and some fifteene or sixteene soldiers, besides those that were very sore hurt. [ E]

The Estates about that time to augment their armie, made a leuie of a regiment and some Germaine horse, vnder the commaund of the young Earle Iohn of Nassau. And * 1.44 in like manner the Queene of England did suffer them to raise a new regiment of Eng∣lish, vnder the command of Sir Francis Veer Generall of all the English in the States seruice. The same moneth of February the Prince had an enterprise vpon the towne of Boisleduc in Brabant, which was too much discouered. Yet hee was in those parts with good troopes, as if he had more disseignes in hand in that quarter, to keepe the Spaniards by that meanes from passing into Friseland to succor Verdugo, but hee sud∣dainly fell vpon the towne of Maistricht, as we will presently shew. [ F]

In March whilest that the Nobilitie and all the Arch-dukes Court at Brusselles, dreampt of nothing but sportes, Iusts and Tourneys, newes came that Prince Maurice and the confederate Estates, prepared to go before Boisleduc. Where-vpon the Arch-duke * 1.45 hauing assembled his Councel, to resolue what was to bee done all that Sommer following: it was concluded to raise two armies, one to hinder the Princes entry into

Brabant, and the other to make warre in France by Landercy, whereof the Earle of [ A] Mansfeldt had the charge. The 19. of the moneth the Estates of the vnited Prouinces * 1.46 published an Edict, prohibiting all Libelles, pa•…•…ils and scandalous writings, as well a∣gainst Religion as against the State, inioyning al Printers not to print any thing, before it were visited by them that had authority, and to keepe their originall coppies to con∣ferre * 1.47 them with their impressions, and to see if sence the visitation there had beene any thing added that was worthy of censure, and withall to put to the names of the au∣thors: And that by the tenth of April following they should appeere and sweare to ob∣serue the orders contayned in the said Edict: with a prohibition to all persons residing vnder the Iurisdiction of the said Estates, not to make any assemblies where Masse should be said, or any exercise of the Romish Religion celebrated, vpon the penalities, set downe in the edict; nor to carry any other then a secular habit, vpon paine of con∣fiscation [ B] thereof, to their benifit to whom the Magistrate should appoint it Moreouer forbidden all schooles which shall not be allowed by the Magistrates, Bailiffs or Lords of the place holding heigh and base Iustice, or by their officers and Iudges: And the said schoole-maisters not to teach their Deciples any bookes contrary to the Christi∣an doctrine and the reformed relligion, vpon the penalties conteined in the said Edict. In the same moneth on Michael Renichon an Apostat priest being come to Breda, was descouered first vpon suspition, and commited to prison. Being examined, be confest * 1.48 that hee was come thether to murther Prince Maurice or his young Brother, vpon which confession he was sent by the Seignor of Heraughiere (Gouernor of Breda) vnto the generall Estates at the Hage in Holland, where being conuicted he was condemned [ C] to die. His whole confession you may read in his sentence, as followeth. Whereas Michel Renichon borne at Templours and Curat of Boissiere in the country of Namur, prisoner at this present hath confest, being deliuered from the torture and hath suffici∣ently appeered, that being disguized in the habit of a soldiar, he parted from Brussells * 1.49 the fourth of March, with letters from Cont Floris of Barlaimont, and from thence hee went to Lovuain, Dyest, Herentall and Tournhout, where through fauour of the said letters he had a conuoy to bring him to Breda; where being arriued the twelth of the said moneth, he deliuered vnto the Gouernor of the said place, certaine letters of the Earle of Barlaimonts, directed vnto Captaine Langon, who had sometimes commanded in the Castle of Tournhout, conteining that the bearer was come thether by the ex∣presse [ D] commandement of the Archduke Ernestus of Austria: The said prisoner decla∣ring also, that he had beene charged to descouer vnto the gouernor, some enterprize vpon the towne of Breda, the which hee did collour with certaine vnlikely reasons, wherein he did persist, saying that he had beene some yeares secretary to the Abbot of Marolles, and that a little before hee had beene aduanced to be Secretery to the sayd Earle of Barlaimont: the which he afterwards confest to be but an inuention of his, yet would he not declare the causes why he was come thether, till that on the first of Aprill being brought to the Hage he had attempted to hang himselfe with his arming points tied to a barre in the prison, where he was found halfe dead, hauing the bloody markes of a halter about his necke, and his speech much impayred. And that the said prisoner [ E] the second day of the moneth, and sence at diuers times had confest, as well by mouth as by his owne hand writing: And on the twenty day being freed from the racke had declared and affirmed that by reason of certaine sutes with the inhabitants of Boissiere for the reuenues of his benifice, and for that the country thereabouts was all spoyled and ruined by soldiers, he had beene constrayned to abandon his charge, and to haue serued it by a chaplaine, going himselfe to keepe a schoole at Namur, and had neuer ser∣ued neither the Abbot of Marolles nor the Earle of Barlaimont: but that hee was a Priest and Curat of Boissiere: and that the enterprize vpon Breda was an inuention of his owne. That being knowne vnto the Earle of Barlaimont, hauing supt with his gentlemen, he was afterwards carried into the Earles chamber, who demanded of him [ F] why hee liued in so meane estate, and spent his time in so base a condition, seeing that hee should want no meanes nor good vsage if hee would haue a good and bould courage and aduance him-selfe: where-vppon the prisoner hauing presented his

seruice, the Earle sent for him againe in the end of February last by his Chaplaine, * 1.50 [ A] calling him from schoole. And at night hauing discoursed in the presence of some others, of a certaine enterprise vpon the towne of Breda, the Earle caused the prisoner to come alone againe into his chamber, telling him that he would acquaint him with a matter of great importance, if hee would imploy him-selfe in the Kings seruice, with promise that hee should be richly rewarded, wherevnto the prisoner consented: after∣wards by the commandement of the Earle, he went with him to Brusselles, whereas the Earle went often to Court to the Arch-duke: But going once among the rest, hee commanded the said prisoner to follow him: where (following him still) hauing crost through many chambers, the Earle entred into the Arch-dukes chamber, where∣as the prisoner had meanes to see him by a little of the doore which remained open, [ B] but the Arch-duke could not discerne him. And as he thought to enter into the cham∣ber he could not, for that the doore did shutte, yet not so close, but that he might easily heare the Arch-duke and the Earle discourse, sometimes in latin, some-times in Spanish, vnder standing that at their departure they spake of a recompence: And as the Earle went out, the Arch-duke being at the doore, said: Cumulate, et largo foenore satisfaciam: then the Earle comming into the withdrawing chamber, said vnto the prisoner that he had talked with the Arch-duke of their affaires, & that the Arch-duke would appoint him two hundred Philips Dallors. At night after supper, the Earle being alone with the prisoner in a chamber, said vnto him, that he had charge from the Arch-duke to root out or cause to be rooted out by a third person the Earle Maurice of Nas∣sau, [ C] and that he had a ready some men appointed to put it in execution, & in case that if the prisoner would also imploy himselfe there in (the which he might wel doe) that both he and his should be richly recompenced, and that he should be saued: saying moreouer that he had 15000 crownes to deliuer (vpon the first newes) to them which had com∣mitted this murther. Where-vnto the said prisoner answered, that it was out of his profession hauing neuer carried •…•…es. Here-vpon the Earle persisting with many reasons and great promises, that it was the Kings pleasure and the Arch-dukes, the prisoner vndertooke it, promising to doe therein al hee could possibly: and demanding how he might effect it, Barlaimont said vnto him that Cont Maurice was a young No∣ble man, familiar and of easie accesse, and therefore he should finde good oportunitie, if [ D] he made not too great hast, but did mannage this businesse with shooes of lead. That being come to the Hage, or to any other place where the Earle should bee most resi∣dent, he should find the rest that were sent to the same end, being sixe in number, and that the prisoner should be the seauenth, that if one failed the other might speed. That being here he might buy a paire of good pistols, the which he should keepe alwaies as cleane as a clocke, either of them charged with two bullets, with the which hee should shoote Cont Maurice through the bodie, or that hee should murther him by any other meanes hee could deuise, as he might conferre thereof more particularly with the rest being arriued there: and how soeuer he that did best effect it, should be best recompen∣ced: that there were other men also which must be made away, as Barnuiel or Barneuelt, [ E] Longolius and Aldegonde. And in case the said prisoner could murther any of them he should be highly recompenced. Commanding the prisoner from that time to con∣ceale his owne name, and to take an other, and that he should attire him-selfe like a sol∣dier. Then after diuers speeches the Earle of Barlaimont sent for an other man whome the prisoner could not name, the which he said was one of the sixe, to whome hauing discouered what the prisoner had vndertaken, the same man called him his Camerado or chamber-fellow, saying that hee would soone follow him into Holland, with other speeches. Declaring moreouer that since the Duke of Parmas time the said sixe men (being all murtherers) had bene entertained in the Court as Gentlemen, at the King of Spaines charge, to imploy them in matters of consequence, against his greatest ene∣mies, [ F] and that in the meane time the said Barlaimont had receiued by his Secretary, from the hands of Stephano D'ybarra, the summe of two hundred Phillips Dallors, the which Secretary did tell them vnto the prisoner in diuers coynes, which hee did write downe in a certaine booke that was found about him, mounting to the summe of 500.

florins. That the said prisoner beeing readie to go from Brusselles to Antwerp, the * 1.51 [ A] other man conducted him vnto the boate, and said vnto him, that he thought they should bee sent to Leyden: The prisoner asking him where it was, and to what end? Hee answered that Leyden was a Towne and an Vniuersitie in Holland where the young Prince of Orange did liue at his booke, and that they should bee sent the∣ther to catch him out of the way and to kil him. After that time the prisoner following Barlaimonts commandement attired him selfe in a soldiers habit, calling him-selfe Michael of Triuieres, and went from Antwerp to Tournhout with the Earle of Barlaimonts letters to Larigon: But fearing much that hee was gone, hee returned againe to Brusselles, from whence hee went with others belonging vnto the Earle towards Lovuain, Dyest, Herental and Tournhout. [ B]

Wherefore the Councells appointed by the generall Estates of the vnited Prouin∣ces, for the examination and Iudgement of this present fact, finding it a matter of very bad consequence, the which cannot bee in any sort tollerate in a countrie of Ius∣tice without danger, preiudice or ruine of the good and publike quiet, but ought to be rigorously punished, hauing taken councell and aduise therein, after graue and ma∣ture deliberation, doing right in the name and behalfe of the said generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces: Haue condemned and doe condemne the said prisoner to bee led to the place of exemplarie Iustice of this Court, there to be executed by the sword vntill he be dead, then his bodie to be cut in foure quarters, and hung vp at foure waies comming to the Hage, and his head set vpon a stake for al men to behold: declaring [ C] his goods to bee confiscate. This sentence was pronounced vnto the prisoner in open audience of the Court of Holland the 3. of Iune. 1594. and executed the same day. * 1.52

In the beginning of Maie the Arch-duke Ernest, to purge him-selfe of the accusati∣ons wherewith Michaell Renichon the Apostat priest had charged him in his confes∣sion, vnder coullor of writing concerning a peace to the general Estates, he sent Otto Hartius and Ierome Coeman-Lawiers vnto them, with letters as followeth.

MY maisters; the loue and naturall inclination which we haue had from our birth, to the good and publike quiet of these Netherlands, & the great displeasure we haue alwaies had, for the troubles, dissentions and calamities thereof, haue beene the chiefe and greatest occasion to perswade and moue vs to vndertake the gouernement [ D] thereof. Trusting fully that the Almightie will giue vs the grace in the end to deliuer them from this burthensome destroying and ruinous war, the which hath continued so many yeares, to the great dissolution and spoile of the said countries, and the preiudice of all Christendome: for if we shall consider their prosperitie past, in the which they were maintained whilest they were vnited in good peace and concord vnder the law∣full and due obedience of the house of Burgongne and Austria: the good order which was then in all things, as well in matters of Iustice, pollicie and martiall discipline, by which they haue bin renowned and preferred before all other Kingdomes and com∣mon weales, togither with the great riches which they did inioy by meanes of the trea∣ties, alliances, confederations, nauigations and trafficke which the had with Portugal, [ E] Spaine and the Indies: wee are assured that there is not any man of iudgement, but is very much grieued to see this lamentable alteration which hath hapned in these coun∣tries within 25. or 30. yeares, besides an infinite number of charges, taxations and waighty burthens, where-with the poore commons are surcharged, & are at this time forced to beare in diuers quarters: And who with all doth not desire that some good meanes may bee speedilie put in practise for the reducing of the said countries to their ancient Estate, publike quiet and concord, where-vnto all our thoughts are also bent: Being come into these parts with that inclination and intent, leauing the good compa∣nie of his Imperial Maiestie our most honored Lord, & our other Bretheren, Kinsfolks and friends, the place of our birth and breeding, the gouernment of so many goodly [ F] Kingdomes & Prouinces, whereof the charge was committed vnto vs, and many other goodly and great commodities, which are not needful to repeat, hoping that we should finde you tractable & readie to yeeld to our desire and intention. And although wee doubt not, but this is well known vnto you, as well by common fame, as by the report

of some men: and that it is not as pleasing vnto you (the which we desire withall our * 1.53 [ A] hearts) to see your selues and all your posteritie, in assured peace and tranquilitie: yet we would not faile to make an offer thereof vnto you by these presents, as well to root out all old Iealousies and distrusts, as to let you vnderstand more particularly our good and sincere inclination, and what you may freely attend of vs. And as the matter doth touch you neerest: so it is your duties to lay before your eyes, and before all them that are vnder you, the happinesse, prosperitie and safety which both you and the whole countrie may reape thereby, hauing beene so long afflicted and almost rui∣ned by these continuall warres. As for the happie successe which you haue had these yeares past, as the euents of war are variable and vncertaine, which may make some forget their former losses and miseries, and not to remember those which are to come; [ B] and so perswade them-selues that they are secure and safe, neglecting the good occa∣sion that is offered. Wherefore it were most expedient to call to minde many things past, and diuers examples, remembring that they could not obtaine that by intreatie and praiers, which a little before might haue beene had with honour and reputation. Wherefore wee intreat you louingly and friendly, that after you haue duly consulted and considered; you your selues will propound vnto vs such honourable, reasonable and tollerable conditions, as thereby we may (the sooner the better) know that you seeke not the continuance and prolongation of this war, which brings with it (besides many other discommodities) nothing but oppression of the people as it is well knowne to all men. But rather that by these meanes we may attaine vnto a good, happy & firme peace. For our parts we wil lette you vnderstand by the effects, that there is nothing [ C] counterfeyt hidden in vs, as not seeking a dissembled but a true and firme peace. So as all our actions are iust and sincere, to the aduancement of the publike good And if in like manner for your parts you carry the like zeale & good affection, you will shew in what estimation you hold vs, & that you desire to prouide for that which is most requi∣site & profitable: as the like shal be more amply declared vnto you by Maister Otto Har∣tius & Ierome Coemans Lawiers, the bearers hereof, to whome we refer our selues, with offers of our loue to you. Praying God to send you a good & happy life. From Brussels the 6. of Maie. 1594. These two Lawiers being come to the Hage in Holland and the cause of their comming knowne, they had audience in the Assemblie of the generall [ D] Estates. the 16. of the moneth, whereas Doctor Hartius spake after this manner.

My Lords whereas of late we haue had pasport frō the Councel of Estate, to come in∣to these parts to treat of some priuate busines, for the which wee most humbly thanke * 1.54 them, & al those that haue therein imployed themselues, with seruiceable offers of ac∣knowledgement in our quarters, to those that shall haue any need of vs. This beeing come to the knowledge of my Lord the Arch-duke Ernest, it pleased him to charge vs to salute your Lordships on his behalfe, with offer of his loue: and to let you vnderstād that the chiefe cause which moued him to come into these parts; was the singular loue & natural inclination which he hath alwaies had to the good & quiet of these countries, hoping that God would giue him the grace to see them by his meanes vnited again & [ F] restored to a good peace, and sincere amitie, as they were before the beginning of these intestine troubles: to which end, and the better to make his intention knowne, he com∣manded vs to bring the letters which we deliuered vnto your Lordships the 12. of this moneth: thinking that you haue vnderstood sufficiently thereby, that he hath no other care, but to restore these countries & the inhabitants thereof, to a sincere, durable and not counterfeit re-vnion: and although some yeares past they haue often tended to the same end, and made some trials, but in vaine; yea hauing set down some forme of an ac∣cord, they haue by mistaking of some (whome it is not needful to name, and I would to God there were no memorie of thē) falne into the precedent wars, so as your Lordships (hauing conceiued some Ielousies and distrust) seeme inclined to reiect all such confe∣rences [ F] and treaties, especially for that of late yeares your affayres haue a little succeeded according vnto your Lordships desires. Yet his Highnes trusting that you will not wholy relye vppon this momentarie prosperitie which is subiect to al∣teration (whereof the motiue causes may easily fayle) would wish (as all others

doe that loue the publike good) that your Lordships would resolue, in laying before [ A] your eyes, first that all worldly things haue their times and seasons: And as there are * 1.55 times of Ielousies and distrust, so likewise there come times of confidence, when as they should trust one an other, and prouide as well for their owne safety, as for their poste∣rities. Secondly that there was neuer in any part of the world any such dessertion or controuersie, but at length it was ended and reconciled, more by treaties and good accords, then by force of armes: for that warre produceth fruites so preiudiciall to the good of the people, as commonly one dislike or quarrell breeds an other. Third∣ly that it was neuer profitable for any Princes Estate or common weale, to haue re∣fuzed or reiected honourable and assured treaties of peace. Whereof wee had rather passe ouer the examples which we haue in our memorie, with silence, then by the re∣hersall [ B] thereof to publish the errors and omissions of any.

And whereas your Lordships may at this present bee restrained by some distrust, (speaking vnder correction and with reuerence) it is against reason, for that the trea∣tie which is now offered, is in an other time and season vpon diuers occasions and dis∣positions, yea it is left to the discretion and arbitrament of your Lordships with other persons: that is with his Highnesse issued out of the house of Austria, whose sinceritie, iudgement and virtues, are proper and befitting a Prince well bred: where∣by wee haue seene seauen or eight Princes of the house successiuely attaine vnto the Imperiall Diademe, not by right of inheritance, which doth admit as well bad Prin∣ces as good, but by the free and voluntary election of the Princes Electors, and the [ C] commissioners of the Estates of the Empire, grounded vpon the virtues and constancy of the Prince whome they choose: as it appeared of late in the person of the Emperour Maximilian the second, his highnesse father, hauing bene so milde and temperate, as he is to bee held a rare and singular instrument to reconcile all controuersies in his time, concerning religion and the common weale, holding them in such equall bal∣lance, and ending them in such sort, as his like hath beene seldome seene Whose examples and steppes his Heighnesse desiring to imitate, thought it good to send you his letters by vs: Which we doubt not but your Lordshippes haue receiued with as good an affection, as we are assured they are written with truth and sinceri∣tie. Wherefore wee doe most hartely and humbly beseech you, that it would please [ D] your Lordships to consider duly of the contents thereof, and to giue such answer vn∣to his Heighnesse, as both he and all men of honour, may haue speedy cause of content, in the expectation and hope which they haue of your Lordships wisdomes and discre∣tions. Offering that if your Lordships representing this honourable Assemblie, or any priuate person shal bee offended, or doubt in any point or article, touching the vnder∣standing of his highnesse letters, we are ready & hope in that which concernes our du∣ties to giue them such reason, as they shal haue cause of contentment: this is the effect of that wee had charge to deliuer vnto your Lordship, by virtue of your letters of cre∣dit, intreating you to take it in good part. And withall by your leaue and libertie wee will adde: that his Highnesse vnderstanding, that by the declarations and confessions of a certaine prisoner, he is charged to haue attempted to haue the Prince of Nassaus [ E] Excellencie murthered, by the hands of the said prisoner or otherwise, according to the charge and order which hee had from the Earle of Barlaimont, hee saith that it is an impudent & insupportable slander, being a thing which neuer entred into his High∣nesse thought, out of whose house there neuer proceeded so infamous and trecherous an act, neither by the grace of God neuer shall. And for the knowledge of the meere truth, we haue thought it good to require your Lordships in his Highnesse name, that it would please you to send the prisoner with a good and safe gard, & with Commissi∣oners deputed, to Antwerp or to Brussells, vpon his Highnesse promise, to be returned safe & sound into their powers, at the time and place limited. Or else to cause him to be transported to Breda, a town vnder your Lordships command and Iurisdiction, there [ F] to be examined & confronted with the Earle of Barlaimont (who being accompanied with certaine Commissioners in his Highnesse name shal appeare there in person) vpō certaine circumstances & particularities, such as shall bee thought fit and expedient,

graunting sufficient pasport respectiuely to that end. Or else that your Lordship wil ap∣point * 1.56 [ A] some other forme of proceeding such as they shall find most expedient in that case, to descouer the truth, which may serue to discharg his heighnes, and to proue his innocency, to the honor of the iudges heere: the which in that case no man would in any sort suspect that for certaine priuat considerations such words had bin deliuered by the said prisoner, or otherwise to haue bruted it abroad, to the preiudice of an others honor, or to hinder some desseigne intended by his heighnes.

This was Doctor Hartius oration, but he was required to deliuer it in writing, the which hee did, and being signed by him-selfe and Coemans, it was answered by the Estates as followeth.

The generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces in their assembly, hauing opened and [ B] red the letters of the mighty and most famous Prince Ernestus Archduke of Austria, Duke of Bourgongne, &c. being closed vp and sealed with his heighnes seale of armes, in Brussells the sixt of this present moneth of May, and receiued the twelth of the same by the hands of Otto Hartius and Ierome Coemans lawiers, and vpon the insinuation made by them the next day being the thirteeneth: and hauing heard them propound on the fifteeneth what they had in charge (by vertue of a clause of credit inserted in the said letters) the which they haue exhibited by writing. To make their good and sincere in∣tention knowne vnto his heighnes, they haue declared and doe by these presents de∣clare, that sence the time they haue beene forced by extreme necessity to take armes in hand, for the preseruation of the liberty of the netherlands, together with their ancient [ C] preuiledges, as well of the members thereof, as of townes and inhabitants in parculiar, to diuert the oppression of the Spaniards and their proud gouernment ouer the consci∣ences bodies & goods of the subiects of the saied countries, and of their wiues and chil∣dren; their intention and desseign had alwais beene to vse those armes (with the grace of God) against the Spaniards and their adherents, with full trust and confidence, that the almighty would blesse their good and iust intentions, as they had sufficiently tryed: The which hath beene so much the better knowne, not only to concurre with the good of the said countries: but also of all Kings, Princes and common-weales their good neighbors: hauing by the mighty hand of that great GOD, not onely their desseignes and meanes beene blest, but also the hearts of the said Kings and Princes their neighbors [ D] stirred vp and moued to maintaine their good and iust cause: whereof they attribute the honor to his diuine bounty aboue, wholy relying vpon his immutable power, at∣tending from his hand a good and commendable issue of this heauie and hard warre, ha∣uing a firme hope to see these Netherlands speedely and generally vnited, and restored to their ancient beauty and prosperity: where-vnto they aspire and doe their best endeauors, hauing tryed (whereof the remembrance is yet fresh vnto them) the como∣dities and sweetenes of peace, tranquility and vnion: feeling on the other side the dis∣comodities, toyles, and troubles of warre. But as they did most humbly thanke his heighnes, for the declaration he had made by his letters, of the good will and affection which hee bare vnto all those that doe sincerely affect the peace, concord and prospe∣rity [ E] of these countries: So had they in like manner great cause to complaine before God and the world, of those that vnder false practises and collour of peace, do seeke to shed the innocent bloud of Christians, and to aduance the suppression and totall ruine of these Netherlands, wherein the councell of Spaine (finding themselues now offended in the heighest degree) labour more then euer by all meanes possible; vsing to that end most vnreasonable and vniust proceedings, to the ruine and desolation of these Prouin∣ces: Seeing it is well knowne to all men, how they haue behaued them-selues with all extremity, and namely to the effusion of innocent bloud by the hands of their execu∣tioners, so many thousands of poore persons, men and women of all qualities: among the which there were some of the cheefe noblemen of the countrie: with the breach of [ F] the prerogatiues, freedomes, liberties and Belgike rights of the members and townes, as well in generall as in particular. Besides many murthers, burnings, violences, exacti∣ons, commissions, and so many other foule and execrable acts: notwithstanding after so many petitions and supplications, yea by the sending of ambassage into Spaine, the

Marquis of Berghen and the Baron of Montigni, who were intreated contrary to the [ A] law of Nations, notwithstanding also the intercession of some great Potentates, to * 1.57 the end that the said countries, the members and townes, with all the good inhabitants thereof, might be maintained in their goodly liberties, priuiledges and ancient rights, and that the oppression of their consciences, persons and goodes, (which the Spa∣nish nation and their adherents doe excercise) might bee rooted out, which hath beene the cause to bring them to those extremities. By reason whereof it shall please his Highnesse to vnderstand and take in good part, that the said Estates in this busines of so great waight, and so important for the good of those countries, and the mainte∣nance of their subiects, proceed in that forme and manner which euery man sees at this day. And that they can hardly beleeue, and much lesse bee assured, of that which [ B] they speake of the change of humors in the Councell of Spaine, for that such changes (with greater probabilities) haue bene heretofore partly beleeued, to the great preiu∣dice of these countries: For in the beginning of this warre, the crueltie of the Spani∣ards was so great, as they did roote out all they could bring vnder: And that before that (for a thing so worthie, as is the preseruation of a country against strangers) they had attempted any thing, either by effect or councell: When as not onely the Champian country, but euen many principall townes were euil intreated by murthers, spoiling, burning and other execrable acts: vntil that in these parts they had resolued to intreat all the Spaniards and their adherents which they could gette as rigorously: to let them see by the effects, that they of this party had no lesse courage and resoluti∣on [ C] to maintaine so iust a cause, then they to tyrannize ouer them, and to seeke to bring them into bondage: Being well assured that nothing should be attempted by them against these countries, but it would turne first to their disaduantage. This did somewhat moderate their bloudy councell, with a shew of alteration of their humors: but in such sort as finding it to be too hard and difficult to compasse their disseignes by force, they made shew that they would hearken to some reason: and there-vpon were appointed the first beginnings of a treatie, in the yeare 1574. So as the Estates of Hol∣land & Zealand, vsing their ancient plainnesse and naturall virtue, were moued to sette downe their greeuances, as well by letters as by mouth, and to demaund redresse. But the fruites of this beginning of a treatie, were on Brabant side the surprize of Ant∣werp, [ D] by the Spaniards, which histories call the day of Fuera Veillacos: and of the side of Holland, Zealand, and their associates, the two hard sieges of the good towne of Leyden: the which by the grace of God, and fidelitie of their confederates and their owne valour, was preserued from the attempts of their enemies, yea with so extraordinary an amazement of the Spaniards; as (God making them presently to faint) they fled confuzedly out of Holland: soone after they fayled to surprize Vtrecht, as they had done the same yeare before of that famous Cittie of Antwerp. This first deceitfull treatie beeing past, a second was prepared the yeare following 1575. in the towne of Breda, at the intercession of that mighty Emperour Maximi∣lian the second his highnesse father: wherein appeared plainely by their acts, how [ E] little the Spaniards were inclined to the good of the countrie: the which had no other fruites but greater preperations to warre then euer: whereof soone followed the ta∣king of Buren, Leerdam, Oudewater, Schoonhouen, Bomene, and the siege of Zirixee. Afterwards the Spaniards and their adherents, by robbing, spoyling, bur∣ning and other execrable cruelties, yea by surprising of townes which held their owne party, they gouerned them-selues with such excesse, as the Estates in those partes could no longer indure them, proclaiming them publike enemies to the country. Where-vpon followed the vnion and confederation made at Gant in Nouember 1075. betwixt all the Prouinces of the Netherlands for the preseruation of their rights, liberties, priuiledges and freedomes: It is well knowne to all men how [ F] disloyally and fraudulently this vnion was approued by the Spaniards, and what fraud and deceipt was vsed in it. The letters of Escouedo, the breach of Don Iohns oth, the manifest declaration of the Councell of Spaine, brought by the Baron of Selles, and deliuered at Macklyn, togither with the negotiation treated at Lovuain,

in the presence of the Ambassadours of many Princes and Potentates, might giue * 1.58 [ A] sufficient testimonie in the yeares 1577. and 78. It is also well knowne how deceipt∣fully, shamefully, absurdly and preiudiciall, the Assemblie held concerning a peace in the Cittie of Cologne, ended. During the which not onely the Prouinces of Ar∣thois and Henault with some priuate townes, were seduced and drawne to a particu∣lar treatie, but they also vsed all kinde of violences against the good towne of Maeis∣tricht, hauing many secret and false practises, in the other Prouinces, townes and members of the same, to breed some alteration, and bring them to their ruine. It is also well knowne what trickes they haue vsed to circumvent them of Flanders; what goodly presentations they made vnto them, and yet how mournefull and lamentable the issue was. Whereto did the treatie of peace tend in the yeare 1587. and 88. and what deceipt or rather violence was hidden vnder it, the great Armadoe of Spaine, [ B] which arriued during this treatie (the which was held at Bourbourc) all defeated and sunke, by the powrefull hand of that great GOD, hath sufficiently shewed: since in the yeare 1591. the disseignes of a peace procured a new by the Emperor (beeing in∣treated therevnto by the King of Spaine) with all these Netherlands, haue bene disco∣uered by the armies sent from time to time out of the said countries against the French King, whereby we may more amplie obserue, that the Spaniards and their adherents in all their wars do make the aduancement of the Romish religion their pretext: But (if they will confesse the truth) they labour for nothing but to settle and confirme their pretended Monarchie, to domineere ouer all Christendome, and to spoile all Kings, [ C] Princes and common weales of their rights and lawfull prerogatiues, as it appeared in the behalfe of the Queene and Realme of England, by that proud and mighty armie, in 88. of the which they did publikely sing the triumph before the victorie, the which they caused to be printed and published. And if we will looke into the warre and ne∣gotiation of France, from that yeare vnto this day; and especially in that they sought to transferre the Crowne of France not onely from the lawfull King, and all the Prin∣ces of the bloud; but also from the French nation into that of Spaine, vnder the name of their Infanta: The which the Duke of Feria and other Spanish Ministers treated there by commaundement from the Councell of Spaine, it requires no other proofe, but the decree giuen in the Parlament of Paris, and their Iustifications which are falne [ D] from their League. Many letters intercepted and the effects doe witnesse, that their practises & vsage of the countries of Cologne, Strausbourg, the Duchies of Iuilliers, Cleues and Mont, and likewise of the good towne of Aix, tended to no other end. Finally how often hath it bene countermined by the chiefe Princes of Italie. In what esteeme do they hold the conquest of Holland and Zealand, ioyned with the other Pro∣uinces, to make Sedem belli of them, or rather an assured Rendez-vous for all Christen∣dome. So as they had rather quit some part of Christendome to the Turke, then abstaine from making war against the Netherlands, or to withdraw any part of their soldiers which are appointed against them. Finally how they doe handle the Em∣perour, the Princes Electors, the Potentates of Germany, yea all the Estates of [ E] Christendome (onely for the aduancement of this generally Monarchie of Spaine) appeares plainely by the letters signed with the King of Spaines owne hand, where∣of the Coppie translated is here-vnto annexed, the Originall remayning in this Court, which letters doe also make mention of the poynt propounded by his Highnesse: Which is, that the intention of the Councell of Spaine is, that his Highnesse should treat sincerely of the affaires of Christendome, and namely to leaue the Ne∣therlands in peace, for that it appeares by them that the Earle of Fuentes, Don Wil∣liam of Saint Clement and Sephano D'ybarra, all three of them Spaniards, are ap∣poynted to bee his chiefe councellers in matters of the Netherlands, with charge that the said strangers should instruct his Highnesse in which of the Noblemen [ F] of the Countrie hee might trust, how hee should gouerne the Prouinces, and how he should gouerne the Prouinces and how hee should subdue those which are vnited and confederate. The Estates doubt not but his Highnesse hath vnder∣stood, that of late through the Instigation of the Earle of Fuentes and of Stephano

d'Ybarra, Doctor Lopes Phisition to the Queene of England, vpon promise which they [ A] made vnto him of fifty thousand crownes, had vndertaken to poyson her Maistie, who * 1.59 hauing accused Emanuel, Louis Tynoca, and Stephano Ferreira Digama, as adherents to this execrable murther, were all executed. As also the said Fuentes and Ybarra had plot∣ted by the hands of Emanuel Andrada (who had vndertaken it) to poyson the French King, with a nosegay of flowers or roses without any poulder, and yet with so subtill a poyson, as the smelling thereof should cause his death without remedy. Speaking nothing of that which shall be found in the difinitiue processe of Michel Renichon, who calles him-selfe Triuteres a Priest of Namur, who two moneths sence disguized in a soldiars habit, had beene sent from Brussells into these vnited Prouinces, together with other murtherers corrupted to that end, to murther my Lord Prince Maurice of Nas∣sau borne Prince of Orange, yea and his excellencies youngest brother being but ten [ B] yeares old, studying in the vniuersity of Leyden, not to take him away as they did the Prince of Orange and Earle of Buren that now is, his elder Brother, out of Lovuain by violence against the rights and preuiledges of the country, and against the lawes of Nations: but in effect to murther him after the same manner that the coun∣cell of Spaine caused there father of happy memory to be slaine: whereby his heighnes and all the world may vndoubtedly know, by what people and by what meanes the good inhabitants of the country are circomuented, and how little the Estates can be abused, when they shall iudge, that the present offers of a treaty of peace on the Spaniards behalfe, shall proceed out of the same affection and shoppe, that the prece∣dent [ C] did, which are formerly mentioned. And rather, for that in respect of their maies∣ties of France and England allies to these countries; matters will appeer more hei∣nous and pernitious then euer, so as the humors of the councell of Spaine cannot be in any sort changed to the good of these countries, as also there is no likelehood, they (finding them-selues wronged in the heighest degree) would be more bening, and yeeld more vnto them now then before the said offences, or els that they can intreat these con∣tries (ouer whome they pretended a right) more mildly, then the Kings, and kingdomes of France, England and Scotland which are equall vnto them in dignity and authority. Wherevpon the said generall Estates, by reason of their duty and oth, are so much the more bound to keepe them-selues from the false and cautelous practises of the said [ D] councell. Especially for that the said murthers in these vnited Prouinces, and against the French King and the Queene of England, together with the open warre against the crowne of France, haue beene manifest, and continued sence his heighnes comming into the Netherlands: And although that all these pretexts did cease, which they with reason insist vpon, yet their alliances, leagues and communication of affaiers do require: And admit we may well beleeue that his heighnes is displeased at such murthers: yet we ought not to haue so great a regard there-vnto as to the desseignes and intentions of the King and his councell of Spaine, from whence his heighnes receiued his com∣mission and authority: and that in this quality they may at all times reuoke him, and appoint an other in his place: against which change, they cannot in any sort assure them-selues. [ E] And withall the said generall Estates cannot comprehend that within these Prouinces nor without (allied with one firme bond of confederation with the Queene of England the French King, and other Princes, Potentats and common weales, as well friends to these countries, as to all the comonalty of Christendome) they may bring any fruite by the ouerture of a treaty of peace which is offred, but they are resolued to rely vpon the hope which they haue in GOD and attend from his all-powerfull bounty and clemency (although they haue alwaies and do daily ob∣serue that worldly things are subiect to change) a happy and commendable end of their iust cause, not onely in regard of the vnited Prouinces, but also for all the others of these Netherlands, to the aduancement of his glory and holy word, and the prosperity [ F] of all the Belgicke Prouinces. Thus done and resolued in the assembly of the generall Estates at the Hage, the 17. of May. 1594.

This answere was giuen to Doctor Hartius and Coemans with an Autenticall coppy * 1.60 [ A] of the Kings letters, whereof mention is made in this answere: the which hauing bin in∣tercepted and brought vnto the Estates, two were found dated from S. Laurent (which is the Escuriall) of the 14. and an other of the 15. of October, and of the fourth and seauenth of December 1593. signed with the Kings owne hand, directed to Don William of Saint Clement his ambassador in Germanie. By the first of the 14. among other clau∣ses, and whereof the Estates answere maketh mention, there was that which fol∣loweth.

Touching the pacification of the Estates rebelled, seeing you are so fully informed of that matter, you can tell how to manage it, in case there bee any means or likelehood to * 1.61 conclude it. And you shall let all the world know that he seekes the publike good, and to requite me for the good esteeme I haue of him, that hee may effect this busines, as the [ B] importance thereof did require. Finally you shall giue collour by all possible meanes to this businesse, to the end it may bee effected, seeing it wilbe so great a good for Chris∣tendome. All this is breefly toucht vnto you, hereafter you shalbe aduertised of all oc∣currents: and you for your part shall aduertise vs: (both before and after your depar∣ture towards Flanders) particularly what your aduise is vpon euery point, and what you thinke fit: Moreouer vpon the way you shalbe carefull to aduertise my cousin of such of my Estates as shall come to him, and of those that shal write vnto him; to the end that without any shew of distrust, he may be wary and vigilant, and not suffer himselfe to bee carried away by vncertaine aduertisements, but that hee may know the humors and in∣tentions [ C] of euery one. And after his arriual, he must haue this consideration, to discerne the persons whom he must trust. To which end you shall take particular informations from the Earle of Fuentes and Stephano d' Ybarra, who will also dicipher the Estate vn∣to you, and the humors of men which are in gouernment, vpon whose discipline, as also vpon the distribution of their pay, it shalbe needfull there be a great change: for which there are in those parts particular dispatches of ours &c.

And by that of the seauenth day of December he sayth, speaking of the Emperor, the Arch-duke Ernestus, the Turke and the Princes of Italy.

As also you shal represent vnto them, that for that which concerns the Turke, it shal∣be no preiudice, as heretofore you haue let them know more particularly, and you shall [ D] aduertise mee of all that shall passe. Without doubt hee hath reason to apprehend the losses which hee hath made of Vesperin and Palotte: and to complaine that they take no order to preuent a greater losse: It were expedient (if it might be) to accommodate mat∣ters by an ordinary course of truce, and of a greater present: and that you seeke to win the good wills of the Bashaws by guifts, for it is the ordinary and only remedy for dif∣ficulty concerning them. I thinke you haue already condoled with the Emperor in my name as touching his troublesome trauell: and that you know how to gouerne your self therein, that I be no further ingaged, but he rest satisfied with my good will. You shall doe well to pursue that which you haue already propounded: which is, that to attaine vnto the pacification of Holland and Zeeland, the point is, there may be forces readie, [ E] that afterwards they may giue the better assistance against the Turke. Touching the Diet which you say they treate of, order shalbe giuen for that which shalbe fit, and you shalbe aduertised, as you shall doe the like, of that which you shall vnderstand concer∣ning that businesse: for they write from Rome, that if it may bee without calling of a diet, they will giue the Emperor some contribution and meanes. It is necessary you should aduertise me particularly of what passeth betwixt you and Cardinall Mandrucio in matter of leagues. And in the meane time that wee shalbe besied to giue you an∣swere, that you seeke to practise with him, but yet in generall termes, letting him vn∣derstand that to make this designe easie, it shalbe requisite aboue all things, to make the Princes of Italie resolute, in taking away all difficulties, seeing they haue so great [ F] an interest in it. And in regard of the title of a King, which the Duke of Florence affects, you shall hinder it: whereof be carefull: but as for that which concernes the Duke of Ferrara, you may assist him, so as the Inuestiture agreed with the person, whereof I haue formerly written vnto you, this shalbe the best &c.

IF the generall Estates had beene scrupulous before, and distrustfull to treat with the * 1.62 [ A] King of Spaine, these letters did make them much more suspitious: wherefore Har∣tuis and Coemans returned as they came with this answere from the Estates. The Arch∣duke was loth to imploy any greater personages, knowing they should not preuaile any thing: but the reason why he sent the said deputies vnder collour to propound a treaty of peace, was to no other end, but to iustefie himselfe, of the fact which Michell Renichon had vndertaken, wherewith hee had so charged him: the newes thereof beeing at that time come to Ratisbonne, to an Imperiall Dyet, where there had beene some speech, for the choosing of the Archduke King of Romaines.

The Archduke Ernest for the first fruits of his gouernmēt, sent Charles Earle of Mans∣feldt with an army to make war against the French king▪ on the frontiers, in the country * 1.63 [ B] of Tyrace, where hee besieged Capelle, the which beeing somoned would not yeeld, hoping the King would succor them, as hee intended, hauing sent the duke of Bouillon with 12000. foote and 2000. horse to that end. But beeing vpon the way, the besieged fearing their succors would come to late, seeing their rampars beaten down with Mans∣feldts continually battery, they yeelded the towne, and the duke returned with his army. Coevorden being as we haue said straightly blockt vp by Verdugo and Cont Herman van∣den Berghe, Prince Maurice hauing some great designe, would first free this place▪ wher∣fore he went to field with the best part of the Estates forces, to set vpon the •…•…orts which * 1.64 the Spaniards had there abouts, or to giue them battaile if it were offred: But Verdugo and the Earle hearing of his approch, made a retreate, and abandoned all these forts, [ C] which they had built, and kept seauen or eight monethes, to their great charge and no profit, leauing Coevoerden at libertie, the which was presently refresht with men and victualls.

Passing on from thence which his troupes, and causing his army to aduance, he resol∣ued to besiege Groning, the which he was about the last yeare▪ But before we enter into * 1.65 the siege, we wil speake a little of the Estate of the towne. Groning is a strong ancient towne, which some thinke to be that which Pliny cals Phyleum, faire, well fortefied and the best peopled of that part of Friseland, on this side the riuer of Ems and Dollard, sea∣ted in a country which is very pleasant and fertil, the which makes also one of the seauen∣teen Prouinces of the Netherlands. This common-weale was heretofore annexed to * 1.66 [ D] the Diocese of Vtrecht for a hundred yeares, so as they did acknowledge the bishop for their Lord and Prince both spirituall and temporall: vntill Frederic sonne to a Marquis of Baden, then bishop of Vtrecht, in whose time the factions of Schyeringers and Vet-coopers raigned in Friseland (whereof we haue in the beginning of the history made am∣ple mention:) in the time of the Emperor Maximilian the first of that name, who by reason of the miseries which these two factions were cause of throughout all Friseland, tooke occasion to giue this signeury of Groning, with all Friseland in fee to Albert duke of Saxony, to inioy them as Gouernor hereditarie vnder the Emperor, of whom they were held. But as the Frisons refuzed to receiue him, in the end hee perswaded the Nobilitie to acknowledge him for their hereditary Lord: with whose ayde hee made sharpe warres against the Vet-coopers, with whom the Groningers ioyned them [ E] selues. But captaine Foox the dukes Lieutenant, did so tire them, as they were glad to reconcile themselues vnto the Duke, vpon condition (amongst others that they should leaue the possession which they had had in Oostergoe, Weestergoe, and the seauen Forests, and should pay two and thirtie thousand florins in gold. The o∣ther townes in Friseland, (amongst the which Lewaerden is the chiefe) submitted themselues vnder the Dukes protection. But soone after the Lewardiens hauing slaine their Lieutenant, did rebell by the instigation of them of Groning. The duke of Saxony returning with an army reduced them vnto reason. They of Groning fearing to bee forced (by the mediation of Frederic (bishippe of Vtrecht) obtained a truce for sixe monethes. The Duke beeing returned into his countrie of Misnia, [ F] hauing left Duke Henry his sonne for Gouernor in Friseland, the Frisons sought the third time to free themselues from his subiection, and besieged Duke Henry in the towne of Franiker.

The father hearing these newes and the danger wherein his sonne was, posted the∣ther [ A] with an army, raised the seege and freed him: And then he sought to punish the * 1.67 rebells of Groning, as the motiues of this reuolt. The bishop of Vtrecht sued againe for them, & obtained them a new truce, during the which Albert died, and by his death Groning was freed from his siege. But not able to liue easily and at peace, they went to beseege Dam which Edsard Earle of East-Friseland held in Duke Alberts name: to draw them from thence, Huge Earle of Leysnich besieged Groning very straightly: then had they recourse againe to the Bishippe of Vtrecht, who procured them a peace for foure yeares. The which being expired, Cont Edsard (whom Duke Henry beeing then in Misnia had left for his Lieutenant) and captaine Vito of Draecksdorp, did blocke them vp with two great forts and beseeged them round about, The Bourgers hauing [ B] endured this hard siege all the winter, wanting all things necessary, and seeing the townes of Oueryssell faile them in the succors which they had promised, they resolued to treate with the Saxons. But they soone altered their opinions, for that captaine Draecksdorpe had caused the noses and eares of two Bourgers to bee cut off, and so sent them backe into the towne, for that they would not put themselues to ransome: The Groningers mooued with this crueltie, left the Saxons, and accorded with Cont Eds∣ard yeelding him the towne, vpon condition that hee should neuer suffer it to returne vnder the gouernment of the Dukes of Saxony. The Earle accepting of these condi∣tions, entred in May after in the yeare of Lord 1506. and receiued the oth of fidelity of the Bourgers, which done he built a cittadell there without any contradiction, and [ C] placed a good garrison therein. George duke Saxony did challenge it, but it was in vaine: by reason whereof Cont Edsard was cited to the Imperiall chamber, and there commanded to deliuer vp the towne to the Duke of Saxony, which hee did not, where∣vpon he was banished the Empire.

In the end Duke George came with nine thousand men horse and foote, beeing as∣sisted by the Duke of Brunswicke, where hee not onelie besieged Groning, but spoiled all East-Friseland Cont Edsards inheritance, taking many castles and forts: so as the Earle was forced to leaue Groning to goe and succor his naturall subiects, and hauing soone after lost Dam, finding his forces to weake, to make head against so great Prin∣ces, hee quite abandoned them of Groning: who seeing themselues forsaken and the [ D] danger that hung ouer them, they fell to consult amongst themselues of making an accord with the Duke of Saxony: sending their deputies vnto him, with of∣fer to yeeld vp the towne, reseruing their preuiledges and certaine other conditions: a∣mong others, that it should be lawfull for them to raise the cittadell, which Cont Eds∣ard had built. The which Duke George refuzing, the deputies returned, after they had told him that neuer hee nor any of his should bee Lord thereof. Herevpon the Cit∣tizens tooke a new aduise to choose an other Prince that might defend them against the Saxons. So with a generall consent they made choise of Charles Duke of Gel∣dres, who greatly affected this Estate: sending VVilliam van Oyen Generall of his horse thether, who beeing entred into the towne, the cittadell was razed in his pre∣sence. [ E] This done the Bourgers tooke their oth in his hands to the crowne of France, and to the duke of Geldres. This did cause a great warre betwixt these two dukes, George of Saxony, and Charles of Geldres, betwixt the which the battailes were of∣ten variable: but in the end the Saxon discontented with this inconstant gouern∣ment of Friseland, yeelded vp all his interest vnto Charles Prince of Spaine, after∣wards Emperor, for two hundred thousand crownes, and so leauing Friseland hee returned into his countrie of Misnia. Herevpon grew a great and a long warre be∣twixt the Bourguignon and the Gueldrois: the duke hauing made the Earle of Emden his Lieutenant there.

In the end the Groningers refuzing to pay a certaine tribute, of ten thousand florines [ F] of gold, which they had promised him, hee forsooke them, and was abandoned by them, after that hee had beene acknowledged twentie yeares together for their Prince Protector. Herevpon the Groningers hauing assembled their Estatets they sent to demaund succors of the Ladie Marguerite, the Emperors Aunt, Douager

of Sauoy, and Gouernesse of the Netherlands, promising him the same tribute which * 1.68 [ A] they had paied to the Duke of Geldres. She (who desired nothing more then to inlarge the limmits of her Nephewes Estates) sent George Schenck of Tautenburg, gouernor of Friseland thether, who entred into Groning the eight of Iune, and receiued the peo∣ples oth in the Emperors name, recouering all which the Geldrois had held in a short time, but there was an accord made afterwards betwixt the Emperor and the duke, as you may read in the fift booke. From the yeare 1536. that towne hath remained vnder the obedience of the Emperor and the King of Spaine his sonne, vnto the yeare 1576. that by the mutynie of the garrison against their Collonel and gouernor Gaspar of Robles Lord of Billy, it submitted it selfe vnder the generalitie of the vnited Pro∣uinces, and afterwards in the yeare of our Lord 1580. it was againe yeelded to the [ B] Spaniards by George of Lalain Earle of Rheneberg, vnder whome it hath suffered much vnto this yeare of our Lord and Sauiour 1594. that it was reduced, vn∣der the generall vnion of the confederate Prouinces of the Netherlands, as you shall here.

After that Prince Maurice had releeued Coevoerden, he came with all his army being a hundred and fiue and twenty companies of foote and six and twenty cornets of horse, with artillery and all other things necessary conducted as well by land as by the riuers which are within the countrie, and camped the 21. of May before the towne of Gro∣ning, about the which (after that he had with great speed intrenched his whole campe) he caused six great forts to bee made vpon all the approches, well furnished with men [ C] and good artillery. Of the which that of the West part had ten companies of foote and twelue peeces of ordynance, and the rest accordingly. The chiefe campe was on the West side, betwixt the Drasport and the tower of Drentelaer: betwixt the which were the raueling of Oosterport, the Heereport, the Pasdam, with a case mate, (otherwise cal∣led Breemers buyck) and the plat forme at the end of the waters, all mounted with good artillery, the which might greatly annoy the campe; yet did Prince Maurice cause his ordinance to bee planted on that side: which was against the tower of Dehtelaer fiue peeces, against the Rauelin of Oosterport ten, against Heereport twelue, against the As∣ses hoofe six, and two or three against the platforme.

The Prince had his own quarter retrencht apart within the great trench, vpon the way [ D] of Helpen nere vnto Horen: and Cont William Lewis of Nassau his cousin, Gouernor of Friseland, in the midest of the campe, with the Frisons, English, Germains and Zee∣landers. They of the towne had made all necessary prouision to defend themselues, and to endure a long siege, so as they neither wanted victualls nor munition of warre: true it is they had no garrison within the towne, but it was before their port on the side of Drentelaer, as you goe to Dam and Delfziel, and to the fort of Schuytendyep, which is one of the suburbes of the towne seruing for a small hauen for that which comes from Emden through the country: which garrison they might receiue into the towne whensoeuer they pleased. And withall they had the fort of Auwerderzyel which did defend that side, in the which there were some 100. and thirty men: which [ E] Cont William before all others went to besiege, he battered it, and the nine and twen∣ty day of May tooke it by assault. The besieged seeing themselues forced, laied downe their armes, and intreated to haue their liues saued, but for the proud answere which they had made vnto the dromme which did sommon them, they were all cut in peeces, with the Lieutenant of Lankama Gouernor of the towne, excepting some fewe which saued themselues at the first by swymming, when they see their ram∣par forced.

Prince Maurice hauing wonne this fort made his approches neerer, and hauing som∣moned the towne to submit vnder the vnion of the Estates: they answered that the Prince should stay a yeare before hee made that demand, and then they might consi∣der [ F] of it, but not before. Vpon this answere, the cannon being planted as wee haue saied, it beganne to play furiously against the Tower of Drentlaer, the which stood not long before it was beaten down, and against the portes and Rauelyns aboue named, the which were strangely torne: besides that the fiery bullets, and other fire workes

which were shot into the towne, did much amaze the besieged. The English and Scot∣tish * 1.69 [ A] were lodged within the counterscarpe, along the towne ditches nere vnto the ar∣tillery, vpon whom the besieged did sometimes sally with losse of either side. One night * 1.70 beeing fallen vpon the English quarter, they slue a good number hauing surprised them sodenly: but of the besieged there was the sonne of a Bourguemaster slaine, and some other Bourgers. This they did often, vntill their passage out of their portes was cut off, so as they could sallie forth no more. And besides the battery, the Prince beganne then to myne. Heerport was most ruined, for on that side was the chiefe batterie. They of the towne failed not to shoote into the campe, amongst others (as it was reported) one of their bullets fell iust into the mouth of one of the Princes cannons beeing charged and readie for to shoote, the Gonner giuing fire, sent backe that bullet with the other which he had charged into the towne, the which was a strange [ B] accident.

The foureteenth day of Iune, whilest that the Prince was busie before Groning, the Arch-duke spent his time in all sorts of triumphes and sports, at his proud and stately entrie into the towne of Antwerp. Where in the end it was propounded how they should succor Groning, the charge whereof was giuen to the Earle of Fuentes, but there wanted money, and hauing no meanes to leauy forces, the towne could not be re∣leeued. In the meane time Prince Maurice hastened his mines, two were finished, that by Heerpoort was aduanced aboue twenty paces vnder the rauelin, which was wont to be the Cittadell, (which the Spaniards since the first troubles had built, and was after rui∣ned by the Burgers). The besieged seeing no shew of succors, and Prince Maurice did [ C] still so presse them with his continual battery, which had ruined all their Bolwarkes and Rampars, they began to dispaire, and to whisper of an accord among themselues: espe∣cially some (who in their hearts loued their country) desiring rather to see the States men within the towne then the Spaniards: and therevpon they sent their deputies vnto * 1.71 the Prince, to treate of an accord. But they of the King of Spaines party, (among the which were the chiefe of the towne, the Prelats and other clergy men) stronger in num∣ber and authority: to auoide al murmoring, and containe the people in their obedience, caused (although it were not without some popular tumult) captaine Lankama Lieutenant to Collonel Verdugo to enter into the towne, with fiue companies which * 1.72 [ D] hee had in the suburbes of Schuytendyep. The deputies that were sent vnto the Prince, hearing the mutinie which happened in the towne, for that they had drawne in those companies, returned confused without any effect. Then the Bour∣gers holding the Spaniards partie, and the souldiars, promised to aide one an other, and to hold good vnto the end, vntill the King of Spaine should send them some suc∣cors. The Prince seeing himselfe abused by this pretended capitulation, continu∣ed his batterie and his mynes, and to doe what else hee could against the towne, within the souldiars did what they could with the inhabitantes of their partie, so as there were to the number of foure thousand great shot came out of the towne into the campe. [ E]

On the fifteenth of Iuly the myne of the Rauelin of Oosterpoort beeing ready to bee blowne vp, the battery began againe very furiously against the sayd Rauelin, to batter all that downe which the besieged had rampared vp, (on the which were eight peeces of ordynance the which were made vnseruisable) with some shew of a breach. The Prince commanded his men should bee put in order of battaile, by squadrons, as if hee would assaile the Rauelin: the besieged seeing them in this order, fortified the place with men, which presented themselues to defend the breach, in the meane time fire was giuen to * 1.73 the myne, the which was blowne vp so fitly, as a great number of them that were with in flue vp into the ayre, whereof many falling into the ditches, were drowned, and some were cast euen into the campe. The myne hauing wrought his opperation, the Prince [ F] caused an assault to bee giuen, the which was a little mayntained: but the amazement was so great, as the besieged leauing the place, saued themselues by the Oosterport, in∣to * 1.74 the towne, being couered by this Rauelin.

This being wonne the assailants intrenched themselues against the towne, after they

had found foure peeces of brasse Ordinance and two of yron, buried in the earth which [ A] the myne had raised. * 1.75

The beseeged hauing lost this Rauelyn and some hundred footemen in it, began to faint, hauing no more hope of succors. The next day they resolued by a generall consent, as well Bourgers as soldiers to send one of the Bourgmaisters called Iohn den Boer, with a drumme vnto the Prince to offer him the towne, vppon condition not∣withstanding that hee should summon it once more the next day to yeeld. Beeing come vnto the Prince and beeing heard, after that hee had asked the opinions of * 1.76 his Councell at warre, he answered that he had summoned it sufficiently and that hee would summon it no more, holding it alreadie in his power. But if the Bourgers thought it good to send their Deputies to treat of the conditions of an accord, they [ B] might doe it. Or if they desired to try their forces in making a longer resistance and attend the extremities of a generall Assault, they should see (with too late a repen∣tance) what should befall them. The beseeged beeing perplexed with this suddaine and threatning answer, sent vnto the Campe the nineteenth of the moneth, Iohn Balen Captaine and Bourgmaister, Frederic Musey Bourgmaister also, Albert Eli, Vlgert Vlgerson Sheriffs, Iohn Gryt Officiall, Iohn Assera Commander of Wirsum, * 1.77 Rudolph Certs, Iohn Malder, Poppo Euerard Secretarie, Henry Honincke Interpreter, and Iohn Lubects, Sanders of Groot-velt Lieutenant to Cont Frederic vanden berghe, to treat with the Prince and his Councell of their Accord. Who sent for them in hostage to the Towne, the Seigniors of Sousfeldt, Swartsenbourg and Grise vander [ C] Noot Captaine of his Gards and other. The conditions of the compositions were a while debated, in the end the beseeged seeing there was no remedie, agreed to yeeld the towne, and to deliuer it into the Princes power, vpon the conditions which follow.

1 First, that all offences, iniuries and acts, done from the beginning of the troubles, and last alterations, as also whatsoeuer hath past during this present seege, as well generall as particular, both within and without are pardoned and forgiuen, as * 1.78 if they had neuer happened at all, whereof there shall neuer bee any mention, molestation, nor search made at all, vppon payne for all them that shall▪ goe against it, to bee reputed and punished as mutines, and troublers of the pub∣like [ D] quiet.

2 Second: Those of the Magistrates and the inhabitants of Groning, promise by these presents, to remitte them-selues into the generall vnion of the vnited Prouin∣ces, and to adhere vnto the generall Estates of the sayd Prouinces, and to bee faith∣full and loyall vnto them. According vnto the which the towne and countrie of Gro∣ning as one of the members of the sayd prouinces, shall assist the other confederates, faithfully, firmely, and inuiolablie without dissimulation: Entertayning good amitie and correspondence: and that at all times and vppon all occasions, they shall doe their best indeauours to repulse and chase out of the Netherlands, all Spaniards and their adherents, which haue and doe seeke (against equitie right and reason) to op∣presse and ruine the Inhabitants thereof, to bring them to perpetuall bondage, and to [ E] make them slaues for euer.

3 Item they of Groning shal hold and inioy al their priuiledges, libertles, rights and freedomes.

4 Item the towne and the Ommelands comming to appeare and to giue their voice vnto the generalitie, with all that may depend thereon, they shall gouerne them-selues according vnto the which (after hearing of the cause) shal be set downe and decreed by the generall Estates.

5 That the most Noble William Lewis Earle of Nassau shall be receiued and held for Gouernor of the towne and country of Groning, according to the commission which [ F] hee hath receiued from the said generall Estates. And that the controuersie which is betwixt the Towne and the Ommelands, or that may grow, shall remayne suspended, vntill it bee ended by the said generall Estates or their Committies.

6 That in the towne and countrie of Groning there shall bee no other excercise [ A] but of the reformed religion, such as is at this present vsed throughout all the Prouin∣ces, * 1.79 and that no man shall bee disquieted nor molested for his conscience. And that all Monasteries and Clergie men shall remaine in the estate they are in at this pre∣sent, vntill that the Estates haue sufficiently redrest the Estate of the towne and countrie of Groning: And then order shall bee giuen for the inioying of the goods and entertayning of Clergie men, prouided alwaies that the Commanderies of Wyrsum, Wyt•…•…ert and Osterwyrum shal be held & intreated as other Commande∣ries lying in the vnited Prouinces.

7 That for assurance of the generalitie, and of the towne, and to preuent all incon∣ueniences betwixt the Burgers and Inhabitants, they of Groning shall receiue 5. or 6. [ B] companies of the generalitie, and with the aduice of the Magistrate, and with the least oppression of the Inhabitants that may be, they shall haue money furnished them at such a rate as shall be hereafter agreed vppon, by the said Cont William and the towne and country togither.

8 Touching the razing of Forts it shall bee done as need shall require and with the knowledge of the said generall Estates.

9 That the towne and countrie of Groning shal for the leuying of meanes and con∣tributions for the good of the common cause, be bound to conforme themselues here∣after with other Prouinces that are contributary.

10 All taxations and contributions which vnto this day haue beene contribu∣ted [ C] and receiued, as also the reuenues whereof accountes hath beene made, the accountes shall bee held good, and that which hath not beene brought, they shall come and accoumpt for before the old Law, but yet they shall haue no authority to re∣ceiue the remainder.

11 That all such as are fled or banished out of Groning or the Ommelands, or their heires, shall be restored to all their goods that are not alienated, wherein modesty shal be vsed.

12 And in regard of moueable goods which haue beene alienated, bee it for debt or for morgage, as also those which haue beene confisked: the interessed may take their goods againe vnto them, redeeming them for their owne vses within foure yeares, [ D] restoring the money that was payed and the rent of the money: Out of the which they shall defalke the reuenues which the purchaser hath receiued. And if there grow any question, they shal bee referred to the decision of a competent and ordinary Iudge.

13 It shal be lawful for al Burgers and Inhabitants of the •…•…wne of Groning, Clergy or Secular, to remaine freely within the towne, or to retire into any other neutrall townes and places where they shall thinke good, and there reside inioying their owne proper goods, but not go to the enemies party.

14 In this treatie shall bee comprehended al strangers of what qualitie or nation so∣euer, remaining at this present in the said tow•…•… and there to continue their [ E] residence, taking the oth of fidelitie, or else they may retyre againe to a neutrall place.

15 All letters of rent, morgages, pensions, debts and charges, of all Abbots, Pre∣lates and ecclesiasticall persons, as well strangers as naturall, being during the troubles retired into the towne of Groning: appointment for their nourishment and intertaine∣ment, shall remaine at the decision of the Estates, or the Magistrate of the Prouince or towne, vnder which those Monasteries or Colledges are scituated, from whence they grow, to doe as they shall thinke fit according vnto right and equitie.

16 The Deputies of this Towne of Groning beeing at Brusselles in commission, with their seruants and goods shall be also held for reconciled and comprehended in [ F] this accord, prouided alwaies that they returne within three moneths.

17 The Burgers that were taken prisoners during the seege shal be set at liberty pay∣ing their ransomes.

18 The gouernement of the Towne shall belong vnto the Magistrate: Prouided

notwithstanding that the said magestrate and the Iurates of the commons, shall for this * 1.80 [ A] time only be established by his Excelency and the said Cont William, with the aduice of the councell of Estates. And from that time forward the election of them of the Law shall be made according to the ancient custome.

19. They may not by conformity of vnion transport nor resigne the towne of Gro∣ning to any Kings, Princes, Lords, townes or common weales, without his good liking and common consent, nor yet build any cittadells.

20. Those of the Magistrate, Burgers and Inhabitants of Gronning, shall take the oth of fidelity required to the generality, as other townes haue done.

21. All prouisions, be it of mony or munition of warres, victualls, artillery or other things sent into Groning, or belonging vnto the King of Spaine, or that haue beene otherwise brought in during this warre, shall bee deliuered vnto the generality, or to [ B] their commissaries.

The accord for the men of warre, the which was made with captaine Lankama lieu∣tenant to Collonel Verdugo, captaines, and officers as well for them-selues, as for their soldiars, hauing beene in garrison in the towne of Groning and at Schuyten-dyep was after this manner.

First that the said Lieutenant Collonel, all the capaines officers and soldiars (except such as had serued vnder the Estates) their wiues, followers and baggage may freely * 1.81 depart, with their ful armes without any molestation or stay to their persons or goods, onely they shall be bound to deliuer their Enseigns into his Excellencies hands, which [ C] done they shall be safely conducted by the Drent towards the Gouernor Verdugo, wheresoeuer he shall be found to haue planted his campe, and from thence beyond the riuer of Rhine, with promise for 3 moneths they shall not serue on this side that riuer.

His Excelency for the more easie transporting of their baggage, wiues, children, sicke and hurt men, the which may endure to be carried in wagons, shall cause them to be furnished with eighty wagons to serue them, and to be led by a comissary and a safe conuoy, such as it shall please his Excelency to appoint, the which shall conuoy them vnto Otmarsum, or at the farthest to Oldenziel: And the said Lankama shall bee bound to leaue some of his Captaines in pawne for assurance of the said wagons vntill their returne.

[ D]

All Captains, Officers, and soldiers, who by reason of their wounds and infirmities cannot indure the trauell, shall remaine still in the towne vntill they be reasonablie well cured; and they shal haue passeports giuen them to returne to their companies, be it by water or by land.

That Captaine Wyngarden hauing paid his charges shall depart without ransome, as in like manner all soldiers, victuallers and wagenors of the Campe being prisoners within the towne.

That all the goods of the Gouernor Verdugo beeing within the towne shall go free∣ly forth, and shall bee carried vnto the place whereas they that haue the charge, shall thinke it conuenient or else they may remaine safely within the towne vntill the said [ E] gouernor shall dispose of them.

That all horses or, baggage belonging to any officers of the King of Spaine being now absent, shall passe freely, and be conducted with the rest of the soldiars.

That all men at this time residing in the towne of Groning, of what nation or con∣dition soeuer. Offcers and others, as well Clergy men, and two Iesuits as other tem∣porall men, may depart with their wiues, children, families, cattell and goods, and inioy the same conuoy and safety.

And if any of the said Inhabitants, be it man or woman, by reason of some let in their affaiers, cannot depart with the said men of warre, they shall haue six moneths graun∣ted them from this present accord, during the which they may stay here and doe their [ F] busines, and then retire them-selues with their goods and families, be it by water or by land, whether they please.

The Lieutenant Collonel, Captaines, Officers and souldiars, this accord being sig∣ned shal presently without any delay, depart out of Groning and Schuyten-dyep.

Made in the Campe before Gronning the 22, of Iuly. 1594. behold how this strong * 1.82 [ A] and mighty towne of Groning was forced and brought into subiection in two moneths space.

After that the rampars of the towne of Groning were repaired, all the trenches of the eampe layd euen, and the law and Magistrate renewed, Prince Maurice carrying * 1.83 backe his army, entred victoriously into Amsterdam, where hee was receiued with great pompe by the Magistrat, with all shewes of honor, loue and ioy. The like was done in other townes where he past returning to the Hage, with goodly and rich pre∣sents, the which did stirre vp his young and noble courage to greater attempts, ten∣ding vnto vertue.

This summer the Emperor called an assembly of the Princes of the Empire at Rheins∣bourg, [ B] whether came the three Electors of Cologne, Mentz, and Treues, William Frede∣ricke Duke of Saxony administrator of the Duchy of Saxony. Frederick Lodowick Pals∣graue of the Rhine. Maximilian duke of Bauaria. Casimire and Ernestus bretheren Dukes * 1.84 of Saxony of Coborch, whose father was prisoner in Gothia. Frederick duke of Wirtten∣berg: George Lodowick Lantgraue of Luchtenbourg, the young Duke of Holst, Christi∣an Prince of Anholt with diuers others, and the Deputies of sondry Princes, and im∣periall townes: And for the King of Spaine and the house of Bourgongne there came Charles Phillip Barron of Croy, Marquis of Haurec and others. Besids the three spiri∣tuall Princes Electors, there were the Bishoppes of Salsbourg, Writenberg and others.

In this assembly the Emperor moued the Princes of Germany for ayde against the Turke the which was graunted: whereas there grew some controuersie among the [ C] Protestant Princes townes, for that the Palsgraue of the Rhine and some others did not so strictly maintaine the confession of Ausbourg, as others did, namely the admi∣nistrator of Saxony, who during his administration would haue the opinion of Mathias Flaccus Illiricus and Iacobus Andraeas againe mayntained throughout all the territories of Saxony, the which had beene some-what moderated by the deceased Princes, so as he caused all such as any way opposed them-selues to be persecuted and expelled out of all vniuersities and other places, vnder the names of Caluenists and Zwinglians, where-vpon in Lypsick and many other places the Caluenists were spoyled and their goods violently taken from them, whervpon many fled, and were receiued into the Pals∣graues [ D] country: For which at the said assembly the Saxon Protestants would haue se∣perated them-selues from the Palsgraues Ambassadors in their general petition, which the greater part would not assent vnto, but rather desired vnity & loue. And for that the young Palsgraue Frederick was much spoken against as differing from his father in points of relligion, there was a confession of the faith made in his name, the which was published in these termes.

I am not shronke nor fallen from the relligion which my father held, the which was grounded vpon the writings of the Prophets and Apostels; who in his life time belee∣ued neither in Martin nor Iames, but onely in Christ, the like Simbolum, and the like grounds of faith I doe also constantly hold, defend and protect, and will doe to my * 1.85 [ E] power: My father did greatly dislike of the Arrians, Nestorians, Eutichians and Anabap∣tists, and of their mad opinions, which I also being his sonne doe as much abhorre. My father in like manner disliked of the abusers of Sacraments, the which are of two sorts, the one make Idolls of the Sacraments, and honor the sacramentall signes as the things them-selues, and the other hold them but for bare signes, the which I also dislike. And now I come neerer, my father disliked of the Caluenists and Zwinglians, the which I his sonne would in like manner do, if they were like vnto the Vbiquitari and Flacci∣ani, that is if the truth, the power or the presence of Christ vpon the earth were denyed by them. But herein I am more fortunate then my father, for that I knowe that vnder the name of Caluenists, the truth of the relligions Orthodoxie is by the contentious peo∣ple [ F] of Germany much slandered and persecuted; the which without doubt the good Prince Eector my father, would haue found if God had lent him longer life. This error the two mighty Saxon Electors Augustus the father and Christianus the Sonne (being great, valiant & wise Princes) began to discouer. D. Luthers writings I do no lesse esteeme

then my father did, but yet I hold them vnwise which esteeme whatsoeuer was written * 1.86 [ A] by him and others, to bee pure, as gold or siluer. At this assembly it was resolued that some good course should be diuised for the setling of a perfect peace in the Netherlands in regard of the great complaints which were made by the bordering countryes, being subiect to the spoyles and incursions of either party. This peace was held very difficult to effect: Being held a matter impossible to draw the King of Spaine and the house of Austria to relinqish and disclaime by any contract, the right and title which they had to those rich & mighty Prouinces of the Netherlands: And on the other side they found no Possibility to reconcile the vnited Prouinces vnto the King of Spaine, as it appered plainely in their answer made vnto the Archduke Ernestus: yet being in hope of some good meanes, they resolued to send certaine Princes vnto either party, to reconcile them if it were possible, or else to make report in whome the fault was, that according [ B] to the custome of the Empire they might force them there-vnto, where-vpon there was order taken for a certaine summe of mony to bee leuied, to defend the fronters of the Empire against both parties.

Although the Prince had yet time enough to doe some good exployt the rest of this sommer 1594. and meanes to recouer some place or two in that quarter of Freezeland: yet by reason that the French King demanded succors, the Estates army was in good * 1.87 time put into garisons. In the beginning of Nouember there was a certaine soldiar taken neere vnto Lillo; he was of Niuelle in Brabant, and his name was Peter du Four hauing serued some-times in the foote company of Prince Maurice his gard; who came ex∣presly [ C] to Lillo, to find some meanes to returne into the said company, and being there to watch his oportunity to murther the Prince, the which you may reade in this sen∣tence pronounced against him and executed in the towne of Berghen vp Zoom, where-in are conteyned his confession and other circumstances of his araignment as followeth.

Whereas, Peter du Four borne at Niuelle, a prisoner at this present and freed from * 1.88 his bonds, hath voluntarily confest, that some yeares past being in seruice vnder the vnited Prouinces, as a soldiar in diuers companies going from one vnto an other, in the end hee left the garrison of Breda to go into France, where hee serued vnder the ar∣tillery, both in the towne of Capelle in Tyrasch, during the seege, and in the campe [ D] before Laers in Launoy, vntill the taking thereof, from whence being returned into the enemies country, hee continued with some kinsfolkes and friends of his: and a∣mong others with Gheertrude Maribo his Aunt, dwelling neere vnto Niuelle, where∣as he was perswaded to serue the enemy, for the effecting whereof, and to make him knowne vnto La Motte the said Gheertrude (who was well knowne in his house) led her kinsman vnto Brussells, who being brought vnto La Mott, hee asked him what re∣solution hee had to serue the King of Spaine, whereof the prisoner finding him-selfe assured, hee opened vnto him an enterprize vpon this towne of Berghen, and had diuers conferences with La Motte concerning that matter: In October last hee was presented to the Archduke Ernestus, to whome La Motte hauing declared that it was [ E] the man who had resolued to doe the King seruice, he was there-vpon receiued by the said Arch-duke, who said vnto him that he should not want any mony in recompence of his seruice, where-vpon the Archdukes Secretary discoursing with the prisoner in the Archdukes chamber, where there were more of the councell, hee was questioned with concerning the particularities of this enterprize of Berghen, where vpon his declarations and proiect being put in writing by the said secretary in their presence, the said prisoner signed it with his hand and sware vnto it, yet the Secretary and o∣ther councellors in the same place and presence, laying aside this enterprize of Ber∣ghen, made other questions vnto him, and perswaded him to vndertake to kill Prince Maurice of Nassau, making him great promises to doe it, teaching him certaine [ F] meanes how and in what manner he might effect it. Among others that the prisoner should seeke to put him-selfe againe into the company of the Princes gard, where hee had formerly serued, where without doubt hee stould be easely receiued, seeing that

sence his retreat from that place, hee had serued the French King, and had a sufficient * 1.89 [ A] pasport from the Seignior of Mammed commissary of his Maiesties artillery. And that in this sort hauing accesse, hee should watch a fit oportunity to execute this desseigne, when as his Excellency should goe forth to ride or hunt, or comming from the sermon, or else when the the prisoner should stand sentinell, and that his excelence should passe before him at some extraordinary hower, or when he should finde his best oportuni∣ty to shoot him through: to which end the Secretary did aduise him to charge his peece with two bullets. All which speeches were deliuered in the place and presence aboue mentioned. That at the same instant one of the said councellors, went in the same chamber to the Dukes bed side, and returned to the prisoner, carrying from the one vnto the other what was spoken concerning that matter. The which being thus [ B] concluded, it was set downe by the said Secretary, who caused the prisoner to signe and sweare it. Then he was brought by one of those councellors before the Archduke who spake vnto him in these termes. Facete quel que m'auete promesso, amassate quel Tyr•…•…: which is, do what you haue promised me, kill that Tirant, where-vpon the priso•…•…er answered him, Io lo faro. I will doe it. The which hauing thus promised vnto the Archduke, he was the more confirmed in this wicked dessigne for that d' Assonuille tould him that by vertue of a masse which should be said in his presence the next day, he should be inuisible both during the execution, and after the deed done. To which end he was the next day brought by the Secretary to a masse in the Chappell at Brus∣sells, then was there certaine mony deliuered vnto him, besides that which hee had formerly receiued.

[ C]

At his departure hee was admonished by some of the said councell, that if hee should by mischance bee taken prisoner, that hee should beware to reueale the fact so simplie, as hee had done which lately had vndertaken to murther his Exce∣lency, who reuealed it indiscreetly by his owne fault, for if hee should be a prisoner, he must of necessity die, and they would alwaies deny what he confest and giue him the lie. With this wicked and murtherous resolution, he parted from Brusselles, and went to Antwerp, hauing letters of commendation to the gouerner of the castle: from whom he had a pasport who termed him a marchant, that hee might passe their forts more couertly, as he hath done, comming neere vnto the fort of Lillo, where they went to [ D] discouer him, and there seazed on him, from whence he was brought vnto this towne, where hauing beene iudicially examined at diuers seuerall times, first hee plainely confest this desseigne, and all that had past touching the enterprize of this towne. Then being examined what seruice the enemy thought to draw from him, in the end hee did acknowledge this cruell plot aboue mentioned. The which being receiued from his owne mouth, after his first second and third confession touching this fact, and the fifteene of this moneth being brought into the towne house, in the open assembly, and hearing of the commissionars appointed for this cause by the generall Estaes: and seriously exhorted not to accuse any one wrongfully, much lesse a Prince of so heigh a place and calling as the Archduke, and those of his councell: yet hee persis∣ted [ F] in his former confession, confirming the vndertaking it by his owne hand. All which being duly considered of, and that such attempts, to the terror and example of others ought to be punished with the extreme rigor of Iustice; The said commissi∣oners, together with the Magistrate and councell of this towne of Berghen vp Zoom, haue said and declared, and doe declare iudicially by these presents that the said Peter du Four a prisoner, hath forfeyted both body and goods, according to the which they haue and doe condemne him to bee led to the publike place of Iustice of this towne, and there bound to a gibet and strangled till hee be dead, then his head to bee cut of, and his body to be quartred, which shall bee hanged at fower parts of the towne, and his head to be carried to Lillo (the place where hee first arriued) there to [ F] bee set vpon a stake to the view of all the world: declaring his goods to bee forfited, and to be applyed to the proffit of the generality. Thus done and pulikly pronounced in the ordinary chamber of iustice in the towne house of Berghen vp Zoome the

seauenteene of Nouember 1594. Signed by commandement of the said commissio∣ners, * 1.90 [ A] and the same day it was put in execution.

IN Nouember Prince Maurice marched with his army and the councell of Estate of the •…•…ited Prouinces towards the towne of Arnhem in Gelderland, as if he had some great exployt in hand in that quarter, in Freezland, or in the diocese of Cologne, as at Rhynbecke or some other place. But in the end he sent Cont Phillip of Nassau his cousin with two regiments of foote, fiue cornets of horse and some field peeces to∣wards Luxembourg, to ioyne with the Duke of Bouillons army, whome the French King had made his Lieutenant in that ioynt warre with the Estates. But the sayd Earle vnderstanding that there were foure thousand Suisses come to serue the Spaniard, [ B] and that the Italiens which were mutined at Sichem might soone be pacefied, with all which (being together) Cont Charles of Mansfeldt might charge him, hee thought it good to take his way heigher by the Country of Treues, and to send backe Sir Francis Veer with all his horse, except two Cornets. And so the Earle marrcht with his troupes by Sarrebruche coasting the towne of Metz, the Earle of Mansfeldt still fol∣lowing at the heeles, to doe him an affront, if hee might find an aduantage; But Nas∣sa•…•… marcht alwaies in good order of battayle, still making head, so as Mansfeldt durst not charge him, and the ninth of Nouember the Earle of Nassau ioyned his troupes with the Duke of Bouillons army, Sir Francis Veer returned with his horsemen by [ C] the Duke of Deux Ponts country, knowing that Mansfeldt and Cont Herman Vanden Bergh attended him at a passage towards Maestricht, marching along the Rhine the which hee past the nineteenth of Nouember, and arriued safe in the country of Gel∣dres, to the great content of the Prince and the Estates, who were in a manner vnfurni∣shed of all their horse.

During the seege of Groning, the councell at Brusselles being much troubled to pay sixe hundred thousand gilders to the mutinous Spaniards in Saint Pol: the Italiens began also to mutine, first there were sixe companies of Don Gaston Spinolas regiment, being not aboue three hundred and fifty men, which lay at Arschot who had beene sixe or seauen yeares vnpaid, these being in mutine, they procured two other companies [ D] which lay at Sichem to ioyne with them, for that the place was of more strength; with whome there presently ioyned both horse and foote of other nations; as Albanois, French, Wallons, Duch, and some two hundred Irishmen of Sir William Stanleis regiment. These being all old soldiars, and some two thousand strong, they chose for their Electo or generall one Stephano Capriano a Millanois, for their gouernor Iero∣nimo Spadino; for Sargent Maior one Sacramuss•…•…, and for assistants Biotti and others; for pay-maister one Fracassa, and for Generall of their horsemen they made choise of G•…•…orgio Malagna, and of Baptista for his corporall, who had serued twenty yeares in the warres, with diuers other officers, chasing a way their Captains: these troups sent for victualls and munition to Louaine and Diest, and made the whole country to con∣tribute [ E] euen vnto the gates of Antwerp and Brusselles, where-vpon the Archduke sent 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Iaco•…•…o Bellgioige an Italien Earle vnto them, who after much intreaty, receiued from them in the end eleuen Articles the cheefe whereof were.

1. That they would be paid all their arrerages.

2. That they would haue a generall pardon.

3. That they might haue fifty pasports, for their officers to depart freely out of the country whether they pleased.

4. That they might haue a place of retreat for such as were sicke or hurt in the Kings 〈◊〉〈◊〉 seruice.

5. That the arrerages due vnto any that died in the Kings seruice, might be paied vnto their heires.

6. That they should not bee kept from any munition for the space of a whole day,

vpon paine of corporall punishment: with such like demands which the Archduke * 1.91 [ A] Ernestus and his Spanish councell did much mislike, which made them to intreat the rest of the Italiens very mildly, and to send Camillo Caractiolo, Prince of Anelino, to see if hee could bring them to any better conformation, but it was in vaine, wherevpon the Spa∣nish councell resolued to force them to obedience desiring the said Prince to accept of that charge, but he refused to fight against his owne contrymen: then they propoun∣ded it to Mounsieur La Motte who with diuers others thought it not conuenient to be done. In the end they resolued to send Don Louis de Velasco thether with certaine Spaniards, among the which there were some priuat soldiars which refused that ser∣uice, for the which some were secretly put to death, and others banished. This did incense the Italiens the more, seeing the Spaniards which were mutined at the same [ B] instant at Pont sur Chambre, were paid, and commandement was giuen to all the coun∣try round about not to furnish them with any victuall, nor to pay them any contribu∣tion: The Bishop of Leege was also perswaded not to giue them any releefe, who for the defence of his country had leuied some 800. foote, against whom the mutiners sent Georgio Maragna and Giouanni Baptista Rossi with other captaines, who put the Lie∣gios to flight, and slue some 70. of them, so as the Bishop thought it fittest, for him to compound with them for 15000. gilders. When as Don Louis of Velasco with his Spani∣ards (with whome were ioyned the Spaniards which had mutined in Saint Pol (who had receiued sixe hunderd thousand gilders) with some Wallons of the Earle of Solms regiment, and others, being in all foure thousand men▪ had begun to insconce them∣selues neerevnto the Italiens, they then complained that this disgrace was offered them [ C] vpon spight and hatred which the Earle of Fuentes and d' Ybarre bare them, who sence the Duke of Parmas time had in all things preferred the Spaniards before the Italiens: And that whereas the Spaniards did mutine, they did pardon them and found present meanes to satisfie them: so as these two nations were so incensed one against an∣other as on the thirteenth of December they fell to blowes, whereas there were about foure hundred Spaniards slaine, among the which was Pedro Portacarero cosin to the Earle of Fuentes, with forty seauen captaines and officers more and small losse vnto * 1.92 themselues: But in the end the Spaniards tooke certaine forts from the Italiens and forced them to abandon the towne of Sichem, not without losse of either part. Prince [ D] Maurice and the Estates were not in the meane time without some feare that if du∣ring the sharpe winter they should bee reconciled they might through meanes of the ice (the frost being great) attempt some thing vpon Holland, or some other place, wherefore they wrought so as the Italiens offred their seruice to the French King, so long as the King of Spaine should retaine all ther pay, and not satisfie them al arrerages wherevpon they did write vnto the French King the last of Nouember, intreating him that he would be pleased to receiue into his seruice and vnder his protection them and * 1.93 all their companies being a thousand and two hundred foote and seauen hundred horse, all old soldiers. The King hauing seene their letters, and what they required he referred the busines to Prince Maurice and the generall Estates of the vnited Prouin∣ces, [ E] to whome hee recommended them. According to which answer the said Italiens sent two captaines on their behalfe Iohn Baptista Sossy and Homodormy, to the Hage in Holland with letters of credit, and power to treat with the sayed Estates, or their deputies in the towne of Breda, vpon safe conducts demanded by them. Their letters were written when they were yet in the towne of Sichem, wherevnto answer was made that if they were forced to leaue the towne they should be assisted. And being after∣terwards forced therevnto, the Estates and the gouernor of Breda promised to retire them vnder the said towne, and into Langh-strate, and that they might come free∣ly into the said towne to buy their prouisions and necessaries. This mutine of the King of Spaines Italiens, fell out happely for the Estates, for the Spaniards spent a [ F] long time, seeking to force them: the which was furthered by the mutine of the Spaniards and Wallons at Pont vpon Sambre, who supported one another and in the meane time the Estates were not molested nor disquieted neither by the one or the other.

In the end of winter they were offered by Ernestus to haue their pay, with many * 1.94 [ A] other preferments (the Arch-duke fearing least they should make some composition with Prince Maurice) so as in February 1595. with the priuitie and consent of Prince Maurice (from whome openly they confest to haue beene releeued) they obtained the foresaid Articles, and were to remaine at Thienen, the which they * 1.95 might fortifie, vntill they were fully satisfied, and in the meane time they should re∣ceiue dayly from Brusselles thirty stiuers for a horse-man, twelue stiuers for a foote∣man, thirteene crownes for the Electo, tenne crownes for the Councell, and sixe crownes for the Sargaint Maior euery day: So as altogither amounted to some 500. crownes a day: And for hostage they had Francisco de Padiglia, whome they kept safely. This was about the time that the Arch-duke Ernestus dyed: And thus they continued seauenteene monethes, vntill that Cardinall Albertus came in∣to [ B] the country. In the meane time they sent fiue companies to the Earle of Euen∣tes beeing before Cambray: And whereas Liere was almost taken, they came as farre as Maclyn to releeue it: But in the meane time they abandoned Mario Homo∣dormy, Baptista Rossi and two others (who were their Comitties in Breda) most shamefully proclayming them enemies, for that Fuentes had so done; but they were pittied by some of them, who sent them mayntenance: At the last in the yeare 1596. when as the Cardinall went to beseege Hulst, they were accounted with, and receiued three hundred & thirty thousand crownes, and the contribution which they had receiued amounted to three hundred sixtie thousand crownes, besides the [ C] contribution they had receiued before they went to Thienen, and the place was for∣tified at the charge of the countrie.

As for them vpon Pont Sambre, being once pacified, they were sent vnder the com∣mand of the Prince of Chymai to stop the courses of them of Cambray vppon the country of Henault, and they were lodged about Haurec, whereas they remained so long as they ruined the whole country thereabouts of Henault and Arthois, more then any enemie could haue done. The Duke of Bouillon Lieutenant to the French King of his armie in the countrie of Luxembourgh, and Cont Philipe of Nassau Com∣mander of the Estates troupes, being ioyned togither in Luxembourg, hauing taken the townes of Yuois, Momedi, Vireton-Srete and other places, after they had spoy∣led [ D] that quarter, the Earle meaning to returne into the vnited Prouinces, with foure Cor nets of horse, hee found him-selfe in the middest of all Cont Mansfeldts footemen, through the which hee past, with the losse of three score men, and two of his Captaines: the which happened for that the Duke by reason of the high wa∣ters could not succor him. But two daies after those two Noblemen meeting with eleuen of Mansfeldts Cornets, defeated them, whereas many were slaine vpon the place, besides the prisoners, among which was Mansfeldts Lieutenant. After∣wards the said Duke and Earle had sundry disseignes which succeeded not, as vppon the towne of Thionuille and other places, and as they needed the French Kings Army else-where: And the generall Estates had also very great need of their troopes; [ E] they diuided them-selues: The Duke returned into France, and the Earle march∣ing with his men along the frontiers of Picardie, went and imbarked at Diepe, * 1.96 from whence hee returned into Zealand: Holding it very vnfitte for him to returne the same way hee came, by reason of Cont Mansfeldts troopes, who at that time went into Hongarie to serue the Emperour against the Turke, where hee dis∣charged him-selfe faithfully and honourably beeing Lieutenant to the Arch-duke Mathias of Austria, generall of the Christians army: during the which seruice the said Earle died (after that he had obtained goodly victories against the Turke) in the towne of Graen the yeare following.

The French King being at Amiens did write his letters on the seauenteenth of De∣cember [ F] to the Estates of Arthois and Henault, the which hee sent by a Trumpet: by * 1.97 the which he did aduertise them that if they did not forbeare to succor the rebellious Leaguers vppon the Frontiers of Picardie and elsewhere, hee was resolued to make warre against them, giuing them time to consider thereon vntill the end of

Ianuary following. To which letters they made no answer: vppon the receipt of this * 1.98 [ A] letter, the Prouinces vnder the Kings obedience, assembled at Brusselles vpon the first of Ianuary. 1595. only the Clergie & the Nobilitie, but not the Townes. Where at their first cession the Arch-duke made a declaration in Spanish, the effect was, that the King had written vnto him and charged him as his good Brother and Cousin, that hee should indeauour by all possible meanes to vnite the countrie by peace, and to free it from the spoiles and miseries it had so long indured, for which cause alone hee had left his ease and was come thether to effect his Maiesties good desire; as appeared by the letters written with his Maiesties owne hand; the which so moued him, as hee could not but summon the Estates to appeare there before him, to impart these good newes vnto them, and that they had considered vppon a very good course to at∣tayne [ B] there-vnto: Where-with they should bee made acquainted the next day fol∣lowing by the President Richardot. There were present in this Assemblie, Stepha∣no D'ybarra and Don Diego de Varra, but the Earle of Fuentes came not, for that the Duke of Arschot had protested hee would not giue him the place next to the Arch∣duke, which honour the Emperour and his Maiestie had giuen him, the which hee would not suffer a stranger to take from him: Where-vppon the Earle of Fu∣entes and Charles Earle of Mansfeldt (who tooke the Dukes part therein) meeting togither, they beheld each other, without any salutations on either part: But no∣thing was done at all the first daie, the which was spent in complements after the high Dutch manner: VVhereat many of the Assemblie, especially the Bishops and Clergie murmured. [ C]

The next day the Duke of Arschot laid open the generall necessities of the coun∣tries * 1.99 of Arthois and Henault, and the miseries they indured by reason of the French inuasions, and how requisit it was his Highnesse should prouide some speedy remedie for these mischiefes, the which for many vrgent considerations ought not to bee de∣ferred: Saying that they had long since vnderstood his Maiesties good will, the which should bee apparant to all the world, if they might once taste the fruites thereof, which it seemed the Archduke would indeauor to procure them, but when it was in manner too late, the whole country beeing readie to reuolt, if they once swarued in the least poynt of seruice concerning their indifferent duties. They had long since complained, and made their great wants and necessities knowne vnto the King, who [ D] by the lawes of nature was bound to heare them, and to defend and protect his sub∣iects: And that if their cries and complaints vnto his Maiestie could not bee heard by reason of the great distance betwixt him and them, nor the imminent dangers and mischiefes, which now threatned them much more then the forepassed, bee preuen∣ted, they should bee forced to take some speedy course therein themselues, and that hauing brought the same to passe, they would yeeld such reasons of their Action vnto his Maiestie (submitting themselues therein to the iudgement of all Christen∣dome, and calling them to witnesse) as no man should haue iust cause to charge them, that they had done more then what nature and necessitie had taught them. The which they had resolued to shew in effect, if they did not hope for some spee∣dy [ E] helpe by this present Assemblie. Hauing deliuered these wordes very eloquent∣ly and plainely, all the Clergie cryed out Amen, saying that it was their whole intent, and that it required a very speedie execution. There was also many Noblemen, as the Prince of Chymay the Dukes Sonne, the Earles of Arem∣bergh, Bossu, Solue, Barlaymont, Ligni and others, who all consented heere∣vnto togither.

Then the Duke of Arschot made further complaint in the behalfe of the Prouin∣ces touching the great burthens which were laid vppon them by strange soldiers: es∣pecially by the Spaniards, who were countenanced and incouraged by the Earle of Fuentes and other strangers, which ought to giue place to the naturall borne subiects [ F] of the country, and follow the councel of the Nobility thereof, who were best acquaih∣ted with the affaires o•…•… the same, or else they would with-draw themselues both frō the Kings and the countries seruice, and regard their owne particuler, with many other

reasons, all tending to a peace with the vnited Prouinces, the which the sayd might [ A] easily be effected, if the forraine soldiars might bee sent away into Turky, thereby free∣ing * 1.100 the vnited Prouince from all suspition, and so they might treat with them as with neighbors, and not as Rebells.

The Archduke Ernestus seeing the Estates to presse him thus vnto a peace, hee let them vnderstand how much hee had labored to reconcile the vnited Prouinces, who would by no meanes harken vnto it, and that he could not proceed any further therein, without some preiudice and blemish to his Maiesties authority and honor: And there∣fore hee desired their aduice in three points. First whether the necessity were so great, as the King must of force doe it. The second if it were fit and conuenient to [ B] offer more vnto the enemy then had beene already offred, as to referre the conditi∣ons of peace vnto their owne discretions. The third whether any other treatie of peace were to bee made, and how that might bee effected. Wherevnto the Estates made a full answere in writing: shewing, that peace was both reasonable, neces∣sarie, honorable and easie to bee concluded: Wherevnto the Archduke (as it seemed) consented, promising to recommend it in such sort, as hee doubted not but the King of Spaine would bee easily perswaded therevnto: And that hee would also mooue the Pope and Emperor therein, who had alreadie demaunded the opinions of diuers learned men (who were well acquainted with the question of the Netherlands) and among the rest of the learned councellor Wesenbeeke, as then remayning in Witten∣bergh) [ C] what they thought thereof, wherein all Christendome seemed to consent and agree, desyring them in the meane time to persist in their accustomed duties and ancient vnitie, vntill that hee receiued an answere from the King concerning the same: but notwithstanding all these good words and faire hopes, the Archduke Ernestus let∣ters sent vnto the King of Spaine in September, beeing intercepted by the vnited Pro∣uinces, contained nothing els, but that there was not any thing to bee done in the Ne∣therlands, but by force and violence. To the like effect were the letters written by Don Guillaume of Saint Clement from the Emperors Court, the which were inter∣cepted: that the rebels should bee brought to that extremitiy, as they must bee for∣ced to seeke and sue for a peace &c. But their resolution pleased not the Archduke, [ D] neuerthelesse his seeming to consent, and his faire promises satisfied the assembly for that time, so as by reason of his death (which followed not long after) all alterations were preuented.

The French King seeing that they of Arthois and Henault did not vouchsafe to * 1.101 make any answere to these his letters, hee caused an Edict to bee proclaimed, made at Paris the seauenteene day of Ianuary, by the which (for the reasons therein con∣tained) hee declared the King of Spaine and the Netherlands vnder his obedience his enemies, denouncing open warre against them. The which hee did also cause to bee proclaimed throughout all the fronter townes of his realme.

According to which the like Edict was proclaimed in Brusselles on the King of Spaines behalfe, against the French King whome hee called Prince of Biarne, and [ E] all his subiects that held his partie, except the Leaguers, the which hee termed the good confederate French Catholikes, whome hee promised and protested to aide, fauor and succor, with all the meanes which almighty GOD had giuen him. And the like hee promiseth vnto all other of the French Nation, bee they townes, com∣monalties * 1.102 or priuate persons, that within two monethes after the sayd publication shall forsake him, and giue sufficient testimony, that they are no enemies to the Ro∣mish, Catholike and Apostolike religion, nor to his Maiesty. This Edict bearing date the seauenth day of March, was in like manner proclaimed throughout all the townes of the Netherlands vnder the Kings obedience. [ F]

The Archduke Ernestus on the 19. day of February had in his owne name made a proclamation and prescribed an order which he would haue obserued to defend him∣selfe against the courses and attempts of the Prince of Bearne, carrying himselfe (sayd hee) for King of France, who had begunne warre: with other pointes how

they should gouerne themselues towardes French leaguers, who had before made * 1.103 [ A] their residence in the sayd Countries, or should hereafter come and remaine there. And herevpon the warres grew hot of either part: The French running daily euen to the ports of Arras and Mons: And they of Arthois to Amiens, Peronne, and farther in∣to Piccardy.

On the seauenth day of that month of February, Cont Philip of Hohenloo, Barron of Langenbergh did marrie (in the castle of Buren) with the Lady Mary of Nassau, daugh∣ter of the deceased Prince of Orange and of the Lady of Egmont, daughter to Maximi∣lian * 1.104 Earle of Buren the which hee had by the Lady of Launoy the onelie heire of the house of Launoy. This marriage had beene in question during the life of the Prince her father, but for certaine reasons it was deferred vnto that day: The general Estates [ B] sent the chiefe of all their deputies to honor this marriage, as well with their persons, as with rich and stately presents worthy the merites and the memorie of the decea∣sed Prince of Orange, and the long and faithfull seruices of the sayd Earle of Ho∣henloo, whereof the many scarres which hee carries on his bodie, of the woundes which hee hath receiued in the Estates seruice, in the life time of the sayd Prince, and vnder Prince Maurice his sonne, to whom he was and is yet Lieutenant, may giue suf∣ficient testimony.

The same Winter the Vicont of Turene, Duke of Bouillon (hauing gotten the title of duke by his precedent wife, who was duchesse of Bouillon and the onely heire of the house of la Marke) married with the Lady Elizabeth of Nassau, second daughter * 1.105 [ C] to the sayd Prince of Orange, which hee had by his third wife the Lady Carlot of Bourbon, the solemnities of which marriage were celebrated in the castle of Sedan, whereas at this day they keepe their Court.

The eight day of February the signior of Herauguiere Gouernor of Breda, hauing with him twelue companies of foote and foureteene cornets of the States horse, sur∣prized the castle and then the towne of Huy in the diocese of Liege, the which is one of the Bishops pallaces, scituated vpon the riuer of Meuse, with a goodly stone bridge ouer the riuer, and within fiue leagues of the towne of Liege. Thirty men did this exploite lying hidden in a house ioyning to the castle, and right against a windoe which they got vnto with ladders made of ropes. Hauing thus wonne the castle, [ D] they seized vpon the towne, whereas the gards thought to make defence, but seeing Herauguiere follow with so great troupes, they laid downe their armes and were content to receiue a garrison into the towne, the which Herauguiere did place there and in the castle likewise, which hee beganne to furnish with all things necessarie, re∣ducing all the neighbour countrie that was subiect to the King of Spaine about Na∣mur and in Brabant to contribution, beeing resolued to hold that place to haue a pas∣sage and a retreate on the other side of the riuer of Meuse. In the meane time, part of the horsemen beeing in garrison in Huy, going forth to seeke their aduenture, neere vnto Momedy they met with seauen cartes laden with Italien Marchandise, as veluet and other sortes of silkes, with gold and siluer lace, appointed for the * 1.106 [ E] towne of Antwerp, the which was all spoiled and the bootie diuided amongst them. And as they of the garrisons of Berghen vp Zoom, Breda, and other places vnder the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 commaund n Brabant, thought to retire home with their bootie, bee∣ing come neere vnto Tillemont, hearing that captaine Grobendonc was vpon the passage and attended them with some certaine horse and foote, they diuided themselues into three •…•…roupes, whereof the one was incountred and defeated. Be∣sides the bootie, Grobendonc tooke about some threescore horses, most of the men beeing slaine.

The one and twenty day of February after a long languishing sicknesse, the Arch∣duke Ernestus died, yonger brother to the Emperor Rodolphus, and sonne to Maximilian [ F] the second, being forty and two yeares old, hauing beene but thirteene monethes. Go∣uernor * 1.107 of the Netherlands for the King of Spaine his vncle, brother in lawe and cou∣sin. Some gaue it out that hee died of verie melancholie and greefe, to see matters goe so against the haire; Frst for the marriage of the Infanta; Secondly for that hee

did see the affaires of the Emperour his Brother, and of all the house of Austria, suc∣ceeded * 1.108 [ A] not well against the Turke: then for that hee found his hope frustrate (bee∣ing a man of a quiet spirit) of a peace and vnion which hee pretended to make in the Netherlands: for that hee sawe himselfe to bee contemned of the Spaniards, who taxed him to bee to heauie for the warres: for that hee had not in three monethes receiued any letters from the King of Spaine, and for that hee see himselfe so vi∣lanously accused of two attempts to murther Prince Maurice, by one Michell Re∣nichon and Peter Du four; whereof (notwithstanding his good disposition and all the excuses hee could make) hee could not purge himselfe from suspition. If it were so that hee were culpable, (as hee was accused by them that were executed for this fact) such as haue well knowne him, say that it was much against his naturall disposition, and seeke to discharge him, saying that Barlaimont and La Motte, had sup∣posed [ B] vnto them that were executed, some personage like vnto him, making them be∣leeue that hee was the Archduke, the which might easily bee done. Whatsoeuer it bee, hee had the reputation to bee a modest and a milde Prince. His death bred no alteration nor change, euery man attending the Kings answere touching the Ar∣ticles of the peace, proiected by him and by the Estates of Arthois and Henault, as wee haue sayd.

This surprize of the towne and castle of Huy, did much trouble Ernestus of Ba∣uaria, Bishoppe of Liege, Prince Elector and Archbishop of Cologne, who com∣plained * 1.109 to the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces, demaunding punishment of [ C] the vndertakers and breakers of the neutralitie and good neighbour-hood betwixt the sayd Estates and countrie of Liege, togither with reparation of domages done by their men.

The Estates answered them at the first, that they held not the place but for a cer∣taine time, and not to doe any wrong to the Inhabitants and subiects of the coun∣trie of Liege, but to serue them for a passage, the which might as well bee graunted * 1.110 vnto them as to their enemies in the townes of Bonne, Berke and diuers other places belonging to the sayd Prince Elector. And as the generall Estates were ve∣rie long (in his opinion) before they could resolue or agree, vpon the restitution and reparation by him required, hee fled for succour to Brusselles, to the Kings coun∣cell, [ D] who presently sent the Earles of Fuentes and Barlaymont with the Lord of La Motte, who besieged the towne, and tooke it by an assault the thirteenth day of March with great slaughter of them of the garrison, whereof some saued themselues in the castle the which the Bishoppe caused instantly to bee battred in the mynes, where∣with Herauguiere beeing terrefied, expecting no succors, hee yeelded vp the place, go∣ing himself forth with one horse, and the soldiars with their rapiers and daggers, and as much baggage as they could beare.

About that time Prince Maurice went in person to an enterprise vpon the towne * 1.111 of Bruges in Flanders, but by reason of the darkenesse of the night the way beeing very long from their landing, the troupes beeing straied out of the way, and the Princes [ E] guide hauing lost his course, they were forced with great labour and toyle to returne without any effect.

In the same moneth of March George Euerard Earle of Solms, Lieutenant to Prince Maurice in Zeeland and Collonel of the Regiment of Zeelanders, Gouernor of Hulst in Flanders, married at th•…•… Hage in Holland, the Ladie Sabina of Egmont, Daughter to Cont Amoral of Egmont Prince of Gaure and of Steenhuysen, and of the Ladie Sabina of Bauaria Palatin of Rhine. The generall Estates did honour the solmenyzing of this marriage with their Deputies, and did gratefie them with rich and stately presentes, in requitall of the seruices which the Earle of Solms had done them, and did them dailie, as also for the alliance which hee hath with the [ F] house of Nassau.

The eight and twenty day of March the riuer of Meuse did swell and rise so high, as about nine of the clocke at night the bankes were carried away neere vnto Gor∣richom; and that quarter of Papendrecht was wholie drowned. The towne

of Schoon-houen did suffer much by this inundation, the which had carried away * 1.112 [ A] the walles, (the towne being full of water,) if they had not broken a dike a little higher to giue free passage to the violence of the streame, by which meanes Schoone-houen was freed, but not without great losse and hurt of that which the water had spoyled in Caues and otherwise.

They of Dordrect which is the first towne in Holland, after the example of Am∣sterdam and other townes of Holland and Zeeland, hauing long before designed to make their towne greater, towardes that land which they had recouered from the water, they beganne the foure and twentie day of Iulie to lay their plot, and to begin their first worke, the which beeing finished wil be a great beautie and commoditie to the sayd towne. [ B]

Prince Maurice beeing camped with the Estates army before the towne of Groll in the countrie of Oueryssel, the Councell of Spaine at Brusselles, (to hinder this designe,) sent Mondragon with some troupes, with an intent to make him dislodge from thence, or to doe some affront to his campe. The Estates being aduer∣tised of his comming, (to whom they had made the Spanish forces greater then they were) fearing that the Prince with his small army should bee ingaged, they were of opinion not to hazard his person and his whole campe, for such a paltrie place, but that hee should retire from thence vnder the towne of Zutphen. Mondragon seeing hee could get no aduantage of him, and thinking that hee had wonne honour ynough to drawe him from that place, and made his campe frutlesse for that yeare, (which was declyning) hee made his retreat to go and passe the riuer of Rhine at Berck aboue We∣sel: [ C] but the Prince beeing better informed of his forces, and in what estate his armie * 1.113 was, meaning to giue him a Camisado before his retreat, persued him with his troupes beyond the riuer of Lippe.

The second day of September Cont Philip of Nassau a valiant Nobleman and ex∣ceeding resolute, was sent by the Prince (his cousin) to viewe the Spaniardes campe: vpon the way hee incountred two of the enemies cornets of horse, the which hee de∣feated, although the Prince had commaunded him not to fight vntill that hee were come to him with the bodie of his army. Some of these horsemen that were defea∣ted, escaped, and gaue the alarum to their whole campe: wherevpon Mondragon [ D] flies to their rescue: the Earle (although hee had meanes to make an honest re∣treate, and so for to ioyne with the Prince who was not farre of) with the young Earle of Solms his cousin (a Nobleman of great hope) would not giue backe: but made it good against all the force of the Spaniard, after they had fought well and * 1.114 endured their enemies long, in the end they were both ouerthrowne, sore hurt, and taken prisoners: they were carried to Bercke, whereas within verie fewe daies after they died. Mondragon intreating them and vsing the best manner and order hee could, causing them to bee carefully drest, and sending the Princes owne Sur∣gians vnto them, and beeing dead hee sent their bodies honorablie to Wesel. Cont Ernestus of Nassau Brother to Cont Philippe (of whom the Estates and the Prince [ E] his Cousin hoped for great matters in time to come) was also prisoner. This was a pettie battaile of young and hot blouds, who prooued but bad Marchants that got nothing.

The Princes army beeing some-what amazed at this route, it was nor thought con∣uenient wilfully to pursue a victorious enemie, although it were a deere victorie for him, hauing lost three men for one. Thus Mondragon past his armie, the which hee safely conducted home into Brabant, and the Prince turning head againe, was aduised by the Estates to send two thousand men to serue vnder the French King.

In this yeare of our Lord 1595. there fell a great quarrell betwixt Edsard * 1.115 [ F] the third Earle of East-Friseland (since it was reduced vnto an Earledome, and fell into his house) and the towne of Emden, which is verie famous, of great trafficke, and one of the Hans and Imperiall townes. This quarrell had his beginning and first motiue in the life time of Cont Iohn Brother to this Earle

Edsard, a peaceable man, zealous to the reformed religion, and a great protector [ A] of the priuiledges of the towne of Emden and of the whole countrie: VVhereas on * 1.116 the other side Edsard prouoked by his wife (who was daughter to the King of Sueden) and would gladly haue commanded like a Queene in that towne (notwithstanding their Imperiall priuiledges) sought to change the Estate of religion, according vn∣to the confession of Ausbourg, with the constitutions and customes of the said towne, as well in matters of pollicy, as Church gouernement, euen vnto the distribution of the publike almes, and other deedes of charitie, the which the Earle would haue depend vppon his sole authority. Against the which the Magistrates and Burgers opposed them-selues constantly, and their heart-burning grew so great on either side, as they fell to armes. But as the Earle (who had his Castle within the said [ B] towne demanteled) feared some bad euent of this warre, their controuersie was re∣ferred (by a mutuall consent) to the arbitrement of the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces of the Netherlands: who sent their Deputies to heare both parties in their fort of Delfziel, lying vppon the Dollart and the Riuer of Ems, two Leagues from Emden, to reconcile them and decide their quarrels as they did by arbitra∣rie sentence, the which was very well accepted, both of the one and the other. But afterwards it was reiected by the Earle, so as they of the Towne were for∣ced to haue some recourse vnto the Emperour, and to the Imperiall Chamber, where they obteyned a definitiue sentence, according to their desires, as you shal here∣after here. [ C]

The towne of Ham except the Castle, in the country of Vermandois, and that of La Fere, were then (hauing beene before deliuered vnto the Spaniards by the Leaguers) in the King of Spaines power. The French King had at that time his Armie lying before La Fere (the which was a campe ill gouerned and tedious, al∣though the King were there him-selfe in person) the Earle of Saint Pol and the Lord of Humieres hearing that the Seignior of Gomeron Gouernour of the Castle of Ham, was at Brusselles, and had agreed to deliuer the said Castle vnto the Spa∣niards for a certaine summe of money, and that he had sent word vnto the Seignior of Deruillers his Brother in law and to his wife to yeeld it vp.

The said Deruillers refuzing to doe it, made a contrary accord with the Earle of [ D] Saint Pol and Humieres to giue them passage by the castle to winne the towne vppon condition (as the said Gomeron had ingaged him-selfe for the deliuerie of the sayd castle) that hee should haue the chiefe prisoners of the Spaniards that were in the * 1.117 same towne deliuered him to redeeme his Brother in law. The Duke of Bouillon and the aboue-named two Noblemen beeing entred with good troopes into the castle the twentith day of Iune, they of the towne were presently aduertised thereof, who intrencht them-selues against the castle, so as they must needes attempt it by force.

The French Kings men hauing beene twise repulst, dispayred in a manner to become maisters thereof, if the Duke of Bouillon and the Lord of Humieres had not assured and incouraged them to continue, so as after twelue houres fight and [ E] more, they entred the towne with the losse of the Lord of Humieres; who was slaine there, of Captaine la Croix, with some twenty Gentlemen and about sixe score soldi∣ers, where there were s•…•…aine aboue seauen hundred Spaniards, Italiens, French Lea∣guers and Germaines, the rest were taken prisoners, among the which were the Col∣lonell of the Neapolitans, the Collonel of the Germaines, and Marcello Caracio, for whome the Seignior of Gomeron was redeemed. The King did much lament the death of the Lord of Humieres his Lieutenant in Picardie, a braue and valiant Knight, who had done him faithful seruice.

The Earle of Fuentes a Spaniard, being then Gouernor by prouision of the Nether∣lands [ F] for the King of Spaine, (expecting the comming of the Cardinall Albert of Aus tria the Emperors Brother) had then sent the Prince of Chymay, now Duke of Arschot and of Croy, to beseege the towne of Chastelet in the same countrie of Vermandois, whilest that he himselfe was with the bodie of his Armie before Cambray. Mons de la

Grange was within Chastelet with 600. soldiars, where he defended him-selfe valiantly * 1.118 [ A] but after that he had endured many assaults, hee was forced to yeeld it vp, hauing an honorable composition: And by this meanes the Earle of Fuentes did presse Cambray the more.

Chastelet being thus wonne, the Earle of Fuentes went to beseege the towne and Castle of Dourlans, a small towne, but well seated vpon the riuer of Anthy: Valentine de par dieu, Seignior of la Motte, gouernor of graueling, General of the Artillery for the * 1.119 King of Spaine, (being neere vnto the Artillery to prepare the battery) was shot into the head from the towne, whereof he dyed soone after, and was carried to be buried at Saint Omer: making an end of so many warres, and so great seruices which he had done vnto the King of Spaine, being now growne very old; not long before he had purcha∣sed [ B] of a French Nobleman, the Lordship of Eckelbeke, (a goodly thing) in Flanders, which the King of Spaine erected to an Earledome in recompence of his loyall serui∣ces, and so he died in the bed of honor, and was buried with the title of an earle. He was a French man borne, a gentleman in the beginning of very smalle meanes, both his * 1.120 father and he (being young) came to serue the Emperor, at the Campe before Teroan∣ne, at the first hee was entertaynd by the Lord of Bignicourt, a Knight the of order, where hee had his first aduancement in quality of a Squier to the said Nobleman: vn∣till * 1.121 he was captaine, then in the beginning of the troubles, besides his company, he was Sargent Maior of the Earle of Reux his Regiment, during which time he commit∣ted great cruelties in Flanders, against them of the religion. Then he went to be Lieu∣tenant [ C] to the Siegnor of Croissoniere gouernor of Graueling, after whose death (being slaine before Harlem) he succeded in the said gouernment and continued vntil his death and had afterwards great charges (as well in the seruice of the generall Estates, during their generall vnion (as of the King of Spaine, to whome he did neuer any bad seruice, what shew soeuer he made) as of Collonel, generall of the Artillery, Marshall of the campe cheefe and conductor of diuers honorable exployts and enterprises, the which for the most part succeded happely, with other titles and degrees of honor, in the which he gathered together great welth. He died without children although hee had one daughter by his first wife, the which died being redie to marry. He had to his second wife the daughter of the Lord of Croix, of the house of Noyelle of Arthois. He was [ D] one of the most pollitike (although hee were vnlearned) and subtill Captaines of his time.

Mounsier de Villars gouernor of Rouen and Newe-hauen, being come with certaine troupes of horse and foote to releeue the beseeged within Dourlans, was incountred and charged by the Earle of Fuentes men, and put to rout, many of his men were * 1.122 slaine, he himselfe being ouerthrowne from his horse, was taken prisoner, hauing his leg broken, afterwards the Spaniards stabd him with their daggers in cold bloud for that hee had forsaken the league and reconciled him-selfe to the King. Dourlans being in this sort beseeged by the Spaniards and the Castell furiously battered, the forts betwixt the towne and the Castell wonne, and by the blowing vp of a mine, a [ E] small breach made: the beseeged (who thought of nothing lesse then an assault) holding the breach not assaltable, yet the Earle of Fuentes caused a furious assault to bee giuen, with such a multitude, as the soldiars thrust one another forward with their shoulders to make them enter the breach, such as it was, the which they ha∣uing * 1.123 forced, at a confused cry of victoria, victoria, the beseeged grew amazed and abandoned this breach, euery one beginning to fly and to saue himselfe as he could. And so the towne was taken at this assault the last day of Iune, whereas the slaugh∣ter was very great, but their insolency against wiues and virgins exceeded all mea∣sure. It is a strange thing that a thousand fiue hundred men which were within it among the which there were so many bragging Gentlemen and of the Nobility, [ F] could not repell such an assault, at so insufficient a breach, but it seemed that GOD would purge France of these Lees of the league, who had but for faction sake recon∣ciled them-selues vnto the King.

About that time the Earle of Fuentes (vnder coullor to punish a certaine mutinie * 1.124 [ A] made of purpose by the Germaines, who were in garrison in the towne of Brusselles) thought to draw two thousand Spaniards into the towne, the which the Burgers discouering preuented. So as for spight (beeing in like manner kept out of Macklyn and Vittevorde) they fell vppon the Champian country of Brabant, who by this meanes were more afflicted by their owne men, then by their enemies: besides the dearth was generally very great: which made the poore commons to weepe and to la∣ment their miseries, yet knew they not to whome to flie for remedie to relieue their wants.

For which consideration, the Estates both of the Clergie and the Secular, of those Prouinces which remained vnder the King of Spaines obedience, but especially the Nobilitie, were moued of them-selues to seeke some meanes of peace, and after diuers [ B] conferences togither, hauing receiued pasport from the Estates of the vnited Pro∣uinces, to send their Deputies into Zealand to the said Estates, and to Prince Mau∣rice. * 1.125 They deputed the Seignior of Lyesvell sometimes Chancellor of Brabant, in the Duke of Anious time, with Hartius and Maes Lawiers, with a Secretarie of the Duke of Arschot. The which on the fourteenth of Aprill came into Zealand, where they conferred with Prince Maurice, being accompanied by Iames Valck Treso∣rer general, and Christopher Roels Pentioner of the Countie of Zealand, requiring that they might bee admitted to propound some way of an Accord betwixt the King of Spaine and his reconciled Estates, with the sayd Prince and the confederate Estates [ C] of the vnited Prouinces.

Where-vppon the Prince made answer, that the generall Estates confederate, had no intent to treat but with the said Estates of the reconciled Prouinces, and not * 1.126 with the King of Spaine, against whome (as their mortall enemie) they were allied with other neighbour Princes, who were also his enemies, and that they had long since abiured him: Wherefore they held him so irreconcilably offended, as they knew well hee could neuer forget the wrong, which hee holds hath beene therein done him. But that vppon the first opportunitie hee would be reuenged, building vpon the Canon of the Councel of Constance: Cum hereticis non est seruanda fides. But if the Estates vnder the King, would faithfully and sincerely, enter into any con∣ference [ D] of peace: that the sayd confederate Estates of the vnited Prouinces were content to conuert their wars into peace and friendship, therewith sending their re∣solution in writing, conteyning foure Articles, which they must resolue vpon, before they would begin to enter into treaty with them, which were.

1 First, that they should cause all strangers and soldiers to depart out of the coun∣trie, and to reduce them-selues into an absolute freedome, whereby they might treat of a peace without the King, and that the Deputies and Estates of the said Prouinces * 1.127 which should treat of a peace, should be appointed by them without the King, with whome the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces would then treat, as desiring no∣thing more then to see those long and bloudy wars conuerted into an assured and firme [ E] peace vpon good and tollerable conditions.

2 Secondly that nothing should be altered nor changed in religion, but it should be referred to the discretion of the Estates of each Prouince: and that no man else should deale therein.

3 That the Prouinces which were willing to treat of a peace with the vnited Pro∣uinces, among other conditions must be content to enter into treaty with the French King and the Queene of England, and to vndergoe all the charges of the whole body of the generall Estates, all the debts where-into the vnited Prouinces are falne, for the defence of their liberties against the Spaniards and other strangers.

4 Lastly that peace beeing made vppon those and other conditions, the said vnited [ F] Prouinces offered all their power, and meanes to helpe to maintaine the other Prouin∣ces in their liberties and freedomes, and to oppose them-selues against all that should seeke to molest, wrong or dismember them.

In this case the sayd Ambassadours had no other commission, but to moue

a treaty of peace, betwixt the King and his Estates on the one part, and the vnited pro∣uinces * 1.128 [ A] on the other, so as the question betweene them now was whether the king should be comprehended therein or not, where-vpon the Ambassadors returned againe spee∣dely, and made report what had beene propounded, the which was sent into Spaine with the opinion of the said Ambassadors.

The Articles of the confederate Estates were by some (which held the King of Spaines party) very ill taken, and by others (which desired a peace) in some sort tollera∣ted saying, that they were not altogether voyd of reason, and that by a good confe∣rence they might be easely moderated. And therefore considering the quality of the time which prest them, and the pouerty and lamentations of the people, they should not let slippe so good occasions without treating: and if they did absolutly reiect the [ B] said conference of peace, it was to be feared that the vnited Prouinces would make stron∣ger and firmer alliances with their neighbours, whereby they should be frustrate of all hope, euer to attaine vnto it. Seeing that the Estates of the said vnited Prouinces, by reason of their waters and riuers together with their infinite number of shippes, with the which they did sayle into all the partes of the world, had better meanes to main∣taine them-selues then they had, who haue no hauens nor shippes to compare, beeing also enuironed by three mighty enemies, the French King, the Queene of England, and the said confederat Estates: who had no more to doe but to defend their fronters with small garrisons. Moreouer they said, that the King of Spaine needed not to doubt, that his Estates and Nobility, (which were so much bound and affected vnto him) would by the said conference conclude or yeeld to anything, that should bee con∣trary [ C] to his honor, greatnes and authority. And if it should be so, that the King for the good of his people, and preseruation of his countries, should make no difficulty to yeeld a little.

And the rather for that by the said Articles, the confederats did not demand that the reconciled Prouinces should change their Princes, Estate, Gouernment or relligion. And that of all which should bee concluded by the said conference, the confederate * 1.129 Estates should more trust the reconcyled, then the King, by reason of their distrust and feare of his power, and desire of reuenge, the which they needed not to feare in them. Besides that by this treaty of peace, they should much weaken their enemies, [ D] there being some hope that the French King and the Queene of England would con∣sequently become their friends, who demand nothing more then the retreat of the Spaniards, and of all strange soldiars, their naturall enemies: the which being retired, they shall no more haue any such great occasion of warre: for assurance of whose re∣treat, they might giue good hostage; where-vnto the Earle of Fuentes did willingly of∣fer himselfe, retaining the kings authority.

Where-vpon such as were Spaniards in heart, and who preferred the Kings affaiers before al other things would in like manner haue his honor, greatnesse, authority, repu∣tation and generally his rights and prerogatiues preferred and be first obserued: and that they should rather force the confederats to reconcile them-selues vnto his maiesty, [ E] their naturall Prince: who notwithstanding so many wrongs and indignities which he had receiued from the said confederats, was yet ready to treat mildely and sincerely with them: for the which they should intreat, and sue vnto his Maiesty: wherefore it was more then necessary, that his Authority should be interposed, as a principall party, whome it did cheefely concerne. Otherwise that in excluding the king from the said conference and treaty, they giue him occasion to make warre against themselues, be∣ing not qualified nor authorized from his Maiestie. And that the confederate re∣bells, nor all their actions nor doings had not deserued so great honor, nor hee so small respect.

Besides it did not belong to them to prescribe conditions to their Soueraigne (that [ F] by treating onely with the Estates) to exclude him vnder collour of their doubts and distrusts: and that their heresies and rebellions were the true causes and grounds for the which they would not acknowledg the King their naturall Prince, neither

will they euer acknowledge him with a good heart, whatsoeuer is done to them. * 1.130 [ A] Wherefore if they would not comprehend the King in their treaty, that it could not passe without to great preiudice to his greatnesse, and to their dutie of obedience and fidelitie, by the which they are bound vnto him. The which ought not to bee tolle∣rated, that his authoritie should depend vpon his vassalls and subiects, which were re∣bells and heretikes.

Thus spake they which from the beginning of the troubles in the yeare of our Lord 1566. would neuer heare the other partie and who inricht themselues by the ciuill warres, at the charge, and with the sweat and bloud of the poore commons: speaking in this sort directly against the opinion of all good and well affected countriemen: to whome these violent courses (for thirtie yeares past) could not bee pleasing. All these allegations of either side, betwixt the reconciled Estates, the good countriemen, and [ B] them that were Spanish, were not to aduance any great matter in the treatie of peace, (so much desired by the Commons, the Nobilitie and the Clergie as indeed it tooke no effect). But to entertaine the people, and to keepe them in obedience, they made them beleeue that great Princes should deale in it, hauing once receiued the Kings answere, vpon the sayd Articles. And on the other side the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces made a manifest declaration, that it was not their fault they en∣tred not into conference of an accord: but the Spaniardes, and of their councell, who did sticke more vpon that which they sayd depended of the Kings authoritie, then of the preseruation of the common-weale, and the good of neighbour Princes, [ C] which they regard least: hauing no other sound in their mouthes, but that, Our King is mightie &c.

About this time there was a letter dispersed abroad and in many mens hands, some * 1.131 said it was written by that learned Scholler Iustus Lipsius, who beeing desired by cer∣taine councellors to deliuer his opinion whether it were better to haue warre then peace, made answere bearing date the third of Ianuary in the yeare of our Lord 1595.

Saying, that the King had three seuerall enemies: the French, the English and the v∣nited Prouinces, two of them were forraine, and the third a domesticall enemie, ra∣ther to bee tearmed a rebell then a right enemie; for the first two, if the house of Aus∣tria stood not in feare of the inhumaine and barbarous Turkes, the King might easi∣ly [ D] bridle them, proceeding in his warre with good discipline, imploying his treasure well, and aduancing men of merrit to places of commaund, but in regard that the Turke threatned Christendome, it was to bee considered whether it were better to make a peace with these two forraine enemies, or with either of them, seeing that the Hollanders were in a manner out of heart, hauing both the French and English to their aide; what then were to bee expected from them, if wee made peace with one of these forraine enemies, as namelie with the Queene of Eng∣land, who hath in her handes the two strong entries of Zeeland and Holland? beeing of an opinion that shee would not stand verie much against a peace, both in regard that shee was a woman, as also for that her treasure was well spent and [ E] exhausted, hauing but a small meanes, and for that the warres were maintay∣ned against the common peoples mindes, who desired nothing but trafficke and freedome.

The cause why shee entertained these warres, was more for feare then for any great hatred: the greatnesse and power of the King, and the valour and dexteritie of the Spaniards for these three-score yeares had beene fearefull to all neighbour Prin∣ces. Wherefore to bridle that great power, and to free her from feare, making no shew of any ambition she would dissolue this vnion, for deeds and not wordes exalt kingdomes.

The like was also to bee hoped of the French King, who verie secretlie and [ F] seriously seekes for peace, in regard that his Kingdome is newe, his Estate yet vn∣certaine, and the chiefest of his Nobilitie factious; all which considerations per∣swade him to make a peace; as also his treasure beeing wholie wasted and spent, beeing supported by strangers, both secretly and openly. But whether the King of

Spaine would desire to make a peace with him or noe, he knew not but to make a truce * 1.132 [ A] with him, or surceance of armes for a time, could not be preiudiciall (reseruing all titles and lawfull pretences) for what security were there to be expected where the succes∣sor and succession is vncertaine? wherefore hauing the French King of the one side, who will not enterprise much if hee be not vrged, wee might easely deale with the English. Touching the vnited Prouinces, that warre would bee most preiudiciall, and without hope of any great gaine; for they had good orders and discipline among them; they had a certaine reason, the best townes, and good soldiars, who were much incorraged by fresh and late victories, and their gouernment and vnion was hard to be broken, as long as the warre, feare and suspition endured; wherefore we must haue a small peace, or an abstinence from war for a time, The Hollanders being more couetous then ambi∣tious, [ B] and alwaies in such a warre, any little peace or truce is a furtherance to Princes, who can take fishes with golden nets. The Maiestie of Princes is of great force to draw mens hearts, when there be any probable reasons to moue them, men should vndermine their enemies, especially in their popular gouernment, sowing diuision amongthem who now through feare are so firmely vnited and hauing a surceance from armes by means of a truce, we might be able to effect many secret practises. And for an example of the like nature, Sextus Pompeius in the warre he made against Augustus Caesar, hold∣ding Sicilia and Sardinia, he brought all Italie into extreme want and misery, who by a short peace procured his owne ruine: where it was concluded betwixt them that all such as had fled away, might returne home againe, and that the soldiars should be dis∣charged and sent away, whereby Menas Pompeis chiefe Captaine was secretly cor∣rupted [ C] with guifts, and then it appeered, that that shalloe witted captaine Pompeie, who not long before was held another Neptune, commanding both sea and land, was forced to fly in a small shippe, and to yeeld his necke vnto his enemies sword, and so within lesse then a yeare that great warre was ended: This hee held to bee the best course, finding that warre was the cause of all corruptions and miseries, and was able to bring the mightest kingdomes to ruine.

At this time the better to satisfie the common people a rumor was spred abroad that the Princely Cardinall Albertus should come to gouerne the Netherlands, and * 1.133 [ D] succeed his brother Ernestus, and to make him the more acceptable and pleasing vnto the people, many Esterlings and Netherland ships (which had beene stayed in Spaine, to go as men of warre, to meete with the Indian fleet which was then to come home) were discharged in diuers hauens, and set at liberty: And in Siuille the Duke of Medi∣na Sidonia tould the marchants, and saylers of these shippes, that the King had expres∣ly commanded it should be done, being moued there-vnto by the Cardinall of Austria, and that from henceforth all the Netherlands shippes might freely come into Spaine and passe away againe, to the which end all men that would desire it should haue pas∣ports graunted them, hoping that in time they would be more mindfull of the Kings gratious fauors, and submit them-selues vnder their naturall soueraigne Prince. And [ E] to the end the vnited Prouinces should be the better perswaded of the Kings loue and fauor towards them, he set Phillip of Nassau (who is now Prince of Orange and Earle of Buren, who had beene long restrayned of his liberty in Spaine (free and at liberty, but as it is thought at the instance of the Prince of Spaine, and the Cardinall aforesaid, that he might goe with him into the Netherlands.

After the taking of Chastelet and Dourlans, as we haue said, the earle of Fuentes mea∣ning to be spoken of and to make his authority eminent during the time of his proui∣sonall gouernment, limited vntill the comming of the cardinall Albert of Austria, and * 1.134 to returne with some honor out of the Netherlands into Spaine, vnder-tooke a greater action then any gouernor before him had euer done: which was to beseege [ F] the towne and Cittadell of Cambray: the which (although it were an Imperiall towne) did acknowledge the French King for their Prince, vnder the gouernement of the Lord of Balaigny bastard to Iohn of Monluc Bishoppe of Valence. In this seege (during, the which there entred into the towne, but very late, (the hearts of the Bourgers being

lost) the Duke of Rothel, sonne to Lewis of Gonsague Duke of Neuers, brother * 1.135 [ A] to the Duke of Mantua, with the Lord of Vyck, (a braue and wise Caualier) the Earle of Fuentes wrought so by batterie and myne (hauing many of his factions in the towne among the Clergie) as the Burgers beeing wonderfully incensed for the indignities which Balagny had done them, and for the insolencies and oppressions of his soldiers, not able to indure any longer, on the second of October after they had wonne the Suisses that were in garrison within the towne, to be at their deuotion, and not to hinder their treatie with the Earle of Fuentes, hauing no hope of succors, they yeelded vp the towne by composition, and vppon certaine conditions among * 1.136 others, that they should haue none but Wallons in garrison (remembring still how badly they had beene intreated by the Spaniards, beeing there in garrison in the [ B] yeare 1558.) but this promise was not long kept, but they were since in farre worse estate then in Balaignies time. The French garrison which was within the * 1.137 towne (seeing the Swissers agreed with the Burgers to treat of the yeelding vp of the towne) retired into the Cittadell to Balaigny: where at the first they made shew to defend them-selues, but hauing beene summoned once or twise vppon promise of a good composition if they yeelded, and threates if they should long contend (which accord Fuentes sayd hee would make in fauor of the Duke of Rothel and of the Duke his father) it did so tereifie Balaigny, as on the seauenth of October, hee deliuered the Cittadell into the Earle of Fuentes hands, in the name of the King of Spaine. [ C]

About September this yeare the Gouernor of Breda had an enterprize vppon Lire in Brabant two Leagues from Antwerp, with certaine troopes of horse and * 1.138 foote: which towne hee surprized by Scaladoe, hauing put the Sentinell and the Court of gard to the sword, and breaking open one of the Ports about fiue of the clocke in the morning, hee drew in his horsemen and the rest of his foote. Against whom Alonso de luna Gouernor of the towne made some resistance in the Market place, and at the towne-house; but finding him-selfe to weake, he retired ouer one of the Ports with his men, resoluing to make it good, vntill hee had some succors from Ant∣werp, whether he had sent with all speed: the which arriued the same day by the same Port, whilest that Herauguieres men (who should haue laboured to dislodge them and [ D] pursued their victory) were most buisie to rob and spoile: and hee not able to rallie them in time, being dispersed here and there, he resolued to saue himselfe, with as many of his men as he could. Thus the spoilers were spoiled and defeated, after that they had beene maisters of the towne aboue eight houres, not caring to winne the said port, and yet Herauguiere did cry out, importune, threaten, and strike. There were aboue 500. of them slaine, besides prisoners, and the losse of horses. This should serue as an exam∣ple for all other vndertakers.

Cardinall Albertus being vpon the way towards the Netherlands, and bringing with him Phillip of Nassau, Prince of Orange and Earle of Buren: the Estates of the Vnited Prouinces being aduertised thereof, they wrot a letter vnto the Prince, bearing date the 22. of December 1595 as followeth. [ E]

My Lord, it was no small ioy and contentment vnto vs all to heare of your deliuerie * 1.139 from so long and vndeserued imprisonment, as well in remembrance of the great serui∣ces which this Estate hath receiued from my Lord the Prince of Orange your father of famous memory as in regard of the murther which was committed vpon his person, which considerations do continually bind vs to loue and affect all such, as haue the ho∣nour to belong vnto him, especially your Lordship, who haue so pittifully spent not on∣ly your youth, but euen the best time of your life in the tedious and melancholy prison, the which you could not beare without great griefe for the death of your honourable father, the which was procured as vniustly as your imprisonment: & yet your Lordship [ F] hath therein shewed great constancy, as the necessity of the time & cause required: in regard wherof we thought fit to congratulate your liberty: but my Lord as we are infor∣med the enemie pretēds to effect great disseigns by this action of your honors deliue∣ry, to the great preiudice of this Estate: & for that it wil be no smal griefe & discontent

vnto vs, to haue any cause to alter and withdraw that entire loue and affection which * 1.140 [ A] we beare vnto you (although we do confidently beleeue, that your Lordship wil neuer be made an Instrument for the Spaniards, to vndermine and ouerthrow our freedome, built vp with such great care, dilligence and wisdome, by your honourable Father the Prince of Orange, who for the maintenance and defence thereof was so cruelly mur∣thered; and thereby to blemish that worthie memory, which is euerlastingly to be had of him.) For which cause they haue thought good to intreat you, that if your Lordship should haue any desire to come into these Prouinces, that it would please you to stay your iourney for a while, vntill a more fit and conuenient time, whereof we will ad∣uertise your honor, & send you to that end fit assurance according to the orders which we haue set downe all along our frontiers, not suffering any one to enter into these our [ B] vnited Prouinces, without our pasport. And so assuring our selues that your Lord∣ship will take this aduertisement in good part, we will here-with end, beseeching GOD * 1.141 to send your honor long life and happy daies.

This letter being deliuered to the Prince comming to Luxembourg, he made answer there-vnto, bearing date the first of February, as followeth.

My good Lords, I thanke you most hartily, for the contentment you receiue by my libertie, and for the good remembrance you haue of me, as appeareth by your letters. * 2.1 And although vntill this time I haue not beene allowed to make my loue knowne vnto you, who haue alwaies so well deserued; yet I hope by this good occasion of my deliue∣ry, to shew you such effects to your good likings and contents, as you shall haue no [ C] cause to complaine or bee discontented there-with. And when-soeuer any occasion shall be offered, whereby I may let you know how much I desire to do you seruice (as he that affecteth nothing more in this world, then to see his poore oppressed countrie restored to her ancient florishing Estate) I will not vndertake any thing but with your good likings, and to your content. And I hope that you for your parts will not refuse any dutie and seruice, that may helpe to settle a peace, & make an end of so great troub∣les and miseries, to the generall good of all these Prouinces, which God graunt may succeed for this seruice, and giue you my Lords the full fruition of all your good desires, recommending my selfe most earnestly vnto you all. From Luxembourg. Signed.

[ D]

Philippe William of Nassau.

The Executors of his fathers testament vppon the last day of December against his comming, sent him ten thousand gilders in ready money, as part of his owne goods: * 2.2 and in October after, at the said princes instance, by meanes of intercessors, it was con∣cluded that there should bee a meeting in the Duchie of Cleues, betweene him and his own sister by the mothers side, now Countesse of Hohenlo, where they did salute & vi∣sit each other, conferring about their patrimoniall goods; where she had licence to send him tapistry, hangings, and other houshold stuffe, making great shewes of loue & friend∣ship one vnto an other. The generall Estates sent Mounsier Hessels one of the Councel [ E] vnto him to congratulate his comming, and to let him vnderstand what order had bin taken about their reuenues in Breda, least he should haue some false reports made con∣cerning the same.

ALBERTVS CARDINALL OF AVS∣tria, * 2.3 Lieutenant and Captaine generall for the King of Spaine in the Netherlands.

[illustration]

ALBERTVS. D. G. ARCHIDVX AVSTRIAE. BELG PROVIN: GVBERNATOR.

Fifth brother of the house Imperiall Of Austria was I borne, and seeing fate Fail'd •…•…ne, in lands and meanes proportionate To my great birth, became a Cardinall But my great Cousin hauing euermore From my greene yeares accepted my aduise In points of statisme; by his Kingly choyce Grac'd me with place of chiefe Inquisitor. And thinking none of all his linage bore Perfection fitting such a match of price As Isabel, chose me, but first of all Stil'd me these lands Lieuténant generall.

THE Cardinall Albertus of Austria (long attended with great deuo∣tion [ A] in the Netherlands, by the King of Spaines subiects, all belee∣uing * 2.4 that hee would bring a good peace, and an assured reconciliati∣on with the vnited Prouinces) arriued at Brusselles the eleauenth of February, bringing with him Philip of Nassau Prince of Orange elder brother to Prince Maurice, hauing beene kept as it were in a prison at large in Spaine since the yeare of our Lord 1569. where hee was receiued with great pompe, euery man casting his eies vpon him as vpon the author of the countries quiet. But contrary wise (insteed of propounding some meanes of vnion and peace, at his first [ B] arriuall, as his brother Ernestus had done) hee was no sooner acknowledged for Go∣uernor, but hee prepared to make warre both against the French and the vnited Estates. And for his first beginning hee would attempt an exploit long before proiected by Valentin De par Dieu signior of La Motte, Gouernor of Graueling: the which the Earle of Fuentes (not content with his victories of Chastelet, Dourlans and Cambray) would willingly himselfe haue put in execution in his time: but it was reserued for the first fruites of honor which the Cardinall should get in the Netherlands at his ar∣riuall, which was the taking of the towne of Calais, a sea port of great importance, which the French recouered from the English in the yeare 1558. the which hee went * 2.5 and besieged: whereas the signior of Vysdossein Nephew to Mounsier Gourdan was Go∣uernor, who had commanded there since it was conquered by the French, vntill his [ C] death, and then his Nephew succeeded him. There was but a small garrison both in the towne and castle: although the Gouernor were well aduertised, that all their pre∣paration was against that place, yet was hee so vnfortunate and indiscreet, as hee would neither fortefie himselfe with men, nor make any prouision for a seege. Yea the gene∣rall Estates and Prince Maurice sending him some succors, hee would receiue but two companies, which were those of captaine Dominique and of Gron, who had not the cre∣dit to enter into the towne at the first, and much lesse into the castle, but they were put into a poore ruined sort at the head of the hauen, called Richbanc (the which had beene a stately •…•…ort built by the English and ruined at the conquest of the French, the [ D] which Gourdan nor his Nephew Vysdossein neuer tooke any care to repaire, as it was requisit, considering the importance of the place where it was seated) and some part of them in the suburbes along the hauen, and before the port which they call Cour∣guet, the which was nothing fortefied: where as the Cardinall made his first attempt, so as those two companies were chased from thence, after they had fought valiant∣ly, there was captaine Gron slaine, the rest retired fighting into the towne, whereas * 2.6 they had small assistance and credit giuen them by the Inhabitants. As the Cardi∣nall wanted no inteligence nor fauorers within the towne, the inhabitants were ea∣sily perswaded to yeeld it vp by composition, which was, that euery one should re∣maine quietly in the possession of his house and goods. Vysdossein neuer made any of∣fer [ E] to hinder this composition nor the yeelding of the towne, neither did hee inter∣pose his authoritie, nor doe any endeauor to suppresse the first authors of this trea∣tie with the Spaniard. Where with the French King beeing much incensed, sent th•…•… signior of Champanolles who (notwithstanding that the towne was straightly be∣sieged * 2.7 round about) entred into the castle behinde, with some hundred men. Where beeing entred, hee sought to order all things, and with the Estates souldiars (the which at the yeelding of the towne, had retired thether) and those which were of the ordinarie garrison, hauing incouraged the signior of Vysdossein, and could him how highly the King was displeased for so yeelding vp the towne, hee resolued to attend all extremities rather then to harken to any accord. [ F]

But the disorder was great, the ordinance beeing ill mounted, wanting Gun∣ners and many other things necessarie for the defence of such a place, so as the Car∣dinall hauing made a sufficient breach, hee gaue at the first a generall and very fu∣rious assault, at the which the signior of Vysdossein, (who desired rather to die, then

to leaue the place beeing taken, in regard of his honour, whereof the King did so * 2.8 [ A] much accuse him) was slaine and some others of his captaines, so as notwithstanding any resistance they were forced, and the castle taken at the first assault, with the slaughter of all that were found armed, whereas fewe of the Estates men escaped. There captaine Dominique and his Lieutenant were taken prisoners.

The Cardinall hauing had such good successe at the taking of Calais, which was the seauenteenth day of Aprill, hee went presently to set vpon the towne of Ardre the which is held the strongest little place in France, in the which there was a good garrison, for so small a place, of twelue hundreth men, and as well furnished with or∣dinance (where there was a Magasin of munition like vnto that of Calais) as any small towne in France. Yet as soone as the Cardinall had at his first approch taken [ B] the base towne, the which is nothing but an intrenchment of a number of poore cottages and gardines towardes Gynes, whereas the cattle were wont to passe * 2.9 ditches and rampars) hauing planted his ordinance before the towne, and begunne to batter the Rauelin, the which they call the feast, (so named by reason of a feast which was sometimes made there betwixt the Ambassadors of the Emperour, and the Kings of France and England) the wall beeing nothing at all shaken nor the parapet beaten downe, neither yet their defences broken: the signior of Bois de Annebout Gouernor of the towne, yeelded it, and the Cardinall had it good cheape, hauing camped before it eight daies.

To speake truelie, many were amazed at this sodaine yeelding, and at the small [ C] resistance which they made in so strong a place: I cannot impute the fault there∣of, but to the coueteousnesse of the Gouernors wife, who for feare to loose her goods and treasure, might perswade her husband (who otherwise I haue knowne to bee valiant and a wise gentleman) to yeeld, for feare (that beeing forced as the castle of * 2.10 Calais was) to loose all. If this bee not the motiue, I know not what else could moue the Gouernor to yeeld, vnlesse the vnfortunatnesse of the French made them then to faint and to forget their duties, for that as Mounsire la Noue saith, the successe of armes is variable.

During these two sieges of Calais and Ardres, the Fench King was yet before La Fere, the which seauen daies after the deliuering vppe of Ardres, in the end yeel∣ded [ D] vnto the King by composition. The Seneshall of Montlimart one of the league, and Don Aluarez Ozorio a Spaniard, hauing with their souldiars endured all the toiles and all discomodities that could bee inuented, hauing the towne full of water two or three foote deepe, and suffred a thousand difficulties for the space of fiue monethes and more that they were besieged. The composition was verie hono∣rable * 2.11 for the besieged, who departed with their collours flying, drummes sounding, with their full armes and bagage, drawing after them a double cannon markt with the armes of France, and so they retir'd towards Cambresis.

When as the Cardinall of Austria, by the taking of Calais and Ardres, had try∣ed the courage and resolution of the French, meaning to returne an other time, hee now ment to trie what spirit was in Prince Maurice and the Estates souldiars. [ E] Then carrying backe the bodie of his armie out of that quarter of Picardie (ha∣uing first manned those places with good garrisons) and disperst his troupes as well in Flanders as in Brabant; Hee first made shewe of some troupes in the Land of Vaes to them of Hulst, in the East quarter of Flanders, onelie to blinde their eyes; then hee caused Mounsire Rhosne a French Leaguer, now Marshall of his campe, (before Lieutenant to the Duke of Maine) to march with the number of some fiue thousand men through Antwerp, as if hee went to goe to Berghen vp Zoom, or to Breda.

Prince Maurice had no sooner newes that the Spaniard had shewed himselfe about [ F] Hulst, but hee posted presently thether to set all things in order, but hearing that hee had taken the way of high Brabant, hee dislodged from thence, and went speedelie to Berghen. The Cardinall had written a short letter vnto Rhosne (the which was giuen vnto a Gentleman to deliuer vnto him, but not before that hee were come

to a certaine place neere vnto Hochstraten). This letter contained no other thing, * 2.12 [ A] but that vpon sight thereof hee should presently returne: As hee did, and past the next day through Antwerp, the same way hee went, to goe into the Land of Waes.

In the meane time Collonel La Borlotte, an aduenturous souldiar, and very fortunate in his attempts: to enter into the territorie of Hulst, hauing chosen the flower of all the souldiars of his Regiment, with some others, hee hazarded himselfe with cer∣taine shaloupes or long boates, to passe a chanell betwixt the fort of the flower of Blomme, which the Spaniards had formerly built, and one of the Estates fortes, called the pettie Rape: the which hee past notwithstanding the Estates shippes of warre, the which did no way impeach him: and yet Prince Maurice had expresly recommen∣ded [ B] the gard of that passage vnto them, the which they might easily haue defended with their shaloupes and small Gallies, if they had not beene so negligent: Wherefore finding no resistance, hee past through the fauour of the fort of Blomme and of that of the great Rape, which the Spaniardes had also built opposite to the pettie Rape: betwixt the which and the towne, the Estates had another great fort, called the Moervaert, from the which vnto the towne, there was a good trench well manned.

Prince Maurice seeing that the Cardinal had deceiued him, he parted sodainly from Berghen and came to Hulst, to giue order for all things: Hauing recommended the * 2.13 towne to George Euerard Earle of Solms his cousin, and furnished it with men, to bee [ C] the neerer vnto it, hee retired in the beginning to the fort of Santbergh, from whence hee sent new supplies vnto the towne, as hee could get them to come. This passage beeing gotten by few men (the which the garrison of the towne might easily haue de∣feated, if at their landing they had sallied forth vpon them) La Borlotte caused more men to enter dailie by small numbers. And when as they were well fortefied, they of the towne intending to chase them out againe, went forth to charge them, but they were so well entertained, as they were forced to retire with shame and losse, a∣mongst others captaine Nyuelt and Pottey were taken prisoners. The Spaniard beeing incorraged by this, and daylie fortefied with more men, hee went and set * 2.14 vpon the fort of pettie Rape, wherein there might bee some thirtie men, the which [ D] hee tooke.

After that time there were gallant skyrmishes made dailie betwixt the Spaniardes and them of the towne, and the fortes of Moervaert and of Nassau, which was a fort of one side of the towne. On a Thursdaie amongst the rest, the Spaniardes came so∣dainelie to charge the trench (the first time that there euer was any gard) betwixt Moervaert and the towne, along the dike thinking to lodge there themselues, and so di∣uide the fort from the towne, but they had such a wellcome, as hauing lost some thir∣tie men, and many hurt they were forced to retire, beeing chased euen vnto their quar∣ter. Yet notwithstanding resuming courrage and hauing fresh men, they returned with great cries according to their custome, and forced the Protestants to recoyle * 2.15 [ E] euen into their trenches, hauing lost three or foure men, and amongst them captaine Broucsaulx Sargent and thirteene hurt, yet in the end the Spaniard was forced to leaue the partie. At these two charges, there died of the Spaniards besides the common souldiars, three captaines, one a Fleming called Steenlandt, one Diego a Spaniard, and Doyon a Frenchman: the which being sent for according to quarter, were found dead.

The next daie Collonel La Bourlotte came himselfe in person, and had almost sur∣prized them that were in the trench, hauing layd downe their armes, and labor∣ing with the spade to fortefie themselues: yet hee was so well entertained, as hauing small hope of getting it, hee thought it best to retire. This trench did much im∣port both the one and the other: Wherefore captaine Boeuvry and Haeve beeing [ F] in Moervaert sallied forth with their companies, whereas captaine Haeve was shot in the knee. Captaine Bercham was kild with a cannon, and his Ancient was slaine; for the better defence of this trench, the Protestants made a point, in forme of a halfe-moone.

Those of the towne did often make gallant sallies, still getting something, and * 2.16 [ A] retyred with small losse. In the meane time the Spaniard past his Ordinance, now one peece and then an other: Of the which hee planted three against the Fort of Moeruaert, and placed as many in the Fort of Flower, that hee might beate them within the trench vppon the flanke: And hee planted three others vppon the old dike, betwixt the Flower and Moeruaert, the which did much annoy Prince Maurices ships, of war. But notwithstanding all their shooting against Moeruaert although they had made a sufficient breach, yet did it anayle them nothing, for that they could not make their approaches, but they must first take the trench which goes from the fort vnto the towne, being defeated by a halfe Moone.

The Prince would gladly haue recouered the pettie Rape, which the Spaniard tooke [ B] easilie at the beginning, for the effecting whereof hee made a halfe Moone before the fort of Spitsenburch, meaning there to plant sixe peeces of Ordinance, that hauing this little fort, hee might shoote close by the water vppon the shaloupes in the which the Spaniard, did vsually passe their horsemen: for at the beginning there was no meanes for them to make a bridge. They of Moeruaert had also planted one peece of Ordi∣nance to play vppon the said shaloupes, of the which they sometimes sunke one. That which did most of all concerne the beseeged, was the defence of this passage, to keepe the Spaniards from passing, and from making a bridge vppon boates, as hee did afterwards, the which hee could not doe before hee had taken Moeruaert. [ C]

On the eighteenth day of Iuly there came forue Cornets of horse from Berghen vp Zoom, the which entred into the territorie of Hulst, by the part which they * 2.17 call Campen: Where at their first arriuall they defeated some three hundred Spa∣niards, whome they surprized in the country going a free-booting, then hauing burnt three milles to incomodate the Cardinals campe, they returned: for they could not haue stayed long there without great danger of being beaten: And to haue lod∣ged in any fort, there was no likelyhood, for want of forrage, neither could they haue serued to any great vse.

The Spaniards to be reuenged of this losse, came the same night at tenne of the clock with great fury to charge the counterscarpe of this great trench, which was betwixt Moeruaert and the towne: And did so tyre them with redoubled forces, as in the end [ D] hee became maister thereof, but not without great losse of his men. Yet not content herewith, about three of the clocke in the morning he returned with new forces, and gaue so furious an assault vnto the trench, as those within it (beeing amazed * 2.18 with the late losse of their counterscarpe) fell presently into route and fledde, some towards Moeruaert, and some vnder the towne, to their great confusion, and the great ioy of the Spaniard, by that meanes diuiding Moeruaert from the towne. His Artillerie in the meane time was not idle, continuing his batterie still vppon the fort of Moeruaert with nine peeces, seeking to make a breach and to assaile it by the trenche which he had wonne. In the end hauing made a sufficient breach, and find∣ing that the Protestant soldiers began to fainte, (whereof they did most taxe the Fri∣sons) [ E] the Spaniard caused the Fort to bee summoned, in the which Captaine Beaury commanded, who could not perswade the soldiers, but they refused to fight; some putting out their Matches, and casting downe their armes; so as hee was forced to * 2.19 yeeld vp the place by composition to depart with their armes and baggage, the which they did the ninth of Iuly, retiring to the Fort of Spitsenburch to bee im∣barked there.

Prince Maurice was greatly grieued for this losse, and so much mooued against the three companies of Frisons which had beene in it, as hee would gladly haue punished them after the manner of the ancient Romaines (which was to execute the tenth man) [ F] if feare of some greater inconuenience had not staied him. The Spaniard by the taking of this Fort of Moeruaert, had free passage for all his army in the territory of Hulst, then * 2.20 he began to approach neere vnto the towne, and planted three Canons vpon a Mill mount, with the which he did much annoy the towne, shooting at randon through the

streetes and houses, so as the besieged were no where safe, but at the foote of the ram∣par, * 2.21 [ A] and in their sellers: and withall hee filled vp the old hauen to make it a passage to the Forte of Nassau, there to plant his Canon. In the Towne there were about three thousand men full of courage, and resolued to die, or to defend it from the enemy, they were commanded by the Earle of Solms, vnder whom were foure Collonels; Iohn of Egmont, Tack-hettinck Lieutenant to Cont William Lewis of Nassau, Iohn Piron, and * 2.22 the Admirall of Zirixee. And when as the said Earle being shotte in the legge, could not goe vp and downe, nor performe those duties which hee had formerly done with great care and dilligence: Collonell Piron was appointed superintendent ouer the other Collonels, who discharging his duty well, being acquainted with such sports, cau∣sed three mines to bee made, by the which the besieged might when they pleased sal∣lie [ B] forth to skirmish.

The Spaniard hauing stopt vp the old Hauen, and planted artillery there, he thought thereby to annoye the Estates shippes, and to cut off their passage to the towne, seek∣ing in like sort to vexe the Forte of Nassau, but it was so farre off, as they could doe little hurt to either of them, so as it was no hindrance vnto the shippes, but they went and came dayly into the Towne.

On the three and twentie of Iuly this present yeare 1596. the besieged made a sallie by the mine at the Porte of Beguines, into the neerest trenches of the Spa∣niards * 2.23 campe, out of which they chased them, hauing surprized them sodenly play∣ing at Cardes: but they returning to the charge with new forces, the besieged reti∣red, alwayes skirmishing, and the Spaniard pursuing them; but they were so well [ C] entertained with Musket shotte and Canon from the towne, as in an houre and a halfe which this skirmish lasted (both parties being obstinate) hee lost many braue men, whereas the besieged lost onely three, and had but fewe hurt.

The last of this moneth of Iuly, Collonell Piron who neuer rested day nor night from his charge, beeing vppon the Rampar, hee was shotte in the cheeke vnder the eye, the which did make the besieged very heauie, for hee was forced to goe out of the Towne to bee cured; finding himselfe vnable to doe any seruice during * 2.24 this dangerous wound. In the meane time the Spaniard approched still neerer and neerer vnto the Towne, so as on the first of August they began to fortifie euen be∣fore [ D] the Porte of Beguines, in the ditche of the Boulwarke, so as they had no more to doe, but to fill it vppe and to vndermine the Rauelin: but the besieged had so mined themselues, as it was all hollow, so as the Spaniard could haue done little good: hauing planted his ordinance in as many places as hee could, the which did some-times batter the Rampar, and some-times the houses and other buildings of the Towne at randome; beeing but a harguebuze shotte of. Yet for that hee could not doe any thing against the Forte of Nassau, by reason it is all enuironed with water, and that the Canon of the hauen that was filled vp, was too farre of, hee could not hinder the passage of shippes, but that fiue or sixe Galleys and Shaloupes came in dayly at a full Sea. And although the Spaniard did continue [ E] his batterie for to make a breache, yet the besieged shewed them-selues very di∣ligent and laborious to rampare it vp, working both day and night, so as although they had made a sufficient breache, and beene Maisters of the Porte of Begui∣nes, yet had they aduanced little, and in the moouing thereof they must haue lost many men; for the besieged had made within the Towne through the houses * 2.25 (which the enemies Canon had torne and rent in peeces) a halfe Moone, with a good and strong ditche, which had not beene very easie for them to winne: the circumference whereof from the Porte was all hollowe with vnder-mining, the which they might very easilye haue blowne vp, if they had offered to force them on that side. [ F]

The second of August the Spaniard hauing continued his batterie all the day long, with foureteene peeces of Ordinance, both against the Rauelin, the Rampar, and the Porte, about sixe of the clock at night, hee gaue a very furious assault at the point of the Rauelin, which they called Duiuels gat, the which he carried, but with great losse:

but being, entred the beseeged blew vp the said point by their mine, which made * 2.26 [ A] many fly vp into the ayre and some were buried in the ruines, about ten of the clocke he gaue a charge at the Rauelin of the port of Beguines, where he was so receiued by Captaine La Corde and the Lieutenant of Captaine Potey, either of them with two squa∣drons as the Spaniard was forced to retire with losse: the cannon and musket shotte * 2.27 flew so thicke, as (according to the report of a Wallon soldiar, who fled into the towne, for that (as he said) he had slaine a Spaniard) in those two charges, and the two daies before, the Spaniard had lost abou eight hundred men. Among the which Rhosne Mar∣shall of the Cardinalls campe was slaine with a cannon. There died in a manner all the Captaines of la Borlottes regiment, with some Noblemen of note. Of the beseeged Captaine Poteys Lieutenant was slaine, with some few others, with seauen or eight Frisons, the which were drowned passing ouer a narrow planke in h•…•…st at their retreat [ B] from the raueline which the Spainards had wonne: who in lesse then twenty foure houres gaue foure furious charges to that little Rauelin at the port of Beguines, but at euery time they were valiantly repulst by La Corde and his men, with the fauor and assistance of them of the towne, who fayled not to cast wild-fire and other burning matter vpon the assaylants, so as they were still forced to retire with shame and great losse. The Spaniards came vnto the assault armed in such sort from head to foote as they seemed litle hilles of iron, which did moue, and yet they got nothing by blowes. * 2.28 The beseeged being by daily continuance, and accustomed to receiue them with a wounderfull courage and resolution, and the more they did see the slaughter of their enemies, the more resolute they were to die, although they had many wounded, the [ C] which were presently imbarkt and sent into Zeland, either to Middelbourg, Campoere, Flussing, and Arnemuyden. On the other side the hospitall of Antwerp, Gant, Macklyn and other places, being as full of Spaniards, Wallons and Germaines as they might be, so as many were left in barnes in the villages, which caused great mur∣muring among the Cardinalls men, and especially of the common people, who lamented the losse of so many men, which they saied were led wilfully to the slaughter, in seeking to force so little a place, in the which their were so many soldiars, neither was it yet wholy beseeged, but they had still meanes to haue a port open behind, when they pleased. [ D]

The fourth of August after noone the Spaniards returned to assault the Rauelin at the port of Beguines, with great fury and fearefull cries: but if they assayled it vali∣antly, it was as resolutly defended: the two companies of Zeeland (which were that of * 2.29 the Seignior of Cats, and of the Admirall of Zirixee) behaued them-selues so vali∣antly with all sorts of armes, offensiue and defenciue, as the Spaniard was forced to giue ground and retire backe. The sixt of the moneth the Spaniard blew vp a mine which he had made vnder the breach of the sayd Rauelin, wherewith some of the beseeged were carried away, yet not many, the Spaniard being in armes in his trenches, attending vntill the mine were blowne vp, he came the fourteenth time to assayle the said Rauelyn, and to chase away the beseeged, as well by the ruines of the mine, as by the port, which was beaten quite downe. Here vpon all they of [ E] the towne were ready to receiue them, and to keepe them from passing any further at a certaine parapet, which they had made behind the breach. There they fought long, euery one doing his vttermost endeauor, the Spaniards for victorie and to winne the towne at his assault, and the beseeged to defend it, and to preserue them-selues: so as in the end the Spaniards were forced to recoyle, and to quite that which they had wonne, retyring the same way they came, except one who was taken vpon the port armed from head to foot, who said hee was one of those Entretenidos, which are pentioners to the King of Spaine, as English, Scottish, Irish and many others. [ F]

After that the Spaniard had beene thus chased from this Raueline, with great slaughter of his men, the beseeged made a new trench in the midest of it in forme of a parapet, the which they kept vntill the mine (which they had in hand) were ready to

blow vp, if the Spaniard should returne, who in steed of enseignes of warre, in this * 2.30 [ A] last charge and assault, they vsed Banners such as Church-men carrie in processions in the rogation weeke. Of the beseeged Captaine Egger a Scottishman was carried away with a cannon shot, and many other soldiars were slaine and hurt: From that time it was decreed, that of the fower Regiments which were within the towne, euery Re∣giment should haue the gard of the said Rauelyn in his turne, to the end that all the burthen should not lie vpon any one of them. There were in the towne ten compa∣nies of Zeelanders, (which before had alwaies garded it) ten of Hollanders, ten of Frisons, and ten of English and Scottish, those that were not in gard there, should be alwaies armed, and remaine at the foote of the rampar. Moreouer the beseeged (to fortefie them-selues the better towards the said Rauelin) made an other halfe [ B] Moone which stretch into the middest of the port of Beguines, neither did they cease laboring day and night at their rampars. Collonel Dorp after the retreat of Collonel Piron (by reason of his hurt) was sent into the towne, where he did execute his charge * 2.31 with great care and dilligence. The Spaniard hauing approched to Absdal, planted three peeces of ordinance there, to hinder the entry of the shippes by the new∣hauen, and some Faulcons, the which did reach vnto the fort of Nassau, although it were farre of, and withall they did batter the Churches and highest houses in the towne the which was made like to a heape of stoanes, for there was noe safety for the soldi∣ars but at the foote of the rampar, and in caues and sellers for other men and women, whereof most part were gone out of the towne, sence the beginning of the seege. [ C]

The seauenth day of the moneth, the beseeged being at the gard of this Rauelin, tooke an alarume, and the Spaniard shewed him-selfe, then the beseeged making a shew to retier into their trench, the Spaniard poursued them into the Rauelin, where∣vpon they of the towne giue fire to their mine, which blew many braue soldiars of the enemies into the ayre, some being buried aliue, and some cast farre of into the diches and other places, which was a pittifull thing to here, the lamentable cryes of men dying and wounded, so as there died many of either side, but most of the Spaniards.

The thirteenth of the moneth the beseeged tooke twenty men out of euery company, the which going by night out of the forte of Nassau, lay close vntill noone, [ D] that the tide was quite spent. They had prepared two shaloupes with all things ne∣cessary * 2.32 to make a bridge thereon, vpon a little creeke, the which they did and were not discouered by the Spaniard: then they marched with a resolution to the enemies trench, the which hee left, and fled to his fort of Absdal, where there were some peeces of ordinance, with the which they shot continually vpon the fort of Nassau, and at the shippes: yet the beseeged going on entred this fort, chased away the enemy, cloyed their artillery, slue about a hundred men, and brought away priso∣ners, a Captaine, a Lieutenant and an Ancient. The Spaniard came in hast to suc∣cor them with eight companies of foote and two Cornets of horse, whome the beseeged did charge along a chanell where there was a bridge: the Spaniard thin∣king [ E] to retyre ouer it in hast, being ouercharged with the multitude, it brake: so as there were many drowned, and such as thought to saue them-selues by swimming, were slaine in the water, among the which there were three Captaines which of∣fred great summes of mony to haue their liues saued: but there was no pitty nor mercy at this time. Hauing thus with honor chased away the Spaniard, they retur∣ned in the same order that they came, and repast the bridge which they had made, hauing not lost aboue foure men, and some few hurt, among others, captaine Potter in the head, and two Sargants which were cured, carrying their first prisoners sasely into the fort of Nassau.

The same day about three of the clocke in the afternoone the Spaniard myn∣ding [ F] secretly to discouer the myne which the beseeged had vnder the Port of Beguines, by the which they were wont to go vnto the Rauelin, which the Spaniards had wonne before: the beseeged perceyuing it, they went and stopt vp this myne

presently, leauing onely some little cranies open at the point thereof, towards the * 2.33 [ A] Spaniard: Who comming to visit the place with some Officers well armed, foure musketiers which were at these holes, did salute them with good steele bullets, and slue some. The Spaniard seeing they came with targets and corslets of proofe, to stoppe this myne, against the which the besieged caused two or three barrels of poulder to bee suddainely brought and fired, which blew vp those that were about to stop it, so as many were slaine, besides those that were hurt and burnt, which died after∣wards in great torment.

This rauelyne beeing thus wonne, as wee haue said, hauing no other flanker about * 2.34 the towne, it was easie for the Spaniards (hauing so long battered it furiously with thirty peeces of Ordinance, and made a breach of aboue forty yardes wide) to plant [ B] him-selfe in the rampar, and to lodge them-selues pike to pike with the beseeged, who had no other defence but fire and stones: In which estate they maintained them-selues three weekes. And although the Earle of Solms was so hurt all that time, as hee could not goe, yet there was not any thing done without his direction, as if hee had beene euery where in person, the which was speedilie put in execution by the foure abouenamed Collonels. Yet for all this the Spaniard had not done any thing, if they had not come to the sappe, and myne, the which they aduanced so fast, as within three daies after they should haue giuen fire, to haue wrought the effect the night following, to their aduantage, which the Captaines perceiuing, notwith∣standing * 2.35 their resolution the day before to liue and dye there, as they had also promi∣sed [ C] to the Earle of Solms, they held it conuenient to enter into treatie with the Spa∣niard, seeing there was no meanes to resist these forces long with their honour (bee∣ing almost twenty thousand men) who might force them in diuers places by assault, the beseeged beeing not aboue fifteene hundred fighting men, or else after their mines had wrought their effect, to enter in a throng. And besides the losse of the towne, it was likely the soldiers would be defeated and put to the sword, to no pur∣pose: the which the Earle hauing well considered, and duly waighed all inconueni∣ences, hee yeelded vnto the Captaines aduice, to the end that within foure or fiue houres after they should not bee constrained to doe it by force, with disorder, and without any hope of an honourable composition, which they might then doe with [ D] order and to their aduantage. It was also to bee seared (as most commonly it often falles out in sieges) that some one of the besieged might flye vnto the enemies campe, and informe him of the estate of the towne: The which out of all doubt would haue made th•…•…m hasten their ruine. And that which did confirme the said Cap∣taines reasons the more, was the small likelyhood, yea the impossibilitie of spee∣die succors, in case of vrgent necessitie to raize and dissodge an armie, so farre aduanced in their enterprize, and of such power and might: Iudging that the succors which the Estates were wont to send to refresh a place beseeged, could not suf∣fice for any long resistance, against such a Campe, which had such aduantages, the which could not by any meanes bee taken from them without double force. Wherefore they began to treat the sixteenth day of the moneth. The Spaniard [ E] (beeing ignorant of the estate of the besieged, and of the extreme necessitie they * 2.36 were in) was glad to giue eare vnto them: and the eight and twentith of the moneth the accord was made betwixt the Cardinal of Austria and the Earle of Solms, in man∣ner as followeth.

The Earle of Solms with the Collonels, and Captaines, Officers and soldiers bee∣ing within the towne of Hulst, hauing sent yesterday to enter into conference, and to yeeld the towne vnto the King of Spaine vppon reasonable conditions. His High∣nesse beeing very willing to fauor such as doe their indeauours in any exployte of armes, doth graunt and promise in the worde of a Prince, vnto the sayd Earle [ F] of Solms, and generally to all other persons of what qualitie, nation or conditi∣on soeuer they be, being at this present within the said towne without any exemption, these points and articles which follow. 1. First that the Earle of Solms with all the sol∣diers * 2.37 may go away freely either by water or by land, whether they please, with

their coullors flying, drummes beating, matches lighted, bullets in their mouthes, * 2.38 [ A] armes, baggage, horse, carts, trayses, boates, shaloupes, and generally what∣soeuer belongs vnto them: and meaning to go by land, either all or part, they shal bee conducted in all safety: and if to that end they haue need of any carts, they shal fur∣nish them, giuing securitie for their returne.

2 In regard whereof the said Earle of Solms shall be bound to yeeld vp the town vnto the King, with the Fort of Nassau, and to depart out of the said towne and Fort, as soone as the boates shall come: The said Earle promising vppon his faith to send for them with all the speed that may bee: And to lodge presently vppon the breach▪ the Marquis of Teruicos regiment, who shall haue charge giuen them, not to do any harme, nor to passe any farther during their abode there. And for assurance of their abode there shall be giuen in hostage vnto the Earle, the said Marquis of Tervi∣co [ B] and the Earle of Sorres.

3 All prisoners taken during the siege of any side, of what qualitie soeuer they bee, hauing not compounded for their ransome, shall be sette at libertie paying the charges onely.

4 All Burgers and inhabitants without any exception, may freely depart with their goodes and moueables either by water or by land. And they shall haue a yeares time to sell, allienate and transport their said moueables and inmoueables; and that time beeing past, they may inioy them, causing them to bee gouerned by some receiuer, which shall haue his abode in some neutrall towne or place: and such [ C] as will stay may remaine quietly without any molestation, & inioy all their goods, both within the towne and without, and in all places of his Maiesties obedience: with remis∣sion, abolition and perpetual forgetfulnesse of all that hath hetherto hapned, hauing no need to seeke any other discharge then this present treaty, so as they liue hereafter as his Maiesties good subiects ought to do: and they shall be maintained in their ancient priuiledges and acustomed freedomes. And in regard of the Burgers & proprietaries which are retired during the siege, they may returne freely with their wiues, children and goods, and inioy the benefit of this present treatie. So concluded the 18. of Au∣gust 1596. signed Albert and George Euerard Earle of Solms: which treaty was put in execution accordingly. [ D]

They had perswaded the Cardinall that the taking of this towne was more easie then hee found it, thinking to carry it as lightly as hee did Calais and Ardres: * 2.39 But hee found other men, and in better order then in these two townes: So as it cost him at this siege (which continued about two monethes) besides his great charge, about threescore Captaines, besides other Commanders, Collonells and men of marke, and aboue fiue thousand soldiers at the least, Yet (how deere soeuer) hee had the honour to carrie it: vnlesse hee would say as Amurath Em∣perour of the Turkes, who beeing nothing ioyfull of the victorie which hee had gotten neere vnto Varna, sayd: That hee woulde not often vanquish in that manner. [ E]

Touching the yeelding vp of this towne, some iudging of matters of warre accor∣ding to their owne imaginations (speaking their pleasures in their table-talke) would haue taxed the Earle of Solms and some Collonells and Captaines, as if they had yeel∣ded it out of season, imagining that if they had yeelded it but eight daies longer, the Cardinall had beene forced to raize his siege: but they shew not the reasons why, nor * 2.40 what should haue moued the enemie to retire; and they doe not dreame of the incon∣ueniences (which are doubtfull in warre) that might haue hapened in these eight daies. To stoppe whose mouthes, the Earle of Solms in the name of all the rest, yeelded so good an account of that action, both to the generall Estates and to Prince Maurice, as they had good reason to bee satisfied and appeased. Onely they of Zea∣land [ F] were somewhat discontented, it may bee for some words vsed by the Earle, and mistaken by them.

The twentith of Nouember the King of Spaynepuplished a proclamation or Edict giuen at Pardo, by the which hee complaines that the great quantity of gold and siluer

which the Indies furnish him yearely, with all his reuenues and treasor are exhausted [ A] and consumed, and his royall patrimony in a manner spent, for the great charges * 2.41 and expences, which hee saies, hee beares for the defence of Christendome and of his dominions. The cause whereof he imputes to the great and excessiue domage hee suffers, and interest, which hee paies by the taking vp of mony by exchange, and other contracts which are made in his name with the Marchants: by reason whereof all his demaynes, aydes, with the ordinary and extraordinary reueneues are held by others, so as matters are come to that extremity, as hee hath no treasor to helpe him-selfe withall; seeing that the Marchants and Bankers, (who vntill that time were wont to furnish him by exchange) excused them selues and made difficultie to deale, for that they held in their hands, and in their power all the reuenues and [ B] royall demaynes, for the helping whereof, hee found nothing more conuenient and fit nor of better iustification, then to cause the royall treasory to bee raysed and repayred of the wrongs and Iniustice which it hath suffered by reason of these rigours of charges and interests, which hee hath suffred and tollerated in the time of contractions, to avoyde greater dangers, as the want of prouiding for the at∣fayers of the warre and that which depends thereon, had beene; the which hee intends to remedie by these meanes: being impossible to vse others vppon the occasions which are offred: meaning (for the taking away and abolishing of the said interests) to resume and make vse of all the assignations which hee hath giuen and transported to all Nations and Bankers, for what summes of mony or con∣tracts [ C] soeuer, that they haue made with them, by his commandement, sence the decree and generall order set downe by him the first of September in the yeare 1575. and the fi•…•…t of December in the yeare 1577. vnto the twenty of Nouem∣ber in the yeare 1596. which Assignations giuen, vpon all, or any part of his de∣maynes, hee houlds suspended, so as the Marchants shall not inioy nor receiue them: but the mony that shall rise thereby shall bee put into his cofer and that all contracts for en•…•…rests shall cease, approuing all that which in this regard hath beene resolued and decreed by the Presidentes, and those of his royall councel, and of his trea∣sor, for that all hath bin done by his especiall commandement.

This Edict signed Io el Rey, and by commandement from his Maiestie Gonzalo de vera, bred a great alteration among the marchants, as well in Spaine, Italy, as at * 2.42 [ D] Antwerp, Amsterdam, and Middelbourg, so as many fell Banquerout making this their pretext: And Cardinall. Albertus letters of exchange being sent backe vnto him and protested, made him for a time to loose his credit, and kept him bare of mony, so as hee could not attempt any thing against his enemies for the space of three or foure moneths.

About the end of August the Marshall of Biron being followed by some troupes * 2.43 of horse and foote past the riuer of Soome, and the first day of September he entred into Arthois, seazed vpon the Castell of Imbercourt, forced certaine good Borrough townes to redeeme them-selues for great summes of mony, and being accompa∣nied with fiue Cornets of horse, hee charged the Marquis of Warembon, Gouernor [ E] of Arthois, who thought to defeat the marshall he hauing fiue or six hundred horse, but he him selfe was put to rout and taken prisoner, which gaue a terrible alarume to all the country of Arthois: then hee ouer-runne the country of Saint Paul, tooke the towne and some other places. Some peasants defended them-selues out of their steeples and quarries of stoane (as in such accidents they haue no other retreats) but they were roughly intreated in regard of such as remayning in their houses did stay the violence of their enemies by contribution of mony and vic∣tualls. All this was donne in eight daies.

Cardinall Albert vnderstanding of the taking of the Marquis of Warembon, [ F] hee sent the Duke of Arschot in his place: who whilest he entred into Arras▪ had the French of an other side seting fire of one of the suburbes within hargubuse shot of the towne. And for that they were laden with booty, the Marshall being loth they

should loose it, r•…•…red safely with them vnto the frontiers of Picardie. * 2.44 [ A]

Beeing discharged the one and twenty day of the month they entred againe into Arthois, about Bapaulme, spoyling Hebuterne, Beruiller, Courselles and other places, sacking the Peasants that made any head against them. The duke of Arschot camped with his forces close vnder Arras, and intrencht himselfe carefully, beeing resolued not to hazard any thing, knowing well with whom hee had to deale. The French set all places on fire, carried away more bootie then before and returned quietly, making a course towards Bethune, Aire and Teroanne, from whence they carried much cat∣tell and many prisoners: then they retired and camped in the plaine of Agincourt, and yet no man made head against them in this second voiage, for the space of ten daies. The duke of Arschot beeing renforced with eight hundred foote ioyned to the Regi∣ment [ B] of La Borlotte, hee parted from Arras the fift of October, and went and camped at Saint Pol, whereas the Marshall of Biron leauing him, hee entred seauen daies af∣ter * 2.45 with his horsemen againe into Arthois, and beeing followed by his footemen, hee staied at the Abbay of Mont Saint Eloy three leagues from Arras: and on the thir∣teenth day hee did runne euen vnto the portes of Douay, then hauing spoiled all, hee returned into Picardie, about some foure or fiue daies after the Duke of Arschot (hauing recouered Imbercourt) dismist his little army, putting his companies into garrison.

In the beginning of Ianuary in the yeare of our Lord 1597. Prince Maurice beeing * 2.46 aduertised from diuers partes, that Cardinall Albertus was resolued either by secret practises or by open force, to attempt some great exploit that winter to the disaduan∣tage [ C] of the vnited Prouinces: The Cardinall hauing to that end lodged his army in December past, at Tournhout in Brabant, consisting of foure Regiments of foote, that of the Marquis of Trevico a Neapolitaine, in the which there were fiue hundred ap∣pointed (Officers of many companies) that of the Earle of Sults, re-enforced with an other Regiment of Germaines, Collonel La Borlottes Regiment, and that of the signior of Hauchicourt, vnder captaine Cocquielle his Lieutenant, these two Regiments of Wallons beeing supplied with new men, in their places that were slaine and dead since the siege of Hulst, and of fiue cornets of horse of Nicholas Basta, Don Iohn of Cordua, Alonso Dragon, Grobbendonc and Gousman: hauing for Commander and chiefe of the [ D] whole army, the Earle of Varax, Barron of Balanson, Brother to the Marquis of Wa∣rembon * 2.47 Gouernor of Arthois, at that time a prisoner in France, the Cardinall ha∣uing commanded many companies of horse and foote, as well Spaniardes as other Nations, to march towards that campe, with necessarie munition for some great action.

Prince Maurice to preuent him, studied how hee might by some notable peece of seruice, giue a good beginning to the new alliance and confederation which they had * 2.48 lately made with the French King and the Queene of England. And although there seemed to bee many difficulties in this resolution of so great importance, not onelie in regard of the discommoditie of the season, beeing in the verie heart of winter, and [ E] the time very variable and inconstant, sometimes disposed to freeze, somtimes to thaw, but also for the great distance of the garrisons, some beeing aboue twenty leagues from others, from whence they must draw their souldiars, with that which was neces∣sarie for the execution of his enterprize, a hard matter to mannage secretly, and to drawe them to a fit and commodious place, but the Spaniard should discouer it. Yet the Prince laying aside all difficulties, drewe together in lesse then eight daies, and as secretly as hee could, into the towne of Gheertruydenberghe, about sixe thousand men, foote and horse, with all that was needfull for his enterprize. The Estates accor∣ding to their custome hauing appointed one day of publicke praier, to craue his diuine helpe, the two and twenty of Ianuary in the towne of Gheertruydenbergh, to part the [ F] next day, with his horse and foote, two cannons and some field peeces, and to march with all speede daie and night towards the Spaniard, to force him in his lodging at Tournhout by the breake of day: the Prince being accompanied by the Earle of Solms and Sir Francis Veere generall of the English.

The same day the Prince arriued at Gheertruydenberghe, there arriued almost in two * 2.49 [ A] houres space aboue 150. boates full of men, furniture and munition of warre, whether also came the same day Sir Robert Sidney Knight (now Vicont Lisle) Gouernor of Flussing, with three hundred of the choisest soldiers of his gouernment, and the Lieu∣tenant Gouernor of the Bryel, with two hundred English more.

The Earle of Hohenloo, Lieutenant generall to the Prince, hauing a little before prepared himselfe (with the consent of the generall Estates, and of the sayd Prince) for a voyage into Germanie, for his owne priuate affaires, being stayed some dayes * 2.50 by reason of the inconstancie of the weather, and lying vpon the frontiers of the v∣nited Prouinces, had newes that the Prince had sent for (with all speed) a good number of horse and foote towards Gorrichon, for the 21. of Ianuary, whereby the Earle [ B] did gather, that this sending for men in the middest of winter, was not done but for some matter of great importance: wherefore laying his voyage aside, hee resolued to bee an actor at it.

The Earle of Varax Generall of the Spanish armie, being aduertised of the Prin∣ces approche, with his forces and artillerie: whereas hee should haue fortified his lodging, or gone to incounter the Prince in good order, and chose a place of aduan∣tage with his lustie men to fight with them that were wette, wearie, and tyred with the length and discomoditie of the wayes (the which seemed the most safe and ho∣norable for him,) who had the reputation among the greatest Commanders, beeing in a manner as strong as the Prince, and both his horse and foote held for the best [ C] Soldiers which the King of Spaine had in his seruice, yet for feare hee left his lodg∣ing in the night, without sound of Trumpet or Drumme, or making of any noyse, * 2.51 retiring to Herentall, foure leagues from Tournhout, a towne of the King of Spaines party, where he thought to saue himselfe and his men.

The Prince comming to Tournhout at the breake of day, and finding his enemie gone, resolues to follow him, and to ouer-take him (if hee could) with his horse, commanding his foote-men to follow with all speed. A quarter of a league from Tournhout towards Herentall a certaine number of Spanish foote, through fauour * 2.52 of a wood, kept the passage of a little riuer, the foarde whereof was long and vn∣easie for horsemen, the which could not passe but one by one: and it was no lesse [ D] troublesome for the foote-men, hauing no meanes to passe it but by a narrowe planke. Wherefore the Prince (to make them quitte this passage) commanded Sir Francis Veer, and Vander Aa, Lieutenant of his guardes, to charge them with two hundred Musketiers, the which they did, and chased them away. This passage being wonne, hee followed and ouer-tooke the enemie a mile from Tournhout, vpon a plaine, the Regiments marching a hundred paces one from another. That of the Germaines was the first, Hachicourt next, la Barlotte the third, and the Neapolitanes the last: on the right hand marched their horse-men in three troopes, beeing co∣uered on the left wing with the foresayd wood, and their baggage was sent before: when as the Prince who with halfe his horsemen (beeing deuided into sixe troupes) [ E] remained behinde▪ did see the Earle of Hohenlo, whome hee had sent before with the other halfe of the horse-men (diuided also into sixe troupes) so farre aduan∣ced as hee might charge the Spaniarde in the flanke, as hee had commanded him, hee sent Sir Francis Veere, Sir Robert Sydney, and the rest of the horse-men, to set on them behinde, and hee with the body of the armie stood firme, to second and releeue them if they were repulst.

According to this order, the Earle of Hohenloo, and with him the Earle of * 2.53 Solms, charged the enemy in flanke, and the other Commanders fell vpon the reere∣ward with such furie, as notwithstanding all their resistance, the Spaniards rankes were broken, his horse-men put to flight, and both his foote and horse which [ F] could not saue themselues by running, were all defeated and ouer-come. There it appeared that pikes were not able to resist long Pistolles (which in the countrye language, they call Carabins) the which are long peeces, that the horse-men (ha∣uing left their lances) carryed in this battaile.

In the which there were aboue two thousand men slaine vpon the place, with the * 2.54 [ A] Earle of Varax their Generall, who for hee was too simple attired for such a Com∣mander, was not knowne. There were aboue fiue hundred prisoners taken, and among them many that had charge, with a yong Earle of Mansfeldt. The Prince carried backe seauen and thirty enseignes and one cornet. That which made his victory absolute, was the small losse of his men, for (the which many would not beleeue, and yet it is true) hee lost but nine men in all. Whereof Dounck a captaine of horse was hurt, and died a while after, and a flemish Gentleman called Cabillau, were two, and verie few hurt.

After the victorie the Prince went and lodged at Tournhout, where hee had left his artillerie with some of his footemen, vnder the charge of the signior of Herauguiere: [ B] Gouernor of Breda. Whereas after that the castle had endured three volees of great ordinance, it yeelded by composition, to depart with their liues and goods, which being done, the Prince retiring the eight day of February towards the Hage, hee sent all his troupes to their garrisons, hauing done this happie exploit in so short a time.

The Cardinall did much grieue at this losse, the which disapointed the designes which hee had as well vpon the Island of Tolen, as in the countrie of Zuyt Beuelandt. After which neither hee, nor his did bouge, till afterwardes seeking to be reuenged of the French, the Gouernor of Dourlans, with the Spanish garrison which was in Saint Polin Arthois, (beeing mutined, or at the least making a shew to bee in a mutine) made [ C] an enterprize vpon Amiens, the chiefe towne in Picardie, the nineth day of March, on a sundaie about eight of the clocke in the morning, the which succeeded happelie for * 2.55 him, and the towne was taken without any resistance. The Earle of Saint Pol beeing within the towne, and finding no man to make head against the enemie, seeing all lost, hee fled away, abandoning his wife and all his familie, vnto whom the Gouernor shew∣ed himselfe very courteous, sending backe the Lady and all her traine, and not suffring them to receiue any wrong.

The towne beeing taken, the Spaniard shewed himselfe tractable ynough; but sixe daies after, making a shew to mutine for their pay, they spoiled it, and then ran∣somed the Inhabitants, without any respect of Clergie men, or others. The King [ D] had a little before made a Magasin or store-house for the warres there, and had sent fortie great cannon peeces with all the carriages, and poulder, bullets and munition fit for them. This was the greatest losse which the King made: for the Inhabitants were not much lamented, for that they would neuer receiue any garrison, although they were within sixe leagues of their naturall enemies within Dourlans.

The King was fully resolued to haue made hot warre this sommer in the yeare of our Lord 1597. in the countrie of Arthois, but the surprize of this important towne, and the taking of Calais and Ardres from him by the Spaniard; made him to change his designe, and turne all his thoughts to recouer the towne of Amiens. The [ E] sixteenth day of March the Spaniard made an enterprize vpon the towne of Steen∣wyc * 2.56 in the countrie of Oueryssell, after the manner which followeth. The daie before, some troupes assembled at Ham neere vnto Ommen, at a certaine houre of the night, from whence they parted by secret, and vnknowne waies, carrying with them certaine portiue bridges with the which they had meanes to passe, and not goe through any villages, so they were no where discouered: but about two of the clocke after mid-night they came neere vnto the towne, and lodged themselues in gardines which are behinde a rampar (called Rondeel in their language) vntil that the Moone was quite downe, which was little after three of the clocke: Beeing then darke they gaue a hot alarme at Onighen port, and at that of the hospitall, with about [ F] two hundred men, and the sound of trumpets, drummes and fearefull cries, according to their custome.

In the meane time about a hundred of them that were in the gardines, went closely into the towne ditch, carrying ropes, hatchets and sithes to cut downe the palissadoe

on the North side, by the which they go from the rampar to the Church-yard, where * 2.57 [ A] they gaue a very furious charge, with about three hundred men, led by Captaine Zanthen. The sentinell hauing discouered them, gaue the alarum: wherevpon the Bourgers and soldiars being in the nerest Corpes de gard, and those which dwelt in that quarter of the towne being awaked, some halfe naked ranne to the rampar, and the number increasing in an instant they made a braue defence, and repulst the first charge, they being chased behinde the rampar, an other troupe of three hundred men led by captaine Malagambo, approched to second and assist the first: then soone after came the third troupe of three hundred men vnder the leading of Captaine Harman ven Ens, who also gaue a charge, the which continued almost an hower, with such a vehement force and fury, as they hard it to Blocxyel and to Cuinderl. Those of the [ B] towne defended them-selues valiantly both with shot, stones and all kind of other defensiue armes.

The assailants thinking to diuide them-selues into two troupes at th•…•… foote of the rampar, to charge in two places, seing it preuayled nothing for the great resistance they found, in the end they made a more quiet retreat then their approch was, carry∣ing away (through the fauor of the night) as many of their dead men and wounded as they could, so as there were but two of there dead men remayning in the ditches, whereof the one was some Lieutenant, and at the foote of the rampar eight or nine hurt and halfe dead: the which were dispatcht: except two that were carried in•…•…o the towne, whereof the one was Lieutenant to Malagambo, who declared the pro∣iect [ C] and successe of this enterprze. Of them within the towne, there was but one Bourger called Cornellis Been slaine, and one Martin Iacobs a gunner hurt, where∣of hee died afterwardes, with some nine or ten other Bourgers, and foure and fiue soldiars lightly hurt, and soone cured. These vndertakers at their retreat, least in the towne diches, all the instruments which they had brought for that exployt, from whence (with the seauenteene Wagons full of dead men and hurt) they car∣ried little honor: yet the towne made a fayre escape, for it was in danger to haue beene sodenly surprized. * 2.58

In May Prince Maurice had an enterprize well laied but succeeded ill, vpon the towne of Venloo in the country of Geldres, at the which hee was in person with some horse and foote. The exploite should be done with two shippes at the opening [ D] of the towne-gate which was towards the riuer of Meuse. The first and least shippe (wherein were the leaders of this enterprize) with Captaine Mathis Helt and his Lieutenant did their endeuors well, about fifty men that were in it, seasing at the appointed houre both vpon the Kaye and the port, but as the second shippe being the greater, could not so easely mount by reason of the violence of the streame, and for that the ships lay so before the towne, as he could not come neere to land his men, which were more in number, the Bourgers had time (whilest that the others kept the port) to put them-seles into armes, and to charge captanie Mathis, and withall the mariners of Liege which were in their shippes shot at him and his men behind: so as being vnseconded, the Bourgers recouered the port where as the said Mathis [ E] and Schalck Captaine of the shippe were slaine, and Mathis Lieutenant being woun∣ded, was carried away vpon pikes by certaine English soldiars. And so this enterprize fayled, to the great ioy of the Bourgers.

At that time Sigismond King of Poland and Sueden, at the request of the King of Spaine, sent an Agent of his vnto the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces (who tooke vpon him the title of an Ambassador (called Paul Dziali a gentleman of his house∣hould, * 2.59 and one of his Secretaries, who arriued at the Hage in Iuly, and was very honora∣ble receiued by the Estates and Prince Maurice. His chefe charge was to moue the states and the Prouinces in his Masters behalfe, (being a mediator for the King of Spaine) to [ F] giue eare vnto a peace. This Ambassador extolling the King of Spaine and his power vnto heauen, and lighty esteeming the Estates, seemed to threaten them in his mais∣ters behalfe, if they did not yeeld vnto the proposition of his legation: yet the

Estates gaue him the reception and did him the honor which his qualitie and person * 2.60 [ A] required, making him but a short answere, as the Queene of England did in like man∣ner, vnto whom he also went.

The Emperor also sent in the beginning of August to perswade them to a peace, at the instance of the King of Spaine: the Agent which hee sent to the generall * 2.61 Estates and to Prince Maurice, was Charles Nutzel of Honderpuihel, his coun∣cellor in the kingdome of Hongarie, who had audience the tenth daie of the said moneth.

His legation was, that the Estates would admit and heare certaine Ambassadors in the behalfe of the said Emperor, and other Princes of the Empire, to propound some meanes for a peace betwixt them and the King. To whom a short answere was [ B] made, that they could not change their first resolution; wherefore that it would please his Maiestie not to take their refusall in bad part, the which they did not by contempt, but rather to auoide his indignation, which they might incurre, if such Am∣bassadors of so great state, should not returne from them with something pleasing to his Maiestie, being most certaine that if they desired to propound any thing of a recon∣ciliation with the Spaniard (the which was not lawfull for the Estates once to thinke of) it would bee but labour lost, else they would not refuse the sayd Ambassadors as they neuer yet had refused any, especially from his Imperiall Maiestie; besides the E∣states beeing in league with the French King and the Queene of England, they could not without their priuitie and consent beginne any thing, especially in a matter of so great waight, which concernes their gouernment: wherefore they besought his Maie∣sty [ C] that he would hold them excused.

The French King presently after the surprize of Amiens by the Spaniards, sent cer∣taine * 2.62 troupes of horse and foote about the towne, especially to those places where there are bridges vpon the riuer of Some, as at Pont Remy, Picqueni, Corbie and other places, attending vntill his army were readie, to besiege it nere.

Cardinall Albertus (whom it did much import to preserue this towne for the King his Maister, as beeing the chiefe keye of France towardes Arthois) sent all his Spanish forces to the fronters, besides the garrisons which hee had in Cambraie, Chastelet, Dourlans, Calais, Ardres, Monthulin and diuers other places in those [ D] quarters, taken from the French, that hee might at neede breake the French Kings siege, and raise it by force if it were by any meanes possible. But hee could not bee * 2.63 so soone readie, for want of money, or otherwise, so as before hee could bring his army to field, the King had so well intrencht his campe, as the Cardinall held it not conuenient to charge him: although that hauing put his men in order of bataile, with his artillery, hee had once or twise made some shew, yet hauing no intent to hazard any thing, so as the towne was forced to yeeld in September following, euen in view of the Cardinal.

Whilest that the Cardinall was in those quarters of Picardie, with the King * 2.64 of Spaines forces, the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces and Prince Mau∣rice, [ E] hauing staied their armie from going to field vntill August, for that they would first see which waie the Cardinall did turne head with his armie, doubting not but hee would bee kept verie long there, (although hee could not raise the King from his siege) to serue for a bridle for the French, that they should not ouerrunne Arthois.

In the beginning of August in this yeare of our Lord 1597. the Estates and the Prince hauing resolued for to free the riuer of Rhine, the aforesaid Prince caused all his armie, with the Artillerie to march, as well by land, as by the riuers of Rhine and Wahal, with three or foure hundred shippes of all sortes towardes Rhin∣bercke: and before hee came there, passing close by the towne and castle of Alphen, [ F] (belonging to the Contesse of Moeurs and Nyeuwenart) which might anoy his campe: he approched only with two peeces of ordinance, which hee caused them that were in garrison there for the King of Spaine to see, being about 60 men: who being sūmoned,

and offered a good composition, if they did yeeld before the Canon was planted, * 2.65 [ A] finding them-selues too weake to with-stand an armie; and beeing loth to loose them-selues through wilfulnesse, they yeelded both Towne and Castle into the Princes * 2.66 hands the eight of August, departing with their armes and baggage, seeing they had not attended any force, but onely threats.

The same day the Prince aduanced with all his armie before the towne of Rhin∣berck, the which was that night all inuested by land, the shippes of warre and boates remaining before Wezel in the countrie of Cleues, for that they could not easilye * 2.67 mount vp the Rhine: but the next day it was in like sorte inuested by water, and the towne shippes taken, with a little Iland in the middest of the Rhine, opposite vnto the towne, where the Prince planted some peeces of batterie, besides those that were [ B] in the shippes of warre, from whence hee battered a great Tower in the Bishops Pallace, (which commanded vppon the sayed riuer) vntill they had made it vn∣profitable.

The besieged made not any sallye worthe the writing, onely they did impor∣tune the Campe with their Canon, and among others they shotte once neere vnto the Princes Tent, into the Pauillion of the Siegnior of Sonsuelt his Councellor, and in his youth his Gouernour, the which came close by his head, as hee rested him∣selfe vpon a Mattras, touching onely his breeches which hee had layd at his beds head, without any other harme: wherevpon they made a terrasse the height of a man or more, to defend the Princes Tents. [ C]

The nineteene day of the moneth, the Prince hauing planted his batterie at the strongest part of the Towne, beeing about sixe and thirty peeces: hee caused it to play from tenne of the clocke in the morning, vntill foure in the after-noone, that the wall began to fall, and to make a breache: the which did so amaze the besieged (who were not lesse then a thousand fighting men, which beeing resolute might haue endured many assaults,) that although there were not a sufficient breache, yet they required (that whereas they were summoned to yeeld) to parle: the which the Prince did not refuse to giue eare to, to spare his men, and the effusion of bloud: so as they agreed that by the next day the Gouernor, Captaines, Officers, Souldi∣ers and Marriners, should depart with their full armes, coulours flying, Drummes [ D] beating, carrying away all their mooueables and baggage vppon a certaine num∣ber * 2.68 of Wagons, with good conuoye to conduct them vnto the Towne of Geldre: with whome all men, as well Cleargie as Laye men might depart, and all the King of Spaines officers: vpon condition that what belonged to the King of Spaine, with the shippes, and also the mooueables of the Countesse of Nyenwenart beeing in the towne should remaine there still: and the Bourgers should bee maintained in their freedomes and priuiledges.

Without doubt it was a speedie and easie purchase, of so strong a towne, and or so great importance, which did so much harme to all her neighbours, and especi∣ally to them of Wezel, for that they make profession of the Protestants religion. The besieged might well for their honor haue held it some certaine dayes, and endu∣red [ E] two or three assaults, and the rather for that Cont Herman vanden Berghe, mar∣ched with goodly troopes of horse and foote to succour them, at the least to re∣fresh them with men, the which hee might well haue done, considering the distance of the guarders one from another in the Princes campe.

But as it is an ordinary thing, the greatest braggers are not the most resolute souldiars; so Captaine Snater Gouernour of the towne (who with his great words had braued the Estates and the Prince in Nymegen before hee yeelded it) was at the first sight so amazed and terrified, (fearing that his brauadoes would bee re∣membred) as hee presently fainted and lost all courage: Hee was in trueth much to [ F] blame to haue yeelded it so lightly, for the which hee was long in prison, not∣withstanding his excuse vpon the souldiers, who (hee sayd) would not endure an assault, who on the other side layed the blame vppon him. Yet I haue not heard

that they were in any sort punished, but contrariwise the same soldiars mutined soone * 2.69 [ A] after in the towne of Gelders.

This towne being thus yeelded, to the disgrace of Captaine Snator and the be∣seeged, * 2.70 the Archbishoppe and Chapter of Cologne (of whose iurisdiction the towne is) sent there deputies vnto the Prince, being yet in his campe, and after-wards to the generall Estates at the Hage, requiring them to leaue the said towne, as be∣ing of their iurisdiction, free and neutrall: but the examples of the townes of Bonne and Nuys, with the harme which the said towne did vnto the Estates, giuing free passage to the Spaniards to go into Freezland, and the robberies and insolencies which were committed by the garrison thereof, was the cause that at that time they gaue them small hope to recouer it so easely from them, who had spent so much to [ B] winne it.

The yeelding of this towne did so amaze them that were in garrison in that migh∣ty fort, seated also vpon the Rhine (which captaine Camillo Sachini gouernor of the * 2.71 towne of Maeurs, had caused to bee built and called it by his owne name the fort of Camillo) being two houres going from Rhinebercke, as without attending any seege, seeing onely two shippes of warre approch, hauing set fire of it, they abando∣ned it with two peeces of Artillery: which the Prince seeing he caused it to bee presently ruined, whilst that hee was busie to repaire the breaches, and to make plaine the campe before Rhinebercke, then hauing viewed the towne and Castell of Meurs, the scituation and the country about it for the planting of his campe: [ C] after that hee had left a sufficient garrison of horse and foote in Rhinberck, vnder the charge of Captaine Schaef, hee caused all his army to march the twenty sixe of * 2.72 the moneth towards Meurs, the which hee beseeged, making ready to force it; but the seauenth day following, which was the second of September, before they had endured one cannon shot, although both towne and castle were places of a reaso∣nable strength, and had eight or nine hundred men in them, wanting nothing for their defence, especially in the castell: yet they were so faint-harted by a soden amazement which tooke them, hearing the sommonce that was made to yeeld, and thinking of the little or no meanes that was made to succor Rhinberck, which was much stronger and of greater importance, hoping for no succors when they had [ D] done their best, being loth to bee scackt, they were resolued before they would endure a battery of twelue peeces (which weee ready) to enter into treaty, and to get the most honorable composition they could, which the Prince hauing other desseigns, and to winne time, granted them to depart the next day, being the third of September, withall their armes, horses, and baggage, their collours flying, * 2.73 drums beating, bullets in their mouths, matches light, and besides to carry away one field peece the which had neuer beene vsed during all the Estates warres, but to winne time (hauing much worke else-where) they did graunt them all they de∣manded: More-ouer they had some Wagons graunted them to carry away their baggage, and a good conuoy to conduct them to some other place of more better [ E] safetie.

Prince Maurice hauing thus freed the Rhine and cut of the Spaniards passage in∣to Freeseland, after that hee had setled a good order in these three townes and Castells, the which hee had gotten in one moneth, with a little labour or losse, hee resolued in like manner to goe and free the country of Freeseland and Ouerys∣sell: * 2.74 so as on the eight of September he past the Rhine with all his army, at Rhine∣berck, causing his shippes of warre and munition to fall downe the Rhine at Ys∣seloort into the riuer of Yssel, vnto Dousbourg in the Conty of Zutphen, being determined to set vpon Grolle, the which hauing beseeged two yeares before, he left, for that the Spaniards vnder the leading of Collonel Mondragon gouernor of the [ F] castle of Antwerp came to cut of his victualls: before which towne hee came with his army, and did invest it the eleuenth of September, in the which there were some thousand two hundred soldiars that is ten Captaines of foote, and three Cornets of

horse, vnder the command of Cont Frederick vanden Bergh, brother to Cont * 2.75 [ A] Harman who then carried him-selfe as gouernor of all Freeseland for the King of Spaine.

The first thing which Prince Maur ce did after that hee had well intrencht his campe, was to drawe the water of the diches, and then to make galleries through them, euen to the foote of the rampar, that they might go couered to the sappe. The towne was reasonable strong and could not bee easely wonne without a good battery, as well to take away their defences, as to make a breach to come vnto the assault, wherefore hee planted twenty foure peeces of ordinance: so as Iohn Bovuier maister of the fire-workes plaid the diuell in sending forth his firy bullets, the which set fire of the towne in diuers places, so as the beseeged were much troubled to quench it, who in the meane time did their best endeauors to defend [ B] them-selues, shooting with their great ordinance through the campe, and some∣times sallying forth. But as the rampar was already vndermined in seauen or eight places, and the galleries in a maner finished to go to the sappe, and all the artil∣lery redy planted; the Prince (an enemy to the effusion of humaine bloud) being loth to ruine the poore people without ineuitable necessity, and desirous to spare his men as much as might be (as it is alwaies his custome to batter furiously without intermission, vntill he hath made a breach, and then presently to giue an assault) but * 2.76 he would first sommon Cont Vanden Bergh and the beseeged to yeeld, the which hee did the seauenteenth of the moneth, promising them a good composition, if they did yeeld, and not attend the fury of the cannon: otherwise if he were forced [ C] to take it by assault, they should feele the fury of a victorious enemy prouoked by their obstinacy to reuenge.

The beseeged seeing the Estate of their towne halfe burnt, the galleries, sappes and mines, the great store of ordinance and all things redy to force them, hauing little hope of succors and much lesse then the townes taken beyond the Rhine; they were willing to yeeld to a good composition, and not to attend any further extremity, promising to yeeld, and to depart the next day with all there armes and baggage, * 2.77 leauing their Enseignes and Cornets, vppon condition not to serue against the Estates on this side the Rhine for the space of 3. moneths, and that they should retire beyond the riuer of Meuse. The horsemen leauing their horses at the Princes descre∣tion; [ D] wherewith hee might mount some of his men, if it were his pleasure: but vsing of his accustomed courtesie and bounty, and to let his enemies know that hee wanted not, he gaue them backe againe to one of their Captaines, an Italien which begged them, rather then to the Earle of Va•…•…den Bergh, although hee weare his Cosin Ger∣maine Brother and Sisters children. Hee graunted them in like manner a great number of Wagons to carry away their hurt men and baggage, vnto the Rhine. Thus was the towne of Grolle yeelded, at which seege there was no great losse of men of either side, but the losse fell vpon the poore Bourgers, who had their houses burnt.

The Prince hauing layd the trenches of his campe euen and put a sufficient garri∣son [ E] into Grolle, on the first of October he went with his army before the towne and Castle of Brefort, in the same country of Ouerysel, places by nature strong hauing but two approches to them, one before, and an other behinde, but other-wise enuironed round about with marishes and boggs, and besides so fortefied by the * 2.78 industrie of man, as they seemed impregnable, being manned with three hun∣dred good soldiars which were sufficient for the capacity of those places, vnder the command of a Lorraine Captaine. The Prince the better to make his appro∣ches, and to winne a passage, caused many bauins and fagots, hardelles and plankes to bee cast in those places which were most inaccessible, vpon the which on either [ F] side there were gabions planted with twenty peeces of ordinance to batter the rauelins which couered the two ports on the East and West sides, and a certaine tower which did anoy on the West part: then he caused a gallery to bee made through the ditches, to go to the sappe if need were.

This done, and all things redy to force it, the Prince caused the beseeged to bee * 2.79 [ A] sommoned to yeeld them-selues vpon promise of good vsage. This captaine of Lor∣raine refusing to giue eare vnto it, the Prince caused three vollees of Cannon to be shot, and then he sommoned them againe. But the beseeged growing obstinate, re∣lying vpon the strength of their towne and castle, imagining that the cannon could * 2.80 not doe them so great harme, as experience taught them afterwards, but to late: the Prince commanded to batter the Rauelins and ports of both sides with all fury, the which was done from nine of the clocke in the morning vntill three in the after noone and a breach made at the Rauelin on the North side, the which was sonne wonne by the bridges which he caused to be presently made: The beseeged seing this Rauelin beaten downe, and that their began to be a sufficient breach to giue an assault, yea [ B] to haue gone vpon horsebacke, and that the army was put in battaile to assayle them, they made a signe that they should cease the battery, and they would parle. But * 2.81 their first obstinacy was the cause that the Prince would not forbeare, vntill that he see an easie breach, and the women and children vpon their knees, holding vp their hands and crying for mercy, the which preuayling nothing, and the battery soone after ceasing, some soldiars aduanced (it may bee without charge) to go and view the breach, where being aloft and seeing no man to defend it, they entred, and were presently followed by others, who charged the beseeged, which began to fly, and * 2.82 to make their retreat towards the castle, whereof there were some seauenty of the hin∣dermost slaine. The Lorraine Captaine durst not retier himselfe, (fearing least his former wilfulnes would make his owne men to kill him) but hee hid him-selfe in a [ C] mine, where hee was found and led prisoner to the Prince, who pardoned him and gaue him his life.

The Prince would gladly haue kept the towne from spoyle: and haue spar•…•…d, the poore people, and avoyded all disorders and insolencies, which vsually happen in the like accidents, standing him-selfe a long time in the breach to keepe and defend it, and would not suffer that any of the inhahitants should be taken prisoner nor ran∣somed, yet was the towne partly spoyled by them that entred first: but being for∣bidden the spoyle was not great: and the Bourgers had not beene in very ill case, if a soldiar seeking some aduenture in the night, with a wispe of straw burning (for [ D] want of a candle) had not set fire of the house the which spred ouer all the towne, * 2.83 and could not be preuented, so as the whole towne was burnt except eight houses. The soldiars that were retired into the Castle cryed out for grace, yeelding vnto the Princes mercy: who gaue them all their liues, leauing their armes, and paying a con∣uenient ransone, who hauing left the most apparent among them for hostages for the said ransome, the rest retired towards their other troupes, as those of Grolle had done. The mony which grew by these ransomes, was diuided by the Prince among the soldiars, reseruing no penny to him-selfe, wherein hee shewed his bounty and clemency, for he might by the law of armes if hee had pleased, intreated these obstinat men roughly, as the Spaniard doth in the like case, causing all to bee han∣ged [ E] or slaine: but the Prince is of so mylde a disposition, besides his other vertues, as hee alwaies prefers clemency and mercy before rigour and malice. As for his buunty and liberality he gaue sufficient testimony thereof to the horse-men of Grolle, as we haue said

The Prince hauing taken the towne and Castell of Brefort, and hauing giuen order for all things, hee turned head with his army towards the towne of Ens∣chede, the which was great, but none of the strongest, nor yet of the weakest places, meaning to make him-selfe Maister thereof before hee past any further. * 2.84 Hauing made his approch with twelue peeces of ordinance, and caused it to bee so∣mond, the garrison which was within it being better aduised then they of Brefort, [ F] seeing there was no hope of succors for them, and that those strong and important places had beene wonne without any shew of succors: they demanded that they might depart with their armes and baggage: the which the Prince graunted them, yet without Wagons and conuoy, vpon condition to passe beyond the riuer of

Meuse. Thus the sa•…•…d garrison departed the same day the Prince arriued, beeing the * 2.85 [ A] seauenteene day of October, the which were but two small companies, who held it for honor ynough to haue seene the Princes army and cannon.

The next day the Prince went and planted his campe before the towne of Oldenz∣yel, in the same country of Oueryssel, reasonablie great and well peopled, hauing three * 2.86 double walles, and as many ditches, in the which there were sixe hundred souldiars. The Bourgers who would not willingly see their towne spoyled with the cannon, nor their liues and goods in danger, knowing well that howsoeuer, they must needes bee taken by force or by accord, either soone or late: and that attending longer they might haue the worse composition, seeing the ordynance and that they beganne to drawe the water out of their ditches, they perswaded the souldiars that they might [ B] with one generall consent, enter into capitulation: so as on the two and twenty daie they sent a drumme vnto the Prince, to let him vnderstand their mindes: wherevpon * 2.87 after a little parle, it was agreed that the souldiars should depart the next daie with their armies and baggage, vpon the same composition that they of Enschede did: And moreouer that such as would depart, and could not so speedelie doe it by reason of their affaires, should haue three monethes time to finish all their businesses, and then to depart freely without any desturbance whether they pleased, with their goods and mouables.

Whilest that the Prince was before Oldenzyel, hee sent his cousin the Earle of * 2.88 Solms to besiege the little towne of Otmarsum in Oueryssel, before the which Charles [ C] of Lievin Lord of Famas, Generall of the Artillery for the Estates, had beene slaine in yeare of our Lord 1595. where hauing giuen three volles, with foure small peeces, the garrison (beeing but of one company) required that they might depart with the composition of Enschede, the which was granted them; so on the one and twenty of October the towne was yeelded, the souldiars departing with their armes and bag∣gage. Those that were in garrison in the towne and fort of Goor, seeing the Princes happy successe, & how he stil prospered, being loth to attend the hazard of themselues, * 2.89 they abandoned those places to the Earles pleasure, who presently caused the forts to bee ruined by the peasants of that quarter, who were very glad to bee imployed a∣bout so good a worke, whereby they might recouer their quiet and libertie. All the countrie of Ouerssel beeing freed, by the taking of Grolle, Brefort, Enschede, Ol∣denzyel, [ D] Otmarsum and Goor, and of some fortes, which the Spaniard had held there, the whole countrie hauing beene by reason of them extreamely afflicted euen vnto the gates of Deuenter, Campen, Zwol, Hasselt and Steenwyc, chiefe townes, of the countrie of Oueryssel vnder the Estates obedience, for the which they are bound in dutie to thanke the Prince, who performed so great a worke in so short a time, and with so little oppression, the which the whole countrie did afterwards very thankefully acknowledge.

To finish the Princes victories for this yeare, and to free the countries of Friseland, * 2.90 Oueryssel and Gronning, so as the Spaniard should hold nothing beyond the Rhine: there yet remained the towne and castle of Linghen (places of great importance) bee∣ing [ E] the passage by land, towards Hambrough, Breme and other townes of the East countries, beeing neighbour to the countrie of Westphalia, and the Counties of Em∣den and Oldenbourg, making a signeury and pettie Estate by it selfe, which the ge∣nerall Estates had heretofore giuen to the Prince of Orange, father to Prince Maurice, in recompence of the libertie which they had recouered by his meanes and seruice.

Cont Frederic vanden Berghe, after that hee had yeelded vp the towne of Grolle * 2.91 by composition, had retired himselfe into the castle of Linghen, which was all that remained of his Gouernment on that side the Rhine, beeing fully resolued to keepe [ F] both the one and the other, and there to set vp his rest: for that the places were verie strong, and furnished with sixe hundred good men, the floure of all the King of Spaines forces in that quarter of Friseland, with a cornet of horse, and some ten or twelue verie good brasse peeces of Ordynance, besides iron ones. The Earle assuring himselfe

that he should be besieged, he caused certaine houses nere vnto the towne to be burnt, * 2.92 [ A] the more to annoy his cousin the Princes campe, and had done more, if hee had not beene hindred by the sodaine comming of the army: winter beeing then at hand, and the wether likely to prooue bad.

The Prince retyring out of the countrie of Oueryssell causing his armie to march that way on the twenty eight day of October, the same day he did inuest the towne, and for as much as on that side there were no enemies to bee feared but those which hee besieged, he therefore (the better to accommodate his souldiars) lodged them a little at large, and most of them in peasants houses, the countrie being very much peopled. The Prince himselfe was lodged in a Gentlemans house, nere halfe a myle from the towne, and his horsemen dispersed. [ B]

The approches were easie to make, for that the towne hath many little hilles about it, so as in a short time (the season beeing reasonablie mylde) his men lodged in the * 2.93 counterscarpe, euen vpon the edge of the ditch, out of the which the water was soone drawne, then were there certaine galleries made through the ditches, especially on the castles side. The slow arriuall of the great ordynance, was the cause the battery was not so soone readie: yet to take away their defences, the Prince did presently im∣ploy those few which hee had brought with him: but when the rest were come, hee caused foure and twenty cannons to bee planted against the castle: the which on the second day of Nouember did batter with such fury for eight houres together, at the two Rauelins, that Cont Frederic seeing their meaning was against the castle, drew all the ordinance out of the towne into the castle, with the which he made an exchange [ C] with the Prince, causing his men to sally often forth, with losse of either side.

The galleries beeing finished against those two Rauelynes (whose worke the be∣sieged could by no meanes hinder, by reason of the continuall thundering of the can∣non and of the small shot, and that all the defences of the rampar were taken away) the Prince commanded his men to sappe the sayd two Rauelyns: Frederic perceiuing it, and knowing his cousins vsuall course, which is, that hauing a sufficient breach, hee goes presently to the assault, hee therefore desired to make a good retreate in time, wherevpon beeing sommoned, hee desired to parle, and to enter into capi∣tulation. [ D]

The Prince did the more willingly giue eare vnto him, for that hee feared the season of the winter, which vntill that time had beene verie fauorable, and to * 2.94 winne time to carrie backe his army. Wherefore on the twelfth day of the month, Fre∣deric accorded to yeelde, and to depart with armes and baggage, furnishing him with certaine wagons vnto the next village: deliuering the castle the same day into the Princes hands, who instantly put men into it; the Earle retyring his men into the towne vntill the next day, that he departed.

It was a strange thing of these Bretheren of Vanden Berghe, that of all the places which the King of Spaine committed vnto them, they could neuer keepe one against the attempts of Prince Maurice their cousin, as Deuenter, Steenwic, Grolle, Linghen, [ E] and all those other pettie places in the Countrie of Oueryssell, which the Prince wonne this sommer. They say that the Spaniard did of purpose put them into them, to the end that if they had them in gard, hee should not incurre the dishonour to loose them himselfe, whereof they would not haue fayled no more then these of Vanden Berghe, who alwaies shewed themselues faithful and readie to do the King of Spaine their Master seruice.

Whilest that the Prince was camped before Linghen, the King of Denmarkes Am∣bassadors came vnto him, which were Arnold VVitfeldt Chancellor, and Christian * 2.95 Bernekar a Councellor, who would not depart, vntill hee was master thereof. These Ambassadors returning from their Embassie out of England, came to [ F] the same end to the Hage in Holland in the beginning of October, to the gene∣rall Estates of the vnited Prouinces, where hauing had their dispatch, and retur∣ning into their owne countrie, they would needes see Prince Maurice as they past along.

The some of their Legation which they did deliuer as well by word as by writing, * 2.96 [ A] on the ninth of October, was.

THat Christierne King of Denmarke at this present raigning, remembring the good loue and neighbour-hood which King Frederic his Father had in his life time with the deceased VVilliam of Nassau, Prince of Orange, the sayd generall Estates, and ge∣nerally with all the Inhabitants of the vnited Prouinces, who had euer sought, and labored as much as hee could possibly, that not onelie the sayd vnited Prouinces should bee once discharged of those long, cruell and deuouring warres: but also that they and all Christendome might bee restored to an assured peace and quietnesse. So as it was to bee hoped that this so holy a designe and intent of their said Lord and [ B] King would haue taken good effect, if it had not pleased God to take him so sodainely out of this world. But now that his present Maiestie their Prince and Lord, hauing succeeded the King his father, not onely in his realmes, and Estates, but also in his Christian and Godly vertues, to follow his steppes, in the entertainment of amitie, good neighbor-hood, and correspondencie with the sayd vnited Prouinces, by de∣monstration of the loue and affection which hee beares them, desiring nothing more then to see them discharged of these miseries and calamities, and of whatsoeuer might grieue or annoy them, which desire and zeale hath mooued his Maiestie, to send them as his Ambassadors vnto his Excelencie and their Lordships, to vnderstand if they had any inclynation, and could bee content, that his Maiestie with other Chris∣tian [ C] Princes and Potentates, should deale and labour that these long warres and pub∣like calamities (common to them all) might once bee supprest and quencht, and peace, (so much desired) generally setled and planted, hoping that the King of Spaine, their aduerse partie might in like manner bee drawne vnto it. And the generall Estates may rest well assured, that the King their Prince, would not herein seeke nor procure any thing that should bee preiudiciall to the Protestants religion, in the which his Maiestie hath beene borne, bred and brought vp, and with the grace of GOD will continue vnto the end: but onelie procure the meanes by the which they might bee preserued and maintained, with increase of their happinesse. Wherevpon his Maie∣sty doth most affectionatly intreat the sayd Prince and Estates, that they will giue [ D] eare vnto it, and resolue to propound conditions and Articles, whereby they may bee inclined to enter into conference, and that the King their Master might bee there∣of informed by them: which his holie and Godly intention, his Maiestie had made knowne vnto the renounced Queene of England, Elizabeth his deare Sister and Allie, with all good and holesome admonitions and exhortations, vpon the horrible amaze∣ments, doubtfull euents, and iminent dangers of this war; as in like sort he would haue them represented vnto his Excelency and their Lordships.

His Maiesty requiring also the sayd Estates, that all neutrall persons, which haue no community with this bad warre, might haue free nauigation, comerece and traffick of Marchandise, into any place whatsoeuer, so as they forbeare to carry any munition [ E] of warre vnto the enemie. And much lesse that his Maiesties naturall subiects should be restrained, in regard of the perpetuall contracts, neighbour-hood, friend∣ship and good correspondency, which hath alwaies beene betwixt his subiects and them of the vnited Prouinces, to whom the like is freely allowed in all his hauens, pas∣sages and straights.

Then afterwards hauing beene intercessors for Steyn Maltesen, Amptman of the castle of Bahuysen in Denmarke, that he might bee paied the arrerages of his account for the seruices which hee had done to the particular Estates of Holland and Friseland. The sayd Ambassadors hauing in his Maiesties name wisht all happinesse and pros∣peritie vnto Prince Maurice and the Estates, with offer of his loue and good neigh∣bor-hood, [ F] in im•…•…tation of his Ancestors, and especially of the deceased King, his Lord and Father: And they for their parts did offer vnto the Estates their humble seruice. Beseeching them aboue all that they might carry vnto the King, their Lord and Master, in the Estates behalfe, a good and a pleasing answere.

Wherevpon the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces made aswere vnto the [ A] sayd Ambassadors, as well by mouth as by writing, the foure and twenty day of Octo∣ber, * 2.97 as followeth.

THat the Lords of their assemblie deputed and representing the sayd generall E∣states, * 2.98 had beene exceeding glad to here and vnderstand the good remembrance which his Maiestie had retained, of the friendship, neighbour-hood, correspondency, and ancient contracts which had bin of long time betwixt the crown of Denmark, Nor∣way &c. with the Prouinces of the Netherlands in generall: and especiall of the good opinion which the worthie King Frederic the second of that name King of Denmarke &c. had of them, and of the worthy remēbrance which he hath had of the deceased VVil∣liam [ B] of Nassau Prince of Orange. &c. The said Estates hauing neuer had any doubt of the loue and good inclynation of the sayd King, to the vnited Prouinces, which giues them the greater cause of ioye, for that his Maiesty doth offer to continue and perseuer therein, for the which they did most humblie thanke him. Hoping that they neither haue, nor euer will neglect any endeauor, that may serue to entertaine and augment his Maiesties good will and affection to them and the sayd Prouinces.

That the sayd Estates will neuer forget the good affection which the deceased King did carry to these Prouinces, desiring to retire them from vnder the heauy bur∣then of warre, and to restore them to peace and rest: assuring themselues that his Ma∣iesty now raigning, hath not onely inherited his fathers Kingdomes and Estates, but also [ C] his vertues, and the same inclination which hee had to the friendship, good neighbour∣hood and correspondency with the said Prouinces. Whereby they do firmely beleeue, that his Maiesty desires nothing more, then to see the prosperity and health of these countries, by the rooting out of all acts of hostility, and of all that might be preiudicial and chargeable vnto them: for the which they hold themselues so much the more bound vnto his Maiesty. And as they do herein know his good will, so they hope that by the reasons hereafter produced, his Maiesty will beleeue; that the sayd Estates haue neuer desired any thing more, then once to see an end of this warre, and it changed in∣to a good and firme peace, for the attayning whereof they haue done what possible they could: for their safeties, preseruation of their religion and good of the country. [ D] Whereas contrariwise on the Kings behalfe; and of the councell of Spaine, in all confe∣rences of peace, as well in his name as otherwise they seeke nothing but practises and cunning shifts to surpresse the countrie and the good Inhabitants thereof. As it ap∣peared by the first conference in the yeare of our Lord 1574. betwixt the Lord of Champigny in the King of Spaines name, and the signior of Saint Aldegonde, for the Prince of Orange and the Estates of Holland and Zeeland, the which went to smoake, for that they would not yeeld to the least point that was demaunded for the safetie of religion: beeing the Spaniards onelie intention during the sayd conference, to breed a diuision betwixt those two Prouinces, and so beeing masters of the good towne of Leyden, to lodge themselues safely in the heart of Holland. [ E] The which (by the fidelitie and good endeauors of the sayd Prince and Estates, toge∣ther with the besieged in the sayd towne: by the helpe of GOD) was preuented. The like was seene in that solemne assemblie held at Breda, in the yeare of our Lord 1575. at the intercession of the Emperour Maximilian, hauing sent the Earle of Swarlsen∣bourg thether: at the which refusing to yeeld any thing in the Kings behalfe, touch∣ing the reformed religion, nor allow the generall Estates of all the Netherlands to as∣semble together to that end, in like manner there came no good of it. But during the time of the sayd conuocation, the Spaniardes did so much by their practises and warlike attempts, as in few monethes they got more vpon Holland and Zeeland, then o∣therwise they had done in many yeares.

[ F]

Afterwards as by the grace of God (the which the King of Spaine hath sought by all meanes to breake) the Prouinces subiect to the oppression of the Spaniards, freed themselues, beeing assembled and in the end confederated with the sayd Prince and the Estates of Holland and Zeeland, and their associates in the towne of Gant. Whereas

they haue made the pacification which followed, with an order corcerning relligion, * 2.99 [ A] and the conuocation of the generall Estates of all the Netherlands. As after the death of the great Commander Don Louis of Reguesence, and before the con∣clusion of the sayed Pacification, Don Iohn arriued in the country of Luxembourg: whereas many of the said Prouinces treated with him, and in the end agreed (notwith∣standing the said Pacification and vnion which followed) to receiue him for their Gouernor, except those of Holland and Zeeland and their Associats, who opposed them-selues, for that the King of Spaine would not consent vnto the said pacificati∣on, nor the assembly of the generall Estates, but conditionally that it should not de∣rogat, nor preiudice the Popish and Romish Relligion, and that the said Estates should sweate to entertaine the same. And Don Iohn being receiued into the said gouern∣ment, [ B] hee not onely sought to suppresse the Prouinces whereas hee commanded, but would also force them to enter into warre against them of Holland, Zeeland, and their associats, wherevnto they would not yeeld: hee then tooke armes againe, and called backe the Spaniards, the which by the treaty of Gant were gone out of the country, hauing secret practises with the Germaine and Wallon garrisons, to be assured of the towne and Castle of Antwerp, and of many other places, seazing vpon that of Namur, where-vpon the Estates of Holland and Zeeland being againe required to send their deputies, vnto an assembly of other Prouinces, being revnited together, they were long in treating an other accord with the said Don Iohn: But when they could not attaine vnto it vpon reasonable and iust conditions that were propounded vnto him, they were forced againe to returne to an open warre, and to goe [ C] to field of either side.

In the meane time the King of Spaine sent the Barron of Selles, to the generall Estates assembled at Brusselles, who in outward shew presented some means of peace, but in secret he labored to corrupt the one and the other, especially the heads of the army being then camped at Gemblours: whereof hee gayned some, which was the cause. of the rout of the said army, by the absence of those Noblemen that were retired at the same time: when as the Estates to shew their good and sin∣cere intention and desire to a peace, called Mathias Archduke of Austria to their go∣uernment. After which rout, the said Archduke, Prince of Orange and some o∣thers of the chiefe Noblemen, with the generall Estates, appointing to raise a new [ D] army, there was an other conference of peace propounded: and therevpon a con∣uocation was held at the request of the Barron of Selles, in the towne of Macklin, whether the Earle of Bossu and some other Noblemen of the Estates were sent: but all that was done there, was that the Barron of Selles corrupted the Siegnior of Bours gouernor of the towne of Macklin, so as within few months after it was yeelded vp and lost from the Estates.

Afterwards there was an other conference of peace held in the towne of Lou∣uaine, whereas the Ambassadors of the Emperor, of the French King and of the Queene of England assisted: but for that they would not yeeld vnto the least point which was required touching reformation of relligion, all proued but winde. As in like [ E] manner they could not doe any thing in that great assembly at Cologne, in the which the Emperor (that now is) was a mediator by his Ambassadors, Electors and Prin∣ces of the Empire, by reason that they would not prouide for the safety of the said Religion, nor for the Estate of the country, according to their ancient rights, and preuiledges: during which assembly, the disunion of the Wallon Prouinces was practised, and of some of the cheefe of the Nobilitie, with the reduction of the towne of Boisleduc and others to the Spanish party, some by practises, some by force.

So as in the end the states seeing that neither by intercession nor by any other meanes [ F] they could attaine to a good and an assured peace, the were forced to resolue to choose an other Prince, where-vpon most part of the said Prouinces did choose and call in the Duke of Aniou and Alanson, the onely Brother to the French King: after they had by, sufficient declarations, and by Edicts publikely proclaymed the

King of Spaine to bee fallen from all right of Seigneurie and command, which hee * 2.100 [ A] was wont to haue ouer the Netherlands. And although the reasons why this hath happened bee notorious to all the world; yet it merits to bee succinctly related in this place: which is, that the ground of all the warres and miseries of the Netherlands, is, for that the King of Spaine hath sought to suppresse the preuiledges, freedomes, liberties, pollicie, forme of gouernment, and other rights of the sayd countries, whereas he pretends to make this his Rendezvous, and seate of warre, to the oppression of all neighbour Princes, and especially of them that were fallen from the Romish religion. The which the Princes, chiefe Noblemen, and Estates of the sayd countries, being not able to endure, the King of Spaine tooke occasion to send the Duke of Alua with a mightie armie into these parts, to execute his sayd desseigne, by whom hee caused the Earles of Egmont and Horne to bee apprehended, with a great num∣ber [ B] of Noblemen, Gentlemen and good Cittizens, whom hee did publikely and shamefully execute, banishing an infinite number of people, and chasing them away, to the great griefe and sorrow of the poore inhabitants which remained. Yea the Marquis of Berghes, and the Baron of Montigny, sent a little before into Spaine, by the Gouernesse, to shew the iminent danger of the sayd Countries, and to seeke for remedie, the King against the dutie of a good Prince, against his othe made both in generall and in particular, and against all lawe of nations, caused them to dye, and did confiscate all their goods. Making Cittadels in the chiefe Townes of the coun∣trie, bringing in a new forme of iustice, establishing a supreme councell, called a Councell of the troubles, in Flemish Blout-raed, that is, a Councell of bloud, all [ C] against the preuiledges; And vnder coulour of a generall pardon, abolishing gene∣rally all the right and priuiledges of the countrie, to gouerne at his pleasure, for∣getting not in the meane time his chiefe desseignes vpon the neighbor kingdomes, seeking occasions of quarrell to inuade them by armes. The which GOD pre∣uented, stirring vp the Prince of Orange, who entred into the sayd countries with two mightie armies, vntill that hee was setled in his gouernments of Holland and Zeeland.

This was not yet sufficient for the King of Spaine, that in those countries there are aboue a hundred thousand persons dead for the religion, and that by his charge [ D] the Duke of Alua hath caused aboue twentie thousand to bee executed by the hang∣man, but hee must withall quite ruine whole townes, and murther most part of the people, as the Townes of Macklyn, Zutphen, Naerden, Oudewaeter, and others which may serue for presidents: And besides that, hee was cause of the Prince of Oranges murther by a publike proclamation, who had alwayes carried himselfe as a Fa∣ther of the countrie: the which giues the Estates the more occasion to perseuere in their iust conceptions. Whereby it is apparent, that these vnited Prouinces haue good reason not to submit them-selues vnder the subiection and rule of the King of Spaine, nor to enter into any Treatie with him of a perpetuall peace. And the rather for that they haue found by experience, that all the conferences of peace, (how [ E] sincerely so-euer they haue beene made by the Mediators and Intercessors,) haue beene a wayes held by the Spaniards, tending to some practises or enterprises: that hauing made some diuision or breach betweene them, then sodenly to ouer-runne and disperce them.

Besides in their particular Treaties with the Townes of Gand and Bruges, the King of Spaines ministers propounded in the beginning goodly conditions, yea for mat∣ter of religion: but when they came to resolue, they would not once suffer them to open their mouthes vpon the least point. The fraudulent treaties of the enemies, and the wayes of hostilitie which the Spaniards haue vsed against the State and Crowne of France, for so many yeares, doe sufficiently shew, that all they doe is [ F] but to suppresse religion. And the like happened in the yeare 1588. when during the Treatie of the English with the Spaniards at Bourbourg in Flanders, that great Sea∣armie thought to inuade England. And withall the Estates cannot enter into any trea∣tie with the King of Spaine, for that since the murther of the Prince of Orange, they

haue chosen Prince Maurice his sonne for the cheefe, whome God hath endowed with * 2.101 [ A] so many graces and heroicall vertues, as he not onely defends and preserues these vnited Prouinces, but doth also augment and dilate their limits and iurisdictions; with the ayde and fauor of the Queene of England, who like a most Christian Princesse, consi∣dering the power and ambition of the Spaniards, and their manner of proceeding, hath alwaies for the good of all Christendome fauored the said Estates, with whom they are in league, vpon promise not to make any peace with the said enemies without her pri∣uity and consent.

That since the King of Spaine hath continued warre against all Kings, Princes, and Potentats, vnder collour to maintaine the Pope and his relligion: but the true cause is to domineere ouer all Christendome, the which he hath shewed plainely against [ B] the French King, by reason whereof the saide French king hath also made a league with the Queene of England: into the which these vnited Prouinces haue beene re∣ceiued, being bound not to treat any peace with the Spaniard without both their consents, whereof the Estates hope that the kings maiesty of Denmarke will consider of the ambitious desseignes of the king of Spaine, and of his councell, against all kings and Potentates, and especially against them that haue forsaken Popery: euen so all Christendome should desire to ioyne in the same league, asuring themselues also that his Maiestie by his great wisdome will not onely iudge how vnfit it were for these countries to returne vnder the yoake of the Spaniard, to the totall suppression of relligion, and their vtter ruine, but also how preiudiciall it would be to neighbour [ C] kings and Princes, if the said Prouinces were brought againe vnder the King of Spaines subiection: and that he should command ouer their soldiars, shippes, and marrines, hauing the meanes in his power, by the mony which the said Prouinces haue by rea∣son of the warres beene forced to leuie for their defence and preseruation: the which being at his deuotion, would giue him meanes to entertayne twenty thousand men continually, with the which hee would doe greater exployts against all other neighbour Kings and Princes, then hee could doe with the reuenues and demaines of his other realmes and Prouinces, yea of his Indies.

That the King of Spaine hath beene alwaies a persecuter of the relligion, the gouern∣ment of Spaine and Portugall, and the great councell of the Inquisition do suffici∣ently [ D] shew it, with that goodly title which hee giues him-selfe of Defender of the Popes authority, who attributes vnto him-selfe, and vsurpes the power to transferre kingdomes from one King or Prince vnto an other. Moreouer the said Estates do most humbly beseech his Maiesty to beleeue that the beginning of a conference of peace with the King of Spaine is full of difficulties, and secret desseignes, which can∣not be preuented. For as with other Kings, Princes and commonweales conferences of peace doe coole mens affections to warre, or at the least doth hinder the meanes: the same reason hath greater efficacy with these Prouinces and townes: for that many would imagine that the reasons which had moued the said Estates to enter into confe∣rence were so sollide, and built vpon a foundation of such assured conditions, as they could not faile to attayne vnto a firme peace, the which would cause many inconuenien∣ces, [ E] for to thinke that the vnited Prouinces could make any peace with the King of Spaine without the extirpation of the reformed relligion in the said contries, and with∣out bringing the inhabitants thereof vnder the absolute obedience of Spaine; it hath bin deliuered at large by word of mouth vnto the Ambassadors, that it cannot possible bee performed.

The said Estates do also beseege his Maiesty to beleeue that they are very sencible of the great miseries and calamities which these countries haue suffered and do suffer during these present warres, and of the effusion of humaine bloud. And in like man∣ner they doe duly weigh and consider of the commodities which a good peace should [ F] bring by the cessation of armes. But seeing that (besides the enterest of all Chris∣tendome, and of Kings, Princes and neighbour common weales) this conference of a peace with the Spaniards, would be so preiudiciall and hurtfull to the Estate of these

Countries, as the ruine thereof and all the inhabitants might thereby ensue. For these * 2.102 [ A] considerations their Estate cannot endure to haue any other ouerture made, but it behoues them to attend an other issue from the hand of GOD (whereon they haue grounded all their hope) by a good reunion of the other Belgicke Prouinces, or other∣wise. And therefore the said Estates doe humbly beseech, that it would please his Maiesty to receiue their resolution in good part, and in respect therof not to carry lesse affection to them, then subiects and inhabitants.

As for that which the sayed Ambassadors haue charge from his Maiesty, to insist vnto the Estates, that all neutrall persons which haue nothing common with this warre, might freely sayle and trafficke into all places, so as they carry no munition of warre to the enemy, and especially his Maiesties subiects, in consideration of their [ B] her editary contract and good neighbourhood. The said Estates declare that they confesse most willingly, and will alwaies confesse, that they are greatly bound vnto his Maiesty by reason of the said hereditary contract, neighbourhood and good cor∣respondency, and in like manner for the security and fauor which the inhabitants of the vnited Prouinces receiue throughout all his dominions, in regard whereof sence the beginning of these wars vnto that day, they haue endeauored to shew vnto al Kings, Princes and neighbour common-weales, and especially in respect of the said King of Denmarke for matters of nauiyation and trafficke, all good neighbourhood, corres∣pondency and friendshippe. And that in this consideration they would not hinder the subiects and inhabitants of the realmes and countries of the said King, nor any [ C] other neutrall persons, from the nauigation into Spaine, Portugall or any other wes∣terne parts vnder the King of Spaines dominions or obedience, or any other neutrall countries what soeuer, no more then their owne subiects and inhabitants of the vni∣ted Prouinces.

Touching Steyn Maltesen Collonell to his Maiesty, and Amptman of Bahuysen, of whome mention is made in the said proposition. The saide Estates declare that it is not long sence, that hauing taking information vpon his pretensions in quality of Lieutenant to the most famous William Lewis Earle of Nassau, gouernor of Freezland, they haue giuen him all satisfaction, and ouer and aboue at his departure a gratuity of a chaine of gold, so as in regard of his seruices done vnto the said Prouinces, he cannot pretend any thing. And as for the seruice which the said Collonel pretends to haue [ D] done as Captaine of the company which was raysed by the deceased Captaine Schagen, since the twenty one of October 1580. vnto the first of February 1586. that the Seig∣nor Nicholas Malte his Brother succeeded in his place, he was in like sort paied, as o∣ther Captaines which were in the same seruice had beene, and are daily according to the order and vse of the country, with the which al soldiars content themselues without any contradiction, leauing the rest of their pay vnto the end of this warre. And in the meane time if it happen, that at the great sute and instance of any Captaines which leaue their seruice, for some good considerations, be it for their poore estate or other∣wise, they come to accord with them, it is done with such a small composition, aba∣ting [ E] that which ought to be abated according to the order: that in that case there would bee little comming vnto the Collonell vpon the accoumpt of his seruices, wherefore the Estates assure them-selues that the said Collonell being better infor∣med thereof by their letters, will the more willingly haue patience with the rest, and attend the end of this warre, rather then to accept of so meane a Composition, as hath beene told him by mouth.

Finally the said Estates do humbly thanke his Maiestie for his good affection to∣wards them: beseeching God withall their hearts, that it will please him to preserue his person, his realmes, Estates, countries and subiects, in a happy and prosperous gouernment, good and long life, to the good and quiet of all Christendome. As [ F] for them, that they would neuer faile of their duties and seruice, in all good affecti∣ons towards his maiesty the which they not onely desire to continue, but also will striue more and more, and at all times will bee ready to doe their best indeuor to

increase it. Thanking likewise the sayd Ambassadors of their great paines which they * 2.103 [ A] had taken in this legation: Intreating them earnestly that they would bee pleased to make a good and fauourable report vnto his Maiestie of the good affection and hum∣ble inclination which they haue vnto him, with their humble recommendations, &c. Made at the Hage the 24. of October. 1597.

The sayd Ambassadors hauing receiued this answer, departed, after they had beene stately entertained by the Seignior of Pipenpoix, a Gentleman appointed to that end by the Estates, as Steward: assisting at euery meale to beare them companie, two of the Deputies of the Estates: and beeing richly and honorably gratified with goodly presents, they went (as wee haue sayd,) to see, Prince Maurice, in his Campe before Linghen, where they were likewise well intreated and defrayed, as long as [ B] they remained in the Estates territories, taking their way from thence towards Denmarke.

According to so many Ambassages and pursutes tending to a peace, at the great instance of the King of Spaine: Cardinall Albert his Lieutenant, sent in the begin∣ning of the yeare 1598. his Commissioners vnto the French King, the which were, * 2.104 the President Richardot, Ioan Baptista Taxis and Lewis Verreyken, Audiencier, to seeke some good course for a peace betwixt him and the king his Maister, who should bee his father in lawe (the Infanta of Spaine being promised him in marriage) where∣vnto the Queene of England and the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces did also inuite him. For hee knew well that so long as those three great and mighty countries [ C] of France, England and the Netherlands, should bee vnited together in such a league as they had sworne, that his affaires could not succeed well, his power (al∣though it were very great) not being sufficient to incounter all their three forces to∣gether: fearing that hee should not onely bee forced to cast vp that which hee had deuoured in Picardie and else-where; but also to loose the rest of his Netherlands, and by their ioynt forces to bee assailed in Spaine.

On the other side the French King much incensed at the indignities which hee had receiued of his owne subiects, leaguers and others; knowing the desolation of his country, and that his subiects by this warre were so impouerished, as they could indure no more. And to recouer that by the way of armes, which the Spaniard had taken from him in two or three yeares before, hee must imploy much time, loose [ D] many men, and spend his treasor, which hee found to bee greatly exhausted. And that Picardie was so ruinated, as it was nothing but a desart, so as there was no * 2.105 meanes to feede an armie there, for the recouerie of Calais, Dourlans, and other places: wherefore hee was aduised by his Councell, to send his Deputies the∣ther, which were the Lords of Bellieure and Sillery, both of his councell, and the Generall of the Friars as a mediator; to enter into conference with the Cardinalls Commissioners, making the place of their assembly at Veruine, where they conti∣nued long before they could resolue.

The Queene of England, and the generall Estates sent their Ambassadors into * 2.106 France, concerning this treatie, as nothing pleased with this conformitie of the [ E] French King with the Spaniards, but they returned with-out any effect. The Estates Embassadors by reason of the contrary windes, came too late, the Treatie of peace being concluded with the Spaniard. Yet going to the king to Nantes, they were welcomed, much made of, and had priuate audience, whereas the king assu∣red them of his loue and good affection to the sayd Prouinces; so as they returned reasonablie well satisfied from his Maiestie. Yet the Estates sent other ambassa∣dours to the Queene of England, to conferre of that which was to be done, or not * 2.107 done concerning this peace: the said ambassadors were Iohn Duyvenvorae knight, Siegnior of Warmont, Admirall and great forrester of Holland; Maister Iohn Van∣derwerck [ F] Councellor of the Estates of Zeeland, and Iohn Hottinga a Squire, both De∣puties of the generall Estates. And although it seemed according to the league made in the yeare 1596. betwixt France and England, in the which the vnited Prouinces were comprehended, that the King should not haue proceeded in this treatie of peace

with the Spaniard, without the consent of his allyes: yet the French King thought * 2.108 [ A] himselfe sufficiently discharged in that behalfe, to haue inuited and summoned the Queene and the said Estates: who by their refusall or delayes could not bridle his will, hauing giuen the Ambassadors both of the one and the other sufficiently to vnder∣stand, how necessary peace was for his kingdome, to restore and put his poore sub∣iects in breath, his condition being contrary to the Queenes and the Estates, who pre∣serued and maintained them-selues by warre, and hee on the other side did but ruine his realme thereby. In the end hee concluded the sayd peace with the Cardinalls De∣puties, in the name of the King of Spaine their Maister: the articles whereof I haue set downe briefly and succinctly, as followeth-

1. First it is agreed, that the Treatie of peace concluded and resolued, betwixt the * 2.109 [ B] said Kings, Henry the fourth, and Philip the second, in confirmation of the articles con∣teined in the treatie of peace, made at Chasteau Cambresis 1559. betwixt the sayd Catholicke King, and Henry the second the French king, deceased, of high and wor∣thy memorie, which treatie the sayd Deputies haue a new confirmed in all points, without innouating any thing, but all shall remaine firme, except that which shall bee expresly derogated by this present Treatie.

2. According to the which, from the day of the date of this present treatie, betwixt the said Kings, their children borne or to be borne, heires and successors, realmes, coun∣tries and subiects, there shall be a good, firme, sure and stable peace, confederation, perpetuall league and amitie: they shall loue one another as bretheren, procuring by all meanes, the good, honor and reputation, one of another, and shall auoyde as much [ C] as they may the hurt one of another. They shall not fauor nor maintaine any person, to the preiudice one of another; and from this day they shall cease all acts of hostili∣tie, forgetting all things past, the which shall remaine abolished, without any future mention thereof. Renouncing by this present treatie, all practises, leagues and intelli∣gences, which may tend to the preiudice of the one or the other, either of them promising neuer to doe any thing, nor to procure to bee done, that may tend to the hurt and preiudice of the other, nor to suffer their vassailes or subiects to doe it di∣rectly or indirectly. And if here-after any, of what qualitie or condition soeuer they bee, shall goe against it, and serue by land or sea, or in any other sort, to ayde [ D] and assist, to the preiudice of eyther of the sayd Kings, the other shall bee bound to oppose him-selfe, and to punish them seuerely, as breakers of this Treatie, and trou∣blers of the publick quiet.

3. And by meanes of the sayd peace, and strict amitie, the subiects of either side whatsoeuer, may (in keeping the lawes and customes of the countrie) goe, come, remaine, frequent, conuerse and returne in peace, from one vnto the other, in trade of Marchandise, or conuersing and treating together as they shall thinke good, by land, sea, or riuers. And their subiects shall bee defended and maintained, paying the duties in all accustomed places, which shall bee appointed by their Ma∣iesties, and their successors.

[ E]

4. All letters of Marke a•…•…d reprisall which haue been giuen for what cause so-euer, shall be suspended: and here-after none shall be giuen by either of them, to the preiu∣dice of the others subiects, but against the chiefe offenders, their goods and adherents, and that in case of manifest deniall of Iustice: whereof and of the letters of somma∣tion and requisition thereof, those that pursue the said letters of Marke and reprisall, shall make proofe as it is required by law.

5. The townes, subiects and inhabitants of the Counties of Flanders, Arthois and other Prouinces of the Netherlands, together with the realmes of Spaine, shall enioy the preuiledges, freedomes and liberties, which haue beene granted by the Kings of France, predecessors to the most Christian King: and in like maner the townes, subiects [ F] and inhabitants of the realme of France, shall also enioy the preuiledges, freedomes & liberties, which they haue in the said Netherlands, and in the realme of Spaine: as eue∣rie one hath here•…•…ofore inioyed and vsed them, and as they did enioy them by vertue of the Treatie made in the yeare 1559. and other former Treaties.

6 It is also agreed in case the catholick King, should giue or transferre by testa∣ment, * 2.110 [ A] donation, or resignation, or by any other title whatsoeuer, to the noble Infanta the lady Isabella his eldest daughter, or to any other, all his Prouinces of the Nether∣lands, with the counties of Bourgongue and Charolois: that all the said Prouinces and Counties, are meant to be comprehended in this present treatie, as they were in the yeare 1559. together with the sayd Lady Infanta, or hee in whose fauour the sayd King hath disposed it, neither shall it bee needfull to make a new treatie to that effect.

7. The subiects of eyther Prince, as well cleargie as secular men, shall returne (although they haue serued the contrary party) into their benefices and offices to the which they were preferred before the end of December 1588. except Curates, [ B] others being cannonically called: and to the enioying of their immoueable goods rents, and annuities, seazed on and held by reason of the warre, begun in the sayd yeare 1588. to enioye them from the publication of this peace, and in like manner of those which are since fallen vnto them, by succession or otherwise, with-out making any question, or demanding of any of the fruites before time receiued, since the seazure and holding of the sayd immoueable goods, vnto the publi∣cation of this present Treatie, nor of the debts which haue beene consumed before the said day: and it shall be held for good and auaileable, the partition which shall be made by the Prince, his Lieutenant or Deputie, in whose iurisdiction the arrest was made, and the creditors of such debts shall not be allowed to sue for them, in any sort [ C] whatsoeuer, against them to whom the sayd gifts were made, nor against such as by vertue of such gifts and confiscations haue paide them, for what cause soeuer the sayd debts may growe, notwithstanding any bonds which the sayd creditors may haue, the which for the effect of the sayd confiscation, shall remaine by the sayd treatie, voide, and of no force.

8. And the sayd subiects and seruants of either side shall returne into their im∣moueable goods and rents, notwithstanding all donations, concessions, declarations and sentences giuen by contempt, in the absence of the parties, and they not heard, by reason of this warre, which sentences and iudgements giuen, both ciuill and cri∣minall shall remaine voyde, without any effect, as if they had not beene, restoring [ D] the sayd subiects to the full possession of their rights, as they had them before the beginning of the warre, neither shall they bee molested or troubled for any publike charge which they haue had, whether it were for the victuals, mannaging of mo∣ney, or otherwise, during the warres, whereof they had yeelded an accompt before them, who had power to command it: Prouided alwayes that the sayd subiects and seruants bee not found charged with other crimes and offences, then to haue serued the contrarie partie: which may not returne into the territories of the sayd Kings, before they haue obtained their pardon and letters pattents, sealed with their Maiesties great seale, whereof they shall bee bound to pursue the verification, before the Courts and officers of their sayd Maiesties.

[ E]

9. Such as haue beene preferred to benifices of eyther side, being in the colla∣tion, presentation or disposition of the sayd Kings, or other lay persons, shall abide and remaine in the possession, and enioy the sayd benefices, as beeing duely and or∣derly preferred.

10. In fauour of this peace, and to giue both the Kings contentment one of an∣other, it is agreed that they shall restore really and without fraude one vnto another, whatsoeuer shall bee found to haue beene taken, seazed and held by them, or others hauing charge from them, or in their names, one in anothers countrie. That is to say, the most Christian King shall yeeld vnto the Catholike King, the possession of the countie of Charoloys, with the dependances and appurtenances, to bee enioyed fully [ F] and peaceably by him or his successors, to hold it vnder the soueraigntie of the Kings of France: and if there shall be any other places found, which haue bin occupied since the said peace 1559. by the Christian King, or by his command, they shall be in like man∣ner restored, and all within two moneths, from the day of the date of these presents.

11. And in like manner the Catholicke King shall restore vnto the sayd Christian * 2.111 [ A] King, such places as shall be found to haue beene by him, or others hauing charge from him or in his name, taken, seazed on, or held since the treatie of Cambresis, that is, Calais, Ardres, Monthulin, Dourlans, la Capelle, Chastelet in Picardie, Blauet in Brit∣tanie, and all other places which the sayd Catholick King hath held in the realme of France, since the said treatie, and are yet deteined by him or his.

12 In regarde of Calais, Ardres, Monthulin, Dourlans, la Capelle, and Chastelet, the sayd places shall bee restored by the Catholike king or his ministers, effectually with-out fraude, and without any delayes or difficulties, vpon any pretext soeuer, vnto him or them that shall bee deputed by the most Christian king, precisely within two moneths, from the day of the date of these presents, in the same estate they now are in, [ B] without pulling downe of any thing, or weakning them in any sort, not pretending nor demanding re-inboursment for the fortifications done in the sayd places, nor for the payment which they may owe vnto soldiers or men of warre being there. And this restitution shall first bee made of Calais and Ardres, and then of the rest, so as all may be restored within two moneths.

13. As for Blauet, the restitution shall be also made effectually and faithfully, with∣out any delay or difficultie, vnder what pretext or coulour soeuer, to him or them that shall be deputed by the most Christian king, and that within three moneths from the day of the date of these presents. And the said Catholick king may ruine and beate downe the fortifications made by him or his, in the said Fort of Blauet, and other pla∣ces, [ C] which shall be restored by him in Brittanie, if any there be.

14. Restoring the sayd places, the Catholick king may carry or cause to be carried away all artillerie, boullets, armes, victuals, and other munition of warre, which shall be found in the said places at the time of the restitution. And the soldiers and men of warre, which shall depart out of the sayd places, may carry with them all the mooue∣able goods which belong vnto them: but it shall not bee lawfull for them to exact any thing of the inhabitants of those places, nor of the champian country, nor to endomage their houses, nor to carry away any thing belonging to the sayd inhabitants.

15, And to the end the souldiers which are in Blauet, may the more speedily retire into Spaine, the most Christian king shall fit them with ships and marriners: in which [ D] ships they may imbarke their artillerie, victuals, and other munition of warre, with their baggage, being at Blauet and other places, which shall be restored in Brittanie, giuing securitie for the restitution of the sayd vessels, and sending back of the marri∣ners within the time that shall be appointed.

16. The Deputies doe promise for assurance of the restitution of the sayd places, as soone as this present Treatie shall bee ratified by the most Christian king, to de∣liuer him foure hostages, such as hee shall choose, being subiects to the sayd Catho∣licke king, the which shall bee well and honorably intreated, befitting their qualities: which restitution being made, and really performed, the sayd hostages shall bee duly set at libertie without any delay. Prouided alwayes, that the restitution of the sixe [ E] places in Picardie being performed, two of the sayd hostages shall bee deliuered, the other two remaining vntill the restitution of Blauet.

17. And touching matters conteined in the Treatie of the yeare 1559. which haue not beene executed according to the articles thereof, the execution shall be made, in that which is to be executed, as well for the tenour in fee of the contie of Saint Pol, the limits of the countries of both Princes, lands held in surcease, exemptions of customes, and forraine impositions pretended by them of Bourgongne, Bishoprike of Teroane, Abbay of Saint Iohn of Mant in the Dutchie of Bouillon, restitution of some places pretended of either part, according to the sayd treatie, and all other questions which haue not beene decided, as it was then agreed: there shall be deputies and arbitrators [ F] appointed of either side to that effect: as hath beene resolued by the said treaty, who shall assemble within sixe moneths, in places appointed for the same, if the parties agree, if not they shall appoint some other place.

18. And for as much as in the diuision of the lands appointed to the diocesses of Arras,

Amiens, Saint Omer and Boulogne: there are some villages of France vnder the Bi∣shopricks * 2.112 [ A] of Arras and Saint Omer, and other villages in the countries of Arthois and Flanders, belonging to the Bishops of Amiens and Bologne, so as often-times there growes disorder and confusion; it is agreed that hauing the consent of the Holy father the Pope, commissioners of either side shall be deputed, who shall assemble within one yeare, in some place appointed, to resolue of the exchange which may bee made of the sayd villages, to the best commoditie of the one and the other.

19. All prisoners of warre being deteined of either side shall be set at liberty, paying their charges, & what they may otherwise iustly owe, without being tied to pay any rā∣some, vnlesse they had first agreed & promised it: and if there be complaint made of the excesse therof, the Prince in whose country the prisoners are detained, shal moderate it.

[ B]

20. All other prisoners subiects to the sayd Kings, which through the calamitie of the warres may be deteined in their Maiesties Galleys, shall be presently deliuered and set at liberty without any delay, vpon what pretext so-euer, demanding nothing for their ransome nor charges.

21. And there shall be reserued vnto the said Catholick king of Spaine, and the In∣fanta his eldest daughter and their successors, all their rights, actions and pretensions, which they pretend to belong vnto them in the said realmes, countries & siegnories, or elsewhere, for any cause whatsoeuer, the which neither he nor his predecessors haue not expresly renoūced, to make his pursute by an amiable course of Iustice, & not by armes.

22. And touching that which hath bin said by the Catholike kings deputies, that to [ C] attaine vnto a perfect peace, it was requisite that the most excellent Prince and Duke of Sauoy, should be comprehended in this treatie. The Catholike king desiring and affec∣ting the good and preseruation of the said Duke, as his owne, for the neernesse of bloud and the alliance he hath with him. The which is also signified by Gaspar of Geneue, Mar∣quis of Lullin, councellor of Estate, Chamberlaine and Collonel of the sayd Dukes guards, his Lieutenant and Gouernor in the Dutchie of Aoust, and the citty of Vrce, his Deputie as appeares by his commission here-vnto inserted, that the said Duke his maister hath the honor to be issued from the brother of the Christian kings great grand∣father, and from a cousin germaine to the Queene his Mother: that his intention is to giue the king contentment, and as his most humble kinsman to acknowledge him with [ D] all honor, seruice and obseruance of friendship, to giue him better satisfaction here∣after of him and of his actions, the which time and occasions past would not giue him the meanes to doe; and he promiseth vnto himselfe of the sayd king, that knowing this his good affection, he will vse the same bounty and shew of loue vnto him, which the last foure kings did vnto the deceased Duke his father of happy memory.

23. It hath bin concluded and agreed, that the said Duke shall be receiued and com∣prehended in this treaty of peace. And to signifie the desire which he hath to giue the most Christian king contentment; he shall restore the towne and castle of Berra, with∣in two moneths after the date of these presents, faithfully and without delay or diffi∣cultie, vpon any pretext whatsoeuer: and the said place shall bee deliuered by the Duke, to him or them that shall be deputed by the king precisely within the time, and [ E] in the same estate it is now in, without demantling or weakning it in any sort, or de∣manding re-inboursement for any fortifications made in the said towne and castle, nor for that which may bee due vnto the soldiers being in it, leauing all the artillerie that was within the place when it was taken, with the bullets that shall be found therein fit for them, and they shall haue liberty to retire those peeces which haue bin brought in since, if there be any.

24. It is also agreed, that the said Duke shall disauow and abandon Captaine la For∣tune, being in the towne of Seure in the county of Bourgogne, and that he shall not giue to him •…•…nor to any other that shall vsurpe the said towne against the most Christian [ F] kings will, neither directly nor indirectly, any ayde or fauour.

25. And touching all other questions & differences betwixt the most Christian king and the said Duke of Sauoy, the said deputies in their name do agree, for the good of the peace, that they shalbe referred to the iudgment of our holy father Pope Clement the 8.

to be decided by his holinesse within one yeare, from the daye of these presents, accor∣ding * 2.113 [ A] to the answere giuen by the sayd King in writing the fourth day of Iune last, bee∣ing hereafter inserted. And whatsoeuer shalbe decreed by his holinesse, shalbe fully executed and accomplished of either side, without any delay or difficulty, or any pre∣text whatsoeuer. And in the meane time vntill they shalbe otherwise decided by our holy father, matters shall remaine in the same Estate they are at this present, without any alteration, but as they are enioyed of either side, not beeing tollerable to extend themselues any further, to impose or exact contributions, out of the territories of those places, which are held by either party.

26. And according vnto this it hath beene agreed, that from this present there shal∣be a firme and stable peace, amitie and good neighbor-hood, betwixt the sayd King and [ B] Duke, their children borne and to be borne, heires and successors, realmes, countries, lands and subiects one of an other, without any breach vpon what pretext soeuer.

27. The subiects and seruants of either side both Clergy and temporall, although they haue serued a contrary party, shall returne and enioy all their goods, offices and benifices, as hath beene sayd for the subiects of the two Kings, the which is not to bee vnderstood of Gouernors.

28. As for prisoners taken in the warres they shall bee intreated as it is agreed be∣twixt the two Kings as it is before expressed.

29. And the treaties made heretofore with the most Christian Kings Kenry the se∣cond in the yeare 1559 at Chasteau Cambresie; Charles the 9. Henry the 3. and the said [ C] Duke of Sauoy, shalbe in all points and articles confirmed; but in that which shalbe de∣rogated by this present treaty, or by others, and according vnto this the said Duke of Sauoy shall remaine with his countries and subiects, a good neutrall Prince and com∣mon friend to the said Kings. And from the day of the publication of the sayd treatie, the commerce shalbe free and assured betwixt their countries and subiects, as is con∣tained in the said treaties, and hath beene vsed by vertue thereof, and the orders contai∣ned therein shalbe obserued, especially in regard of the officers which haue serued the said Kings, although it were derogated by any other treatie.

30. Notwithstanding there is reserued vnto the said most Christian King and to his successors, al their rights, actions and pretensions, which they challenge to belong vnto [ D] them by reason of the said realms, countries and signeuries, or els where, for any cause soeuer, the which he nor his predecessors haue not renounced, to make his pursute by any amiable course of Iustice and not by armes.

31. In this peace shalbe comprehended by a common consent of the most Christian and Catholike Kings (if they will be comprehended). First on the Catholike Kings part our holy father the Pope, the holy Apostolike sea, the Emperor of Romaines, the Arch-dukes his brethren and cousins, their realms and countries, the Electors, Princes, townes and Estates of the holy Empire, obeying him: the duke of Bauaria, the duke of Cleues, the Bishop and countrie of Liege: the Hans townes, and the Contie of East-Friseland. And the said Princes doe renounce all practises, promising hereafter not to [ E] make any, neither within nor without Christendome, that may be preiudiciall vnto the said Emperor nor vnto the Estates of the Empire, but they shall procure with all their meanes the good and quiet of the same: so as the said Emperor and Estates of the Em∣pire, carrie themselues respectiuely and amiably to the most Christian and Catholike Kings, and do nothing to their preiudice. And in like manner shalbe comprehended, the Cantons of the Suisses of high Germany, the Cantons of Grisons, and their Allies, the Kings of Poland and of Sueden, the King of Scotland, the King of Denmarke, the duke and signeury of Venise, the duke of Lorraine, the great duke of Tuscane, the com∣monweales of Genoa and Luca, the duke of Placentia, the Cardinal Farneze his bro∣ther, the duke of Mantua, the duke of Vrbin, the chiefe houses of Colonne and Vrsins, [ F] the duke of Salmonette, the Lord of Monaco, the Marquis of Final, the Marquis of Massa, the Lord of Plombin, the Earle of Sala, the Earle of Calorino, to inioy in the like manner the benifit of this peace, with an expresse declaration that the most Christian King may neither directly nor indirectly, by himselfe, or by any others molest any of

them. And if the most christian King pretends any thing against them, he may seeke it [ A] only by law, before competent Iudges, and not by force.

* 2.114

32. And on the behalfe of the most christian King shalbe comprehended, if they please, the Pope, the Apostolike Sea, the Emperor, the Princes Electors, Clergy and Secular, townes and commonalties of the holy Empire and especially the Cont Pala∣tin Elector, the Marquis of Brandenbourg, the duke of Wyrtenberg, the Landtsgraue of Hessen, the Marquis of Hansbac, the Earles of East-Friseland, the Hans townes, ac∣cording to the ancient alliances, the king and kingdome of Scotland according to the ancient treaties, allyances and confederations which are made betwixt the Realmes of France and Scotland. The Kings of Poland, Sueden and Denmarke, the duke and signiory of Venise, the thirteene Cantons of Suisses, the three Cantons of Grisons, the bishoppe and Siegneury of the countrie of Valays, the Abbot and towne of Saint [ B] Gall, Clottenberghe, Mulhausen, the countie of Neufchastell, and other allyes and confederates of the sayd Cantons. The duke of Lorraine, the great Duke of Tuscan, the Duke of Mantua, the common-weale of Luca, the bishoppes and chapters of Merz, Thoul and Verdun, the Abbot of Gozzo, the signior of Sedan, the Earle of Mirande. Prouided alwaies that the consent which the catholike King giue, to the comprehen∣sion of the Earles of East-Friseland, bee without any preiudice to the right which the catholike King pretends to their countries: as in like manner the defences, rights and exceptions of the sayd Earles against it shalbe reserued: all with declaration that the sayd catholike King may not directly nor indirectly, by himselfe nor by any others molest them. And if the catholike King pretends any thing against them, hee may [ C] pursue it by lawe before competent Iudges, and not by force in any sort what∣soeuer.

33. And there shalbe also comprehended in this present treaty, all others which by common consent of the sayd Kings may bee named, so as within sixe monethes after the publication of this treatie, they giue their letters of declaration and bond, as is re∣quisite in that case.

34. And for the greater assurance of the peace, and of all points and articles contai∣ned therein: this treaty shalbe veryfied, proclaimed and registred, in the court of Parli∣ament at Paris, and in all other Parliaments of the realme of France, and chambers of accounts of the said Paris: as in like manner it shalbe proclaimed, verefied and regi∣stred [ D] in the great councel, and in al the courts and chambers of accounts of the sayd ca∣tholike King in his Netherlands, after the same manner as it is contained in the treatie of the yeare 1559. whereof expeditions shalbe giuen of either side within three monethes after the publication of this present treaty.

Which points and articles aboue mentioned and comprehended, with all that is contained in euery of them, haue beene treated, accorded, past and promised by the de∣puties, in the names aboue mentioned. The which by vertue of their commissions haue promised and do promise vpon bond of all the present and future goods of their said Maisters, that they shalbe by them inuiolably entertained, obserued and accomplished, and also that they shall deliuer one vnto an other autenticall letters, signed and sealed, [ E] whereas all this present treatie shalbe set downe word for word, and that within one moneth after the date of these presents, in regard of the most christian King, the Car∣dinal the Archduke, and the duke of Sauoy: which Archduke shall promise to pro∣cure the like letters of ratification from the catholike King, within three monethes af∣ter. And moreouer the deputies haue and doe promise in the sayd names, that the letters of ratification of the most christian King, Cardinal and Duke beeing made. The said most christian King Cardinal and Duke, shall sollemnly sweare vpon the crosse, the holie Gospel, and canon of the masse, vpon their honors, in the presence of such as it shall please them to depute, to obserue and fulfil fully, really and faithfully; the contents [ F] of the said articles: and the like oth shalbe made by the catholike King, within three monethes after, or when he shalbe required. In witnesse of which things the sayd de∣puties haue subscribed this present treatie, in their names at Veruin the twelfth of May in the yeare 1598.

The Cardinal Albertus of Austria, to whom the Infanta of Spaine was promised, and * 2.115 [ A] had beene of a long time appointed to bee his wife (although the King had entertained the Emperor, the Archduke Ernestus, and the petty Kings of the League in France with hope of this alliance) had before the treatie of peace, by the Kings aduice and com∣maundement, and of his councell of Spaine, sent Don Francisco de Mendoza, Marquis of Guadalesta, Admiral of Arragon, in Ambassage to the Emperor, to demaund sixe points of great importance of him, the which if hee had obtained and put in executi∣on, they would haue greatly serued for the augmentation of the lymmits of his Estate, ioyned to them of the Infanta, and to make warre with more ease against the gene∣rall Estates of the vnited Prouinces. To euery of which points, answer was made by the Emperor, and replied vnto by the Admiral, and by his Imperiall Maiestie againe [ B] answered, the which we haue thought good to insert in this place the better to con∣ceiue the Cardinals designes, the which hee hath sought since to put in execution by the sayd Admiral of Arragon, although with little successe and lesse honor, as wee shall see. The first of these six points was.

That it would please his Imperiall Maiestie, (for the reasons which had beene afterwards * 2.116 deliuered vnto him) to make the King of Spaine viccar of Beçanson. This vicariat or Vi∣contie of Beçanson (which is an Imperiall towne in the Countie of Bourgogne) did be∣long vnto the deceased VVilliam of Nassau, Prince of Orange, whose goods (which were verie great) the King of Spaine had confiscated, lying in the French country, and throughout all the countries of his obedience. Wherefore hee required that the Emperor vsing the right of confiscation, against the sayd Prince, and his children; [ C] would conferre vpon him the Vicontie of Beçanson: by meanes whereof, hee might in succession of time, get into his power and controwle by his officers; all the changes, counter changes and other businesses which passe at Beçanson, for France, Germany, the Netherlands and Italie, the which doe import him much to know: but aboue all to haue an entrance into the dutchie of Bourgongne. To whom the Emperor made answere.

That his Imperiall Maiesty was not ignorant, how much it did import the townes vnder the King of Spaines obedience that were neighbours to Beçanson, that the said towne should bee maintained in peace vnder the deuotion of the Empire. [ D] Wherefore his Maiestie would aduise as soone as might bee, by what meanes hee might graunt the said Vicariat. And although by this answere the Emperor did not flatly refuze the sayd Vicariat to the King of Spaine, yet the Admirall, after that hee had thanked his Imperiall Maiestie, made shew that hee was not much plea∣sed with this answere, and said, that hee tooke it for a repulse, after such great pur∣suit: shewing that without regarding the excuses which some ill affected to the Empire might pretend of some allyances, it should for the same reasons, be the soo∣ner graunted, thereby to make the Emperors authority more eminent, and more commodiously to preuent all mischiefes which growe on euery side. And as the beginning in euery thing seemes most difficult, which beeing once well aduanced makes the worke halfe perfect; So if his Imperiall Maiestie doth passe the sayd [ E] Vicariat (as it is alreadie graunted) they will easily finde the meanes to confirme it, and to put it in execution.

The Emperour seeing himselfe thus importuned and prest, desiring first to see what the issue should be, as well of the treatie of peace which they expected, as of the marriage of Cardinal Albertus his brother, and of the designes alreadie proiected vpon Germanie, beeing loath to doe any thing in hast, which hee might afterwardes repent and reape small honour by and the French King take it in verie ill part: hee answered againe. That for certaine great considerations hee must con∣ferre with the Princes of the Empire touching the asoresaid Vicariat. And to [ F] the end it might bee done with great authoritie and assurance, hee would ex∣hort them to second him. Intreating the King of Spaine in the meane time, for to take this delaie in good part. And thus much for the first demande. The se∣cond was.

That his Imperiall Maiestie would openly declare himselfe against those that hinder the * 2.117 [ A] progresse of the peace betwixt the Estates of the Netherlands. This was as much to say as by an intestine ciuill warre to set all Germany on fire, which was the maine point whereat the King of Spaine and the Pope had long aspired: whereof they had often∣times seene some little flames, the which notwithstanding by the wisdome of the Princes were soone smothered and quenched. Wherevpon the Emperor answered. That vpon this article hee attended the report of such as had beene deputed by the Empire, whereof his Imperiall Maiesty would not faile to aduertise the King of Spaine vpon all occurents: and how much his Imperial Maiesty desired that the sayd countries might bee reduced to a good peace. These deputies were certaine Ambassadors, as well from the Emperor, as from the Princes of the Empire, who sent Charles Nutzel of [ B] Sonderspuehel to the Estates, to request them to receiue the sayd Ambassadors, who had a short dispatch, as wee haue sayd. The Admiral replying to this answere, sought to taxe some Princes of the Empire, and to incense the Emperor against them, as if they had beene the fauorers and supporters of the warres in the Netherlands: say∣ing. That it would please his Imperiall Maiesty to imbrace the action of the Nether∣lands, that what hath beene begunne may not bee in vaine, and that when it shal please his Maiesty to vnderstand how the Princes of the Empire (which haue the charge) stand affected: that it will then please his Imperiall Maiesty to iudge betwixt his Maie∣stie and his rebells. Giuing all the world to vnderstand whose fault it is that the peace is not aduanced; punishing them that are coulpable according to the paines appointed [ C] by the constitutions of the Empire: and the rather for that suffrance and dissembling it, doth feed and nourish the mischiefe.

By this replie the King of Spaine could not more openly accuse the said Princes of the Empire then hee did, councelling him to punish them, as those which by their winking and dissimulation, gaue nourishment vnto the mischiefe, hindring the course and aduancement of the peace. But the Admiral did therein much mistake himselfe, being ignorant, or at the least not considering, that the Estates of the vnited Prouin∣ces, hauing absolutly reiected & abiured the King of Spaine, refusing to trust any more in him: had resolued neuer to enter any more with him into any conference of peace, nor with any other comming on his behalfe. Wherefore the Emperor (who had so of∣ten [ D] prest them by his Ambassadors and Agents, and had now sent to them againe, but in vaine) sayd. That vnto that day he had giuen sufficient proofes of the good affec∣tion hee bare to the peace of the Netherlands, and when hee shall haue heard the re∣port of the deputies, hee will proceed as farre as his authoritie, will extend. The third demand was.

That his Imperiall Maiestie would appoint a Gouernor and councell in the countries of * 2.118 Cleues and Iuilliers &c. Thereby the King of Spaine or the Cardinal Albertus, his future sonne in law, did plainly descouer, how they did gape after these dutchies of Cleues and Iuilliers, & the other Estates & Signeuries of Duke Iohn of Cleues, rainging at this pre∣sent in good and perfect health. Grounding vpon this hope, that the sayd duke beeing without children, and therfore his Dutches, Earldomes and Signeuries, should by right [ E] fall vnto the Emperor, who should giue them vnto his brother Albertus. Or els, (the which hath appeered by the effects) that hee would not attend duke Iohns death, but seize vpon them by force and practises in his life time, as the sayd Admirall sought to doe soone after, and in deede did too much, yea he was expresly commaunded from the court at Brusselles (as wee will shew hereafter) not to desist for any thing in the world, from the conquests of the Dutchies of Cleues, Iuilliers and Berghe: see∣ing there was speech of marrying this Duke Iohn, with the Duke of Lorrains daugh∣ter, as after happened. Wherein the Emperor seeming to bee of the same hope and expectation with the King of Spaine, answered: As for the countries of Cleues & Iuil∣liers, [ F] his Imperiall Maiesty had resolued to send one or two good catholiks thether, to auoide some greater inconuenience. In the meane time the king of Spaine should looke to keepe good gard on his side, and make account of al needfull succors, the which not∣withstanding must be done with discretion: to the end that such as pretend any interest

should haue no cause to enter into suspition: which the Emperor himselfe is forced to * 2.119 [ A] entertaine, by reason of the concurrence of time.

This answere did the more confirme the King of Spaines designes, and the sylent pretention of the Emperor vnto the said countries of Cleues, Iuilliers &c. So as it seemed this was the very fable of the Beares skinne, for his replie. Hee required that it would please his Imperial Maiesty, to declare as soone as might be his intention touching Cleues and Iuilliers, that therevpon the Catholike King might haue his forces readie. Hee required also that his Imperiall Maiesty would send for the Princes pretending right to the sayd countries, that hereafter they should not medle, nor seeke to make any Innouations, tending to the blemish of the Emperors authoritie, or the preiudice of his Catholike Maicstie, yea that his Imperiall Maiesty should call away the com∣missioners [ B] that were at Duysseldorp, as Authors of bad practises: to the end that his Catholike Maiestie bee not forced to vse other meanes. And although it were a de∣cent thing to respect the Princes, yet they must not bee so negligent and carelesse, as in taking away the mischiefe which might happen without, they neglect to prouide for that which might miscarrie within.

This replie did plainelie laie open the King of Spaines designes vpon the countries of Cleues and Iuilliers, requiring that the Emperor, would send for the Princes pre∣tending right (the which are Princes of the Empire that is, the duke of Prusse, and the two Brethren dukes of Dieux Ponts, by their wiues, Sisters to duke Iohn) and to charge them not to attempt any thing to the diminution of his Imperiall authoritie, [ C] for that the Emperor maintained, that for want of a lawful heire male, the said dutchies should by right of the see fall vnto the Emperor their soueraigne; as beeing mascu∣line sees of the Empire. And the sayd Princes pretending (in case the duke should die without heires) maintained to the contrary, that they might (as in France and in other realmes and countries) as well fall vnto the femals as males: the which the alliances of the said countries, which haue not alwaies beene vnder the same Prince, by marriages of one with an other, had well declared in times past. And as for that which hee sayeth to the preiudice of his Catholike Maiestie, there could bee no other, (by reason of the multitude of other heires) but to the preiudice of the designes of his pretended vsurpation. For the preuenting whereof, there was an [ D] assemblie of Estates held at the same time at Duysseldorp, the chiefe towne of the dutchie of Berghe, where the Dutchesse of Prusse and one of the duke of Deux Ponts, where present with the Emperors commissioners (who for that they would pro∣ceed roundly and sincerely, not discouering the King of Spaines designes, are called Authors of bad practises:) and the deputies of the King of Spaine, who in this Dyet, made shewe not to feare any thing more (with a certaine Nuncio of the Popes who was of the same mettall) then that these countries should fall into the hands of some Protestant Prince, (whom they called heretike) such as the Princes pretending in∣terest are, which would be (as the King sayd of the towne of Aix) to pernitious a thing for his neighbour countries, which might be infected with the poison of their here∣sies: [ E] the which is alway the foote of their song. To whom the Emperor being willing to shew himselfe conformable, sayd. As for Cleues and Iuilliers hee would send for the Princes pretending right, that they should not meddle, seeing it belonged onelie to his Imperi∣all Maiestie to dispose among them, hoping they would obey him. Wherein the Emperor might haue beene deceiued, for these Princes would not so soone haue yeelded vnto him: and this had beene an occasion to put all Germany in warre and combustion.

The forth demand was. That the sentence giuen against them of the towne of Aix, might bee presently put in execution, without any delay. It did greatly import the King of Spaine and Cardinal Al•…•…ertus, for the attayning vnto their designes, to haue the towne of Aix (situated in the countrie of Iuilliers, neere vnto Lembourg) at their [ F] deuotion: the which they could not easily obtaine, so long as the Protestants were Maisters thereof, and the stronger, who failed not to bee vigilant and to keepe a good gard for their owne preseruation: wherefore hee required the execution of the sentence giuen against them in the Imperiall Chamber: which was in effect the

re-establishment of a Catholike Romish Magistrate in the sayd towne, the extirpation * 2.120 [ A] of the Protestants religion, and the exclusion of the Protestants themselues: the which beeing executed, hee held himselfe then assured. As Cardinal Albertus with the assistance of the Bishop of Liege, the executioner of the sayd sentence, by vertue of the Emperors commission, hath done since, to the disolation of the sayd towne, and especially of those that did pursue it, who for the most part died soone after their re-establishment: and those which remaine languishing in misery. And although the Emperor touching the sayd towne of Aix, had the like desire with the King of Spaine, yet the Admiral full of choller replied. That in regard of them of Aix, they could not exceede the bounds of ordinary Iustice, as beeing vnworthie, that they must exceed the execution of the sentence, for that the lymmited time is almost expired, [ B] and there is no likelehood that the time will draw them to obedience, but rather make them ob∣stinate: else the Catholike King shalbe forced to prouide for it by such meanes as he shal thinke fit. What the Emperor answered to this rash reply, may bee seene in the demande fol∣lowing, which was.

That it would please his Imperiall Maiesty to prouide some speedy remedy for the Hans * 2.121 townes, to restraine the boldnesse of English pirats. The King of Spaine to play the good companion, and to make himselfe necessary to the townes of the East country, as Lu∣becke, Rostich Hambourg, Bremen, Stoade and others (of whose seruice hee hath most need) will let them vnderstand by this demand, that hee hath a care of them, although hee knew well that the Emperor could prouide no other remedie then that which he had [ C] formerly done; which was to forbid the townes of Staple, and to banish the traf∣ficke of English clothes. So as the English marchants retired themselues, and sent their clothes to other places. Wherevnto answer was made that his Imperiall Maiestie, had propounded in the last imperiall Dyet held at Ratisbonne, diuers complaints of many Hans townes, to the Estates of the Empire: the aduice of which Estates was writ∣ten vnto the Queene of England, who did answere so impertinently and discourtuosly, as it is better to conceale it then to publish it. Wherevpon his Imperiall Maiesty hath thought to surcease, vntill other like or more greeuous complaints shall come, to pro∣uide for it by the Imperiall authority: the which his Imperiall Maiesty is fully resolued to imploy, whereby they may easily conceiue that there is not any thing ommitted that [ D] concernes Iustice and the duty of an Emperor. The impertinent and discourteous an∣swere of the Queene of England vnto the letters of the Estates of the Empire, was that she was not much terrified, neither did she regard the threats which were sent her: and that her men did not set vpon any of the Esterlings shippes, but such as did carry pro∣uision for warre, vnto the Spaniards, the which she had forbidden by a publike procla∣mation, and signified it vnto them. As some yeare before shee had written the like to them of Hambourg; among other points of her answere, she sayd, that she did not im∣pute the threats contained in their letters, to their greatnesse, but to the ignorance or fault of their Secretarie: which shewed sufficiently that her Maiesty wa•…•… not terrefied with any threats of whom soeuer; and withall shee knowes well that the Emperor of himselfe hath no meanes to hurt her, nor to make warre against her. Wherevpon the [ E] Admiral insisting verie earnestly to shew himselfe a good seruant, replied. That it was more then necessarie, his Maiesty should declare his pleasure concerning the Hans townes, and prouide some speedy remedy, and not to tollerate any longer the insolen∣cies of the English, who did gnaw the bowells of the Empire. To which importunities of the Admirall, the Emperor knowing well that he could not otherwise prouide for it, answered both to this demand and the former. That at this present the Emperor can∣not resolue any other thing touching the towne Aix and the Englishmen, then that which he hath formerly answered. Finally for his sixt demand the Admiral propoūded. * 2.122 As the King of Spaine had no other meanes to reduce his rebellious subiects to obedi∣ence, [ F] but by force: that it would please his Imperial Maiesty, to suffer 6. or 7. Regiments of soldiars to bee leauied on the lands of the Empire, at diuers times, and when they should haue neede: wherevpon the Emperor answered pertinently, knowing well to what intent the King of Spaine demanded it, the which hee had neuer done before,

saying. That it was fit to attend the report of such as are deputed to make motion of * 2.123 [ A] a peace, before hee granted any Commission to leuie soldiars. And in case the Estates will not gouerne them-selues according vnto reason, then they may take occasion to vse strict and seuere courses, nither could the Catholike King doubt in any sort of the good affection of his Imperiall Maiesty, for that his patience hath suffred him for so many yeares to make the like leuies of men. The which notwithstanding was neuer granted to his aduersaries: who yet haue leuied some, but without the knowledge of his Maiesty hauing no meanes to hinder them, as he would gladly. And to haue his imperi∣all Maiesty graunt any such thing vnto the king of Spaine by pattent, or by letters of cōmission it were not fit nor conuenient, considering that they haue need of many men against the Turke, whereby a murmuring throughout all the Empire were to be feared, [ B] yet his Imperiall Maiesty is content vnder-hand to yeeld him as much as may be. And if the Estate of the affayers of Hongary will in any sort suffer it, to satisfie his desire, and that openly. Although that this answer was but a kind of complement, as the discourse doth shew, the Spaniard asking no leaue most commonly to make any such leuies, the which he doth when he pleaseth, and when hee hath mony; yet the Admirall to put the Emperor & the Imperiall Chamber in quarrel with the neighbor Princes & Potentats, if that might be granted him by pattent, he insisted by his reply. That patents might bee dispacht, conteyning a commission to leuie men vpon the lands of the Empire, notwith∣standing these reasons alleaged to the contrary, which concerne the respect of the Princes of the Empire, and the warre of Hongary, the which in this case should not [ C] fall into consideration, for that the Emperor hath beene suffred to make the like leuies in the Netherlands against the Turke. And whereas the Emperor promiseth to suffer it vnder-hand, that were not sufficient, seeing that no man can make any leuie without leaue.

It is the ordinary practise of the Spaniard rather to suffer the Turke to rule and dominier, then to cease making warre against the Protestants of the relligion, especially against the vnited Prouinces, whom they hold to be worse then Turkes. Wherevnto his Imperiall Maiesty answered, that he could not grant vnto the King of Spaine, a gene∣rall pattent or leaue to raise as many regiments of soldiers as hee pleased, seeing that in former times it was not done: they might well haue giuen leaue heretofore to raise some Regiments along the riuer of Danou, confining vpon the Turke, wherein hee [ D] would gratefie him more, if it were possible. But seeing that his imperial Maiesty is not strong inough to endure the burthen of this warre without the assistance of the Princes of the Empire: there is no doubt but at the first campe, and vpon the first occasion, they would charge him and reproch him therewith: whereby his contributions which he hath but by intreaty, and support of the said Princes, would faile him and grow short. Finally the Emperor desiers, that the King of Spaine, as well in this regard as in all other things, would rest assured of his loue and good affection: And how acceptable and welcome this his Ambassador was vnto him. These were the King of Spaines de∣mands vnto the Emperor, the which will appeere more plainly, to what end they ten∣ded, [ E] by the sayd Admirall of Arragons actions, being entred into the limits of the Empire with the King of Spaines army; as we will shew in the end of this yeare of our Lord, 1598,

The Estates of the vnited Prouinces had a very expert Maister of their fier-workes, * 2.124 called Iohn Bouvier a Liegeois, who by his inventions had made sharpe warre against the Spaniard, in all the townes which Prince Maurice had beseeged, comming to the gouernment vnto that day. In May being busie with his seruants to fashion certaine grenadoes or bales of wild fire, with other fire workes for prouision in the towne of Dordrecht, in the places appointed to that end, it happened by misfortune, that the fire with the which they do vse to melt the rosine and other consuming and [ F] deuouring stuffe, fell amongest it, and so came to the grenados, and balles of wild-fire full of smale cannons charged with bullets & heads of nailes, which firing one after an∣other, made a noise, as if a thunder bolt-burst forth, and slue the maister and 3. of his ser∣uants, & carried away the top of the store house, with a great terror, the which doubled

twise, hauing some respite betwixt, the fire lying smothered in that ruinous matter, so * 2.125 [ A] as no man durst approch, fearing some greater mischiefe: the which was much to be doubted, for that in the sellars vnderneath there were many barrels of poulder, the which were not toucht; the nature of fire being rather to mount vpward, then down∣ward. Yet the losse was very great, and the Maister was much lamented of the Prince and States. Behold how this diuilish arte required his Maister, as the diuill is accu∣stomed to pay his seruants.

At the same time there was another treason discouered, the which was vndertaken * 2.126 at the perswasion of the Iesuites, against the person of Prince Maurice, by a Flemming called Peter Panne, a poore banquerout, borne in the towne of Ypre. Who vpon cer∣taine speeches deliuered by him, and some suspition gathered thereby, was apprehen∣ded [ B] in the towne of Leyden in Holland. You may read the whole discourse in his sen∣tence, and the progresse of his wretched and treacherous desseigne, as followeth.

Whereas Peter Panne borne at Ypre, a Cooper by his trade, hauing beene a Broker * 2.127 or banquerout Marchant, and at this present a prisoner in the behalfe of the Scout or Bayliffe of Leyden, hath confest, being out of Yrons, and free from torture, that some yeares past hee being accustomed to make prouision of Butter for the Colledge of Ie∣suites at Douay. It happened that one Melchior Vande-walle, seruant to the sayd Iesu∣its, cousin germaine to the prisoner, about fiueteene dayes before Shrouetide, came vnto the prisoners house at Ypre, requiring him to send Butter for their Colledge. And as the prisoner was then absent from his house about his affaires, the sayd Vande-walle [ C] staied two or three dayes for him, during the which time he had speech with Mary •…•…oyets his wife, who was much addicted to the Iesuites, (as shee afterwards told him) to kill his Excellencie, whom hee called Duke Maurice. That being returned to his house, the sayd Melchior Vande-walle had vsed some speeches to him of it, building vpon the prisoners words that he was wonderfully decayed in his estate, hauing no meanes to satisfie his creditors. The sayd Vande-walle telling him in effect, that hee knew how to free all, if hee would goe into Holland and finde the meanes to kill his Excellencie. And as hee made some difficultie to doe it, hee was sollicited by his owne wife there-vnto, saying, that hee should make no difficultie to kill such seducers and peruerters; and that if she had beene a man, she would vndertake it and execute [ D] it her selfe. And yet the sayd prisoner being still in doubt to vndertake such an action, the sayd Melchior Vanden-walle desired him to goe with him to Douay, to conferre with the Fathers, assigning him to the Rector of the Iesuites. Afterwards the said Vande-walle being returned to Douay, the said prisoner to reckon with diuers persons, and to make his businesse straight, especially with the said Iesuites at Douay, went of Ashwednes∣day from Ypre towards Lille, from thence to Tournay, and so to Mons, where hee was for a time arrested for debt; from thence hee returned towards Tournay, and so went back againe to Mons, where hee was againe arrested, but beeing deliuered, hee went to Valenciennes and so to Douay, where hee was in the Rogation weeke, and did eate three or foure times with the Prouinciall, Prouost and Rector of the Iesuites, with whom he made his accoumpts, so as there was comming to him some fiue pounds [ E] sixe shillings starling, for the which they referred him to one Nicholas of Lalain a Mar∣chant of hempe. That being with the said Prouinciall, Prouost & Rector of the Iesuits, they had some speech againe with him, of that whereof Melchior had spoken, which was to murther his Excellencie, shewing him the meanes, that beeing a Cooper by his trade, hee should goe into Holland, where hee should worke some fiue, sixe or eight moneths, either at Delft, Leyden, or at the Hage: And in the meane time hee should watch some oportunitie to kill the Prince, either with a knife, Poynard, or Pistoll, which hee should buye and carrie in his pocket, to vse, were it at the Court, in the streete, or in any other place, where he might finde his best aduantage. And the more [ F] to incourage the Prisoner, the Prouinciall made as it were halfe a sermon, with a long discourse of the merite of such a worke, and what a sacrifice it would be to kill such a man, who did seduce, yea murther so many poore soules: whereby he might purchase Paradise, which hauing done hee should finde the meanes to escape, and saue him∣selfe

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

as well as hee could. And if it should chance that hee should dye there, * 2.128 [ A] that hee was assured to goe directly into eternall life, and that hee should bee lif∣ted vp into heauen both body and soule, with many other intycing words: so as in the end by the goodly perswasions and sweete words of the sayd Iesuists, (where∣in they are their crafts masters) he suffered himselfe to be so seduced, as he vndertooke to put it in execution, through dispaire, by reason of his debts, so as he neuer thought of any danger that might befall him, nor of his wife nor children, in regard of the pro∣fit which he did hope to reape thereby: for the sayd Iesuits had promised and assured him, that in executing this murther, he should haue two hundred pounds starling, which should be paied him by the treasure of the towne of Ypre, by fifty pounds by the yeare, taken out of the hundred pounds which the sayd Iesuits receiue yearely out of that [ B] towne, by reason of their Seminarie and instruction of the youth in the Latin tongue. Secondly that there should be giuen vnto the prisoner the office of messenger of Ypre worth a hundred pounds a yeare: And although the office were not in the Iesuits dis∣position, yet he should rest assured thereof, seeing it was but the writing of a letter, the which they durst not refuse: Thirdly that Hansken Panne his sonne should bee made Chanoine of Tournaye. Vpon all which presentations and promises the said prisoner hauing confessed himselfe the next day to the Prouinciall, going to say masse, hee had absolution, and therevpon receiued the Sacrament. During the which confession hee promised againe to execute this designe. Wherevpon the Prouinciall sayd vnto him, these words, Go in peace, for thou shalt go like an Angell in the gard of God. And to ad∣uance his voiage hee receiued a letter of exchange from the sayd Iesuits for twelue [ C] pounds to receiue at Antwerp of one Francis Thibault dwelling neere the Iacopins, with which dispatch and resolution the prisoner parted from Douay, came to the Ab∣bay of Flines from thence by Orchies to Tournay, then to Oudenarde, Dendermonde, Basserode and so by boate to Antwerp: where hauing receiued the sayd twelue pounds, he sent eleauen pounds with his cloake and his breaches to his wife by one Deric Bul dwelling nere the corne market of Zeeland, to maintaine her house and to clothe her children: sending withall a letter to his wife, and writing that hee went into Holland for the businesse she wot of, and that shee should pray vnto God for him. So the pri∣soner, with this resolution and without pasport, hauing hidden himselfe in a ship came [ D] into Zeeland, and from thence came into this towne on Saterday the 23. of May. But being arriued here he had changed his minde, and was not intended to do any thing (as he saith) considering with himselfe that vndertaking such an act to kill such a person, and to put the countrie into great garboyles, hee did runne headlong to his death: and there-with-all had a remorse of conscience. Of which confessions the priso∣ner hauing beene often heard and examined; in the space of ten or twelue daies, and still persisting, without any torture or irons, with protestation that all was true, and that therein hee would liue and die. The sayd prisoner hauing at euery time a great greefe of heart, falling vpon his knees, with his hands lift vp to hauen cryed for mercie, and that they would pardon him, seeing they had so seduced him being an in∣nocent, [ E] promising that if they would saue his life, to do (as hee sayd he had the meanes) great seruice vnto the country, and that he could soone deliuer them some Iesuites.

All which being of bad consequence, hauing in this sort intended to kill and murther the sayd famous Prince Maurice, borne Prince of Orange, Earle of Nassau &c. Gouer∣nor and captaine Generall of the vnited Prouinces, and by that meanes depriue the sayd Prouinces of their head and of the great and notable seruices: which they receiue, and which by the grace of God he doth for the defence and protection of the said Pro∣uinces and the good Inhabitants thereof, togither with the preseruation and defence of the Christian reformed religion, and of the freedomes, liberties and priuiledges of the sayd countries; to the rooting out of the imperious rule of the Spaniards: and to put [ F] the said Prouinces into great trouble, danger of ruine, and entier desolation. The which ought not to bee tollerated in a country of Iustice: but that such wicked, abominable, and execrable designes, attempts, and murthers, should be punished with all extrea∣mity, to the terror and example of others. To the end that not any one shall here∣after

suffer himselfe to bee seduced and suborned, by this bloudie and murtherous Ie∣suitical * 2.129 sect, the which as it is notorions to all the world, seeke out a thousand practises, treasons and murtherous designes, and put them in practise, to murther all Kings, Prin∣ces and Potentates, which will not adhere to the Popes superstitions (which they call the Catholike, Romish Religion). Wherevpon the Sheriffes of the towne of Leyden, hauing seene and heard the criminall conclusion taken by the scout of the said towne against the prisoner, for the causes aboue mentioned. Hauing also heard the conses∣sion of the prisoner, with the informations and all other circumstances. And hauing thereon the aduice of the deputies of the Estates of Holland and West-Friseland, with opinions of the great and Prouinciall councels, being thereto required by the said E∣states, hauing considered all with mature deliberation and councell, doing Iustice in the [ B] name and behalfe of the soueraigne Magistrate of the countries of Holland, Zeland and West-Friseland. They haue for the cause aboue mentioned condemned the said priso∣ner, where they are accustomed to do Iustice vpon malefactors, and there to be execu∣ted by the sword. And his head to be set vpon the Boulwarke of Witteport, his bodie to be cut in foure quarters, his bowels to be buried, and his quarters to be hanged vpon the foure gates, declaring his goods to bee confisked to the benifit of the countrie of Holland. Thus done and Iudged by Maister Francis Vander Merwen, Ian Isenhoursen Vander Nesse, Franc Cornelisen Van Thorenvlyet, Cornellis Thibour, Clais Cornelisen Van∣den Noort and Ian Van Baesdorp the yonger, the two and twenty day of Iune, and the same day the prisoner was executed.

[ C]

The King of Spaine sent vnto Cardinal Albert in the beginning of this yeare, about * 2.130 foure thousand foote of Spaniards, vnder the leading of Don Sanchio de Leva, beeing commanded by foure Collonels, in forty ships great and smal: whereof the smaler en∣tred into Calais without any danger, for that the Estates shippes of warre were forced to way anchor by reason of the foule wether. But the torment beeing past, they came time ynough to take one of the greatest, in the which there were 150. Spaniards, Alon∣zo Sanches de Villareal and two Pilots; & to make foure more run on ground, the which the Spaniard did willingly to saue the soldiars that were in them. These pilots beeing brought to Flussing and examined, confest, that there were twelue Gallions sent to the Tercers, to fetch the treasure which was come from the Indaes: and that they had left some 70. ships at the Groyne whereof foure were furnished like men of warre, with a∣bout [ D] 2000. Spaniards and Italians. The generall Sanchio de Leva hauing lodged these troupes in diuers parts in Flanders, went to Brussels, which made many suppose that the Cardinall did not greatly trust the soldiars that were borne in the country, which made them begin to contemne him. On the other side the general Estates of the vnited Prouinces, perceiuing that the trafficke and negotiation with Spaine (by reason of the * 2.131 dayly arrests of their ships, goods & marriners) decaied: finding themselues freed from the bridle of the Spaniard (who would neuer suffer them to saile to the East or West In∣des, to Ginney, nor to the Molucques) they gaue leaue to their marchants to saile the∣ther, yea they assisted them with artillery and other munition, to goe and seeke trade in the East Indies, and in those Islands, wheras the Portugal had no command. So as foure [ E] ships were set forth by the marchants of Amsterdam, the one named Maurice, (of the Princes name) the 2. Holland, the 3. Amsterdam, and the 4. beeing but a pinasse, was cal∣led the Doue: these hauing doubled the Cape of Bona Espranza, seene the Island of Madagascar, bin at Sumatra, at Iaua Maior, in the towne of Bantan, at Saint Helena and in many other Islands, from whence they brought certaine boyes whom they caused to learne the Dutch tongue, they returned into Holland in August the yeare before. And this yeare 1598. (as in the first voyage they had not made any great proffit) meaning to returne with the same ships, an other company of marchants ioyned with them raighting forth eight ships, all called by the names of the eight vnited Prouinces: their [ F] parted from Texel the first of May, they returne and successe you shal heare afterwards.

Balthazar of Moucheron (who had before sent to descouer the straight northwards) did also send two ships out of Zeeland to the said Islands, the one called the Lion, the o∣ther the Lionesse. And in the like manner certaine marchants of Middelbourg sent

forth three, the Sunne, the Moone and an other: the Moone discharging her cannon * 2.132 [ A] right against England, the port-holes beeing through negligence left open, the shippe (whether that shee were ill balasted, or that the helme was not turn'd in time) lying on the one side, the water entred sodainely and in such aboundance, as it was not possible to recouer her, but she sonke presently, with many men and much siluer, which they had to buy their commodities.

An other company of famous Marchants of Rotterdam did set forth fiue shippes, whereof the Admirall was called the Hope, and commanded by Iames Mathieu a wor∣thy marchant. These parted the 26. of Iune from the Island of Bryele, with about fiue hundred men, among the which there were many soldiars: taking their course to Bre∣sil, and to the Straights of Magellan, and so farther to seeke their aduenture and traf∣ficke. [ B] The eight and twenty of March the signior of Moucheron sent fiue ships more with a hundred and fifty souldiars and two hundred marriners, by the consent and authority of Prince Maurice, vnder the conduct of captaine Iulian Van Cleerha∣gan, as generall (of whom mention is made in the tumult of Vtrecht) and of Gerard Stri∣bos as Admiral, hauing all charge to go to the Island del Principe. Their voiage in go∣ing was not so fortunat as Moucheron would haue desired, for whereas it is commonly sailed in two monethes, they were almost fiue vpon the way, hauing great contrarieties of winde, and some mischances, they arriued at the Islande del Principe on the ninth of August, whereas they found the shippe of Anthony Clere which was of their compa∣ny, in the which Cornellis of Moucheron Nephew to the signior of Moucheron comman∣ded. Who being well knowne in the sayd Island, by reason of his great trafficke hee had [ C] had with them, and hauing prepared all things for his vncles seruice, he gaue directions vnto the General Cleerhagen, by the which he made himselfe maister of the place with∣out striking stroke, for the sayd Cornellis had aduertised the Islanders before, that the signior of Moucheron was in person in the fleete, who passing that way was desirous to salute them, and to recommend his men vnto them, who commonly past that way; intreating them in his name that they would goe aboord his shippe. So as both the new and the old Gouernor, the father Vicar of the place, and all the officers vnto the number of fifteen of the chiefe came aboard, where they were verie kindly entertained.

Then after they had made good cheere, the generall Cleerhagen lets them vnderstand [ D] why hee was come thether with his fleete; deliuering them the letters of the signior of Moucheron, with the commission and will of Prince Maurice, of whom they depended. These Islanders seeing themselues thus surprized; seemed to bee very glad of their comming: and consented presently to their demand, and after they had taken an oth of fidelitie in the hands of the sayd Cleerhagen, they went all to land, whereas the ge∣nerall was in the name of the signior of Moucheron proclaimed Gouernor of the Island. There after the oth taken, the Spaniards and Islanders thinking to shake of the yoake (which yet was not after the Spanish manner) made a conspiracie, by the perswasi∣on of the father Vicar, and in an instant came with great furie to assaile their men, but they were so withstood as their designe prooued vaine, which they finding they [ E] scattered and retired themselues, but least they should grow strange, there was (by the aduice of the Generalls counsell, and of all the Commanders of the fleete) a pardon proclaimed of all that was past, the which made them returne, and submit themselues againe vnto the generall; betwixt whom and the Portugals and Islanders was made a new accord more stricter then before. So as they liued a moneth or sixe weekes in good peace and quietnesse. But as the sayd Generall Cleerhagen carried himselfe in all his actions like a disordered man, regarding more his owne particular then his charge, hauing no respect to the order that was prescribed him, and carelesse to build vp the forts which had beene designed, hauing good meanes to effect it. The which the Portugals and Islanders considering, they conspired againe: which beeing come vn∣to [ F] the Generals knowledge, hee found meanes to seize vpon the author, which was the Padre Vicario, meaning to make his processe and to doe Iustice: And as Francis Fort Nephew also to Moucheron, treasurer of the Island with Stephen Quaresmo the Iudge, went to visit the sayd Vicarios house, beeing negligent of their businesse, they

were both slaine by the slaues of the sayd Vicario, which caused a third tumult: for the * 2.133 [ A] councell beeing incensed with this treacherous act, they presently dispatcht Vicarios processe, who was condemned and hanged with one of his complices, which made a friend of the Vicarios to send for succors to the Island of Saint Thome, to the Gouer∣nor Don Antonio de Meneses, who about a moneth after sent the Gouernor of Castel del Mina•…•…in Guine with fiue hundred soldiars: who so perswaded the slaues and the Islanders, as they resolued all ioyntly togither to make head against the signior of Mou∣cherons men.

In the meane time the generall Cleerhagen, being suspected to haue beene of the fac∣tion with them which had caused Le Fort and Quaresmo to be murthered, and thereof accused and reproched to his face by one of the sea captaines; seeing his mallice des∣couered, [ B] he fell sicke of griefe and melancholy, so as he died within fifteene dai•…•…s. And as hee had in no sort obserued the orders which the signior of Moucheron had pre∣scribed him, nor had any care of the health of his soldiars, hee was the cause that most of them fell sicke. So as after the death of Cleerhagen the Admirall Stribos succeeded in his place: who had not so good meanes to resist the enemie as hee desired. Yet taking courage, being verie actiue and willing to take paines, not considering the Cly∣ma•…•… of the countrie, laboring at the fortification of the place (the which Cleerhagen should haue done in the beginning) to giue example vnto others, he fell also sicke, and hauing had the Gouernment about three weekes hee died. The rest of Moucherons men seeing themselues depriued of their head, made as it were a pettie Senat of foure [ C] men, which were Cornellis Moucheron, George Speelberch, Adrien Leo and Stephen Ian∣sen, vpon whom all matters both for pollicie and warre in the sayd Island should de∣pend. But after they had endured the crosses of their enemies about a moneth, see∣ing themselues destitute of souldiars, the beganne to faint, and to loose all hope to maintaine themselues long in a place so farre from succors, against so many and so strong enemies, in regard of the small number of men they were: In the end being nei∣ther chased nor forced away, they did abandon the place, and the fort of Pauesson, af∣ter they had set fire of it all, and then they imbarked and went to sea. Fifteene daies af∣ter their departure, the sayd signior of Moucheron sent them supplies both of men and victuals, but they came to late. Behold how this Island was wonne and lost in a short time: the which is a place of great importance for the commoditie of the hauen, [ D] which is great and capable to hold fiue hundred ships, the which in time might haue beene a great benifit to the vnited Prouinces.

Many other ships went this yeare out of Holland and Zeelande, as well to the East and West Indies, Bresil, Castel de Mine, as to other coastes of Affrike and Guine•…•…, the which were esteemed to bee about foure score shippes: Besides those which sailed into Suria and Greece, as to Constantinople, Aex•…•…dria, Trepoli, Patrassa, Chio, Al•…•…ppo and others, by grant and preuiledge from the great Turke, obtained by the French Kings Ambassador, vnder the banner and name of the French King, as well as the French did in the yeare of our Lord 1569. which preuiledge was dated in the moneth or moone Ranazan in the yeare of Mahomet, a thousand and sixe, which comes to the [ E] yeare of the incarnation. 1598.

There fell out at that time a new trouble in the towne of Emden, which was. That * 2.134 the sayd towne finding it selfe greatly indebted by reason of the precedent tumults, and which did yet continue against the Earle of East Friseland their Protector, as well for the pursuing of their right, as to pay the annuall pension which according to their treatie they did owe vnto the sayd Earle. Hauing now but small meanes left to maintayne themselues against the practises of the sayd Lord, but that the Magistrate with the consent of the Bourgois, should raise some newe Imposition to supplie their wants. The which hauing propounded to their cittizens, the Earle la∣boring [ F] to recouer his former vsurped authoritie, the which by the contract of Del∣fzyel had beene lymited, he practised by the meanes of some men which were corrup∣ted, to be at his deuotion, to hinder the grant and consent of this Imposition, thereby to make the towne of Emden poore and needy. Herevpon he gained a Cofrer (which was

one that had some charge of the treasor) to whome commission was giuen in wri∣ting, * 2.135 to stirre vp troubles, and to draw partisans vnto him, who together might haue [ A] kept a port open, by the which his soldiars (the which hee had long before leuied vp∣pon diuers pretexts) might enter into the towne. And the more easely to atteine vnto it, and to giue some respect and authority vnto this interprise, hee sent two of his young sonnes into the towne, who remayned in the Castle attending the execution. This maister Cofrer came with his commissiō to certaine men of the Flaccien sect, which is a kinde of relligion couered vnder the cloake of that of the Martinists (who they say hold the confession of Ausbourg) of the which hee wonne some so farre as they consented: among them hee came vnto one which had beene of the said sect, but hee was retired and become of the Protestants Relligion; who discouerd all this prac∣tise vnto the Magistrat, who presently sent for the Cofrer, and after some questions [ B] and denialls, in the end hee confest that hee had such a commission from the Earle, the which being in the hands of one of the young Noblemen in the Castle, hee offred to fetch it him-selfe and to bring it them, where-vpon they let him goe. But afterwards bethinking them-selues they caused him to be followed and well garded in his house where the said commission was found. The night following hee was led to the coun∣cell house, where hee was often examined, and in the end put to the racke, where hee confest that one Iohn Groenen brother in law to one Fonck who at that time was at Brusselles with the Cardinall Albert, and had hereto fore beene prisoner in Holland for the like cause (but deliuered without any harme) was the cheefe conductor of this bvsines, with some others, who were all taken prisoners, and their papers seazed on. [ C] Where-vpon some of the Magistrats were deputed to go vnto the Castle to the young Noblemen, and to let them vnderstand that it was ill done of the Earle their father (and of them if they had any knowledge thereof) to seeke to go against a contract so sol∣lemnely past by him, and authorized by the Emperor, whereof they excused them∣selues saying, that they had not herd speake thereof: And although they were required to remaine in the towne, yet not daring attend a popular tumult, they retired the 9. of May. Among the papers of Iohn Groenen, there were found many coppies of letters and instructions written vnto the Earle, and some letters from Fonck: which said that see∣ing the Earle did find that he was abandoned by the Emperor and the Empire (for that [ D] they of Emden had a little before obtained a sentence against him to their benifit in the Imperiall Chamber at Spier) that he must seeke some other support else where: so as there was no better, none more redy, nor more mighty, then the King of Spaine, nor that would willingly vndertake it, that he should practise to make him-selfe maister of the towne: which hauing done, that he should suffer the King of Spaine to entertaine the head of an army in his Conty of East Freezland, who might serue him, as well by land vpon the riuers of Ems and Dollrad, whereby he might be restored to his first au∣thority. The insatible ambition of man is strange, his Earle who had more credit in the said towne, then any of his Predecessors in the said Conty, (who of gentlemen had by armes gotten this estate ouer their neighbors, were it by right or wrong, whereof he was the fourth Earle) euer had; yet not contenting him-selfe with the Magistrate and [ E] people of the said towne, which is one of the Hans Imperial townes, held immediatly of the Empire: and that they had freely and willingly receiued him for their protector, and in respect thereof did giue him an annuell pension or gratuity: he sought by all meanes to make them his Vassalls, yea rather his slaues, and to depriue them of all their Imperiall priuiledges, granted by so many good Emperors, taking violently from them their ancient liberties and freedomes. But in the end he reaped little honor & lesse pro∣fit of all his attempts, surcharging his poore subiects of the champian country to main∣taine his attempts against the said towne. But let vs finish this busines: Among the said papers there were some found making mention of this enterprise and how it [ F] should be managed, whereby the Maigistrat knew plainely what the Earles practise and intent was, which made them seeke to seze vpon the partisans of this conspiracy, wher∣of some fled and left the towne, wherevpon the Maigistrate was induced (although that the towne were greatly charged) to giue order to the captaine to leuy 300. men at their

charge, writing vnto Cont Willian Lewis of Nassau, gouernor of the contries of Freeze∣land * 2.136 [ A] and Groning for the Estates, that it would please him for their preseruation, if neede required, to assist them with some men, to be redy at hand The said gouernor not onely granted them, but he also caused some of the captaines of the neighbor garrisons to discharge some of their men, who were presently entertained by them of Emden: so long as this trouble continued, which was to the end of May, and was appeazed by the death of the Cofrer and of Iohn Groenen, who were beheadded, and by the banishment of some other prisoners, whereof some were condemned in great fines. Then the Earle tooke occasion to complaine of them of Emden to the Imperial chamber, accusing them * 2.137 to haue broken the contract, where-vpon he obtayned a commission of adiornement, the which was signified vnto them, to appeere in the said chamber the 16. of August the [ B] same yeare 1598. At which day he propounded for a complaint, among other things that they of Emden had with the soldiars of the vnited Prouinces, made an irruption vpon the lands and iurisdictions of Marienhoue, Visquart, Prostthumb and other places: to haue taken many prisoners, to haue put to death Iohn Groenen and Iohn Kemps, after they had greeuously tortured them; to haue vnworthely intreated his two sonnes, the Earles Iohn and Christoper being at Emden with his instructions and by his commande∣ment: to haue vsed a notary ill; to haue forced a new oth from the youth of the towne, with other points, where-vpon the Earle and they of Emden entred into new quarrells one against another, and the ould were reuiued; of the issue wherof we will treat in the yeare following. [ C]

We haue made mention of an Edict made by the King of Spaine at Pardo, by the which he dispensed with him-selfe not to pay his debts, retayn•…•…ng all his assiguations * 2.138 vpon his reuenues, giuen by him in payment vnto Marchants which had furnished him with great summes: But now meaning to discharge his conscience better, and fealing him-selfe at the graues brinke, hee made another contract of the 14 of February this yeare 1598. with Hector Pocamillo, Ambrosio Somola, Francisco de Maluenda, and Iohn Iaco∣mo Grimaldi, hauing ample Procuration from all the other Marchants, who dad negotia∣ted with his Maiesty for the lending of mony. By the which contract hauing first excu∣sed him-selfe for that which was giuen at Pardo, he confirmes the assignations giuen by him vpon the said demaynes, vpon condition that for an ouer plus and new Loane they should furnish him with the summe of seauen millions, and two hundred thousand du∣catspaiable [ D] euery moneth, two hundred and fifty thousand ducats to the Archduke, Cardinall Albert, to defray the charges of the warre in the Netherlands, and that for the space of 19 moneths, whereof the first paiment should be expired the last of Ianuary, the said yeare 98. making for the Netherlands foure millions and a halfe. The rest to be payed in his realme of Spaine, or else where, at his good pleasure, And by this meanes the King of Spaine (being resolued to giue his daughter the Infanta vnto the Cardinall Albert) would shew that he would not leaue him in need of mony for the continuance of the warre against the vnited Prouinces.

There is in Flanders a fort called Patience, which a Wallon corporall in the yeare 1595. deliuered vnto the Estates of Zeeland, there were this yeare some French men in * 2.139 [ E] garrison in this fort, who dealing after the same manner with the Estates, sold it and de∣liuered it vnto the Spaniards. In the midest of Aprill the Duke of Writembergh Earle of Montbeliard, sent an ambassador to the vnited Prouinces, to demande that his sub∣iects might trafficke freely & vnder their safe conduct throughout the Netherlands by the riuer of Neckar, which descends into the Rhine, and that they would furnish him with some sufficient man for riuers and waters, to make the said riuer of Neckar more nauigable. His demand was granted touching the commerce; and with the Ambassador there was sent on Iohn Bradley, a man very expert in water works. The 9. of Iuly the town of Calais was restored to the French King, into the hands of the Earle of S. Pol and the * 2.140 [ F] Siegnor of Viques who was made Gouernor, entring into it with 2000. men, after that the artillery and munition had beene drawne forth, according to the contract, and sent to S. Omer. The Spanish troupes within Ardes and Dourlans, being mutined for their pay, made some difficulty for a time, but in the end they were pacefied, and went out

in August following: the like did they of Monthulin, Chastelet and la Capelle in Tye∣rash: * 2.141 [ A] But Blauet was not so soone yeelded, vntill that the Duke of Merceur was recon∣ciled vnto the King, treating the marriage of Caesar Monsieur the kings Bastard and Duke of Vendosme with this Dukes daughter, wherevpon Blauet, and all other places which had beene held in Brittane, in the name of the Infanta of Spaine, were yeelded.

The King of Spaine finding his strength and helth to decay daily, being desirous to see an end of the resolution which hee had taken, to giue the Lady Isabella his eldest daughter in marriage to the Archduke Albert his Nephew, although he were aduanced * 2.142 to great Ecclesiasticall dignities, and namely to the rich Archbishoprike of Toledo: he called in his presence (in the towne of Madril) the 6. of May Prince Philip his only sonne, being about 20. yeares old, being accompanied by Don Gomes d' Auila Marquis of Vel∣lada, gouernor and Lord Stuard of Prince Phillips house, Don Christophel de Mora Earle [ B] of Castel-Rodrigo great commander of Leon, all three councellors of State, and Ni∣cholas Damant Knight, councellor, President and Chancellor of Brabant, with the secre∣tary for the affaiers of the Netherlands, Laloo, and no more, whereas the rosolution of the cession and transaction of the Netherlands made by the King vnto his said daugh∣ter, was read, signed, and sealed in the French tong as followeth.

Phillip by the grace of God King. &c. To all present and to come that shall see, read and heare these letters, greeting. Whereas we haue thought it fit and conuenient as well for the generall good of all Christendome, as of our Netherlands, not to deferre any longer the mariage of our deere and wel-beloued eldest daughter the Infanta Isabella Clara Eu∣genia: * 2.143 [ C] being the more inclined therevnto for the preseruation of our house, and for cer∣taine other good respects; In consideration also of the loue we beare vnto our most deere and welbeloued brother, cosin and Nephew, the Archduke Albert, gouernor and captaine generall of our Netherlands, and of Bourgogne in our name, hauing cast our eyes vpon his person, and chosing him to be future husband to our eldest daughter, as well by the consent of our holy father the Pope, who hath there-vpon granted his dis∣pensation, as also hauing imparted it to the most high, most excellent and most mighty Prince, our most deere and wel-beloued brother, cousin and nephew, Rodolphus the se∣cond of that name Emperor of the Romaines, and in like manner to our most deere & wel-beloued good sister the Empresse his mother. All which considered, and to the end our said daughter may (as reason requiers) haue meanes according to her graces, ver∣tues [ D] and merits. And the rather to giue a testimony of our behalfes of the great loue and affection which we haue alwaies borne, and do yet beare vnto our countries of the Netherlands and Bourgogne, we haue resolued to giue vnto our said daughter, in ayde and fauor of the said marriage our said Netherlands, and all that depends thereon, in the forme and manner as shall be hereafter set downe and specified: And that by the meanes and mediation, will and consent of our most deere and wel-beloued good Sonne Prince Phillip our onely Sonne and heyre, according to the aduertisments which haue beene giuen by vs and our said Sonne, to the heads and Noblemen, knights of our order, coun∣cellors and Estates of our said Netherlands, being vnder our obedience, together with them of our country and Conty of Bourgogne, who haue shewed and testefied by their [ E] answers, the ioy and contentment which they haue had of this our kind resolution: the which they know and confesse to bee so necessary for the good of our Netherlands: Being the true meanes to attaine vnto a good peace and vnion, and to be discharged of this painfull warre: wherewith they haue beene afflicted for so many yeares; which peace and rest we haue alwaies wished and desired, considering also (the which is noto∣rious to all the world) that the greatest happines which a country may inioy, is to see them-selues gouerned by the eye and presence of their Prince and naturall Lord. God is our witnes of the paine and care we haue often had that we could not performe that in person which we willingly desired, if the affaiers of great importance of our realmes [ F] of Spaine, had not tied vs to continue our residence there, and not to absent our selfe, as we yet are bound at this houre. And although for the age of the Prince our sonne, it seemes, it might be now more conuenient, then at our first voiage, yet the will of GOD hath beene such, hauing giuen vs so many Realmes and Prouinces, in the which there

want neuer affaires of great importance, by reason whereof his presence is here very * 2.144 [ A] requisite. Wherefore we haue thought it expedient to take this good resolution, not to suffer the Netherlands to runne into the inconueniences which they haue done here∣tofore together with the reasons of portion and partage, which we ought to make vn∣to our said daughter the Infanta, according to her merits & the greatnesse of her birth. Wherefore we giue all men to vnderstand, that desiring now to put duly in effect, that which hath beene resolued by vs: to transport vnto our said daughter the Infanta, in aduancement of the said marriage, all our said Netherlands and Bourgogne, in manner and forme, and with the conditions here-after mentioned.

1. The first condition is: that the said Infanta our daughter, shall ioyne in marriage with the Archduke Albert, and that by way of donation or gift, shee receiue our sayd [ B] Netherlands, and the Contie of Bourgogne: and in case the said marriage should bee hindred by any occasion whatsoeuer: then this present donation or cession shall bee voide and take no effect; as in that case we do presently reuoke and disanull it.

2. Item, that the children and successors of this marriage, be they males or females, lawfully borne and no bastards: although it were by a future marriage, the elder going before the yonger, and the male the female, shall from hand to hand successiuely bee heires in the same degree of all the said prouinces ioyntly, without taking away or ec∣clipsing any thing. Declaring that the eldest sonne or daughter of the father deceased, shall be preserre•…•… before the Vncles or any other of the collaterall line.

3. Item vpon condition, that if there be neither sonne nor daughter (which God [ C] forbid) of this marriage: or that they bee dead, after the death either of the Archduke Albert, or our daughter the Infanta, comming of this present marriage, the said dona∣tion, cession and transport, shall be voide & of no force. In which case if our said daugh∣ter the Infanta should remaine a widdow, her lawfull portion on the fathers side, & her donation of the mothers side, such as shall belong vnto her, shall follow her: beside that which wee or our sonne the Prince shall doe for the loue wee beare her. And if the said Archduke Albert, should suruiue the said Infanta, he shall remaine Gouernor of the said countries, in the name of the Prince Proprietary, to whom they shall fall.

4. Item vpon condition, that if all the descendants males and females proceeding of their marriage should chance to faile, so as there should not any one remaine that is [ D] called to these countries. In that case they shall all returne vnto the King of Spaine, which shall be descended of vs. And according to this donation and cession, in that case we make him donatarie presently, as being giuen vnto him.

5. Item, vpon condition, that whosoeuer shall be Princesse and Lady of the said Ne∣therlands, shall marry with the King of Spaine or the Prince his sonne, that shall bee then liuing, with a dispensation, if need shall require. And if then they haue not the will nor the power to make any such marriages for themselues, in that case the Lady can∣not take any husband, nor meddle with any donation, nor any part thereof, without the aduise and consent of vs and our heires and successors in our said realme of Spaine, which shall be issued from vs. And in case of contrauention, all that hath bin giuen and granted, shall returne, as if this donation, cession and transport had neuer beene made.

[ E]

6. Item vpon condition that our said daughter the Infanta, nor any other called to the said succession, shal not for any cause whatsoeuer, part nor diuide the said countries, nor giue or exchange without our consent, & of those shall succeed vs in these realmes.

7. Item that euery Prince and Lord of those countries, shall be bound to marry their sonnes and daughters with our consent, & of those shall be our heires Kings of Spaine.

8. Item that our said daughter the Infanta, nor her husband, nor any of their suc∣cessors, to whom the sayd countries shall descend, shall in any sort whatsoeuer, nego∣tiate, traffick, or contract to the East and West Indies, neither shall they send any sorts of ships, vnder any coulour or pretext so-euer: vpon paine that the sayd countries in [ F] case of contrauention shall be forfeited by them. And if any subiects of the said coun∣tries should presume to goe contrary to the defences; the Lords of the said countries shal punish thē by confiscation of their goods, & other grieuous paines, yea with death.

9. Item, that if the said Archduke Albert our good cousin, should suruie our daughter the Infanta, leauing either sonne or daughter, that he shall haue the gouernment of such

sonne or daughter, with the managing of all their goods, as if our daughter the Infanta * 2.145 [ A] were yet liuing. And ouer and besides our said cousin the Archduke, shall in that case enioy and reape the fruites during his life, entertaining the said children according to their qualitie, giuing vnto the eldest sonne or daughter the country and Duchie of Luxembourg, and the countie of Chiny, which shall belong vnto them, to inioy it du∣ring the fathers life: after whose decease that child shall haue all as sole heire. Being here expresly declared, that this clause of vsufrute shall be vnderstood, onely in fauour of our good Cousin the Archduke Albert; and not to be drawne in consequence. To the end that none of his successors may vrge any president, nor pretend right in the like case.

10. Item for that it is the principall and greatest bond aboue all others: that all the [ B] children and descendants of the said marriage, shall follow the holy religion which doth now presently shine in them, and shall liue and dye in our holy Catholick faith, as the holy church of Rome doth teach and entertaine: and that before they shall take possession of the sayd Netherlands, they shall take an othe in the same forme that it is set downe in the article following. And in case (which God forbid) that any of the said descandants should decline from the sayd religion, and fall into heresie, after that our Holy father the Pope hath pronounced them so, they shall be depriued of the admini∣stration, possession and propertie of the said Prouinces: and that the vassals & subiects thereof shall no more obey them; but they shall admit and receiue the next that is a Catholick of the same descent, which should succeed vnto such a one that is fallen [ C] from the faith: and that hereticke shall be as if he were naturally dead.

Ego Iuro ad sancta Dei Euangelia, quod semper ad extremum vitae meae spiritum, sacro∣sanctam fidem Catholicam quam tenet, docet & predicat, sancta, Catholica & Apostolica Ec∣clesia * 2.146 •…•…omana (communium Ecclesiarum mater & Magistra) constanter profitebor, & fideliter firmiter{que} •…•…redam & veraciter tenebo; at{que} eam a meis subditis teneri, doceri & predicari (quantum in me erit) curabo. Sic me Deus adiuuet & hec sancta Euangelia.

11. Item, that for the greater assurance and confirmation of the peace, loue, and correspondencie which ought to be betwixt the King and his realmes, our descendants and successors, and the Princes and Lords of those countries, being also our successors, enery one of thē which hereafter shall come vnto the possession of the said Netherlands [ D] and Bourgogne, shall aduow, approoue, and ratifie, what is conteined in this article.

12. And for a much as our intention and will is, that the said articles shall take full ef∣fect by their meaens. We giue, grant, quit, transport, renounce and accord, in gift of fee, & in the best and most auaileable forme, way and manner, that may be deuifed by law, to the Infanta Isabella, Clara, Eugenia, our most deare and best beloued eldest daughter, All our Netherlands, and euery Prouince thereof, with the Country and County of Bourgogne, compre∣hending that of Charolois therin, the Duchies, Principalities, Marquisats and forts, which are in our Netherlands and Bourgogne, together with all the regalities, and all sorts of iu∣risdictions, which wee might pretend by reason of the same, as also all preheminences, gards, and all other kind of soueraignty whatsoeuer, in the same forme they are now, or [ E] may be ours, to haue the full possession as wee haue had, without any exception, vpon charge notwithstanding, that they shall inuiolably obserue all here aboue mentioned, & the Pragmatick made by the deceased of immortall memory, the Emperor my Lord & father (who is in glory) in the month of Nouember 1549. touching the vnion of the said Netherlands, without consenting to any separation thereof, for any cause whatsoeuer.

13. And it is our intention: that in regard of this donation, our said daughter the In∣fanta, and her future husband the Archduke Albert, shall be charged and bound, to pay and acquit all debts, made by vs, or in our name, or by his deceased Imperiall Maiesty vpon our patrimonie and demaines of the said Netherlands, and of the Contie of Bour∣gogne; and they shall bee also tied and bound to beare and discharge all the rents, an∣nuities, [ F] for life, and all other donations, pensions and recompences, which his said Im∣periall Maiestie, wee or our predecessors haue made to any persons whatsoeuer.

And so we do make, create and name by these presents, our said daughter the Infanta, Prin∣cesse and Lady of the said Netherlands, and Earle of Bourgongne and Charalois.

We do also grant vnto our said daughter, that ouer and aboue the particular titles of euerie [ A] of the said Prouinces of the Netherlands, and countie of Bourgoigne, she may also write, in∣title, * 2.147 and name her selfe Duchesse of Bourgoigne, notwithstanding that we haue reserued (for so long as it shall please vs) for our selues, and for the prince our sonne, the said title of Duke of Bourgoigne, with all the rights that may belong vnto vs, together with the soueraigntie of our order of the Golden Fleece, whereof we retaine the power vnto our selues, to dispose hereaf∣ter as we shal think most fit. We consent and agree, and do suffer our said daughter the Infan∣ta, giuing her absolute & irreuocable power, of her own priuat authority, without any further consent to be demaunded, by her selfe, or by her deputies sent to her future husband, to take full and absolute possession of the said Netherlands, and of the countie of Bourgoigne, and Charolois: And to that end to cause the generall Estates of the said countrey to assemble, or [ B] the particular Estates in euerie prouince, or els to obserue any other course that shalbe thought fitting for this donation, cession, and transport, to signifie it, & to take an othe to the Estates and the subiects of the said countries, to demaund the inuestiture and admittance to euerie peece and seigniorie, if the case shall so require: As also to receiue a fit othe of them, to bind them to al that wherunto they were reciprocally bound by precedent othes. Andvntil our said daugh∣ter shall haue taken, or caused to be taken in her name, the reall possession of the said Nether∣lands and countie of Bourgoigne and Charolois, in that maner as it is set downe by her pa∣tent, wee doe make and constitute our selfe possessor thereof, in the name and behalfe of our said daughter.

In witnesse whereof we will and ordaine, That the same letters patents bee deliuered vnto [ C] her, granting vnto our daughter the Infanta, to retaine, admit, and establish in the said Nether∣lands and Bourgoigne, Gouernours, Iudges, and Iustices, as well for the preseruation and de∣fence thereof, as for the administration of iustice and policie, and the receit of reuenues, or o∣therwise. And moreouer, to do all that which a true princesse, ladie of the inheritance of the said countries, by right, or according to the customes, might or ought to doe, and as wee haue done, and might yet doe; alwayes obseruing the conditions hereunto inserted: To which effect we haue quitted, absolued, and discharged, and doe quit, absolue, and discharge by these presents, al bishops, abbots, prelats, and other church men, dukes, princes, marquesses, earls, ba∣rons, gouernors, heads and captaines of the countrey, townes, courts, presidents, men of our counsell, chancellors, them of our treasure and accounts, and other justices, captaines, men of [ D] warre, and souldiers of forts and castles, their lieutenants, knights, squires, vassals, magistrats, bourgers, inhabitants of good townes, boroughes, franchises, and villages, and all and euery of our subiects of our said Netherlands, and the countie of Bourgoigne and Charolois, and eue∣rie of them respectiuely, of the othe of fidelitie, faith and homage, promise and bond, by the which they were bound vnto vs, as to their lawfull prince and soueraigne lord: willing and expresly commaunding them, to sweare, and to accept the said Infanta our daughter, for their true princesse and ladie, and to giue her their othe of fealtie, faith, and homage, promise, and bond, after the accustomed maner, according to the nature of the countries, places, fees, and seigniories. And moreouer, that they shew vnto her and to her future husband, all ho∣nour, reuerence, affection, obedience, fidelitie, and seruice, as good and loyall subiects ought [ E] and are bound to their lawfull prince and naturall lord, as they haue hitherto made demon∣stration. And to supply all defects and obmissions, as well in law as in fact, which may bee o∣mitted in this present donation, cession, and transport, and which might be wel inserted, of our owne motion, certaine knowledge, and full and absolute royal power, which by these presents we will vse, we haue derogated, and do derogate to all lawes, constitutions, and customes, which may impugne and contradict these presents: for such is our good will and pleasure. And to the end that all that is formerly said, may be for euer firme and stable, wee haue figned these presents with our name, and caused our great seale to be hanged thereunto, willing and commanding, that it shall be registred, to be held of force in euerie counsell and chamber of accounts. Giuen in our citie of Madril the 6 of May 1598, of our raigns of Naples and Ierusa∣lem, [ F] the 45, of Castile, Arragon, Sicile, and others, the 44, and of Portugall the 19. It was para∣phed N. D. V. Signed Philippes. And vnderneath, By the King signed A. de la Loo.

This resignation was also ratified by the letters patents of prince Philip, at this time king of Spaine, the 3 of that name, as followeth.

Philip by the grace of God, Prince, sonne and onely heire of the Realmes, Countries, and * 2.148 [ A] Seigniories of king Philip the second of that name, my lord and father, To all present and to come, greeting. Whereas my said lord and father hath resolued to marie the ladie Infanta Isa∣bella Clara Eugenia, our most deere and well beloued good sister, to the Archduke Albert, our good vncle and cosin: And that according to the same his Catholike Maiestie hath determi∣ned with our liking and consent, being thereunto induced for certaine great reasons and re∣spects for the common good, namely for the generall quiet of all Christendome, and in parti∣cular for the peace & tranquility of the Netherlands, to the end that our said sister may be pro∣uided for according to her qualitie and great merits, to giue vnto our said sister the Nether∣lands, and the countie of Bourgoigne, in that forme and maner as it hath beene made and past, as it appeareth by the letters patents which my said lord and father hath caused to be made, sig∣ned [ B] with his hand, and sealed with his great Seale, wherof the tenor followeth word by word. Philip &c. All which being here aboue inserted, it is not needful to repeat.

Wee let them know, that hauing particularly vnderstood all that is mentioned therein, con∣sidering the publike good that may thereby come vnto Christendome, especially by reason of the singular loue which we are bound to beare, and do beare vnto our sister the Infanta, for her graces and great merits, we commend, approue, and allow, and by these presents hold for good, notwithstanding any preiudice that may grow thereby to vs or our successors hereafter. And for the same reason we consent, and are content by these presents, that the said Nether∣lands and countie of Bourgoigne and Charolois, shall be giuen and transported to our good sister the Infanta, as my said lord and father hath done. And to the end it may subsist the bet∣ter, [ C] for the greater assurance, corroboration, and strengthening of that which his Maiestie hath disposed and decreed in fauour, and for the aduancement of our good sister, wee dispose and ordaine as farre as it is needfull by these presents, in fauour thereof, and in the same forme and manner in euerie point, of our owne proper and free wil, & without any extortion, constraint, deceit, fraud, nor any respect, fatherly reuerence, nor feare, nor by any other indirect persuasi∣ons; our will and intention being, that the said countries shal belong and appertaine vnto our sister the Infanta, Isabella Clara Eugenia, and to her successors, conformable to the disposition of the king my lord and father. And to the end it may take full effect, and remaine firme and stable for euer, wee haue renounced, and do renounce by these presents, in fauour of our good sister, for vs and our successors, all benefits which may by right come to vs or them, to contra∣dict [ D] these presents; or that it were by the law, Derestitutione in integrum, to the which we haue renounced, and doe renounce by these presents: for our resolute and determinat will is, that nothing whatsoeuer shall bee of any force and efficacie against this donation, cession, and transport, which hath beene made of the said Netherlands, in the maner and forme aboue mentioned.

Whereupon we haue giuen our faith, and taken our othe vpon the holy Euangilists, which we haue touched with our hand, to hold, maintaine, obserue, and keepe, and cause to bee held, maintained, obserued, and kept, punctually all that hath beene said, without any excuse or ex∣ception, nor yet to suffer any other to vse any: The which we do affirme and promise by the word of a prince, and that we shal giue all aid & assistance for the ful accomplishment thereof, [ E] for that it is our sincere and resolute will. In witnesse whereof we haue caused these our letters patents to be made, the which we haue signed with our owne hand, and caused to bee signed by the secretarie of estate for the king my lord & father, for the affaires of the Netherlands and Bourgoigne, and to be sealed with the great seale of his Maiesties armes, hanging thereunto in strings of gold. To these were present as witnesses Dom Gomes d'Auila, marquesse of Velada, our gouernor and lord steward of our houshold, Dom Christophel de Mora, earle of Castel, Ro∣derigo great commaunder of the Alcantara, a gentleman of his Maiesties chamber, and butler for our person, Dom Ioan d'Idiaques great commander of Leon, all three of the counsel of state, and Nicholas d'Amant, knight, also counsellor of state, and keeper of his Maiesties seales for the affaires of the Netherlands and Bourgoigne, chancelor of his duchie of Brabant. Giuen in the [ F] citie of Madril, in the realme of Castile, the 6 of May, in the yeare of grace 1598. Paraphed M. E. R. T. Signed Philip, and vnderneath, By the commandement of my lord the prince A. de la Loo.

These two patents of the kings resignation, and of the princes agreation, were both sealed

with one seale in vermilian waxe, with strings of gold. [ A]

These instruments being thus read, past, signed and sealed in autentike forme, the prince of * 2.149 Spaine rising, went and kist the king his fathers hands, thanking him for the good affection he bare vnto his sister: then going to his said sister, he did congratulat with her, for the good which she had receiued that day; who rising, in like maner went and kist the king her fathers hands, and gaue thanks for his fauours and benefits: as in like sort shee did thanke the prince her brother, and so the assembly brake vp. The rest of the day was spent in ioy and sport in the court; yet more had beene continued, if the kings indisposition had not beene, who began now to grow verie weake.

Two daies after, which was the eight of May, the empresse, sister to the king, and mother to the archduke Albert, came to court, being accompanied by the embassador of the emperour, [ B] her sonne, the marquesse of Vellada, Dom Christophel de Mora, Dom Ioan Idiaques, and others, whereas the mariage spoken of was confirmed, the Infanta binding her selfe by an othe in the hands of the empresse, to marie the archduke Albert of Austria, according to his Maiesties good pleasure: Whereupon the said ladie empresse bound her selfe reciprocally, that the said archduke her sonne should take her to wife, by vertue of a speciall procuration which hee had sent. Then the Infanta aduanced to kisse the hand of the empresse her aunt, and future mother in law, but she retired her hand, and would not suffer it, and for a greater shew of her loue im∣braced her very fast. In the end, after many kind speeches and mutual curtesies, as the empresse retired, the Infanta bending downe vpon her knee, would againe haue kissed her hand, which she pulled backe, and making her to rise, the empresse kist her cheeke, and so they parted. All [ C] this being thus performed, the Infanta sent a procuration in qualitie of princesse of the Ne∣therlands, to the archduke her lord by mariage, and future spouse, as followeth.

Isabella Clara Eugenia, by the grace of God Infanta of all the realmes of Spaine, Duchesse * 2.150 of Bourgoigne, of Lothier, of Brabant, Lembourg, and Luxembourg, Countesse of

Flanders, Arthois, Bourgoigne, Palatine of Henault, of Holland, Zeeland, Namur, and Zut∣phen, Marquesse of the holy Empire, Ladie of Friseland, Salines, and Macklin, of the countrie and citie of Vtrecht, of Ouerissel, and of Groning, To all present & to come, that shal see these present letters greeting: Wheras, as wel for the good of all Christendome in general, as for the Netherlands in particular, and for other good considerations, it hath pleased the king my lord and father, for the aduancement of my future mariage, by the dispensation of our holy father [ D] the pope, with our most deere and well beloued cosin the archduke Albert, with the good li∣king, allowance, consent and assistance of the high and mightie prince our most deere and wel beloued good brother, to make a gift, cession, and transport, vnto vs, of all the Netherlands, and of Bourgoigne, according to the letters patents which haue beene made and signed re∣spectiuely with their owne hands, the sixt of this present moneth of May, with other our let∣ters patents, touching the acceptation of the said donation and transport: To the end that the said Netherlands and Bourgoigne, might bee by vs, our heires and successors, held and en∣ioyed in manner and forme, and according to the conditions particularly comprehended and exprest in the said letters patents; by the which his sayd Maiestie hath granted vnto vs, with absolute power, and irreuocable, of our owne priuat authoritie, not beeing bound to require [ E] any other consent or agreation, to take and receiue by vs, or by procuration to our future spouse the archduke Albert, the full and entire possession of all the Netherlands and countie of Bourgoigne and Charolois, and to that effect to do in particular according to the said letters patents. Wee therefore make it knowne, for the reasons aboue mentioned, and to follow in euerie poynt the will and pleasure of his Maiestie, yea to aduance all that in that regard may be necessarie before our departure towards the said countries, wee haue of our certaine know∣ledge and absolute power, authorised and giuen full power and commission irreuocable, as well generall as speciall, to our future spouse the archduke Albert, in our name, and on our behalfe, by himselfe or other his substitutes, as hee shall thinke fit, by vertue hereof, at once, or at diuers seuerall times, to doe all things, as well in our name, and in our behalfe, as in the [ F] behalfe of the Netherlands and the countie of Bourgoigne and Charolois, in generall, or by the Estates of euerie prouince in particular, that shal be requisit and necessarie to be done and past; respectiuely to take, accept, or retaine in our name, the full, reall, and entire possessi∣on

of all the sayd countries, and of euerie prouince thereof, and of all that doth depend, to * 2.151 [ A] enioy them fully and peaceably without any contradiction, let, or molestation: Causing the Estates of the said countries, either generall or particular, to bee called to this end, and to take the othes required in our name. And moreouer, that our future spouse the archduke Albert, shall doe all that wee our selues might doe if wee were there in person, without any more spe∣ciall commission, than is contained in the said letters. Promising in the word of a princesse, and vpon our honour, to hold it for agreeable, firme, and stable for euer, and to obserue, and cause to bee obserued, and inuiolably and faithfully accomplished, all that by the said arch∣duke Albert, our future husband, or by his committees and substitutes, by vertue of the sayd letters shall bee done and past, in regard of the sayd absolute and reall possession of the sayd Netherlands and Bourgoigne, in the manner and forme as it is mentioned in the sayd letters [ B] patents of donation, cession, and transport, whereunto wee referre our selues, without doing any thing to the contrarie, nor suffer to bee done, directly, nor indirectly, in any sort what∣soeuer; for such is our pleasure. In witnesse whereof wee haue signed these presents with our owne hands, and caused it to bee signed by the secretarie of my lord and father, for the af∣faires of the said Netherlands and Bourgoigne, and sealed with his Maiesties great seale of armes, hanging in strings of gold. Giuen in the citie of Madril in the realme of Castile, the 30 day of May, in the yeare of grace 1598. Paraphed N. D. I. V. Signed, Madame Isabella, and vpon the fold, By the commaundement of the Ladie Infanta, Signed A. de la Loo.

This procuration was accompanied with letters from the king and the prince his sonne, vnto the Netherlands, with promise not to bee left in danger, for that which should be need∣full [ C] (if a good peace could not bee made) for the supporting of the charges of the warre. Wee will now treat of other things, attending newes of this resignation of the countries of the Netherlands, and of the Infantaes mariage with the archduke Albert, at the court in Brussels.

About that time prince Ernest of Bauaria, archbishop and elector of Cologne, and prince * 2.152 of Liege, sent his embassadors (which were the yong earle Iohn of Nassau, and the seigniour of Soppenbroeck, to the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces, to pursue the restitution of Berck vpon the Rhine (the which prince Maurice had the yeare before taken by siege from the Spaniards) vpon promise that their enemies should haue no passage that way. The Estates hauing answered pertinently to the sayd embassadours, yet considering that the sayd towne [ D] was a great charge vnto them, and more preiudiciall than profitable, and necessarie to bee double fortified, prince Maurice hauing counselled them to yeeld it, if they would not other∣wise prouide for it; besides that it was too farre from them, and not able to endure a long siege, they resolued to deliuer it vpon certaine conditions, if the sayd elector could obtaine them from cardinall Albert, yea in the end they would haue yeelded it vpon the electors sim∣ple promise, not to suffer it to fall any more into the Spaniards hands, if the cardinall had not set the admirall of Arragon on worke about another designe. Notwithstanding the townes of Moeurs and Alpen were at that time, with the consent of the Estates and the archduke Albert, restored free, the one vnto the countesse of Moeurs, the other to the lady Dowager Palatine, widow before to Henry lord of Brederode. [ E]

The processe against the magistrat and counsell of the imperiall towne of Aix la Chapel∣le, * 2.153 hauing remained long vndetermined in the chamber of Spyer, was (to the great desolati∣on of the sayd towne) decided this Summer by sentence, the which did banish and proscribe all them of the magistrat and the counsell, together with their adherents, abandoning both their persons and their goods, appointing for executioners of the said sentence, the archbi∣shops of Treues and of Cologne, with the duke of Iuilliers: who finding themselues too weake, called the archduke Albert to their aid. This sentence was signified to them of Ayx by an imperiall herauld: They were much troubled and perplexed at this rigorous sentence, which they did little expect, hauing beene assured from some princes and townes, that the matter should neuer come to proscription (but Dom William of Saint Clement, the king of [ F] Spaines embassador, and the admirall of Arragon, pursued it to this extremitie.) They did see on the one side of their towne the archdukes armie, and on the other that of the emperour, appoynted for Hongarie, and their towne nothing strong for to endure

a siege: whereupon they tooke a short resolution, and defended all exercise of the Protestants [ A] religion (both of that of Ausbourg, and of the reformed) within their towne, and sent to the * 2.154 archbishop of Cologne, prince of Liege, their neighbour, intreating hem to be an intercessor for them; who did write vnto them of Iuilliers and Lembourg, who (not thinking what might happen vnto themselues, and was so neere them) began to oppresse them of Aix, driuing away their cattell, and taking them prisoners where they could catch them. These letters from the elector of Cologne, did somewhat restraine the acts of hostilitie of them of Iuilliers, & of Lem∣bourg: Whereupon the magistrat continued in the gouernment of the towne, as before, vn∣till it were otherwise ordained. Soone after their aduerse parties (which were those of the old magistrat, being fugitiues for their lewd demeanors) brought foure or fiue hundred of the duke of Iuilliers souldiers into the towne, who displaced the one, and placed the other. Those [ B] that were disappointed had their houses for prison, vntill it were otherwise decreed: whereof * 2.155 some of the chiefe, especially two bourgmasters, the seignior Colin, and doctor Vercken, seeing themselues threatned by the clergie, found meanes to get secretly away. These magistrats be∣ing restored, were not only filled with Catholike Romans, but they deposed all officers of the towne, little and great, base and other, and placed new, all Catholikes, euen vnto the hangman: They also changed all the midwiues, physitians, comforters and keepers of sicke persons, ap∣pointing all Catholikes, and deposing the others.

Among them of the magistrat that were restored, there was one Iohn Ellerborne, a sherife, who of himselfe, and without constraint had beene a fugitiue, hauing since the yere 1590 cal∣led many merchants, and other substantiall men of the Netherlands, that were fled vnto Aix, [ C] into iustice to the imperiall chamber, for the paiment of the arrerages and account of his serui∣ces, in qualitie of captaine of the horse (who, to speak the truth, was a base coward, and a drun∣kerd, and had done nothing but hindered the seruice, spoyling, robbing, and deceiuing all the world) who not able to doe what he would with the merchants, at the verie time of the sen∣tence he obtained letters of reprisall against them, the which at the returne of the magistrat restored (whereof he was one) hee put in practise, causing it to be executed (among others) vp∣on Lewis Malapert, and Iean Viuien, great marchants, from whom, especially from Viuien (al∣though he died of the plague) he caused all his goods to be taken, yea euen his bed. Whereof complaints came to the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces, who hauing written diuers times to them of Aix, yea euen with threats, matters were somewhat moderated with Eller∣borne, [ D] who restored all for a certaine summe of money.

About that time there was great preparation of men made for Brabant, with prouision as it were to raise a campe, whereupon the vnited Estates gaue charge to the earle of Hohenloo to guard the quarter of Bomel with twentie foure companies of foot, and foure cornets of horse, that the Spaniards might get no footing there, for that they saw that the archduke Albert did draw men from all parts, comming from France and other places.

The duke of Cleues and Iuilliers hauing his sences better setled, was this yeare put in pos∣session * 2.156 of many of his townes. Prince Maurice to gratifie him, sent him two goodly horses by his chiefe counsellor the seignior of Sonsfeldt: and then there was much speaking of a mari∣age betwixt the said duke and the duke of Lorrains daughter, the which tooke effect the yere [ E] following. Let vs now returne to that of the Infanta of Spaine, with the archduke Albert.

Notes

• * 1.1

  1592.
• * 1.2

  Cont Phillip of Nassau goes into Luxem∣bourg.
• * 1.3

  1593.
• * 1.4

  The Spani∣ards breake quarter with the Estates men.
• * 1.5

  The Estates proclamation to di•…•…anul that of the Spani ards touching breaking of quarter.
• * 1.6

  Gheertruyden∣berg beseeged by Prince Maurice.
• * 1.7

  1593.
• * 1.8

  The forme of the trenches in the campe before Gheer∣truydenberg.
• * 1.9

  Iohn Petit.
• * 1.10

  The Spaniards mutine a∣gainst Cont Charles.
• * 1.11

  The Italiens and Wallons mutine in Henault.
• * 1.12

  1593
• * 1.13

  Gheertruyden∣berg shut vp by water.
• * 1.14

  Cont Mans∣feldt dares not force the Prin∣ces Campe.
• * 1.15

  The Seignior of Gisant Go∣uernor of the •…•…ne slaine.
• * 1.16

  1593. Gheertruy∣denberg yeelded by composition.
• * 1.17

  Sixteene en∣signes de•…•…∣red to the Prince.
• * 1.18

  Cont Mans∣feld forced to leaue the fort of Creuecaeur.
• * 1.19

  Why Creue∣caeur was to called.
• * 1.20

  1593.
• * 1.21

  Warre in Fris∣land.
• * 1.22

  Gramberghe yeelded to Cont Willi∣am.
• * 1.23

  1593.
• * 1.24

  1593.
• * 1.25

  The French King coun∣celled to be∣come Catho∣like.
• * 1.26

  1593. A decr•…•… made by the court of parliament against the league and Spaniards▪
• * 1.27

  The King changeth his religion.
• * 1.28

  The league crosseth the King at Rome.
• * 1.29

  1593.
• * 1.30

  The league pract•…•…th to haue the King murth•…•…red.
• * 1.31

  The league commends the King of Spaine.
• * 1.32

  Complaints made by them of the religi∣on.
• * 1.33

  The Kings s•…•…erch to them of the religion.
• * 1.34

  1593.
• * 1.35

  The Earle of Solms makes warre for the Estates in Flanders.
• * 1.36

  The Earle of Solms returne without any incounter.
• * 1.37

  Otmarsum wonne by the Spaniard.
• * 1.38

  1593.
• * 1.39

  Many Forts in Friseland wone by the Spaniard.
• * 1.40

  Verdugo at∣tempts the Earle of Nas∣saus trenches in vaine.
• * 1.41

  1594.
• * 1.42

  1594.
• * 1.43

  A braue en∣terprize of the Groningers vpon Delf∣ziel.
• * 1.44

  The Estates increase their armie with new troopes.
• * 1.45

  The Arch-duke Ernest makes two ar∣mies.
• * 1.46

  1594.
• * 1.47

  An Edict made by the Estates con∣cerninge printing.
• * 1.48

  Michel Reni∣chon comes to murther Prince Mau∣rice.
• * 1.49

  The sentence of Michel Renichon.
• * 1.50

  1594.
• * 1.51

  1594.
• * 1.52

  The Arch∣duke sends to purge him∣selfe to the generall Es∣tates.
• * 1.53

  1594.
• * 1.54

  Doctor Hartius speech to the Estates.
• * 1.55

  1594.
• * 1.56

  1594.
• * 1.57

  1594.
• * 1.58

  1594
• * 1.59

  1594.
• * 1.60

  1594.
• * 1.61

  An extract of the king of Spaines letters.
• * 1.62

  1594.
• * 1.63

  Capelle taken by Mansfeldt.
• * 1.64

  Prince Mau∣rice frees Co∣verden.
• * 1.65

  The Estates go to besiege Groning.
• * 1.66

  A breefe des∣cription of Gronning.
• * 1.67

  1594.
• * 1.68

  1594.
• * 1.69

  1594.
• * 1.70

  A braue sally of the Gro∣ningers.
• * 1.71

  Deputies sent to treat.
• * 1.72

  Lankama en∣ters the towne with fiue companies.
• * 1.73

  A mine which wrought great effect.
• * 1.74

  A Rauelin won by assault.
• * 1.75

  1594.
• * 1.76

  The Gronin∣gers offer to yeeld.
• * 1.77

  Deputies frō Groning.
• * 1.78

  Articles of the treatie of Groning.
• * 1.79

  1595.
• * 1.80

  1594.
• * 1.81

  Ac•…•…ord 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 within Groning.
• * 1.82

  1594.
• * 1.83

  Prince Mau∣rice return •…•…s victorious to the Hage.
• * 1.84

  An assembly of the Princes of the •…•…mpire in Germany.
• * 1.85

  Fredericke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Rhine makes conses∣sio•…•… of h•…•…s faith.
• * 1.86

  1594.
• * 1.87

  A new des∣seinge to mur∣ther Prince Maurice.
• * 1.88

  The sen∣tence pro∣nounced against Pe∣ter du Fou•…•…
• * 1.89

  1594.
• * 1.90

  1594.
• * 1.91

  1594.
• * 1.92

  The mutinous Italiens and Spaniards fight.
• * 1.93

  The mutined Italiens offer their seruice to the French King.
• * 1.94

  1595.
• * 1.95

  A compositi∣on made with the mutiners.
• * 1.96

  Cont Philip returns by Sea.
• * 1.97

  The French King writes to the townes of Arthois & Henault.
• * 1.98

  1595. The Arch∣dukes propo∣sition in the Ass•…•…mblie of the Estates at Brusselles.
• * 1.99

  The duke o•…•… Arschots speech in the Assem∣blie.
• * 1.100

  1595.
• * 1.101

  1595. The French King pro∣claimes war ag•…•…nst the King of Spaine.
• * 1.102

  The King of Spaine pro∣claimes warre against the French.
• * 1.103

  1595.
• * 1.104

  The Earle of Hohenloo marries the Lady Mary of Nassau.
• * 1.105

  The duke of Bouill•…•…ns marriage.
• * 1.106

  A rich boo•…•…y taken by the Estates men.
• * 1.107

  The dea•…•…h of the Archduke of Aus•…•….
• * 1.108

  1595
• * 1.109

  The Bishop of Liege com plain•…•…s to the Estates for the taking of Huy.
• * 1.110

  Huy taken a∣gaine by as∣sault by the Spaniard.
• * 1.111

  Prince Mau∣rice enterpri•…•…e vpon Bruges.
• * 1.112

  1595.
• * 1.113

  Prince Mau∣rice pursues Mondragon in his retreat.
• * 1.114

  Philip Earle of Nassau and Ernestus Earle of Solms hurt, taken priso∣ners and die.
• * 1.115

  A controuer∣sie betwixt Edsard Earle of East-Frise∣land and Em∣den.
• * 1.116

  1595
• * 1.117

  The towne & castle of Ham recouered for the French King
• * 1.118

  1595.
• * 1.119

  Dou lans be∣seeged by the Spaniard.
• * 1.120

  La Motte slaine before Dourlans
• * 1.121

  His disposi∣tion.
• * 1.122

  Villars and his troupes defeated neere vnto Dour∣lans.
• * 1.123

  Dourlans taken by as∣sault by the Spaniards.
• * 1.124

  1595.
• * 1.125

  The Estates vnder the King of Spain seeke peace of the vnited Prouinces.
• * 1.126

  Prince Mau∣rice his an∣swer to the Deputies of the reconciled Estates.
• * 1.127

  Articles pro∣pounded by the vnited Estates.
• * 1.128

  1595.
• * 1.129

  Diuers opini∣ons vpon the Articles pro∣pounded by the con•…•…ederat Estates.
• * 1.130

  1595.
• * 1.131

  The opinion of a learned man touching the peace.
• * 1.132

  1595.
• * 1.133

  Shippes of Holland and Zeeland dis∣charged in Spaine.
• * 1.134

  Cambr•…•…y be∣seeged by the Spaniard.
• * 1.135

  1595
• * 1.136

  Cambray yeelded by the Burgers.
• * 1.137

  ☉
• * 1.138

  Lire surprized & lost againe.
• * 1.139

  The vnited Estates write to the Prince of Orange.
• * 1.140

  1595.
• * 1.141

  ☉
• * 2.1

  The prince of Oranges answer to •…•…he Estates.
• * 2.2

  The Prince of Orange meets with his sister in the Duchie of Cleues.
• * 2.3

  1595.
• * 2.4

  1596 The Cardinal of Austr•…•…a comes to go •…•…rne the Ne therlands o•…•… th•…•… wing of •…•…ne.
• * 2.5

  Calais besieg∣ed •…•…y •…•…he Car∣dinall.
• * 2.6

  Richbanc and Courguet wonne.
• * 2.7

  The towne of Calais basely. yeelded.
• * 2.8

  1596 The castle of Ca•…•…ais taken by assault.
• * 2.9

  Ardres besieg∣ed and base•…•…y •…•…lded to the Cardinal.
• * 2.10

  I. Petit.
• * 2.11

  An honorabl•…•… composition at La Fere.
• * 2.12

  1596.
• * 2.13

  Prince Mau∣rice returnes 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉.
• * 2.14

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 Rape 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 2.15

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…lotte 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉.
• * 2.16

  1596 The Spaniard 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his Canon and plants it.
• * 2.17

  The Estates horsemen de∣feate some Spaniards.
• * 2.18

  The Spani∣ards vvinne the great trenche.
• * 2.19

  The Forte of Moeruaert yeelded to the Spaniard.
• * 2.20

  Hulst besie∣ged neere.
• * 2.21

  1596.
• * 2.22

  Cont Solms hurt.
• * 2.23

  A braue sal•…•…ie made by the besieged.
• * 2.24

  Collonel Pi∣ron hurt.
• * 2.25

  A halfe Mo•…•…ne made within the towne.
• * 2.26

  1596
• * 2.27

  T•…•…o furious aslaults at Hulst.
• * 2.28

  Custome con∣firms and as∣suers the cour∣ragious.
• * 2.29

  An other as∣sault at the port of Begui∣nes.
• * 2.30

  1596.
• * 2.31

  Collonel Dorp in the place of Col∣lonel Piron.
• * 2.32

  A braue sal∣ly from the fort of Nassau
• * 2.33

  1596
• * 2.34

  The poore estate of Hu'st.
• * 2.35

  The besieged begin to parle
• * 2.36

  A Capitulati∣on made by them of Hulst
• * 2.37

  The articles of the accord
• * 2.38

  1596.
• * 2.39

  The towne of Hulst a deere conquest to Cardinall Al∣bert.
• * 2.40

  The Earle of Solms taxed for the yeel∣ding of Hulst purgeth him∣selfe.
• * 2.41

  1596. The King of Spaine pro∣clamation whereby he dispenceth with himselfe for the paie∣ment of his debts.
• * 2.42

  Many banque∣routs by rea∣son of this Edict.
• * 2.43

  The Marshall of Biron maks warre in Arthois.
• * 2.44

  1596. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…nch 〈◊〉〈◊〉 againe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Arthois.
• * 2.45

  The French enter the third 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into Ar∣tho•…•….
• * 2.46

  1597. The Cardi∣nals army at Tournhout.
• * 2.47

  The Earle of Varax chiefe of the Spanish army.
• * 2.48

  Prince Mau∣rice resolues 〈◊〉〈◊〉 set vpon the Cardinals ar∣my.
• * 2.49

  1597
• * 2.50

  The Earle of Hohenloo comes to the battaile.
• * 2.51

  The Earle of Varax retires from Tourn∣hout.
• * 2.52

  The Prince pursues the Spaniard.
• * 2.53

  The Earles of Hohenlo and Solms charge first.
• * 2.54

  1597. The Ear•…•…e of V•…•…rax slaine, and his army defeated.
• * 2.55

  Amiens sur∣prized by the Spaniard.
• * 2.56

  The Spaniard failes to sur∣prize Steen∣wyc.
• * 2.57

  1597.
• * 2.58

  Prince Mau∣rice maks an enterprise vp∣on Veuloo which suc∣ceeds ill.
• * 2.59

  Ambassadors from the king of Poland to the Estates.
• * 2.60

  1597
• * 2.61

  An Agent from the Em∣peror to the Estates.
• * 2.62

  The French King prepares to besiege A∣miens.
• * 2.63

  Cardinal Al∣bert resolues to succor A∣miens.
• * 2.64

  Prince Mau∣rice goes to field with his Army.
• * 2.65

  1597
• * 2.66

  Alpen yeel∣ded to the Estates.
• * 2.67

  Rhinbercken vested.
• * 2.68

  Rhinberck easily yeelded to the Estates.
• * 2.69

  1597
• * 2.70

  The Arch∣bishoppe of Cologne de∣•…•…nds Rhin∣•…•…ck as natu∣rall.
• * 2.71

  The fort of Camillo a∣•…•…doned.
• * 2.72

  M•…•…urs besee∣•…•…y the •…•…es.
• * 2.73

  Mures yeelded
• * 2.74

  Prince Mau∣•…•… 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉.
• * 2.75

  1597 Grolle besee∣ged.
• * 2.76

  Grolle somo∣ned.
• * 2.77

  And yeelded.
• * 2.78

  Brefort be∣seeged by the Prince.
• * 2.79

  1597.
• * 2.80

  Brefort Som∣moned and refuseth to yeeld.
• * 2.81

  The beseeged desier to par∣le but to late.
• * 2.82

  The towne wonne by the breach & they retir•…•… to the Castle.
• * 2.83

  The Castle yeelded.
• * 2.84

  Enschede yeelds to the Prince.
• * 2.85

  1597.
• * 2.86

  Oldenziel be∣sieged by the Prince.
• * 2.87

  And yeelded
• * 2.88

  Otma•…•…sum yeelded to the Estates.
• * 2.89

  Goor abando∣ned to the E∣states.
• * 2.90

  The townes and castle of Lighen •…•…e∣mune in that q•…•…rter.
• * 2.91

  Cont Frede∣ric in Ling∣hen.
• * 2.92

  1597.
• * 2.93

  The Prince doth in•…•…t Linghen.
• * 2.94

  Linghen yeel∣ded by com∣position.
• * 2.95

  The King of Denmarkes Ambassadors in the campe before Ling∣hen.
• * 2.96

  1597.
• * 2.97

  1597.
• * 2.98

  The Estates answere to the Ambas∣sadors.
• * 2.99

  1597.
• * 2.100

  1597.
• * 2.101

  1597.
• * 2.102

  1597.
• * 2.103

  1597.
• * 2.104

  1598. The king of Spaine seekes sor peace.
• * 2.105

  The French King giues care to a peace.
• * 2.106

  Ambassadors sent from England and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Estates into France.
• * 2.107

  The Estates send Ambas∣sadors to the Queene of England,
• * 2.108

  1598.
• * 2.109

  Articles of peace be∣twizt the French king & the king of Spaine.
• * 2.110

  1598.
• * 2.111

  1598.
• * 2.112

  1598.
• * 2.113

  1598
• * 2.114

  1598.
• * 2.115

  1598 The Admiral of Arragon sent Ambassa∣dor to the Em∣peror.
• * 2.116

  The first of the six points demanded of the Emperor.
• * 2.117

  15981 The Admiral•…•… second de∣mand.
• * 2.118

  The third de∣mand.
• * 2.119

  1598.
• * 2.120

  1598.
• * 2.121

  The fift de∣mand.
• * 2.122

  The sixt de∣mand.
• * 2.123

  1598.
• * 2.124

  The death of Iohn Bou vier the mai∣ster of the fire workes.
• * 2.125

  1598.
• * 2.126

  An other treason a∣gainst Princ•…•… Maurice.
• * 2.127

  His sen∣tence.
• * 2.128

  1598
• * 2.129

  1598.
• * 2.130

  Foure thou∣sand Spaniards sent to the Cardinal.
• * 2.131

  The vnited Prouinces saile to the In∣des.
• * 2.132

  1598
• * 2.133

  1598.
• * 2.134

  New troubles in Emd•…•…n.
• * 2.135

  •…•…8
• * 2.136

  1598.
• * 2.137

  The Earle complains of them of Em∣den to the Im∣periall cham∣ber.
• * 2.138

  The King of Spaine makes a new con∣tract for the payment of his debts.
• * 2.139

  The fort of Patience sold by the French vnto the Spa∣niards.
• * 2.140

  Calais and the other townes resto∣red to the French King.
• * 2.141

  1598.
• * 2.142

  The King of Spaine giues his eldest daughter to Cardinall Albert with the Nether∣lands and Bourgogne.
• * 2.143

  A coppy of the letters of transaction of the Nether∣lands to the In•…•…anta.
• * 2.144

  1598.
• * 2.145

  1598.
• * 2.146

  The oth of the Prince •…•…f the Ne∣therlands.
• * 2.147

  1598
• * 2.148

  1598
• * 2.149

  1598
• * 2.150

  The Infantaes procuration to the archduke.
• * 2.151

  1598
• * 2.152

  Embassadors from the ele∣ctor of Co∣logne, to the Estates, for Rhineberek.
• * 2.153

  A sentence a∣gainst the ma∣gistrat of Aix.
• * 2.154

  1590
• * 2.155

  The lamenta∣ble estate of Aix.
• * 2.156

  The duke of Cleues reco∣uers his sences