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

[illustration]

ISABELLA AVSTRIACA. PHIL. II. CATH. HIS. REG. FIL.

ISABELLA CLARA EVGENIA, IN∣fanta * 1.1 of Spaine, Duchesse of Brabant, of Lembourg, &c. Countesse of Flanders, Arthois, Bourgoigne, &c. Palatine of Henault, and Namur. Ladie of Salines and Macklin.

My father minding for to make a royall mariage Twixt me and th' Archduke Albert, gaue me for my heritage The Netherlands, with Burgondie, and Countie Charolois, To hold in chiefe of Spaine (and I of him did make my choice) But the conditions ouer hard, and far too strict withall, Retain'd the Netherlands in too much seruitude and thrall: But Guelder, Friseland, Utrecht, and the Hollanders, also Ouerissel, Groning, Zutphen, and Zeeland, will not once show Obedience to the Spaniard, nor the house of Austria, And doe the great'st reuenue of my liuing beare away: But Brabant, Flanders, and Arthois, Henault, and eke Lembourg. To me are true, with Burgondie, Namur, and Luxembourg. (Book 15)

THE XV. BOOKE. * 1.2 [ A] [ B] (Book 15)

The Argument.

CArdinall Albert assembles the Estates at Brussels touching the donation of the Netherlands. The articles propounded vnto the Cardinall vpon the receiuing of the Infanta. He leaues his Cardinals habit, and goes to fetch the Infanta. He writes to the vnited prouinces, and causeth the prince of O∣range to write to prince Maurice his brother. The Estates resolue rather to warre, than to a fained peace, and send their Embassadour to the Queene of England to that end, who doth in like manner resolue to warre. The Admirall of Arragon marcheth with the king of Spaines armie towards the Meuse, takes Orsoy [ C] and some other neutrall places. Prince Maurice camps at Gelderscheweert. The death of Philip the second king of Spaine. Embassadors from the princesse of Cleues to the Archduke Albert, and his answer. The mur∣ther of the Earle of Bro•…•…ck by the Admirals men: He takes many townes in the countrie of Cleues, besiegeth Rheinberck, which y•…•…elds: he threatens them of Wezel, and passeth the Rheyn: against whom prince Maurice fortifies himselfe, and brings his armie to Doesbourg, where he attends him. The inferiour circl•…•…s of the Empire assemble at Dortmont. The Admirall takes Deutecom. He wasts the neutrall countries of Westphalia, Berghe, Marcke, and Munster, and takes many neutrall townes, where his Spaniards commit horrible cruelties and in∣humanities. The princes of Germanie take it ill, and procure a decree from the Emperour against him, which he regards not, and against the Estates, who iustifie themselues. The princes of Germanie arme against the admiral. He brings his armie into the Isle of Bomel. The Estates armie at sea spoiles the Canaries, and some other Islands. The armie of the princes of Germanie consumes. The Spaniards retire from Bomel, and build S Andrews fort. [ D] Prince Maurice intrencheth himselfe in the head of the enemie. The archdukes armie retires out of the Isle of Bomel, leauing S. Andrewes fort and Creuecoeur well furnished. Soone after the garrisons mutine for their pay. Prince Maurice besiegeth these two forts, the which yeeld, and the garrisons serue the Estates. The archdukes and the Infanta's comming into the Netherlands, and their instalment. The Emperour sends vnto the Estates concerning a peace. The Estates resolution to make warre in Flanders. Prince Maurice besiegeth Nieuport, takes some forts from the Spaniards: ouerthrowes the archdukes armie, he being in person, and takes the admirall priso∣ner, the which is called, The memorable battaile of Nieuport: then he returnes with his armie into the vnited prouinces. The exploits of the galley of Dordrecht.

THe acts and dispatches of the donation of the Netherlands, made by the king of Spaine vnto the Infanta his daughter, for the aduancement of [ E] her mariage with Albert Archduke of Austria, as then a Cardinall, bee∣ing come to Brussels in Iulie, the said Cardinall Archduke caused them presently to be published, and copies to be giuen forth; together with the agreation of the prince of Spaine procuration from the Infanta, and letters sealed vp from the king and the prince his sonne, to the gouernors and Councellors of all the Prouinces, which were vnder the obedience of Spaine: comman∣ding them to send their deputies to Brussels, with commission and full authoritie, by the 15 of August following. Where the deputies of euery Prouince in particular beeing arriued at the day appointed, the next day they assembled in the towne house to shew their com∣missions, and to treat vpon that which was to be done concerning the said act of donation, [ F] and letters come out of Spaine; whereupon in the beginning there grew many difficulties: and although there were diuersity of opinions, vpon the accepting of the Infanta by her pro∣curation, and to take the oath vnto her, in regard of the priuiledges of the countrie, especially of the dutchie of Brabant, the which receiueth no princes but in their owne persons: yet all

beeing well considered, in the end all controuersies ceasing, the cardinall archduke, in the * 1.3 [ A] name of the said ladie, and by vertue of her procuration, was accepted, and an oath taken, vp∣on certaine conditions, which follow.

• 1 The first article contained the agreation of the donation and transport of the Nether∣lands, * 1.4 together with the mariage of the princesse and ladie thereof, with the said cardinall.
• 2 The second, how shee should be receiued, and the oath taken.
• 3 That his hignesse should consummate the mariage within three moneths.
• 4 That the king shall giue an act, that the twelue articles comprehended in the said tran∣sport, shall not be in any sort preiudiciall vnto the Netherlands.
• 5 That he shall free the countrie from all contributions, oppressions of souldiers, and o∣ther exactions, and that hereafter his highnesse shall be contented with his reuenues. [ B]
• 6 That all forraine souldiers shall hereafter be vnder the kings paie and entertainment, the which shall be imployed in field vpon the enemies frontiers.
• 7 All Germane souldiers and such as are borne in the countrie, shall be entertained and paied as farre as may be, and that the surplusage shall be discharged by the king.
• 8 That all offices and gouernments of prouinces, townes, and forts, shall within one yeare at the farthest be deliuered into the hands of the noble men of the countrie, to gouerne.
• 9 All extraordinarie councellors shall be reduced to the order that hath beene accusto∣med. And the great councell of Macklin, with that of Brabant, and the councell of estate, shall be filled with them that are naturall borne in the countrie.
• 10 That all prouinces, countries, and townes shall be entertained and maintained in their [ C] auncient rights, priuiledges, and freedoms.
• 11 His highnes shall be bound to returne into the Netherlands by the month of may next comming.
• 12 That her highnesse during her absence shall appoint a gouernour in the said countries, which shall be of her blood, who shall be bound to sweare to all that which the king hath sworne.
• 13 That it shall be tollerable for the generall Estates, by the interuention of his highnes, to enter into conference with them of Holland and Zeeland touching a peace.
• 14 And vntill the countrie may be furnished with noblemen, naturall borne of the coun∣trie, they shall depute three to go with his highnes into Spaine, and to thanke the king. [ D]
• 15 That his highnesse shall be bound to entertaine all aboue mentioned, and at his return with the Infanta to take the accustomed oath in all the prouinces.
• 16 That the gouernors, captaines, nor men of warre shall not attempt any new thing du∣ring his highnes absence.
• 17 His highnes at his returne shal be bound to assemble the generall Estates, to labour to∣gether for the redressing of the affaires of the Netherlands.

All aboue mentioned being thus past, and the said cardinall archduke sufficiently acknow∣ledged and accepted for their future prince, according to the promise of mariage betwixt him and the Infanta, meaning to vncardinall himselfe, and to enter into the consummation of the said mariage according vnto the popes dispensation, hee went to Hault a little towne in Bra∣bant * 1.5 [ E] three leagues from Brussels, commonly called, Our ladie of Hault (in old times a famous place of pilgrimage) where he laid downe his cardinals hat and habit vpon the high altar, the which he offered vnto the said ladie. He had also vpon expectation of this mariage, resigned his archbishopricke of Toledo, by vertue whereof he was head of the Inquisition (which of right belongs vnto the said archbishopricke) by the which resignation they said hee retained an annuall pension of 50000 ducats (for it is not lesse worth than 300000 a yeare.) This done, he began to giue order for his voyage, and for the gouernment of the Netherlands, to the which during his absence he named his cousin a cardinal also, Andrew archduke, sonne to the archduke Ferdinand, who was brother to the emperour Maximilian, and therefore cousin ger∣man to Albert, ioyning with him the councell of estate. He appointed Francisco de Mendoza, [ F] admiral of Arragon to be general of his armie, & Cont Herman vanden Berghe marshal of the campe, with other commanders and officers to put in execution, during his absence, the reso∣lution which was taken at Brussels touching the frontiers of Germany, whereof we will here∣after discourse more at large. To beare him companie according to the articles, there were de∣puted

Philip of Nassau, prince of Orange, &c. (to whom his sister the countesse of Hohenloo [ A] sent a good summe of money to make his voyage, being of the reuenues of his demeanes in * 1.6 Holland and Zeeland) the earle of Barlaymont, and the earle of Sores (noble men borne in the countrie) and many ladies and gentlewomen, amongst them the countesse of Mansfeldt wi∣dow to the earle, and dowager to the earles of Henin and Hochstraten, and many other yong noble men and gentlemen desirous to see Spaine, the triumphs & state of the prince of Spaine, and of the said archduke and Infanta.

All things beeing thus prepared, the archduke parted with his traine from Brussels about the midst of September, taking his way (as he said) towards Prague, to see the emperour his brother, to conferre with him of the affaires of the Netherlands, and of his designes vpon the territories of the empire: and from thence to goe to Grets to fetch the ladie Gregorie Maximili∣enne [ B] daughter to the archduke Charles of Austria, who was brother to the emperour Maximi∣lian the second, betrothed to Philip of Spaine. This princesse was borne in the same degree with the prince of Spaine, that is, of her fathers neece; for the king of Spaine and the archduke Charles had either of them maried his neece: which princesse the archduke Albert was to con∣duct into Spaine, to accomplish her mariage with the said prince, and the archduke his with the Infanta altogether.

The said archduke before his departure, had written on the 18 of August, to the general E∣states of the vnited prouinces, containing in substance that he went to marie with the Infanta, with whom he had the Netherlands in dower; wherein he had alreadie proceeded so farre, as most, & the greatest part of the prouinces had receiued him for their lord and prince. That he [ C] desired nothing more, than to settle a good peace in the Netherlands: and now seeing it was manifest, that the king was resolued to seperate the said countries from Spaine, thereby to take away all iealousies and causes of distrust, yea and the warre it selfe, he required the Estates that they would enter into consideration, and remember, that warres must once end by peace, and that therefore they should conforme themselues with them of Brabant and Flanders, & yeeld to a generall peace, and receiue and acknowledge him for their prince and lord; for the which he had authoritie from the generall Estates of his prouinces, whereunto he expected their an∣swere.

There were letters also from the prince of Orange vnto prince Maurice his brother, and from the duke of Arschot and the marquesse of Haurec, containing; That seeing the king of [ D] Spaine had diuided the Netherlands from Spaine, there should now be no more doubt on that side: and therefore they persuaded him to doe his best indeauour, there might be a good peace made, wherein they knew he could doe much: that he should lay before his eies the ho∣nour of his house, to the which hee could neuer doe better seruice, seeing that all other prouinces had already acknowledged and receiued the said archduke &c. To all which letters there was no answer made, neither by the Estates, nor by prince Maurice.

The peace betwixt France and Spaine beeing concluded, and the townes yeelded on ei∣ther side, as we haue said; there was yet a time limited for them that would be comprehended in this peace, according to the clause contained therein. All this time they talked of nothing but of peace in England, many and diuers discourses were made thereon: the Queene finding * 1.7 [ E] her selfe prest (the French king beeing disbanded from the vnion, and the vnited prouinces not to be persuaded to submit themselues vnder the obedience of Spaine, holding the tran∣sport of the Netherlands made vnto the Infanta in suspition) sent sir Francis Vere vnto the ge∣nerall Estates of the said prouinces, beeing generall of all their English forces, to vnderstand plainely what their resolution was, either to peace or warre: if not to peace, then what meanes they had ioyntly with her to beare the burthen of the warre; whereof shee demanded a spee∣die and absolute resolution: whereof she desired to be duely informed by men well qualifi∣ed, hauing full charge and commission to deliuer their resolutions.

Whereupon the Estates meaning to aduice and resolue in their generall assemblie, all diffi∣culties and discommodities on either side beeing propounded, debated and well ballanced, [ F] seeming rather inclined and resolued to warre, than to a doubtfull peace, were it neuer so beneficiall, they had at that instant newes brought them, that the seignior Daniel vander Meu∣len of Antuerpe, remaining at Leyden in Holland, had suddainly beene sent for, with a pas∣port from the archduke, the which came from his brother in law, who fained himselfe to be

extreamely sicke) to conferre with him before his death, & that he should come to Antuerpe; [ A] where being arriued, he was sent for to Brussels (as he was a very sufficient man, and well ac∣quainted with affaires of Estate) before the counsellors Richardot and Assonuille, the abbot of Marolles, and the marquesse of Haurec, one after another; who demaunded of him, if there were no meanes to make a generall peace among all the prouinces of the Netherlands (& this was only to heare his opinion) whereunto he answered, That concerning that matter he had not any charge. Then they declared vnto him, to the end he might tell it againe, That the king * 1.8 of Spaine and the archduke Albert were intended to make a peace, in what sort soeuer: and thereof to giue such assurance as should well content them, they would leaue vnto the vni∣ted prouinces their Religion, their forme of gouernment, and they should haue contentment

giuen them, from the least point vnto the greatest. They said moreouer, That the king was [ B] wonderfully affected to prince Maurice, held him in great esteeme, and desired not to im∣paire his estate, but rather to confirme and make it greater: yea, he would gladly see him Generall of the armie against the Turke; so much he was esteemed of all men for his ver∣tues and valour. That they would suffer all them that were in the gouernment of the vni∣ted Prouinces, to continue still in their offices, estates, and dignities, and would promise to continue their children in them, being capable, if they would onely giue eare vnto a peace, and acknowledge the said archduke Albert for their lord and prince. These and such like

speeches were vsed vnto him: being carried before the archduke, he sayd as much to him in Latine, entreating him, that he would make a good report thereof, when it should be fitting. [ C]

All this being vnderstood by the Estates, they presently conceiued, that these baits ten∣ded to no other end, but to breed some diuision in the countrey, and to mooue the com∣mons: as if they desired to continue the warres without cause or reason, whilest that they might (according to their saying) enter into an assured way of peace. They did easily be∣leeue, that both the king and the cardinall would gladly haue seene prince Maurice in Hongarie, and that to him and the vnited Prouinces there should be made what promises they could desire, if they could onely get but that point of them, as to acknowledge the said archduke for their prince, supposing if that were done, that hee should easily become master, first, of them that had charge of the gouernment, and managing of affaires (who would presently seeke to creepe into his fauour) and then generally of the gouernment of the [ D] Prouinces.

Some thought these speeches were but a common bruit, to draw the Estates to giue eare to a parle, and to enter into conference, as some yeares before they had in the like manner circumuented them of Bruges and Gant, which they caused to be bruited abroad, onely to make a triall, and then goe backe from it when they thought good; such speeches seruing to no other end. Thither were also brought vnto the Estates certaine letters, intercepted both in Fraunce and in England; by the which the king of Spaine gaue contrary instru∣ctions vnto the cardinall archduke, which were, That in the treatie of peace with France, his Rebels (for so he called the vnited Estates) should not bee comprehended, but vpon condition, that the Romish Catholicke religion should bee receiued and established in all [ E] places, the kings soueraignetie and dignitie maintained, the old officers, which had been dis∣placed and chased away, restored, and that those which remained, being capable and fit, might be admitted, if they were Catholickes and not heretickes, and besides, they might promise them a generall pardon: that the French king ought not to procure any thing else, if he were as he should be, that is, a Catholicke.

This instruction conferred with the former speech, & with many other aduertisements, the Estates seeing how they sought with faire words to abuse & circumuent them, conceiued that there could nothing grow of such a peace, but a change of religion, and a translation of the go∣uernment out of their hands, vnto banished men and Spaniolized, more couetous of reuenge than the Spaniards thēselues. And therfore not any one hauing serued or had any office in the [ F] said Prouinces, might remaine, knowing that with such conditions, & no other, they should be yeelded to the Infanta, who would bridle thē in the same manner that the Spaniard had done: Wherupon the Estates, nobilitie and towns in generall, resolued not to giue eare to any peace or truce, but to support the burthen of the warre to the extremitie, and to attend such an

issue as it should please God to send them, rather than to abandon their countrey, and to re∣ceiue [ A] their enemies into the gouernment thereof: but rather to procure and aduance what * 1.9 they should find needfull for them, & especially to giue contentment to the Queene of Eng∣land. Hereupon they appointed a greater number of deputies in their colledges, and in the generall Estates, sending into England as her Maiestie had required, certaine notable embas∣sadors, to induce her to continue the warre with them against the Spaniards: the which were Iohn van Duyuen Woorde knight, seigniour of Warmont, of Woud &c. Iohn van Oldenbarneuelt seigniour of Tempel, first councellor and aduocate for the Estates, and keeper of the seale of Holland and west Friseland, Iohn van den Werke councellor and orator of Middlebourg, Iohn van Hotting a esquier, councellor and deputie for the generall Estates, & Andrew Hessels chiefe councellor of the councell of Brabant established at the Hage, for that which depends of the [ B] vnited prouinces, who also had some particular charge from prince Maurice, as beeing of his ordinarie councell. Who beeing arriued in England, they had audience of her Maiestie, and were gratiously receiued by her, sending them to treat with her councell of all matters, wher∣of her Maiestie desired to be satisfied, and for the which they were sent thither in the Estates name; so as in the end hauing giuen contentment vnto her Maiestie, they agreed vpon all things the sixt of August. According vnto which accord and resolute determination of the Estates to maintaine themselues by armes against the king of Spaine and the archduke Albert, her Maiestie did also resolue for her part to the continuance of the warre, the which could not be so preiudiciall vnto her as to the Spaniard, who beeing alwaies armed both at sea and land, entertained her rebels in Ireland to small profit: whereas her Maiestie on the other side, [ C] might get from him as well vpon the coasts of Spaine and Affricke, as at the east and west In∣dies, the which shee did for the most part at the charge of her marchants, who are greedie of gaine. And although her Maiestie at the same time had receiued some losse in Ireland by the earle of Tyron, through the fauour of the Spaniards, yet in September following, their accord was past and solemnly ratified on either side, after that the said embassadours were returned into Holland.

The seigniour of Buzenual embassadour for the French king with the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces, parted (presently after their embassadors) from the Hage, to goe vnto the king, & to know his pleasure, if after the conclusion of the peace with the Spaniard, he should be continued in his embassage: but the peace beeing finished, and hee hauing dispatched [ D] some of his priuate and domesticke affaires in France, he was sent backe againe into Holland by the king his master, to continue his charge there. At his returne he propounded many rea∣sons and excuses to the Estates, which had moued the king to make peace with the Spaniard, assuring them, that he would be no enemie vnto them, nor contrarie to their gouernment; but as much as lay in him (the peace excepted) he would fauour them, and continue in their alli∣ance, with promise to pay them the money wherewith they assisted his Maiestie during the warres.

Whilest that the archduke Albert disposed of the affaires of the Netherlands with the councell of Spaine, or Spaniards in heart, at Brussels, and made his preparatiues for his voy∣age, Francis of Mendoza marquesse of Guadaleste, admirall of Arragon, and generall of the [ E] armie, began to march towards the riuer of Meuse: prince Maurice hearing of his approach a∣bout the end of August (the Estates hauing lien still all the sommer, watching which way he would turne the head of his armie) made them also readie to stand vpon their guard, that the Spaniard should not passe the Rhine: and as there was at the same time a shippe of warre of the Estates in the riuer of Meuse before Venloo, whereof one Iohn de Raet a Hollander was captaine, the Spaniards assailed it, tooke and burnt it, where they had but sixe prisoners, the rest saued themselues by swimming.

In the beginning of September the admirall past the riuer of Meuse with all his armie neere vnto Ruremond; it consisted of 178 ensignes of all nations, Spaniards, Italians, Bour∣guignons, Germans, Wallons, Irish, and others, making about fiue and twentie thousand [ F] foot, and twentie eight cornets of horse, beside other twelue which he left in Brabant; so as all the archdukes forces (among the which there were many of the reliques of the French league) might be about 30000 men (the which without doubt was a goodly armie, able to a∣maze a world) the which being past the Meuse, dispersed it selfe at large in the countrie of

Iuilliers, the diocesse of Cologne and country thereabouts, so as approching neere the Rhine, [ A] the admirall sent colonell Borlotte to passe first, and to helpe to make the passage for the rest; * 1.10 the which he did at the village of Kerckraet, betwixt the townes of Cologne and Bonne, whereas he drew downe all the boats he could find: hauing past onely with eight hundred men of his regiment, and some field peeces, with the which going downe the Rhine lower than Cologne, he chased away all the Estates ships which were vpon the riuer. Hauing ga∣thered all the boats he could together, he past the rest of his regiment, and some more artille∣rie. The admirall Cont vanden Berghe and other noblemen of the armie marched that way, and approaching neere vnto the Rhine, they came first with their troupes before the towne of Orsoy, seated vpon the Rhine, and belonging to the duke of Cleues, being easie to fortifie, the which duke William had begun to compasse in with rauelins, after the manner of the ca∣stle [ B] of Antuerp, whereof the foundations are laid, but for the great charge they left it vnper∣fect, which notwithstanding might be easily finished: which towne the admiral summoned, and required to haue it opened, that he might passe the Rhine: the seignior Horst marshal of the countrey of Cleues, and the secretarie opposing themselues, pretending their neutralitie, the admirall tooke an axe, and began to beat vpon the gate, his men taking downe the sides of their wagons of Brabant, which are verie long, would haue scaled the wales: wherewith the bourgers being terrified, vpon promise that they would but passe the Rhine, they suffered him and his men to enter. Hauing the said towne at his deuotion, he presented himselfe be∣fore the castle (in the which there were a garrison of some souldiers for the duke of Cleues) with three Capuchin friers, and a hangman, holding many halters in his hand, asking them if [ C] they had rather be hanged, than to yeeld the castle; the which did so terrifie the souldiers, as they presently yeelded the place, where he went to lodge, and from thence did seize vpon and ransome all the small townes and places thereabouts. Hee presently caused Orsoy to bee fortified with all speed, whereas there past three regiments of Spaniards, with that of the earle of Busquoy, and twelue cornets of horse, the which did campe right against the said towne, whilest that the admirall caused a mightie fort to be built at Walsom, for which fortification he cut downe all the trees in that quarter, the which he did betwixt the first and the eight of September, before that the archduke Albert was parted from Brussels.

The Estates of the vnited prouinces, and prince Maurice, being awaked at this sodaine in∣uasion, began to thinke of their affaires, and calling together their ordinarie garrisons, which [ D] had beene idle all the Summer, they sent them to the rendezvous about Arnhen in Guel∣derland, imbarking great store of artillerie, bridges, boats, and all other things necessarie, whi∣ther the prince parting from the Hage went vnto them the fourth of September, and the eight day he went to the fort of Grauenweert (commonly called Schenks Sconse) where hee had the first newes of the taking of the towne and castle of Orsoy, and that one part of the Spanish armie had past the Rhine, and did fortifie at Walsom, to keepe the passage free and open of either side.

The admirals men did run ouer all the countries of Cleues, Iuilliers, Cologne, Mont, * 1.11 Marke, Munster, and other quarters of Westphalia, spoyling, ransoming, killing, and murthe∣ring, finally committing all the excesse and insolencies they could in any enemies countrey. [ E] And notwithstanding the neutralitie which the archduke Albert had granted vnto the ladie Dowager, Palatinesse of Rhine, they seized vpon the towne of Alpen, and other places there∣abouts. The countesse of Moeurs, who a little before had obtained the like neutralitie, was forced to open her towne, and to see daily against her will the Spanish Hidalgoes at her table, hauing much adoe to content them, and fearing worse, but hauing no meanes to retire her selfe, she was forced to haue patience.

Prince Maurice being in the fort of Grauenweert hauing vnderstood by a prisoner of the Spanish campe, that one of the yong earles of Embden was with the admirall, soliciting him to send his armie before Emden, being in controuersie, as I haue said, with cont Edsard his father. The said prince and cont William of Nassau, his cosin, gouernor of Friseland and Gro∣ning, [ F] did write vnto the magistrats of the said town, aduising them to stand vpon their guards, offering them succours, yea a garrison, if they had need, beeing of aduice to fortifie some pla∣ces and approches thereabouts, before that the enemie should preuaile. And vpon this report (which was verie credible) the prince and earle were troubled, for the countries of Friseland,

Oueryssel, countie of Zutphen, and other frontiers on the other side of the Rhine: they sent [ A] to fortifie the garrisons in all places; and the prince himselfe went the eleuenth of Septem∣ber * 1.12 to Doesbourg and Deutecom with some horse, to order things there (Doesbourg is a towne situated vpon the riuer of Yssell, where the Spaniard might make the shorter passage) vpon the way he encountred with his aunt the countesse Vander Berghe, mother to the earles Herman, Frederic, and Henric, seruants to the Spaniard, beeing in the admirals armie, who had sollicited the generall Estates, and obtained it, that her castle of Wulft might not be deman∣teled, and that the town of saint Heeren-berghe (in the which the Estates had a garrison) bee∣ing freed from it, and laied open, might remaine a neuter towne, shewing forth an act of the archduke Alberts, that he would not attempt any thing against that place, wherby the coun∣trey might receiue any harme; making her three sonnes also to promise the same, vpon paine to forfeit all manner of iustice (the said towne holding in fee of the dutchie of Guel∣ders) [ B] and to loose all their goods lying there. The said ladie had shewed a certaine act of the archdukes beeing cardinall, but since that hee tooke possession in the Infantaes name, it was necessarie to renue it, the which was not yet done, for which cause shee came with her daughters to meete him and salute him, promising to cause the said towne to be presently demanteled (the which shee did to preserue it from ruine, knowing well that the Spaniards would not faile to besiege it, by reason of the Estates garrison that were within it) and within 8 daies to send an act from her sons, & as soone as might be to aduertise him of the renuing of the archdukes, whereof shee did assure her selfe: whereupon it was granted, that the town of saint Heeren-berghe should remaine neuter, and that the companie of captaine Poelgheest [ C] should depart, as it did. And by that meanes the ladie obtained that which shee had long sued for: this pretended encounter was happie for her. The like neutralitie was also graun∣ted for the towne of Anholt, from whence the garrison did also retire, and from Bron∣chorst.

In the meane time there were certaine letters brought vnto prince Maurice, the which were * 1.13 intercepted from the Spaniards campe, written by captaine Henrie of Chalons, bastard sonne to Rene of Chalons prince of Orange (who had stolne away the daughter of the earle of Mansfeldt, by whom he had this captaine Chalons) vnto the said Peter Ernest earle of Mans∣feldt his grandfather by the mother; whereby he acquainted him with the estate of the Spa∣nish campe, the taking of Orsoy, the admirals resolution to hold & fortifie the riuer of Rhine [ D] on both banks, to haue a free passage, before he would proceed any farther, which he thought should be vpon the quarters of Friseland, if the latenesse of the season did not withhold him. That they had beene as farre as Berck, and chased away the Estates ships of warre, viewed the towne, and done nothing else. That the 9 of September there was an alteration in the campe among the Spaniards, which if the admiral had not pacified by his authoritie, their armie had not beene fit to doe any great exploit, but only to ruine the poore countrie of Cleues.

The 13 of the month, after councell held and resolution taken, where prince Maurice might best campe with the Estates armie, to make head against the Spaniard, and to stop him from entring any part of their limits, were it into the higher or lower Betuwe, or the Veluwe; the prince went and lodged at a village called old Seuenter, not farre from the town of Seuenter, [ E] seated vpon the banke of the riuer of Rhine, before the which there is a faire goodly island (called den Gelderschen-Weerd, that is to say, the island of Guelders) where he camped as well vpon the firme land, as in the said island, making a bridge opposite to the Church of the vil∣lage, and an other on the other side in the middest of the island, about 100 yards long, made of firre boards, vpon 44 great barkes, to passe his horsemen from the campe into the Betuwe, where they were commodiously lodged, with danger of the Spaniard, who must of necessi∣tie passe the Rhine, or the Wahal. In this isle of Guelderschen-Weerd, which hee had in∣trenched and fortified whereas the riuer was narrowest and easiest to passe at a lowe water, whereas he planted ten cannons, fiue demie cannons, and tenne field peece. Thither came the earle of Hohenloo vnto him, with some supplies of foot drawne out of the frontiers of Flan∣ders. [ F] A while after, as the towne of Zutphen is great and spatious, and hath need of a great garrison to guard it, the prince (to reenforce it, and to furnish it, with the townes of Groll and Brefort, with all necessarie munition) sent the earle of Hohenloo with some supplies of foot, foureteene cornets of horse, and foure peeces of ordnance of yron, as good as demie can∣nons,

the which the earle did performe happily, in view of the enemie, who was not then [ A] farre off. * 1.14

Now I come to the declining & death of Philip the second, the catholike king of Spaine, I hope the curious reader will not hold it tedious nor impertinent (if beeing related at large in the French inuentorie) I should here againe make a new discourse of the same subiect, and in a manner in the same tearmes, beeing so written by mine author. I am very loath to distast the iudicious reader with any idle or needlesse repetition, but this beeing a matter which doth so much concerne the subiect of this historie, I should wrong mine author (who might be condemned of great negligence and indiscretion) if I should omit to relate the ca∣tastrophe and end of that great king (passing it ouer in silence, and as it were in a dreame) who hath beene the maine subiect of this historie, and hath filled the greatest part of this vo∣lume [ B] with the acts of his life.

Besides it might hereafter breed a confusion in the reader, to haue no distinction made of the father and the sonne, seeing there are so many matters following which haue their depen∣dancie vpon his life and death.

The king of Spaine (after the resignation of the Netherlands to his daughter the Infan∣ta) * 1.15 decayed daiely in his health, so as finding his forces to faile him, hauing sometimes a fit of an ague, through the extreame anguish of his gout; beeing deuoutly addicted to his cloyster of saint Laurence, and taking great delight in his court of Escuriall, he desired to be transported thither, contrarie to the aduice of his physitions: beeing brought from Madril thither within the compasse of sixe daies, his paine increased in such sort, as hee despaired of [ C] helpe, and began to prepare himselfe to die, causing the sacraments to be administred vnto him. Then hee would haue Dom Garcia Loiola consecrated archbishop of Toledo by the popes legat, the archduke Albert hauing resigned vnto him, retaining a pension of fiftie thou∣sand ducats a yeare.

After which, he had an apostume vpon his right legge, and foure others vpon his breast, the which did amaze his physitions, so as they called doctor Olias from Madril, who altoge∣ther by the councell of Licentiat Virgayas, applied plaisters to these apostumes, the which beeing broken, they cast forth a great quantitie of stinking corrupt filth, with great aboun∣dance of lyce, so as they could hardly clense them, and he was therewith so extenuated, as foure men were faine to lift him out of his bedde in a sheet. The physitions said those lyce [ D] did grow of that corrupt filthie matter, the rest of his bodie beeing to anotomie. His pati∣ence during his extreame torments, was very great.

In the beginning of September he called for the prince his sonne, and the princesse his daughter, in the presence of the archbishop of Toledo and others, and shewing his bodie vnto his sonne, he saied vnto him, See prince what the greatnesse of this world is, behold this poore carkasse, all humane helpe is vaine: willing them prouide for his funerals. Hee called for his coffin, beeing of brasse, and caused a deaths head to be set vpon a side cupboard, with a crowne of gold by it. Then he sent Ioan Reys de Velasco, one of his chamber, for a little cas∣ket, causing them to take out of it a rich iewell of pretious stones, the which hee gaue vnto the princesse his daughter in the princes presence, saying, This iewell came from your [ E] mother, keepe it for her sake: he also caused a paper to be drawne out, which he deli∣uered vnto the prince, saying it was an instruction how to gouerne his realmes and coun∣tries: after which he caused a whippe to be taken forth, at the end whereof there appea∣red some signes of blood, and commanding it to be lifted vp, he said, This is blood of my blood: not that it was his owne blood, but the emperours his fathers, who did vsually pu∣nish his carkasse, and to that end he had kept it to shew them.

Then hee disposed of all things concerning his funerall pompe; which done, hee re∣commended vnto his children in the presence of the popes Nuntio, the holy sea of Rome, the Pope, and the catholike religion, desiring the Nuntio to giue him absolu∣tion of his sinnes, and to blesse his children, recommending his daughter to the prince [ F] his sonne, and charging him to keepe his countries in peace, to appoint good and dis∣creet gouernours, and to reward the good, and punish the badde. Hee commaunded to set the marquesse of Monteiar at libertie, conditionally that hee should returne no more to court.

As for the wife of Antonio Peres, sometimes his secretarie, he commaunded that she should haue libertie, and retire to a monasterie. Hee pardoned all such as had beene put in pri∣son * 1.16 [ A] for hunting, and such as were condemned to die, so farre forth as the mercie of iu∣stice shall beare it. Then he commanded them all to retire, but onely the prince his sonne, to whom he said; My sonne I haue desired you should assist at this last act, that you might not con∣tinue in ignorance as I haue done, whereby you may behold the end of kings, and of their crownes and * 1.17 scepters: death is readie to teare my crowne from my head, to set it vpon yours. I now recommend two things vnto you, that you continue obedient to the church, and doe iustice to your subiects. The time will come when this crowne will fall from your head, as it doth now from mine: you are young, I haue beene so: my daies were numbred and haue their end; God keepes an account of yours, and they shall likewise end.

It is reported that hee enioyned him with passion to make warre against hereticks, and to [ B] maintaine peace with France; which done he bid his children farewell, by imbracing them, and then willed them to take their rest.

The prince going out of the chamber, asked Dom Christophel de Mora, if hee had the roy∣all keie, who answered, yea: giue it me said the prince; to whom de Mora answered, your highnesse will pardon me, it is the key of trust, the which I may not deliuer without the kings expresse commandement: whereupon the prince said, It is well, and so past on. Af∣terwards Dom Christophel returning into the kings chamber, and finding him somewhat better, he told him that the prince had demaunded the said key, but hee durst not deli∣uer it without his Maiesties leaue: whereupon the king said, that hee had done ill. Af∣terwards [ C] feeling himselfe to faint againe, he demaunded the extreame vnction, the which was ministred vnto him by the archbishop of Toledo. Hee called for a certaine crucifix that was kept in a coffer, which was the same which his father had held when hee died, with the which hee would also die. Two daies before he died, his doctors had giuen him a drinke of Iacinthes, whereof he said in taking it, that his mother the empresse, a yeare before shee died had drunke the like; saying, that hee should not die that day, nor the next, for that a religious man had foretold him the houre of his death. Then the prince returnig to see him, de Mora kneeling downe, kissed the key and presented it vnto him, the which the prince tooke, and deliuered it vnto the marquesse of Denia. And as the prince and his sister were before the kings bedde, he said vnto them; I recommend vnto you Dom Christophel de Mora [ D] for the best seruant I euer had, and all my other seruants, vse them well: and so embracing them againe, and taking his last farewell, his speech failed him, remaining two daies in that e∣state, vntill the 13 of September, at three of the clocke in the morning, when hee gaue vp the ghost, being 71 yeares old and about 4 moneths.

Hee had not beene much subiect to infirmities in all his life time, hee was but of a meane stature, and of a faire complexion, flaxen haired, which grewe white, resembling rather a Dutch man than a Spaniard, hee had a high and a broad forehead, with some∣what a thicke lippe, the hereditarie marke of the house of Austria: he had not the quick∣nesse of spirit which his father had, but very vigilant and laborious, spending both the day and night in affaires, yea sometimes whole nights. And notwithstanding his deuice, which [ E] was, Nec spe, nec metu, yet hee still aspired to great designes, which hee conceiued in his i∣magination, the which did trouble him much more than was needfull, or that hee could beare. Withall, hee was alwaies doubtfull, yea fearefull, so as sometimes matters succee∣ded ill by his timiditie, the which hauing beene vndertaken with a couragious resoluti∣on, had beene farre more succesfull. By nature hee was close and counterfeit, seeking to couer his faults rather with the preiudice and disgrace of another, than of himselfe: and whosoeuer had once offended him, was not easily receiued againe into fauour, yet hee was more bountifull than couetous, and more staied than well aduised▪ Hauing such great power and meanes, both in lands, men, and treasure, hee effected very little, and (ex∣cept the conquest of Portugall) hee lost more than hee wonne: hee was deuout in his re∣ligion, [ F] nay rather superstitious, giuing great credit to Iesuits; yet not so much, but that he would haue the clergie yeeld vnto the temporall command.

The paper which the king deliuered vnto the prince his sonne, beeing an instruction

to gouerne his kingdome, contained this discourse which followeth, or the like in sub∣stance. * 1.18 [ A]

My sonne, I haue beene often in care to leaue your Estates in peace, but neither my many * 1.19 yeares of life, nor the helpe of other princes, could euer effect it. I confesse that I haue dis∣bursed in lesse than three and thirtie yeares, aboue fiue hundred ninetie and foure millions of

ducats, the which haue bred me nothing but griefe and care. True it is, I conquered Portu∣gall, but as France did lightly escape mee, so may this be wrested from me. I would to God I had followed the counsell of my deceased father, of most happie memorie; or at the least, that you would beleeue and follow mine: I should then beare my crosses more willing∣ly, and should die more contented, leauing you in this vale of miserie. Behold therefore what I leaue you for an euerlasting testament, ouer so many kingdomes and states, [ B] to see as in a glasse, after what manner you shall well gouerne your selfe, after my de∣cease.

Bee alwaies verie vigilant of the alteration and change of other kingdomes, to make your profit thereby, according to occurrents. Keepe good guard ouer them that are most inward with you in counsell. You haue two meanes to entertaine your realmes of Spaine; the one is the present gouernment, the other the traffique to the east and west Indies. As for the gouernment, you must either depend vpon the nobilitie, or vpon the clergie: if you fauour church men, bee sure to keepe the other still in awe, as I haue done; but if you strengthen your selfe with the nobilitie, curbe the clergie as much as possibly you can. If you seeke to entertaine them equally, they will exhaust you, and with∣all you shall disturbe your kingdomes, and neuer come to any certaine resolution: the [ C] ballance shall rather bee on the other side. If you will leane to the nobilitie, then hold friendship with the Netherlands, for that they are friends to the French, English, and some prouinces of Germanie: neither Italie, Poland, Sueden, Denmarke, nor Scotland can assist you therein. The king of Scotland is poore, Denmarke drawes his reuenues from forraine nations, Sueden is alwaies diuided, and besides ill situated, the Polonians are al∣waies their kings masters; although Italie be rich, yet is too farre off, and the princes are diuersly affected.

On the other side, the Netherlands are populous in men, rich in shipping, constant in labour, diligent in search, hardie to vndertake, and willing to suffer. True it is, I haue giuen [ D] them vnto your sister, but what imports that? there are a thousand escapes which you may vse when opportunitie serues. The chiefe are, that you alwaies maintaine your selfe guardian to her children, and that they change nothing touching religion; for these points taken away, you haue quite lost those countries: and soone some other kings will present themselues, who by meanes will bind them vnto them, whereby you may be vndone. If you thinke to fortifie your selfe against this with the clergie, you shall prouoke many ene∣mies, I haue tried it: yet keepe good correspondencie with the popes, be bountifull and courteous vnto them, be great with such cardinals as are most inward with them, and seeke to haue a voice in their conclaue. Hold friendship with the bishops of Germanie, but trust not the distribution of their pensions to the emperour: let them knowe you, [ E] they will serue you the more willingly, and receiue your gifts more thankfully. Doe not countenance such as are of base condition, neither respect the nobilitie and commons e∣qually; for seeing I must now speake the truth, their pride is great, they are very rich, they must haue what they desire, they will be burthensome vnto you, and in the end will be your masters.

Make vse of nobles of the chiefest houses, and aduance them to benefices of great reuenues: the vulgar sort are not so needfull, for they will cause you a thousand cros∣ses, which will consume you: beleeue not any of them, if they bee not of qualitie. Discharge your selfe from English spies and French pensions: imploy some of the noble∣men of the Netherlands, whom you shall haue bound vnto you by fealtie. As for the [ F] nauigation of the east and west Indies, therein consists the strength of the kingdome of Spaine, and the meanes to bridle Italie; from the which you shall hardly rerstaine Fraunce and England: their power is great, their mariners very many, their sea too

spatious, their marchants too wealthie, their subiects too greedie of gaine, and their seruants [ A] too faithfull. I haue excluded the Netherlands, but I feare that time and mens dispositions * 1.20 may change; by reason whereof you must doe two things: change your officers at the west Indies often, such as you call home, imploy them in the councell for the Indies: and so in my opinion you shall neuer be circumuented, but the one or the other will make knowne the be∣nefit vnto you, aspiring to more honour. See how the English seekes to depriue you of that commoditie, beeing mightie at sea both in men and shipping: as for the French, I doe not much apprehend them. Strengthen your selfe with them of the Netherlands, although they were part hereticks, and would so persist, vpon condition that they might freely sell their goods in Spaine and Italie, paying the royal customes and other duties; and in obtaining pas∣port to saile to the west or east Indies, they should put in caution, & take an oath to discharge [ B] their goods in Spaine at the returne of their shippes, vpon paine of punishment in doing otherwise: I thinke they will not refuse to obserue it. By this meanes the treasure of the Indies and Spaine shall be common, and shall be vnited to the traffique of the Netherlands, and then both France and England must goe without it.

My sonne, I could represent vnto you greater matters, for the conquering of other king∣domes, but you find in my studie, the discourses which haue beene offered me to that end. Cause Christophel de Mora to giue you the key presently, least such secrets should fall into any other persons hands. I did cause some of the minutes of these instructions to be burnt the 7 of September, I feare there are some imbesilled, be carefull to seeke them out. I haue this ad∣ded, that if you can like of Antonio Peres, seeke to draw him into Italie, or at the least, that hee [ C] ingage himselfe to serue you in some other of your kingdomes, but neuer suffer him to come into Spaine, nor to goe into the Netherlands. Touching your mariage, the instructions are in the keeping secretarie Loo. Read this note often which is sealed, and written with mine owne hand. Haue an eie alwaies to your most secret councellors: acquaint your selfe with cyphers, discontent not your secretaries, keepe them alwaies occupied, whe∣ther about important affaires, or otherwise: make triall of them rather by your ene∣mies, than by your friends. If you happen to discouer your secrets to any familiar friend, keepe alwaies the substance thereof within your owne bosome, reueale it not to any.

This instruction was preserued from the fire, among those papers which the king had [ D] commanded should be burnt: whatsoeuer it be, it may be as well true as likely, by the circum∣stances that are noted therein.

The sixteenth of September prince Maurice beeing aduertised that a great supply of vi∣ctuals, artillerie, and munition should come from the towne of Guelders vnto the admirals armie, with a conuoy of 1500 foot, and two cornets of horse, he parted from his campe, bee∣ing accompanied with the earles of Hohenloo, Nassau, & Solins, and al his horsemen, leauing the seignior sergeant maior of the armie, to haue the care of the campe in his absence; and ha∣uing passed the riuer of Wahal in great boats, neere vnto Bomel, hee thought to watch for the said conuoie, betwixt Venlo and Orsoy, and there to charge them; but the Spaniards ha∣uing some notice thereof, prouided otherwise, so as the prince returned backe without any [ E] effect.

After that, some mariners of Bomel and of Tyel, which had runne away vnto the e∣nemie, * 1.21 came on the twentieth of September with a barke couered, to set vpon one of the Estates gallies, beeing in guard vpon the Rhine, right against the towne of Rees, suffe∣ring their barke to fall downe with the streame, as if it had beene through negligence, ha∣uing but one man at the helme, vntill it came to strike against the prowe of the gallie, whi∣lest that the mariners were at their praiers in the morning before beakefa•…•…, not so much as dreaming of any surprize by such a boat, whereof the mariners hauing lift vp the couering with their shoulders, and cast it into the water, they boarded the gallie, and began to charge the men beeing thus suddainely surprized; whereof some of them were [ F] slaine, and others hurt. The captaine called Simon Ianson of Eeedam, saued himselfe, with nine more in his boat, and so escaped their hands. So these mariners being masters of the gal∣lie, they tooke out their iron peeces of ordnance, and all that liked them, and abandoning the

galley for that it was old, they set fire on it. The 25 of that moneth, the duke of Iuilliers estates [ A] assembled, to resolue what was to be done touching the taking of the towne of Orsoy, and o∣ther * 1.22 attempts made by the admirall. Some among the said Estates did secretly fauour the ad∣mirall, knowing well that what hee did was by the king of Spaines commandement (with whose double pistolets they had bin long fed) and of the archduke Albert, all which was done with a pretext to make warre that way against the vnited prouinces, and after an other man∣ner than all the other gouernors (for those were the archdukes bragges at his comming into the countrie) yet notwithstanding all difficulties, the said Estates of Cleues did resolue to send and summon the admirall to restore the said towne of Orsoy, seeing he had said it was but to haue a passage ouer the Rhine: and that if he refused it, and that they must go by way of force, they would write vnto the earle Vander Lippe, captaine generall of the inferior circle of [ B] Westphalia, that from thenceforth hee should not suffer them to leuie any more men in his quarters and circle, for the warres of Hongarie; but for the defence and preseruation of the countrey, they should gather together all they could, and imploy the money which was ga∣thered and appointed for the warres against the Turke: and that hee should with all speed assemble the fiue inferiour circles in the towne of Dortmont, to resolue of the meanes how they would assist them of the dutchie of Cleues. Moreouer, that the duke of Cleues would write vnto the emperour, princes, and imperiall townes, and especially to the foure princes electors of the Rhine, to the duke of Brunswic, and Landtsgraue of Hessen, making his complaints of the great wrong was done to him, and to all his countries, and demanding succours to remedie it, and to diuert a greater mischiefe. The said Estates did also depute [ C] some among them to go vnto the fiue circles, when they should be assembled, and to require some speedie remedie. As in like manner they deputed some to them of Cologne (who fa∣uoured the admirals actions too apparently) to persuade them not to send any victuals nor munition vnto the Spaniards campe, as they had alwaies done. There they also decreed that there should be a good garrison put into the towne of Duysseldorp.

Sibilla princesse of Cleues the dukes sister, had before and soon after written vnto the arch∣duke beeing at Niuelli on his way towards Spaine, and by her embassadours shee made the dukes complaints and her owne, of the taking of the said towne, and other the admirals at∣tempts: to whom the archduke answered in these tearmes.

Most worthie and deere cousin &c. The complaints and grieuances which your Excel∣lencies * 1.23 [ D] embassadour, and of the most famous prince the duke your brother hath made vnto vs, haue not beene much pleasing to vs to heare, touching the conduct of the king of Spaines

armie; seeing they might well thinke and consider, that such a passage of a royall armie would be burthensome to your Excellencie, and your subiects, and that the lodging which they had taken in the towne of Orsoy, would make many to censure it diuersly. But so it is (whereof you may rest assured) that we neuer had any thought to preiudice your lands and countries with the kings armie, nor to giue you any occasion of complaint. But seeing that wee were once mooued to assaile his Maiesties rebels, and them of your Excellencies by armes, the which beeing concluded in councell by mature deliberation, whereof wee haue thought good to make you acquain∣ted, that it must be exploited in that manner, your Excellencie, no more than our deere and well be∣loued [ E] cousin, wee hope, will not take it otherwise than in good part. As for that wee doe presently leaue the towne of Orsoy as you demaund, and ruine the fort of Walsom, your Excellencie shall vnderstand, that for the present time, we cannot vse any other passage ouer the Rhine, to effect our designe, but wee will doe it vpon the first opportunitie, according to our promise: and that the kings souldiers in their passages, and in the quarters where they are presently lodged, shall be held in such order and discipline, as neither your Excellencie, nor the duke your brother shall haue any more complaints of their subiects, as they haue hitherto had: and that we will entertaine good and loyall neighbourhood together, the which we thought good to signifie vnto you by these presents, with our sincere intention &c.

Contrary to these promises, all this moneth of September, whilest that the admirall did so∣iourne [ F] at Orsoy, his men being dispersed ouer the countrey of Cleues, took the towns of Al∣pen, Santhen, Calcar, Goch, & Gennep, not without murthers & a world of insolencies: 300 of whose horse went before the town of Cleues (where the duke was in his palace) seeking to

enter into the town, vpon promise that they would leaue the duke peaceably in his castle, the [ A] which being refused them, they returned with disdaine; and fiue dayes after they returned, * 1.24 making the like demaund, saying, that they had charge from the admirall, and that in case they refused, they would seeke some other meanes: but they returned as il satisfied this second time, as at the first.

In this assembly of the Estates of Cleues, the duke and his sister beeing there in person, the princesse behaued her selfe couragiously, incouraging the said Estates and their nobilitie, yea sometimes with teares in her eyes: And there were letters written on the dukes behalfe and hers, vnto prince Maurice, thanking him for the good order hee held to keepe their countries from oppression, intreating him to continue it, and to preserue them as much as he could, and not to be discontented against them, that the enemie had lodged so long in their countrey, but [ B] rather that he should haue pitie and commiseration of them. And as the deputies of the infe∣riour circles were then assembled at Dortmont, they were required by the Estates of Cleues, to send cont Vander Lippe to the admirall, to pursue the restitution of Orsoy: but it was farre from thence, and the admirall made no account to leaue it so lightly.

Prince Maurice, whilest that the admirall did fortifie Orsoy, meaning to take a view of his whole armie, he caused it to be put in battaile, by squadrons vnder the mountaine of Elten, in a great plaine of heath, if haply the Spaniard, who had past the Rhine, should haue any desire to charge them: but no occasion being offered, the prince was glad to see the good order of his horse and foot, and their resolution and desire to affront the enemie.

The admirall hauing finished his fort of Walsom nere Orsoy, on the 29 of September hee * 1.25 [ C] sent to summon the towne of Rhineberck, by friendly letters written to captaine Schaef gouer∣nor of the towne, whom he knew to be verie sicke of the plague (the which was at that time verie hot in the towne) who made him no other answer, but, That they were in conference with the prince elector of Cologne, to deliuer it into his hands, whereof hee expected an an∣swer, wherefore he could say no more vnto it at that present. Before Berck there was a little island in the middest of the Rhine, whither prince Maurice (expecting it would bee besieged) had sent three companies to intrench themselues there; who finding the place not onely dis∣commodious, but that at a low water the enemie might passe easily ouer, and cut their throats, they retired into the towne, although they died verie fast there, hauing not aboue foure hun∣dred men left. The admirall not content with this answer, writ againe to captaine Schaef, sen∣ding [ D] him word, That notwithstanding the said conference, hee should deliuer the towne into his hands by prouision: And he did in like maner write vnto the captaines wife, promising to giue her a good recompence, if she could persuade her husband. But it was all labour lost: be∣sides prince Maurice hearing of Schaefs sicknesse, had appointed captaine Hedduic to be gouer∣nor of the towne, so as the admirall being forced to vse other materials than inke and paper, on the 10 of October he came to inuest it.

They of Wezel, the chiefe towne of Cleueland, goodly, rich, and a place of great traffique, * 1.26 and thinking to light a candle before the diuell, they resolued to send him some goodly pre∣sents to appease his wrath, that he should not force them, as he had done other townes of the same countrey, on the other side of the Rhine, writing vnto him, and desiring a pasport for [ E] their deputies, horses and wagons, that they might bring him the said gifts and presents safely. Whereunto the admirall answered in substance, That it was not his intent nor custome, to accept any presents to diuert him in any sort from his duetie, for the profit and seruice of his friends: but rather he required, that they all together, according to the necessitie of the time, should do their indeuors with him, and labour to take away the occasions and causes of all the miseries wherewith the Church and Commonweale were so torne and dismembred. By rea∣son whereof, seeing the chiefe point to serue the common good, and to purchase his fauour, consisted therein, that they could not send him a greater present, than to let him vnderstand that they indeuour to cut off the causes of this mischiefe, and to restore the Church and Com∣monweal to the estate they were in before the troubles: the which hoping should be accom∣plished [ F] by them, they should therein make him great presents, and might spare the charge and danger of sending to him. From Orsoy the 12 of September.

The earle Vanden Broek, did in like maner write the twentieth of the moneth vnto the ad∣mirall, intreating him to send him a safegard for his castle of Broek, his familie and subiects.

Whereunto the admirall answered in these couert and doubtfull termes, alledging the con∣tracts [ A] and mutuall bonds betwixt the king of Spaine and the duke of Cleues, for the defence * 1.27 and preseruation of the Catholike religion, and the publike quiet: in which termes the sayd earle maintaining himselfe according to his duetie, he should be receiued with all loue into his protection, and honoured according to his merits, the which should bee a firmer safegard for him than paper.

Yet cont Vanden Broek hauing receiued certaine aduertisements, that the Spaniards were * 1.28 resolued to force his castle of Broek, on the 6 of October late at night, hee sent away his wife, daughters, and gentlewomen, meaning the next day to doc the like with the chiefest of his goods, the which he could not execute: for the next day his castle was wholly inuested, some canons planted by the breake of day, and battered the same day. The 8 of the moneth the earle [ B] parled with the Spaniards, and made a composition, which was, That the souldiers that were in the castle should depart with him, and be conducted to a place of safetie. Whereupon the castle was yeelded, and he went forth with his men, which were choyce souldiers: but he was presently laid hold on by the Spaniards, and taken prisoner: the souldiers, being about fortie, were carried into a neere field, where they were not onely disarmed, but stript naked, and then miserably massacred. There were yet six of the duke of Iuilliers men (who being loth to trust the Spaniard) had slipt out of the way, vntill the greatest furie were ouerpast: In the meane time they did in like maner disrobe the earle, whom they would haue vsed as they had done the souldiers, if a captaine had not retired him into a chamber apart, and by that meanes his six souldiers had their liues also saued, yet they stript two of them as naked as when they came [ C] from their mothers wombe, whom in derision they planted on either side of the earle, yet at the earles instant suit they suffered all six to depart. In the meane time the earle had a guard of halberdiers in his chamber, and not any one of his owne people might come neere him, but the seignior of Hardenbergh his cosin, and one page.

The tenth day of the moneth the captaine appointed for the guard of this castle, came and * 1.29 told the earle, That he might go walke, if he pleased: Whereunto he answered, yea, if it might be without danger. After dinner he had a desire to walke with the captaine, beeing in whose companie he feared nothing: as he went he espied much bloud spilt vpon the way, and sayd vnto his page, See here the bloud of our seruants, if they haue an intent to doe as much to me, I had rather to day than tomorrow. Going on vnto his water mill vpon the riuer of Roer, hee [ D] was knockt downe with a leuer, others say with the staffe of a halberd, or pertuisan, and layed all along, saying onely with his hands lift vp to heauen, My God, &c. and then hee was thrust twice or thrice thorough the bodie, and remained there dead vpon the place, vntil the twelfth of the moneth. Behold how miserably this poore nobleman was murthered, yet could not this dead carkasse bee at rest, for the Spaniards burnt it to ashes, to doe a disgrace to his religion.

A while after the Spaniards tooke the townes of Burick, Dinslaken, Holt, and Rees, in the * 1.30 same countrey of Cleues, and all other places and frontier forts thereabouts, chasing away or murthering the garrisons that were in them, and committing a thousand other insolencies. The reason why the admirall did not receiue any presents from Wezel, was, that hee meant to [ E] draw some greater benefit from them. After that he had written ample letters vnto them in La∣tine, of a meere Iesuites stile, seeking to haue them restore the exercise of the Romish religion, hee sent his armie before the said towne, and did threaten them in such sort, as they were glad to send away their ministers, and to receiue priests and Iesuites, to say seruice in the temples, ac∣cording to the Romish church. And moreouer, he forced them to a very hard extortion, in so poore and miserable a time, which was, to prouide him an hundred thousand ricx dollers, and a thousand quarters of corne; wherewith the souldiers made shew to bee discontented, thin∣king in taking of the towne to become all gold, yea they would haue fallen vpon them that had made this taxation. The first paiment of the hundred thousand dollers being come, the Spa∣niards would not receiue them but in weighty money (that is to say, at the same price that dol∣lers [ F] had beene coyned in the beginning, which differs not much lesse than a third part from that they goe for at this day) or else they would breake the treatie of accord which was made with them: the which bred a diuision in the towne, in the which there were three hundred souldiers of the duke of Iuilliers, two thousand bourgesses masters of families, and two thou∣sand

yong men, handicrafts men, and workemen, so as some of them had rather bee doing a∣gainst [ A] the Spaniards, than suffer themselues to bee so opprest by such exactions, without any * 1.31 ground, right, or action: But the marshall of the countrey dissuaded them; and it was their best course, for if the Spaniards had but burnt their suburbes and their countrey houses, it had beene thrice more preiudiciall vnto them: besides the marshall laid before them, That admit they had repulst an assault, two or three, yet the Spaniard would not haue cared for it, but would haue returned so often (hauing men ynough) as hee would haue carried it, and then should they loose all without redemption. The dukes souldiers hearing this resolution of the inhabitants, and that they were in termes to doe the one or the other, beeing in some feare of themselues, and making their excuse, that their time limited was expired, they retired. The judge of the towne hearing the obstinat and vnreasonable demaund of the Spaniard, [ B] sayd openly, That if they were not content with the first accord, and that it might not bee otherwise, that with the helpe of God they would prouide for their owne defence, and would rather fire the towne themselues, and abandon it, and seeke their safeties as they could. This resolute answer did coole the Spaniard, who was verie glad to haue the money.

The admirall hauing caused Rhineberck to bee inuested, his Spaniards entred into the * 1.32 island which is in the middest of the Rhine, both on horsebacke and on foot, vpon whom they of the towne played with their canon at their pleasures, yet they charged them that were there for the Estates being but lightly intrenched, which trenches they won, they also plan∣ted two peeces vpon the side of the riuer, from whence they did shoot against the fort which was in the island, which the bullets did pierce thorough and thorough: the which the gouer∣nour [ C] obseruing, he appointed a sergeant, and seuen or eight men onely to remaine in the sort, and that the rest should retire vnder the towne; where being arriued, the said sergeant and his men should follow, after they had set fire of their cabens: the canon of the towne and the rampars beeing planted full of musketiers, fauoured their retreat, and so they came safely in∣to the towne, quitting the said island, whereof the Spaniards (not daring to approach present∣ly, for feare of some hidden fire) seized the next day.

On the twelfth day the Spaniards hauing intrenched themselues within their campe, they made three batteries, either of foure peeces at the point of the island, to take away their de∣fences: they planted two canons more, and two lesser peeces before Cassell port and the bul∣warke. [ D]

The foureteenth day (beeing a mist) they approched neerer, vnto a sluce neere vnto the Rhine port, without the halfe moone which was before the towne. Being thus ready to bat∣ter it, Alphonso d'Aualos caused it to bee summoned by a drumme in his owne priuat name. In the meane time the magistrat of the towne persuaded the gouernour to demaund a pasport of the admirall, for a messenger which they would send vnto the prince elector of Cologne, to see if they might not obtaine, that the sayd towne might be neutrall. Whereupon, and for this summons the captaines, and Nicholas Wippart auditor, beeing assembled, they resolued to hold out vnto the end, refusing the magistrats propositions, to auoid all doubt and iealousie: And although they had receiued instructions from prince Maurice, what to answer when they should bee summoned by the admirall; yet seeing they were summoned priuatly by a [ E] colonell, they thought it good to answer the drumme, That they would keepe the towne for the seruice of God, of prince Maurice, and the Estates vnto the last man, and that the sayd drumme should returne no more vnto them in that behalfe, if hee would keepe himselfe safe from bullets.

This drumme beeing returned with his answer, the Spaniard began to discharge all his * 1.33 ordnance, so as about nine of the clocke they set fire of a tower, whereas the powder was, the which blew it vp into the ayre, so as there was no more powder left in the towne, but what the souldiers had in their flaskes, and what the gunners had by the ordnance. This tower was close by the castle neere vnto Rhine port, and as all the doores and windowes were well shut, they could not iudge but that the fire entred with a shot, the wall beeing not aboue a [ F] foot thicke, and so it fell among the powder. Howsoeuer it came, there were an hundred and fiftie barrels of powder blown vp, so as they thought the town would haue sunk, not only car∣rying away many houses, but also a good part of the rampar neere vnto Rhine port. Captaine

Lucas Hedduic, gouernour of the towne had beene slaine, and many souldiers which were in [ A] the halfe moone, the port whereof was carried away. The which the Spaniards perceiuing, * 1.34 they came to burne the portcullis, but they were hindred by fresh men that were sent thither to succour the towne.

The towne hauing had this great mischance, the breaches being not easily to bee repared, and the besieged finding themselues in want of powder, the captaines beeing assembled with * 1.35 the auditor, to conferre what was to bee done, they held it conuenient to treat of a composi∣tion, whereof any delay might bee verie preiudiciall and dangerous, beeing impossible to re∣pulse the assaults which might be giuen them; wherfore striking vp the drumme at Sant port, they required hostages, that they might send their deputies to the admirall. Whereupon Al∣phonso d'Aualos sent two Italian captaines, and out of the towne there went captaine Loon [ B] and Fouillan, who in the end agreed to yeeld the towne, departing with their armes and bag∣gage, but their colours wound vp, without any drumme sounding, or fire in their matches: That all that would might depart with the souldiers, and they should giue them fortie wa∣gons, with a good conuoy to conduct them vnto Zanten, vpon promise, that for foure mo∣nethes they should not carrie armes against the king of Spaine, nor the archduke Albert.

And in this maner the towne was yeelded vpon the fifteenth of the moneth, vnto Dom Al∣phonso d'Aualos, who shewed them great courtesie, in requitall of the good vsage which prince Maurice had giuen him at the Hage, when as hee was taken prisoner in the Betuwe, when as the duke of Parma did besiege the fort of Knotsenbourg, right against Nimeghen, and that part of his horse-men were defeated, which forced him to rayse his siege, and to retire from [ C] thence.

Prince Maurice had the last day of September written vnto the deputies of the inferiour cir∣cles * 1.36 of Westphalia, being assembled at Dortmont, hearing that they were come thither to cōsider of the means wherby the lands of the empire might not only be freed from the Estates

souldiers, but also from the Spaniards; and in like manner how the townes of either partie, vpon the territories of the empire, might bee deliuered free to their princes and lords, the which was verie pleasing vnto him to heare: Wherfore he would not conceale it from them, how that the worthy prince elector of Cologne, had required of the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces, to haue the towne of Rhineberck deliuered vnto him: The which the said Estates were resolued to performe, yea to giue caution that hereafter their souldiers should not [ D] attempt vpon any townes on the limits of the empire, so farre foorth as the sayd deputies, prin∣ces, and noblemen, together with the members of that lower circle of Westphalia would bee answerable, that their enemies should in like manner deliuer vp those townes which they held of the empire, and would promise not to attempt hereafter vpon any more, nor build any forts there, so as they should haue no more cause to feare on that side.

And seeing the sayd Estates haue not taken the said towne from the prince elector, but haue wrested it by force from the enemie, so as by right they might retaine it, yet they were readie vpon those conditions to yeeld it to the naturall lord, seeming to them as reasonable, that their enemies should deliuer the townes and forts which they held of the empire, not vn∣to the Estates, but vnto their princes and naturall lords, who by force, and contrarie to the [ E] lawes of the empire, had seized on them, and contrarie to their promises: For if they should suffer the enemies of the said Estates, to make warre against them by the meanes of imperiall townes, that the sayd deputies (beeing men of iudgement) would thinke it no lesse lawfull for them, than for their enemies. The which, for the singular loue and affection they bare vnto the empire, they could not conceale, being loth thereby to mooue the electors and princes of the empire, for that there is not any thing can bee more pleasing vnto them, than the prosperitie and peace thereof, which they would with all their powers seeke to entertaine and aduance: intreating them with all affection to enter into consideration of this important businesse, and so to resolue as they shall thinke fit and conuenient for the entertainment of a generall peace and neighbourly loue, &c. From the campe at Gelderschenweerd the last of [ F] September 1598.

After which letters on the foureteenth of October came to the princes campe certaine de∣puties from the duke of Cleues, to let him vnderstand, how that the admirall did dayly swal∣low

vp and deuoure the townes and places of his countries, and that those of the circles of [ A] Westphalia, had agreed to leuie three thousand foot to put in garrison into the frontier * 1.37 townes, attending the emperours resolution, vpon such disorders and oppressions: for that the sayd duke of Cleues and the princes electors of the Rhine, had written vnto his imperiall Maiestie, That if it were not done now at this verie instant, when as his brother, the archduke Albert was with him, that they were resolued to take the matter in hand, the sayd deputies protesting before prince Maurice and the counsell of warre, that whatsoeuer the enemie did or practised against them, was not by any counterfeit dissembling of them of the dukes coun∣trey, but by meere force, violence and outrage, to the great griefe of their prince, and of all his countries and subiects.

The admirall hauing receiued this money aboue mentioned from Wezel, and much more [ B] from other townes which hee had ransomed, with some other money from Brussels, he gaue some pay vnto his souldiers, whom hee caused to passe the Rhine, leauing garrisons in the townes which hee had taken in the duchie of Cleues: then hee went and past the riuer of Lippe, neere vnto Wezel, whereas there grew some question betwixt him and the com∣maunders, what course hee were best to take, whether towards the countrey of Ouerissel, or descend downe the Rhine. Cont Frederic vanden Berghe would gladly haue had the ar∣mie entred into Ouerissel and Friseland, but Dom Lewis de Velasco refusing to march, consi∣dering the latenesse of the season, and Winter at hand, sayd openly, That to lead the kings armie so farre into a countrey whereas they might want victuals and other commodities, was the way to ruine. Whereupon the admirall tooke his way to Bocholt, writing to all the [ C] townes of the diocesse of Munster, to bring him money, victuals, and munition. By reason whereof the general Estates of the vnited prouinces, did write vnto the gouernours and super∣intendents of the sayd diocesse, that they keepe themselues as carefully as they had hitherto done, else they could not hold them for neutrals, that should assist their enemies in that manner.

Prince Maurice hauing heard this diuersitie of opinions of the commaunders of the Spa∣nish armie, meaning to worke securely, fearing least hee should come sodainly vpon him in this village, neere vnto Seuenter, where hee was, and cut him off from the townes of the countie of Zutphen, his intention beeing to lead his armie to Doesbourg, and to leaue that lodging, hee caused the church in that village to bee fortified, where hee planted three batte∣ries [ D] vpon the approches, and some halfe moones without the trenches, the which was done with wonderfull expedition, whereby hee assured the passage towards Doesbourg. Then hauing taken view of his armie within the island of Gelderschenweerd, the which hee found to bee about two thousand foot, leauing these forts, and the towne and castle of Seuenter, well furnished, hee led his armie to Doesbourg, part whereof hee lodged in an island oppo∣sit, beeing in the middest of the riuer of Issel, and part of it at the backe of the towne to∣wards the fields, in trenches which hee had caused to bee made, well defenced with good artillerie, there to attend his enemie, if haply hee should haue any desire to come and fall vpon the said towne of Doesbourg, there to get a passage ouer Issel, and an entrie into the Veluwe. [ E]

And as the riuers of Rhine, Wahal, and Issel, were risen seuen or eight foot higher than of custome, the prince caused a ship of warre to come downe from towards Rees the last of October, to cut the dike of the riuer of Hetter, aboue Emmeric, the which was finished the same night, the pioners being defended by 1200 horse, which the earle of Hohenloo had there, so as before it was day the water running with great force through the hole, drowned the countrey whereas the Spaniard was come to lodge. The Spaniard seeing this, went thither speedily with many musketiers, which shot furiously at the earles men, who notwithstan∣ding stood firme, vntil the enemy hauing brought some artillery vpon the dike, they were for∣ced to retire from thence, as the ship of warre did in like manner: and then the Spaniard la∣boured with all diligence to stop this hole, the which they the same night did, to their great [ F] content.

The admirall hauing brought his armie as low as Emmeric (although that the said towne, at the instance of the deane of the Iesuites, had obtained, that they should not bee charged with any garrison, for the which they had an act of the admirals hand) yet hee caused it to bee

summoned, to giue passage to his artillerie: the which beeing granted, hee became by that [ A] meanes master of the towne, where he placed a good garrison. The deane (beeing a resolute * 1.38 man) seeing himselfe deceiued, hee went vnto the admirall, with three of his owne letters of promise, that the said towne should not be in any sort opprest (as the Spaniards mildnesse and courtesie was generally well knowne, where as they might be masters) to whom seeing his re∣solution to enter, he spake after this manner. Without doubt the Gueux (meaning the Estates) * 1.39 haue reason of distrust, seeing that the Spaniards promise much, and performe little: You haue by this armie distracted the hearts of a thousand, that were well affected to the king of Spaine, who otherwise would haue beene deuoted vnto him. Seeing it can be no otherwise, we must make our complaints vn∣to God. Whereunto the admirall made no answer, but, That the euents of warre were variable, and changed ten times in an houre, but for the present he could do no otherwise. Yet he did them this [ B] fauour, that they had none but Landsknets in garrison. He had done the like at Rees, where∣as he had left Spaniards and Italians, as also at Iselbourg, whereas the bourgers were miserably intreated, and some murthered. Then he marched with his armie, and camped at the foot of the mountaine of Elten, from whence hee sent the fift of Nouember, foure regiments before Deutecom, in the countie of Zutphen, to besiege it. If the earle of Hohenloo had beene duly aduertised of their numbers, hee had charged them with his horse; but thinking the whole Spanish armie had beene there, hee forbare. He was sent by prince Maurice with the regiment of cont Ernest of Nassau, and halfe the Scottish men, to the fort of Tolhus, that the enemie should not slip into the Betuwe, the which he furnished with some artillerie, to keepe it with the towne of Hussen; the prince remaining with the rest of his armie at Doesbourg, to de∣fend [ C] the Veluwe on that side, whither he caused his bridges & boats to be brought, the which he had in Gelderschenweerd, leauing it well furnished and fortified.

The eight of Nouember the admiral being come to the campe before Deutecom with the rest of his armie, without summoning it, he planted 4 peeces of ordnance against the port of Doesbourg, thinking to take it sodainly, and so to terrifie all the other small neighbor townes, which batterie continued vntill the next day at noone. The towne is small and weake, hauing then but foure companies in garrison, which were not sufficient to defend so poore a place, a∣gainst so mightie an enemie. The night following the admirall caused foureteene peeces more to be planted on both sides of the port of Doesbourg: whereupon the besieged seeing that port almost battered downe, and thrice as many canons planted, they began to saint, as well [ D] the souldiers, as the bourgers, especially for that they had not vouchsafed to summon them, fearing least the enemie would force them, to cut all their throats, and by them giue example to the other townes. Whereupon the magistrat and the captaines thought it good, to strike vp a drumme, and demaund a parle: which being done, captaine Ghyselaer and la Grappe, with two bourgmasters, went forth to treat with the admirall, the captaines demaunding that they might passe out as they came in, and that the bourgers might remaine there halfe a yere quiet∣ly to sell their goods and retire afterwards if they please, and as for the others which would re∣maine, they should bee maintained in their liberties and freedomes: Whereunto the admiral at the first would by no meanes yeeld, commaunding them to retire, if they would not yeeld simply to his mercie. Whereupon the towne captaines propounding vnto themselues, that [ E] they had yet threescore barrels of powder, the which (rather than they would yeeld to mercy) they would imploy to blow vp the breaches and to set fire on the towne, and burne all their prouision, corne, and other munition, before the enemie should enioy them, and dye there all themselues, before they would yeeld vpon such a composition. In the end it was agreed, That in regard of the souldiers, they should depart with armes and baggage, leauing their colours, and promising not to carrie armes in Holland, nor Zeeland, against the king for six monethes. As for the bourgers, he would not yeeld to any conditions of agreement by writing, but pro∣mised them vpon his word, That they should not bee wronged neither in bodie nor goods: wherewith the bourgmasters contented themselues, seeing they could obtaine no more, and so yeelded, the foure companies departing the same day, being the eight of Nouember. This [ F] towne had held the partie of the Estates of the vnited prouinces aboue twentie yeares.

From thence the admirall went before the castle of Schuylenbourg, wherein captaine Dort commaunded for the Estates, with his companie: hee caused him to be summoned, that in case he attended the canon, both he and all his men should be hanged: but the captaine being

loth to yeeld it so lightly, he caused it to be inuested the same night, and brought ten peeces of [ A] ordnance, beginning to batter it the ninth day in the afternoone, continuing it vntill night, * 1.40 and most part of the night, making his preparations to assayle it the next day, with many boats (the castle standing in a marish ground, hauing but one approch) ladders, hurdels, and planks. Captaine Dort seeing this, and finding himselfe too weake to endure many assaults, he gaue eare to a parle, on the eleuenth day, and in the end was forced to depart with a white staffe onely.

Prince Maurice hauing news of the taking of Deutecom, and of the fort of Schuylenbourg, thinking now that the admirall would come and charge him in his trenches by Doesbourg, he attended him there in good deuotion the 11, 12, and 13 dayes of Nouember. But whereas by reason of the Estates neighbour garrisons, victuals could not come freely to the admirals [ B] campe, the princes men cutting off his souldiers by little and little, so as his armie decreased, and did melt away like waxe, as well by famine, want, and miserie, as for that the enemie did leaue them dayly, and withall his souldiers disbanded and fled from this miserie, euerie one hauing in three dayes but one loafe of verie blacke bread, and water his fill, so as some of his men being taken prisoners, did affirme, that his armie was decreased aboue seuen thousand men; yea a lieutenant of horse being brought prisoner before the prince, did protest that hee had not eaten any bread in fiue dayes, besides other great discommodities which the Spanish armie endured: For these considerations the admirall durst not attempt any thing more vpon the limits of the Estates, desiring nothing more (Winter being at hand) than a good lodging for his armie. For as cont Frederic Vanden Berghe said, Against his cosin (whom hee called prince Maurice) there was nothing but blowes to be gotten. So as on the 16 of Nouember after a [ C] long consultation, the admirall found no better aduice, than to carrie vp his armie into the countries of Cleues, Munster, Berghe, and Marck, to lodge his troups there during the Win∣ter: What they did there you shall soone heare.

Whilest the admirall was yet in counsell what to do, prince Maurice hauing some doubt of the towne of Lochem, which had beene so much recommended vnto him by the Estates, and of the towne of Zutphen, he sent a companie of footmen, and some gunners to Lochem, thin∣king the admirall would go against it: and he himselfe went to Zutphen, to see all things well ordered, where finding all well disposed, he returned the same day to Doesbourg, hauing gi∣uen order for the making of two new rauelins, whereof he himselfe layed the plot, as he did in [ D] like manner at Doesbourg. The deputies of the lower circles of Westphalia, whereof cont Vander Lippe was chiefe, and captaine generall, being yet assembled at Dormont, hearing the complaints which were made from diuers parts, of the admirals irruption vpon the territories of the empire, and the oppressions and insolencies of the Spaniards, they decreed about the middest of Nouember, to write vnto the emperour, and to the foure princes electors of the Rhine, that it would please his imperiall Maiestie, and their excellencies, to write both to the admirall, and to Brussels to cardinall Andrew of Austria, bishop of Constance, gouernour in the absence of the archduke Albert; and in like manner to the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces of the Netherlands, that either of them should restore the townes which they held by their garrisons vpon the territories of the empire, yeelding euerie of them to his prince [ E] and naturall lord. The substance of which letters was:

That as soone as the archduke Albert was gone out of the Netherlands, Dom Francisco de * 1.41 Mendoza, admirall of Arragon, duke of Veraguas, marquesse of Guadaleste, gouernour &c. had entred with an armie of about thirtie thousand horse and foot, into the duchie of Cleues, and had taken the towne and castle of Orsoy, chasing away the dukes garrison, and passing a

good part of his armie ouer the Rhine, had fortified the village of Walsom right against the sayd towne. From thence hee went into the duchie of Mont, and besieged the castle, and a∣bode of the noble lord Wirick van Daun, earle of Falckenstein, seignior of Broeck: which ca∣stle of Broeck (which is a fee of the sayd duchie of Mont) hee had besieged and battered, and notwithstanding that the sayd earle, vpon condition of faith and promise made of libertie [ F] both for bodie and goods, as well for his owne person, as for his souldiers (some beeing the dukes, and some his) had yeelded by composition, yet the souldiers were some of them stript and murthered, and some ransomed, and then the sayd earle was secretly murthered, with a

strange and vnheard of crueltie (whose widow was come to complaine vnto them, notwith∣standing [ A] that he was a neuter, and had alwayes carryed himselfe as an officer and faithfull ser∣uant * 1.42 to the said duke his lord, hauing before demaunded 〈◊〉〈◊〉 safegard from the admirall, expe∣cting nothing lesse, than any such violence) spoyling and carrying away all that they found in the sayd castle. Moreouer, the Spaniards and the admirals men had taken in the countries of Cleues, the townes of Burick, Dinslaken, Holt, and Rees, by force, committing great in∣solencies and outrages, taken the frontier forts, murthered and chased away the garrisons that were in them, ransomed the towne of Wezel at an hundred thousand dollers, and one thou∣sand quarters of corne: We doe not speake how that within these two dayes they haue sum∣moned some townes in the countrey of Munster, and forced them to receiue garrisons for the king of Spaine: besides, they haue ouer-run and spoyled the quarters of Essen and Werden, the seigniorie and castle of Frankenbergh, belonging to the earle of Schauwenbourg, and [ B] Wenelickouen, in the countie of Benthem, the castles and forts of Loe, Wynendael, Dri∣ersfort, Resau, Impel, Dornic, Luchausen, all the countrey of Cleues, without any respect vnto the duke, making his residence in the sayd countrey, spoyling and robbing monasteries and churches, and reducing the poore country people into so miserable estate, for these eight weekes space, as it is impossible to write it, and for the which they neuer can answer before God. And that in the meane time the Estates of the vnited prouinces, were also crept into the duchie of Cleues, and had seized vpon the towne and castle of Seuenter, and the fort of Tol∣hus, the which they had battered with their artillerie, and taken many prisoners, both clergie and lay men, out of the countrey of Munster. That Dom Gaston Spinola, gouernour of Lim∣bourg, [ C] vnder colour of the execution of the sentence of proscription giuen against the imperi∣all towne of Ayx, had forced two gentlemens houses, Frankenburch and Heyden, from which places his men did great outrages to all men they incountred. And in like maner the Spanish garrisons exacted certaine thousands of dollers from the villages of the high quarter of Guel∣dres; with many other complaints: Requiring therefore that it would please their excellen∣cies to be mediators to his imperiall Maiestie, that some remedie may be had &c.

Whereupon the sayd princes electors did write on the 12 of December, the sameyere 1598, emperour after this manner.

Most gratious Emperour, we doubt not but your Maiestie hath beene fully informed, not * 1.43 onely of the lamentable complaints of the afflicted circles of Westphalia, which are too appa∣rant, [ D] but also you haue heard by common fame, how vniustly the countries of the duke of Iu∣illiers

haue beene in hostile manner inuaded, by the armies of the two parties in the Nether∣lands, especially by the King of Spaines souldiers, his townes and places taken, his poore sub∣iects spoyled, taken, ransomed, murthered, and otherwise tormented: whereof they would more amply informe his imperiall Maiestie, by the instructions thereunto adioyned, quoted A. B. C. Saying, That they must needs confesse that such attempts will sound strangely throughout all the empire, to the scandall of his Maiestie, and contempt of his decrees, which may prooue verie preiudiciall to the members and estates of the sayd empire, if such vnreaso∣nable attempts, irruptions, and insolencies of strange souldiers, were not preuented by good and sufficient meanes, and their boldnesse supprest. That not onely the circles and countries [ E] at this present afflicted, would bee vtterly ruined, but also that they the princes electors and neerest neighbours could not otherwise coniecture, but that in the end they should bee paied with the same money, inuaded, and drawne into the like calamities: Nothing doubting, but that his imperiall Maiestie doth consider how contemptible this may be both to the holy em∣pire and his imperiall Maiestie, and that without attending any aduertisements from them, hee hath forecast how for the greater safetie of the countrey those things might bee pre∣uented: this present fact beeing a matter of wonderful consideration, that the guiltlesse mem∣bers of the empire, vpon the sodaine without any cause giuen, and contrarie to the promise and good words of the deceased king of Spaine, and the late gouernours of his Ne∣therlands, and (as we hope) against the will and commaundement of our most deere lord, [ F] friend, and cosin, Albert archduke of Austria, should bee spoyled and made a prey to these strange souldiers. And to all the admonitions and intreaties that can be made, they haue no other answer, than that they can giue no other reason for all this, but that it is so decreed in the

counsell of Brussels, that the holy empire with all the dependances and allies, should bee sub∣iected [ A] vnto their intollerable seruitude, and submit themselues vnder the gouernment of * 1.44 Brussels, as it should please them to commaund, as beeing bound to beare all such vndeserued burthens as it would please them to impose. Wherefore in consideration of these causes a∣boue mentioned, we princes electors, not onely vpon the complaints of these afflicted coun∣tries, but in regard of the consequence which may follow of all these oppressions, haue gi∣uen order to our men, to remaine in some commodious place, and to bee watchfull ouer all, and foresee how they might preuent those inuasions of the enemie; by whose reports the for∣ces of either side seeme so great, as in our iudgements there must be fit remedies vsed: yet wee haue giuen the said archduke and the cardinall of Austria's vicegouernor at Brussels, to vnder stand of all these disorders, to the end they should command the captaine generall of the kings armie, to forbeare hereafter from all such outrages, and insolencies, with order for the restitu∣tion [ B] of townes and places, and the dammage they had endured, hoping that they like renow∣ned German princes, will with their hearts affect the health, good, and honour of the empire; and that they would not fayle of their dueties, in all they may do for the aduancement of the German estate. And we haue in like manner written vnto the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces. That for their parts they should depart out of the limits of the empire, and for∣beare to attempt any thing against it, the which is to be hoped. By reason whereof wee that are seated vpon the Rhine, by the knowledge which is giuen vs of these disorders, are forced openly and without dissimulation, to beseech your imperiall Maiestie, to interpose your authoritie, after full information of all. That it would therefore please your imperiall Maiestie [ C] (whereunto wee know you are wholly inclined) to seeke to pacifie these dangerous incon∣ueniences, and to remember how earnestly and with what zeale the generall Estates of the empire did propound it, and intreated you at the last diet at Ratisbone, as also that the volun∣tarie contributions were not graunted to any other end, but to preuent all courses, passages, lodging, and spoyles. And that against such violences, your imperiall Maiestie should vse authoritie, that the holy empire fall not into contempt, to haue abandoned the countrey to the spoyle of strange souldiers; and that beeing sodainely surprised, it should come to ruine and desolation: but that it would please him to deale so by mild meanes, as these poore afflicted countries may bee freed from their intollerable miseries. And besides, that all the other prouinces of the empire may bee preserued and assured from such inuasions. And as [ D] wee remember that your imperiall Maiestie, and the generall Estates of the empire, had an intent heretofore to send embassadours to both parties that make warre, wee would now make the same prayer, and instant request, and will most humbly beseech your imperiall Maiestie not to neglect it, but to seeke by all meanes to suppresse such extraordinarie inso∣lencies; hoping that God will put to his blessed hand, and send vs a more happie season, than we haue hitherto had, and that therby there may follow a good peace, as wel for the holy em∣pire, as for the two parties that make warre.

The which for the care wee haue of the good and quiet of the empire, wee could not forbeare to shew vnto your imperiall Maiestie, with all humilitie, hoping you will not take it in ill part, but rather will excuse vs by reason of the importance of the cause; and [ E] that, of your imperiall clemencie, you will prouide for this publike mischiefe, so as the poore countries afflicted, may bee relieued and eased, that the generall reputation of the holy empire may bee kept, to the protection of those prouinces that depend thereon. And seeing that the Estates of the circle of Westphalia, by vertue of the imperiall constitutions, haue required vs and the princes electors of the vpper circle of the Rhine, to assemble our selues on the tenth day of Ianuarie nextcomming, in the citie of Cologne, to resolue vpon these important affaires: Wee therefore most humbly beseech your imperiall Maiestie, that you would bee pleased at the same time and place, to send (if it be possible) your Maie∣sties gratious resolution, or declare if that wee with the aforesayd circles, may not aduise and seeke by all possible meanes to diuert this mischiefe.

[ F]

And in case wee may not haue this charge and commission, and that a more ample de∣claration from the holy empire bee required, that it would please you to aduise the deputies of the deputies of the sayd Estates, in case they bee required by them that are oppressed, or

others to call vnto their succours or counsell the other circles, and giue charge to the deputies [ A] touching that matter, for the next assemblie: wherein your imperiall Maiestie shall doe a * 1.45 worke worthie of his clemencie, the which may serue for the assurance and quiet of the affli∣cted countries, and of all those of the Empire: Praying God &c.

In the meane time, and before these letters were sent vnto the emperour, M. Charles Nutzel, seigniour of Sonderspuhel, commissioner and counsellor to his imperiall Maiestie, be∣ing come by his commission to preserue the countrey of Cleues, to haue all things restored, and to treat of the dukes mariage with the princesse of Lorraine, he writ vnto the admirall the last of October from Cleues: By the which hee complained, That according vnto the pro∣mise * 1.46 which he had made vnto him in the towne of Gueldres, to restore the towne of Orsoy to the duke that was lord thereof, within ten, twelue, or twentie daies at the most; and that af∣ter [ B]

he had taken the towne of Rhineberck, all his troupes should bee sent out of the coun∣trey: yet hauing trusted too much vnto his promises, and the word of a prince, hee found himselfe circumuented and deceiued, hauing receiued nothing but words full of ayre, and seene the effects full of hostilitie: reproaching him, that hee had gone in person from one towne vnto another, ransoming them, some for great summes of money, others for victuals and munition, the which hee sayd hee had seene with his eyes: Being a question how this will bee taken by the emperor (in whose name he said he remained there to preserue the coun∣trey) and not onely of the other princes of the empire, but of all Europe, whom it doth con∣cerne in generall, the which they may easily conceiue, who hauing their lands and iurisdicti∣ons thus afflicted, would gladly see them freed, and assured hereafter. That the houses of [ C] Cleues and Lorraine were now presently allyed by mariage, and that of Lorraine with the crowne of France: besides other alliances with other neighbor princes, all which will be ama∣zed, and great wounds, which are not yet well cured, will be reuiued; all which (being well af∣fected, as he said, vnto the Spaniards) be brought into consideration. That now a Catholike prince, who with all his meanes, with a Catholike zeale, hath preserued and maintained the Catholike Religion, should bee in that sort troden vnder foot, yea in a manner deuoured quicke, when as (leauing the enemie at rest) they come and powre out all the discommodi∣ties of warre, vpon the kings owne kinsmen; when as churches are abused, religious women forced, and all that was consecrated vnto God, prophaned: when as they offer force and violence to embassadours, who by the lawes of nations should bee free and assured, as it is [ D] said did happen vnto other embassadours of the duke, descending downe the Rhine to come vnto the towne of Cleues, who would not say, but as this tends chiefely to the pre∣iudice and contempt of religion, and of that which doth most concerne the honour and re∣putation of the house of Austria? the which (according to the saying of Hystorians) through mildnesse and sinceritie, haue beene happie in their enterprises and successe, procu∣ring with all their meanes (the which not friends onely, but enemies will confesse) that they might not bee taxed to haue raysed or mannaged an vniust warre, to blemish them, and to make them odious and contemptible to all the world. And not onely to prouoke the wrath and vengeance of God against the king of Spaine, but also against the authors and practisers of such cruelties. I beseech you (sayd hee) what good can you expect of such incertaine [ E] things, when as they are worse intreated than the stranger? the kinsman, and the enemie, the innocent and the guiltie, the good and the wicked, are all held in one ranke. And to the end I may discharge my duetie, I am resolued to write all these wofull and tragicall pra∣ctises, so preiudiciall to the whole empire, and send them to the emperour, intreating you in the meane time to take order, that such oppressions and outrages may cease, that the towns, forts, and castles, belonging to the duke of Cleues, may be restored. That the troups may bee withdrawne, the dammages repaired, and that no more occasion may bee giuen of further ru∣ine; the which by right and reason ought to be put in execution, and would proue honorable vnto you: Whereof I wil attend a good and courteous answer. From Cleues the last of Octo∣ber 1598.

[ F]

The oppressions committed by the Spaniards, whereof the commissary cōplains, & which * 1.47 were sent by attestation, quoted by number & alphabet, together with all the admirals procee∣dings, were, That his men tooke & spoyled, without any respect of safegards, and much lesse of

neutralitie, betwixt the riuers of Issel & Lippe in the duchie of Iuilliers, first the castle of Dies∣fort, [ A] belonging vnto the seignior of Willich, steward by inheritance of the duchie of Cleues, * 1.48 notwithstanding the safegard set vp at the gate, the which they spoyled, with all that the poore countrey men (trusting in the sayd safegard) had brought in thither for their refuge and succour.

Item, the castle of Billingof, belonging to them of Bernsau, the which beeing taken at the third assault, they slew all they found within it, and then spoyled it. The castle of Oberen∣bergh, belonging to the seigniour of Marnholt, was also spoyled.

Item, after they had robbed the cloyster of Schlenhorst, they drew all the Nunnes in∣to a troupe, stript them naked, rauished them, and intreated them tyrannously. The castle of Asseldt beeing taken and spoyled, they threw the men which they found in it, [ B] from the top of the tower into the ditches. After they had spoyled the castle of Gran, belonging the steward of the countrey, they carried all away prisoners that they found in it. The castle of Hackenhuys, belonging to the seigniour of Ilf, they spoyled. They did not onely spoyle the castle of Impel, belonging to the seigniour of Diepenbroek, and carried away all the corne, cattell, and other goods, but they burnt the base court, and tare an infant out of the mothers wombe, beeing readie to bee deliuered. Rossau, belonging to the seigni∣our Godd•…•…rd Williche, was wholy spoyled. Wenge, appertaining to them of Gar, and the vil∣lage Domic spoyled. The strong castle of Hynd, belonging to the seigniour of Graustein, was also ruined, and all burnt that was about it. The monasteries of Mariendale and Fryet were spoyled. And all the villages about the sayd castles, endured a thousand outrages and [ C] strange indignities which were by them most cruelly executed both against men and wo∣men. We haue mention before of the castle of Vanden Broeck, and what they did there: be∣sides they haue entred into the riuers of Lippe and Roer, spoyled the castle of Wewenhuys, belonging to them of Hueffen, and burnt the base court of the castle of Fuert, appertaining to George van Syburch:

Item, the castle of Mamich, whereof the widow of Capelle was owner, burning the base court. The castle of Essand, belonging to the seignior Wittenhorst, spoyled, beaten downe, and burnt, with diuers others. And going higher towards the countrey of Munster and Westphalia, on the three and twentieth of Nouember Dom Louis de Velasco, generall of the Spanish artillerie, came before the towne of Dortsen, with letters from the admirall, requi∣ring [ D] the bourgmaster and counsell to open their gates, and receiue a garrison: Whereunto answer was made him, That it did not belong vnto them to open their gates to any strange souldiers, without the aduice and commaundement of their lord and prince, the elector of Cologne: Moreouer, they had not deserued any such vsage of the king of Spaine, wherefore they required foure dayes respite to aduertise their lord and prince. But they replyed, That they should not haue an houres respite to take counsell, and therefore they should presently say yea, or no, whether they would open their gates, and doe what they demaunded: and if they did it not presently, they had brought that with them which should master them be∣fore night, and then they might thinke what would become of them. They of the towne in∣sisted to haue but two dayes (saying, That it had not beene heard of, no not in time warre, [ E] to receiue strange souldiers without the priuitie & consent of their prince) but they could not obtaine it, the messengers retiring, who had made this summons, there presently approched many troups neere the towne, who began to intrench themselues with all speed, and to plant nine peeces of ordnance to batter it, as if it were an enemies towne. The bourgers seeing these sodaine acts of hostilitie, not able to preuaile any thing by prayers nor intreatie, began somewhat to defend themselues, shooting certaine vollies into their campe, hoping that the generall vpon better aduice would forbeare; but it preuailed nothing, the Spaniards continuing their batterie, vntill they had ouerthrowne a great part of the wall, so as the same night, or the next day they had gone to the assault, for the which they made a bridge ouer the riuer of Lippe, bringing their men at night euen to the foot of the counterscarpe. And although [ F] the bourgers had rampared vp that which was battered, and somewhat assured it against an assault, hauing chased the souldiers from the counterscarpe, yet the next day they began their batterie againe, the which did not onely batter downe all they had rampared, but did so teare the houses along the street of Lippe, as no man durst shew himselfe at the rampars. The Spa∣niards

making preparation to assayle them, about noone they shot fierie bullets into the town; [ A] wherewith the poore bourgers being terrified, and abandoned of all succours, knowing well * 1.49 that their prince was ignorant of all this, and too farre to deliuer them from these attempts, be∣ing vnable of themselues to resist them, in the end they consulted how they might preserue their liues, wiues and children, so as they sent certaine deputies vnto the Spaniard, to offer him the towne, vpon the best conditions they could obtaine: the which being accorded the generall Velasco entred with thirteene hundred men, and demaunded the keyes, with all the armes and munition in the towne, the which was not done without great oppression of the good bourgers.

The Spaniard hauing got footing in the iurisdiction of Reckelinhuysen, some of his troups marched towards Dortmont, whereas they demaunded entrance to lodge one thou∣sand [ B] horse all Winter, which if they refused, they would come so well accompanied, as they should haue no cause to thanke them. Whereupon they of Dortmont answered, That bee∣ing a free imperiall towne, they were not subiect to the king of Spaine, neither had they any need of horsemen: wherefore they intreated them to suffer them in peace, giuing order for their rampars, towers, and fortifications: Wherefore the Spaniards retired for that time, and went into the countie of Marck, where they tooke the townes of Vnna, Kam, Lun, and Ham, with Lunkenhuysen, and Herberum, all by sieges, threats, or otherwise. And although that Postule of Munster, archbishop of Cologne, seeing the Spaniards bend towards Westphalia, had sent some of his counsellors, and certaine deputies of the chapter of Munster, to the admi∣rall, to intreat him, and aduertise him that those things were contrarie to the constitutions of [ C] the empire: but nothing could withhold the Spaniards from the besieging of Bocholt, the inhabitants whereof to saue themselues from oppression, being too weake to maintaine a siege, resolued to compound vpon certaine conditions, the which were not verie well kept. So as in the same countrey of Munster, there fell into the Spaniards power the townes of Koesuelt, Borcken, Bemsdorp, Halterens, Dusmont, Lunduncknuys, Stadtloon, and Sudloon; and their pride was so great, as they spared not Ahours, one of the archbishops palaces, nor Horse∣meir, whither they were carrying prouision for him to keepe his court, with the castles of Werde, Frede, and Ottenstein: yea Contarez a Spanish commissarie went in view of the arch∣bishop, with certaine troups towards the townes of Alem and Brockem, which they surprised by policie saying they were the Archbishops men, as also the townes of Rene, Warendorp, [ D] Tolgt, and Senderhorst.

They made no difficultie to commaund the towne of Osnabrughe, to furnish them a man of massie siluer and gilt, or two hundred pounds weight of pure gold. They made the like demaund vnto them of Badenborne, the which they ransomed, commaunding the bishop to chase away the Protestant ministers, nay there were two Wallon colonels, the baron of Ha∣chicourt, and the earle of Busquoy, that were not ashamed to demand of the earle of Olden∣bourg, prouision of money to pay their souldiers, or else they would send them to Winter in his countrey: to whom the earle made as braue a refusall.

In all places whereas the Spanish armie was lodged, they would not suffer the bourgers and inhabitants to meddle with the corne which they had in their garners, to feed their families, [ E] yea in peasants houses whereas they found no prouision of corne, they forced them to go and prouide it at what price soeuer. They would none but the whitest bread, mutton, and pul∣lets, and drinke wine, saying openly, That they were bound to assist the king to subdue his re∣bels, as being a member of the empire, wherefore it was reason they should lodge and nou∣rish them. They would haue all places opened vnto them, and did wonderfully threaten the Protestants, especially the earles Vander Lippe, and of Benthem, from whom they did extort the seigniorie of Weuelickhoue, and others. When as some aduised colonell Barlotte to carrie himselfe more modestly, and that the princes of the circles might take it ill: he answered (poin∣ting with his finger) As much as that cow. And when any of the princes embassadors sent to the admirall, had their dispatches, the Spaniards made mouthes at them, and asses eares, with o∣ther [ F] disgraces, terming them Lutherans: to conclude, they esteemed the Germans no more than dung.

Besides the Spaniards insolencies before rehearsed, they committed others in the quarters of Marck, Westphalia, Munster, and thereabouts, where they did hang vp many peasants, some

by the feete, some by the hands, and some by the priuie members. In the village of Reeke [ A] they bound three poore peasants to pikes neere to a willow, and did roast them like vnto a * 1.50 peece of flesh vpon a spit. It is not possible to expresse the execrable rauishing and forcing of wiues and maidens which they committed, whereof we will relate some. Seauen Spaniards hauing bound the iudge of Duslemont in a chaire, they presently after rauished his wife be∣fore his face. They bound a yong virgins hands and feet to foure stakes in the ground, and the haire of her head wound about the fift, and then they forced her: the like they had done before to a maiden in the castle of Broek. It was not enough for them after the taking of the castle of Billichouen, and other gentlemens houses, to haue forced many honest wiues and virgins, but they did set their heads downeward, and their legges vpward (beeing stripped na∣ked) in the feathers of beds, and in this manner did vse them so inhumanely, as it is a shame to write it; with many other barbarous acts, which are not fit to be written. [ B]

All these detestable cruelties were set downe in writing, and sent vnto the emperour, and to many princes of Germanie, whereupon the duke of Brunswick made a proclamation ouer all his territories, of the nineteenth of December 1598, wherein were briefly contained all the attempts and cruelties of the Spaniards, exhorting all his subiects to take armes against them. The archbishop of Cologne who was much interessed, did write vnto the Landtsgraue of Hessen, on the ninth of December, requiring his aduice what was to be done in these occur∣rents. The sixe princes electors by their letters on the 12. of December, did write vnto the Emperour at large, aduertising him of all these cruelties, and complaining greatly that his im∣periall authoritie was contemned and troden vnder foot by the Spaniards; for the redres∣sing whereof they desire succours. The archduke Albert beeing come to Milan, hee writ in [ C] his owne excuse vnto the gouernour of the prince elector of Saxonie on the 28 of Decem∣ber, where after he had made the Estates of the vnited prouinces the cause of all these mise∣ries, he maintaines that the duke of Iuilliers and the lower circles are bound to aid and assist him against the said Estates, accusing also the earle Vanden Broeck to haue done acts of hostili∣tie against the kings men, as if he would say (and as the admirall hath since said) that hee had well deserued it.

Vpon the letters from the electors, the emperour did write vnto the archduke Albert on the thirtieth of December, complaining, that notwithstanding so many letters written to car∣dinall Andrew of Austria, then gouernour of the Netherlands, and to the admirall; namely, on the 24 of October, and on the 14, 19, and 29 of Nouember, by the which he commanded [ D] reparation of these oppressions, and restitution of exactions, and that the Spanish armie should dislodge, yet nothing had beene effected, but rather those insolencies and cruell attempts had increased more and more: then making a repetition of some of the said at∣tempts and oppressions, and of diuers admonitions which had beene made vnto the cardin•…•…l and admirall, he intreats the archduke that he would commaund the admirall to carrie him∣selfe more modestly. The same day the emperour did also write vnto cardinall Andrew of Austria, admonishing him of his dutie, that his imperiall Maiestie bee not forced to take ano∣ther course to remedie it by his imperiall authoritie. And in like manner he sent vnto the ad∣mirall, the complaints which he receiued daily, of the excesse of his men of warre, comman∣ding [ E] him that presently without all delay, he should retire his troupes out of the limits of the empire, yeeld vp the townes and places to their masters, restore the money that had beene extorted, deliuer prisoners, both clergie and lay men, punish the murtherers of cont Vanden Broeck corporally, restore vnto his wife her iewels, and all that had beene taken out of the ca∣stle, vpon paine of default, that he should be forced to vse his imperiall authoritie &c. this let∣ter seruing but for a kind of aduertisement.

The emperour did write the like vnto the Estates of the vnited prouinces, of the same date, and from the same place, that for their parts they should quit those places which they held vpon the territories of the empire, releasing prisoners, and forbearing to attempt any further &c. To which letters of aduertisement, both to the one and the other, the emperour added his proclamation, or imperiall commandement, the which we haue thought good to insert [ F] here, and first that of the admirall, as followeth. * 1.51

Rodulphus by the grace of God, elect emperour of the Romans, alwaies Augustus king of Germanie, Hongarie, Bohemia, Dalmatia, Croatia, Sclauonia, archduke of Austria, duke of

Bourgoigne, Stiria, Carinthia, Crain, and Wirthemberg, earle of Tyrol &c. To our welbe∣loued * 1.52 [ A] Dom Francisco de Mendoza, admirall of the kingdome of Arragon, Marquesse of Gua∣daleste,

commaunder of the knights of the order of Val de Peunas, captaine generall to our most deere brother Albert, archduke of Austria, and to all commaunders of the sayd armie, colonels; captaines, lieutenants, ensignes, officers, and in generall to all men of warre, both of horse and foot, of what name, estate, condition, or qualitie soeuer they be, to whom this present Imperiall commaundement shall come, or bee signified, so farre as they shall be found camped, or lodged vpon the lands, or in the townes, forts, places, and riuers, be∣longing to vs and the holy Empire, or the members, estates, and allies thereof, eyther by water or by land: We let you know, that the princes and estate of the circle of Westpha∣lia, and especially of the most famous Iohn William duke of Iuilliers, Cleues, and Berghen, [ B] our welbeloued cousin, haue of late time continually aduertised vs with all reuerence, and haue grieuously complained, that you admirall haue come out of Brabant about the moneth of September with a mightie armie of aboue thirtie thousand men, hauing taken your pas∣sage through the duchie of Iuilliers towards t•…•… of Cleues, and that the eight of the said moneth had assailed and taken the towne of O•…•…soy, belonging to the said duke of Iuilli∣ers, the which hauing fortified and furnished with your garrisons, hauing caused many thousands of your men, both horse and foot, to passe the Rhin, and made a fort to be built before it vpon the territories of Cleues, driuing all the cattell, both great and small, away, and spoyling all the neighbour quarters, carrying your selfe to the poore people through violence, murthers, spoyles, and ransoming in such sort, as the like was neuer seene nor [ C] heard of in any warre: so as all the inhabitants and subiects haue beene forced to abandon most part of their goods, houses, and inheritances, and whatsoeuer they had gathered to∣gether with their great toile and sweat, to nourish them in Winter: yet not content with this, your souldiers haue gone before a castle, held in fee of the said duke of Iuilliers, whereas the deceased Wirick Daun, earle of Falckenstein, called Broeck, made his residence, they battered it with the canon, so as in the end the earle yeelding, vpon faith and pro∣mise of assurance of bodie and goods for him and all his; yet most part of the souldiers were cut in pieces, and the said earle, notwithstanding that he had required a safegard from the admirall, not fearing any inconuenience, as hee went to walke, with the consent of the captaine of the castle, was very miserably murthered. In the meane time the said soul∣diers [ D] haue seized vpon the townes of Buderycke, Dynslaken, Holt, Rees, Emmeric, and other places of the said duchie of Cleues; as also many castles, gentlemens houses, bo∣roughes, townes, and villages haue beene besieged, battered, assayled, and forced to yeeld vnto them, and haue beene destroyed and ruined, whereas many (both clergie and lay men) had beene very poorely and miserably entreated, some strangled, some massacred, carrying themselues most brutishly and villanously to wiues and virgins, the like where∣of was neuer heard of. Besides that, the inhabitants of the towne of Wezel haue been for∣ced to compound with you and the commaunders in the warre, for a hundred thousand dollers, halfe in hand, and the rest within few daies after; and besides that, to furnish them with a thousand quarters of corne. The Seigniories and castles of Crudenberg, of Wene∣linckhouen, [ E] the houses and ducall forts of Loo, Wynendael, Dyershorst, Rassau, Impel, Dornic, and Luckhausen (although the duke himselfe kept his court not farre off) haue beene reduced into extreame miserie and desolation: besides so many other places, which haue beene taken, spoyled, and consumed to ashes, whereof an ample declaration hath beene sent vs: yea, some haue beene so audacious to brag in the campe, that there was an intent to seize vpon the duke of Iuilliers person. And moreouer, you admirall haue not onely sent your men into the countrey of Munster, and summoned the townes there∣of to receiue the Spanish garrisons within two daies, but your souldiers haue also forced them that would not receiue them, Alexander Vehle, a colonel, hauing presumed to offer vnto the bishops vicar, and the counsellors of the diocesse of Munster, a list of the quar∣ters [ F] where they intended to Winter their souldiers; and to take thirtie places more, besides those that had alreadie yeelded: the territories of Essen and Werden, beeing wholly de∣stroyed and ruined: many spoyles being also made by the garrisons of Gueldres vpon the villages and neere farmes; so as the tylling of the land, and all traffique and commerce

of marchandise must needes cease, with many other concussions and violences; for the [ A] preuenting whereof, wee are continually required and besought by the chiefe princes e∣lectors, * 1.53 and other princes of the empire, in the behalfe of the poore afflicted and desolate. Considering that all these inuasions are done wrongfully and vniustly, and are not excusa∣ble, that you admirall haue presumed to inuade our said countries, and those of the holy empire in hostile manner, before peaceable and quiet, beeing bound vnto vs by oath, with so mightie an armie, without defiance, summation, or aduertisement; and especially at such a time, when as neither wee, nor any of the other princes, nor Estates, did expect any dislike or quarrell from the king of Spaine, and much lesse from our deere brother the archduke Albert, nor yet from the generall gouernours of the Netherlands; but rather attended all good and sincere friendship, neighbourhood, correspondencie, and neutralitie, and not to [ B] bee in this manner spoyled and ruined: Hauing heretofore written often and seriously vnto you, to let you vnderstand our intention, and that of our deere and well beloued brother; but seeing that you haue not in any sort respected our letters, wee are forced to prouide for it, and seeke to preuent it by a seuerer course. Wherefore wee commaund you admirall of Arragon, of our imperiall power and authoritie, and all your commaunders, of∣ficers, and souldiers, as well in generall as in particular; and first those that are not vnder our obedience, nor subiect to the empire, vpon paine of death, where they shall be taken, and all other our subiects, depending mediately or immediately of the holy empire, members, vas∣sals, men holding in fee, or hauing goods, and possessions there, vpon paine of banishment and proscription of the holy empire, and the losse of all benefices, freedomes, priuiledges, [ C] dignities, fees, and goods, in what places soeuer they bee, lying, and beeing within the holy empire, or the Estates, and allies thereof: the transgressors beeing apprehended, vpon the fact, to be put in execution, without any further inquirie or information. Wee doe expresly inioyne and commaund, that you, and all others (presently vpon the sight or signification of this our imperiall charge and commandement, or the authenticall copie thereof) shall retire, without any further indammaging our countries, or the lands of the holy empire, nor the townes, castles, gentlemens houses, boroughs, forts, nor villages, belonging to the duke of Iuilliers, and Cleues, nor to the dioces of Munster, nor elsewhere, of what name and qualitie soeuer they be: and that presently you quit and restore them vnto their lords and masters, repairing all dammages which you haue done them: and that you restore vnto them of [ D] Wezel, before your retreat, the money which you haue extorted from them. And to the end that you admirall shall make it appeare that the wicked murther of the earle Vanden Bro∣eck doth displease you, you shall cause all them that murthered him, to bee corporally puni∣shed, according to their merits, restoring vnto the countesse his widow, all the goods, gold, siluer, iewels, and plate, which were taken from her, or the iust value thereof. That all persons as well ecclesiasticall as ciuill, armed and vnarmed, bee set at libertie by you, without any ransome. And that hereafter you shall not attempt any thing more against the said coun∣tries, places, subiects, or others, nor oppresse them in any sort whatsoeuer, nor yet shew your selfe slacke, nor disobedient, if you will auoid the aboue mentioned paines, according to the which you shall order and gouerne your selfe: for such is our intention and will. [ E] Giuen at our castle of Padibrath the thirtieth day of December, 1598. Signed, Rodul∣phus.

The emperour did write in like manner to the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces, commanding them to retire their forces out of the countrie of Westphalia, and other places of the empire, vpon paine of imperiall proscription, in substance as here immediately fol∣loweth.

Rodulphus &c. To all and euery the Estates generall of Holland, and Zeeland, and the prouinces associate vnto them, their colonels, commanders of horse, and their lieute∣nants, * 1.54 captaines, ensignes, officers, and generally to all their men of warre, both of horse and foot, howsoeuer they bee called, and of what qualitie or condition soeuer [ F] they bee, to whom this present commaundement, or the copie thereof shall come or bee signified, so farre forth as they bee lodged or entred vpon our limits of the holy empire, the Estates or members thereof, or that are vnder their protection & gouernment, or in any

townes, forts, and castles. We giue you to vnderstand, that wee haue seene and heard the * 1.55 [ A] complaints and grieuances of our princes and Estates of the lower circle of Westphalia, and especially of the most famous Iohn William duke of Iulliers, Cleues, and Mont, our most deare and well beloued cousin, how that in autumne last, as wel the king of Spaines souldiers as yours, haue entred and lodged in the said quarters, committing great spoyles: and that a∣mong others, many electors, princes, and noble men, had instantly required and besought vs to interpose our imperiall authoritie. And although wee haue written thereof at large vnto the commaunder and captaine general of your vnited prouinces, by letters of the nineteenth of September, and the second of October: yet we vnderstand, that you haue not onely neg∣lected it, but doe euen at this houre maintaine your armie in the territories, of the duchie of Cleues, and that of late you haue taken the towne of Seuenter, and the fort of Tolhus, called [ B] Colnits, and that you haue also seized on the towne of Vreda in the countrie of Munster, and carried away many persons, both spirituall and temporall, out of that quarter, vnto the towne of Groll; the which neither your captaine generall, nor you, nor all your men of warre can iusti•…•…ie, in a friends countrie, allied vnto the holy empire, hauing sworne faith and loyaltie vnto vs, and hauing no communitie with this warre. Considering also, that our princes, electors, lords, and estates (expecting no actes of hostilitie from you, but all amitie, and good correspondencie) redoubling now their complaints, with those of the poore affli∣cted, beseech vs, that wee will take some more rigorous course, and settle a conuenient order.

Wherefore we commaund you all in generall, and euery one in particular, of our imperiall [ C] power and authoritie▪ that is, those which are not our subiects, nor vassals of the empire, vpon paine of death, wheresoeuer they shall bee taken; and for the subiects, mediat, or immediat, vassals, and freed men, remaining vnder the holy empire, vpon paine of proscription, and pri∣uation of all their benefices, priuiledges, freedomes, rights of fee, goods, lands, and inheritan∣ces, wheresoeuer they be vnder vs, and the holy empire: that as soone as euer that this imperi∣all commandement, or the copie thereof shall be signified vnto you, you cause all your forces to retire out of the limits of the empire, without doing any more wrong vnto any person: and that you restore vnto their lords and masters, all the townes, castles, gentlemens houses, places, forts, retrenchments, places where they take toll, by what name soeuer they be called, to repaire the damages, inlarge all prisoners whatsoeuer, depending of the holy empire with∣out [ D] ransome, and neuer to attempt in hostile manner any thing against them, nor the lands and subiects of the empire, nor to doe otherwise, nor to shew your selues vnwilling, as it doth concerne you, and you desire to auoyd the said punishment. According to the which you shall rule your selues, for such is our pleasure. Giuen at our castle of Padibrath the 30 of De∣cember, 1598. Signed, Rodulphus.

To these two imperiall commaundements directed to the admirall of Arragon and his Spaniards, on the one part, and to prince Maurice and the generall Estates of the vnited pro∣uinces on the other, there were letters added from the emperour, bearing the same date, ad∣monishing them to obey the said commandements respectiuely. But for that the admirall did not much regard his letters and commaundement, but continued still his old course, de∣laying [ E] it all he could, vntill that his armie had past the winter vpon the frontiers of Germanie, whereas they did rob and spoile round about; the prince and the Estates could not in the be∣ginning retire their men so soone as they desired, and leaue an enemie behind so neere them: yet soone after they deliuered vnto the duke of Cleues his towne of Seuenter, and the fort of Tolhus.

Wee haue shewed in the yeare 1595, before the archduke Alberts comming into the Ne∣therlands, how fauourably they dealt in Spaine with the Netherlāders, releasing al their ships and men which had beene staied for the kings seruice, and granting them free libertie to traf∣fique into Spaine: but this winter newes came out of Spaine, that they made strait search and inquirie, among all the Dutch ships which were found in any ports of those countries, of [ F] whence they were (notwithstanding their bils of lading, & that the owners & saylers were of neutral places, as of Emden, Breme, Hambourg, &c.) & whetherthey had any Netherlād mar∣chants partners with them, of whence their marchants were, & where they were borne, and so found matter to arest, attach, & confiscat many ships in diuers hauens in Spaine, committing

the masters and saylers to prison, and putting many of them in the gallies; yet a great num∣ber [ A] of them, by meanes of the common people, who disliked of this rigorous course, escaped * 1.56 and fledde away, beeing forced to leaue both shippe and goods behind them. In Andolou∣sia and some other places in Spaine, if they did but suspect any Netherland marchant or say∣ler to haue beene in the Indian fleet, or at the taking of Cales, they examined and tortured them, and beeing confessed, they were made galley-slaues without redemption. In Portugall they dealt more mildly with the Netherlanders, for that the Castilians which gouerned there, durst not presume any way to breake their priuiledges, so as most of them got safely home.

For confirmation, and to excuse this rigorous proceeding, Andrew cardinall of Austria, * 1.57 gouernour of the Netherlands for the Infanta, by a proclamation bearing date the ninth of [ B] Februarie, 1599. shewed what the king of Spaine late deceased had done to quench the ciuill warres, not onely by armes, but by all milde courses, offering them a generall pardon, and graunting them free commerce and traffique into Spaine, that it might not be taken from the Netherlanders by other nations: and that in former times peace had beene offered them at Br•…•…da and at Cologne, and had beene often propounded by the emperours embassadours, yet would not be accepted: yea the French king had desired to comprehend them in his peace, the which was reiected by them. Moreouer, that the king had sent the archduke Er∣•…•…stus and the cardinal Albert to be gouernours ouer them, for that they complained so much of the Spaniards gouernment, which his fauours and kind vsage they also despised. In the end the king of meere compassion and loue, resolued to giue the Netherlands vnto some [ C] priuate prince, and so bestowed them by donation vpon the high and mightie princesse his daughter, marying with the archduke Albertus, who in her name had assembled the Estates at Brussels, commanding and suffering them to write vnto the vnited prouinces, to reconcile them vnto the king, whose messengers returned without any resolution, which proceeded from an obstinate vnthankfulnesse towards God, their prince, and natiue countrey; hauing no commiseration nor compassion, to thinke that the empire was much troubled and opprest by their warres, Christendome inuaded by the Turke, and the Netherlands miserably spoy∣led and ruined: making the simple people beleeue that they loose not thereby, but that they haue free trade of sea-faring, fishing, and marchandise, growing richer and mightier by warre, than euer they were; which grew, for that they were suffered (by pasport and licence) to trade [ D] freely with the prouinces vnder the kings obedience, and also to haue libertie to fish, the which were nothing but meanes to nourish and increase the warres.

For which cause, the king her brother had forbidden them all traffique into Spaine, vntill they should shewe themselues obedient subiects, as they had beene in times past. And there∣fore shee by the good aduice and counsell of the gouernour, cardinall Andrew her cousin, and of the councell of Estate, did forbid all communication, traffique, and trade of marchan∣dise, with the aforesaid Hollanders, Zeelanders, and their adherents, whether it were by their substitutes or others, vntill such time as they should bee reconciled vnto his Maiestie, or vnto her, as their soueraigne and naturall ladie and princesse: forbidding all men to transport any money, or wares &c. by sea, riuers, or by land, directly or indirectly vnto them, nor yet out [ E] nor from those prouinces, which refuse to obey her, to bring any wares marchandise, or other things growing there, or comming or passing from or through those countries, vpon paine of forfeiture of the said goods and marchandise, and otherwise to bee extraordinarily punished, reuoking all pasports, grants, and licences, which haue beene heretofore giuen: and for that cause we disanull all safegards granted for fishing and nauigation: and as for pasports giuen to trauellers, they shall be also reuoked, giuing euery man a moneths respite to consider there∣of, and to conforme themselues. And yet shee meanes not to exclude her subiects from all grace and fauour, nor yet to take from them all meanes of reconciliation; but rather to offer them the same conditions, which haue bin heretofore offered, and such as may stand with reason. [ F]

This proclamation beeing published, the second of Aprill 1599, another was made by the * 1.58 vnited prouinces, to forbid all trade into Spaine, or into those countries which were sub∣iect vnto him, as also concerning the giuing or receiuing of any safegards from their

enemie, thereby to traffique or fish freely, vpon paine of punishment and confiscation of [ A] their goods,, with promise to take good order for the freeing of the seas and fishing; and * 1.59 withall forbidding all saylers and pilots which should bee taken prisoners by the enemie, to pay any otherwise than was appointed by them to bee paied: ordaining that all ransomes and losses should bee leuied vpon the officers and subiects of the villages of Brabant, Flaun∣ders, and other prouinces vnder the enemies commaund; besides the contribution which they vsed to paie vnto them for the common cause, giuing the charge and command thereof vnto certaine committees thereunto deputed.

The generall Estates also caused a proclamation to bee published in Friseland, against the * 1.60 enemies safegards, who by letters and threatnings sought to force them of Friseland to pay them contribution, vpon promise of safegard and defence from them; and for that cause [ B] forbad all correspondencie by letters and otherwise with them: and commaunding euery man vpon the sound of a bell, or any signes of fire made, to chase, spoile, kill, or at the least to take prisoners, all souldiers belonging to their enemies, that should aduenture to enter into their territories, declaring all quarter to be broken with their enemies without any excepti∣on, vpon paine to be punished in like manner as the enemies themselues should bee: assig∣ning vnto euery one that should in that sort spoile, kill, or take prisoner any of the enemies souldiers, the summe of fiftie gulderns for his paines: and whosoeuer should present any one for not obseruing the contents of this proclamation, or that had harbored, or had correspon∣dencie with the enemie, 25 gulderns for a reward.

This yeare there were three shippes set out of Holland, to discouer a mine of gold about [ C] Guiney, who sailed to all the islands thereabouts, and some that were not inhabited, which they called the salt islands, for that the water which was beat vp by the sea, through the heat of the sunne, congealed and became hard salt, the which is exceeding fine, white, and very strong, and better than any other, very fit to make refined salt, which costs nothing but the fetching, lading, and bringing away, whereas eightie or ninetie sayle of the greatest shippes of burthen of Holland and Zeeland, find their fraight yearely, and make great profit, the voy∣age beeing but short, for some haue made it in eleuen weekes, others were somewhat longer, as winde and weather did serue them; the which is likely to prooue a great hindrance to Spaine and Portugall, especially by the restraint made in Spaine, where they were accusto∣med to fetch their salt; whereby the Spaniards were much deceiued, supposing that one na∣uigation [ D] would hinder another, especially that into the east countries: but it hath bin found otherwise, for that this yeare in the beginning of April, there came vnto Amsterdam at one time sixe hundred and fourtie saile, most of them great shippes, out of the east countries, most beeing laden with corne, wood, masts, sparres, deale, pitch, tarre, flaxe, waxe, &c. which altoge∣ther brought at the least thirtie thousand tunnes, and had one with another foure pounds starling for the fraight of a last (which is two tunnes) so as by that computation they did earne sixtie thousand pounds starling at the least for fraight: whereby it may be truely said, that sea-faring, fishing, and trade of marchadise, is the Netherlanders myne.

This winter the vnited prouinces prepared not onely for a defensiue warre, as they had done some yeares before, but also to offend the enemie, who lay so strong vpon their fron∣tiers [ E] with their winter armie, as they were forced to raise new regiments, and more cornets of Netherland horse men. First they gaue to Ernestus earle of Nassau, a commission to leuie a regiment of high Dutches of tenne companies, euery commission beeing two hundred men, the which were raised about Emden. Monsieur la Noue had charge to bring two thousand men out of France into Holland, of those which had so long serued the king there at their owne charges, hoping the king would be the more willing to restore the money which they had disbursed for the entertainement of those men, especially the money beeing paied vnto his owne subiects and vassals. They also entertained a thousand Suitsers which had serued in France: they added nine cornets more to their horse men, one cornet beeing vnder prince Maurice, his lieutenant was Ioncker Walrauen van Gent, sonne to the lord of Oyen, two cornets [ F] vnder the old and yong earles of Solines, and the rest vnder monsieur Timpel, Balen, Iohn Bax, La Sale, Cloet, and Hamelton a Scottish man. The Scottish footmen were also made comple•…•…, euery companie consisting of an hundred and fiftie men, and the colonels companie of two

hundred. They would willingly haue had more supplies out of England, but they durst not [ A] moue the Queen, for that she had long before written vnto them for 2000 Englishmen to be * 1.61 sent ouer, for her warres in Ireland, offering to send 2000 new souldiers in their places, which they could not refuse; and for that at that time there were 27 companies of English, they sent sixe whole companies, and out of the rest they chose the worst men they could find to make vp the number, which was ill taken: in whose places the Queene sent ouer about two thou∣sand new souldiers vnder Sir Thomas Knowles, who expected to be colonel ouer them, but he could get but a companie, and the rest of the men did serue to fill vp the other com∣panies.

They further made a proclamation concerning their musters, for the preuenting of all de∣ceit, * 1.62 by keeping their companies full, with all other orders necessarie for the warres: as first [ B] that vnder the Reisters no man might serue, but vpon his owne horse, which horse should not be lesse than fifteene great handfuls high, according to a measure made of purpose. The Reisters themselues were to haue a head-piece, a gorget, a breast, and a backe, two poldrons, a gantlet to hold his bridle, a short peece or pistoll, the barrell being two foot long, and a short sword, according to a measure appointed to that end: and if any one wanted any of the said furniture, he might not passe musters, or else he was checked and debarred from some part of his entertainment. Some in euery cornet were allowed to haue horses to car∣rie their necessaries, who (besides the furniture aboue named) were to bee armed with thighes, knee pieces, and culots (which is a piece of armour to defend the reines of the backe) with another short piece like vnto the first: their armour was to bee caliuer proofe, and they [ C] were allowed a boy who should carry a piece like vnto the other. The horsemen called Cara∣bins, were to haue a head-piece, a gorget, a breast and a backe, a sword and a piece hauing a ba∣rill three foot long, and a good horse.

At that time they vsed no more launces, for that they could doe but small seruice, vnlesse they were running in their full cariere, but in stead thereof they did vse pistols or short pieces, and did weare cassockes or liueries as launciers were accustomed to doe. The footmen which carried pykes, were to haue a head-piece, a gorget, a backe and a breast, a sword or rapier, a pyke of eighteene foot long, and that vpon a penaltie, and the one quarter of those that did beare pykes, were to haue poldrons to their elbowes.

The musketiers were to haue a head-piece, a rapier, a musket, carrying a bullet whereof [ D] tenne would make a pound, and a rest. And the harguebusiers must haue a head-piece, a rapi∣er, and a good caliuer, bored for a shot of 20 or 25 bullets in the pound, euery one hauing pay accordingly. Thus much I thought good to obserue, that posteritie may know what armes men vsed in the Netherlands in those warres.

In the end of Ianuarie 1599, certaine cornets of Reisters of the vnited Prouinces, with some companies of foot, vnder the leading of Edmonds, a Scottishman, and others, made a rode into the countries of Lembourg and Luxembourg, for that they brought not in their contribution orderly as they had promised, whereas they made a great spoyle vpon them of Kelinsberch, and others, taking many horses and great store of bootie from them, and bringing away many gentlemen prisoners, who were forced to answere for the said contri∣bution. [ E] They also reuenged themselues for certaine Reisters, which had beene hanged as freebuters by the Prouost Schenckern, neere Iuilliers, whose bodies they caused to be cut downe, and honourably buried, and in their returne they tooke certaine horses from the baron of Grobendonc, and after that they ouerthrew a troupe of souldiers, which were gathered together for some secret enterprise vpon Breda. This enterprise notwithstanding was attempted on the seuenteenth of Februarie, by a souldier called la Roche, who had bin laboured by Grobendonc, gouernour of Boisleduc, and by Augustine Mexia, Castellaine of Antuerpe, to giue entrie to the kings forces into Breda, promising him two thousand crowns, with other preferments: but he discouered it to prince Maurice, who with Gouert Montons and Monsieur Heraugier, gouernour of the towne, deuised how to intrap these vndertakers, [ F] wherein la Roche discharged his part well. The seuenteenth of Februarie the baron of Grobendonc and Augustine Mexia came secretly in the night with foure thousand foot and eleuen cornets of horse, before Breda, whereas secretly (and yet cunningly) the gate was set open for them, and all things well obserued both within and without: but in regard of

the great care that is to be taken in such cases; for that diuers of the bourgers, and some of [ A] the souldiers of the castle which laie in the towne were drunke, the gouernour and Montons * 1.63 were in some doubt, and therefore they caused a bridge to bee drawne vp, and so disappoin∣ted their designe, onely giuing charge and commaundement to discharge the ordnance as the enemie approached, the which was done disorderly, for the reason aforesaid, yet the Spaniards marching circumspectly, finding themselues to bee deceiued, and beeing then so neere the towne, they would haue offered to haue forced it, but it was in vaine the bridge beeing drawne vp, yet their resolution kept them of the towne from sallying out vpon them: and it was thought there were some hundred of them slaine, and so they retired with∣out any more losse.

There was another enterprise attempted vpon Nymeghen, by the earle of Bothwell, [ B] who had beene banished out of Scotland, and liued then in the court at Brussels, who in Aprill had practised with a gentleman called William Libboth, and one Robert Lumsden, with promise of 3000 crownes for a reward, to betray the towne vnto the Spaniards, hauing good meanes to effect it, for that there lay foure companies of Scottish men within the towne. There was also one M. Thou, whom they both knew well, and trusted, for that in former times hee had beene of the Bothwels faction in Scotland, whom they acquainted with this practise, expecting aid from him; but in the end he discouered the whole plot, so as Libboth and Lumsden were apprehended, and committed to prison: the said Lumsden hauing beene most eager about this practise, being condemned was executed at the Hage, much la∣menting his treason. [ C]

About this time there happened a strange accident in Deuenter, committed by one * 1.64 Henrick Achteruelt, who traiterously murthered one M. Schorickmans a minister in the said towne: this Henrick Achteruelt beeing in the church, whereas the said preacher had made a sermon, and was come downe out of the pulpit, walking behind the quire betweene two men, this Achteruelt followed him, and thrust him into the necke with a knife which had two edges, cleane through the throat, and cut a peece of his tongue, wherewith the minister fell downe, and died presently. Hauing done this villanous act, hee ranne out of the Church, but beeing followed by the officers of the towne on horse backe, hee was taken and rackt, where hee confessed that hee had done that deed willingly, in regard of his doctrine, and for the zeale hee bare to the catholike Romish religion, to the which end hee had caused the [ D] said knife to bee made, to effect that meritorious deed; for the which he was condemned and executed as a murtherer.

This winter vpon the eighteenth day of Ianuarie, the garrisons of Lillo and Liefkens∣hook-skonce lying vpon the riuer of Scheld, set vpon the skonce of Veyr in Flanders, right against Antuerpe, who going behind the drowned land, suddainly entred it, and slue all that made any resistance, taking all that was within it, where they found good bootie and iewels, which came out of the castle of Antuerpe, by meanes of the mutinie of the garri∣son there; and among other things they found a case of pearles, of great value, and tooke many prisoners, which they put to ransome, and so returned backe againe to their garrisons. [ E]

The diuision continued still at Emden, betwixt the earle of east Friseland, and the towne, by the practises of the Spaniards, and the king of Poland, so as the contract made at Delfziel was broken, and a faction growing in the towne of Emden, for the aduancing of the earles pretences: this faction consisted of marchants, owners of shippes, and sailers trading into Spaine, who as then hoped, by meanes of the prohibition of trade into Spaine, and the Spani∣ards rigorous proceeding against the Netherlands (who secretly vnder other mens names had great dealings in Spaine) to drawe the whole trade into their hands, wherof the Nether∣landers beeing debarred, they should also in all apparance loose their trade in the east coun∣tries, and so all that traffique would also fall into the hands of them of Emden. This faction beeing strong, by the incouragement of the earle, and such as were affected to the Spaniard, [ F] was well liked of the common people; so as the magistrates and rulers of the towne, were forced to seeke some meanes to preuent it, and to leuie certaine souldiers to oppose against enemies designes, for the which they wanted money, hauing no meanes to take vp many, beeing ouercharged with the paiment of certaine summes of money vnto the earle, accor∣ding

vnto the contract and agreement made at the towne of Delfziel, wherefore the vnited [ A] prouinces found meanes to aid the towne with twentie thousand Guelders, the towne and * 1.65 bourgers binding themselues vnto the Estates for the paiment thereof, wherewith they le∣uied some souldiers vnder certaine captaines and commaunders, remembring diuers p•…•…si∣dents of the duchie of Cleues, Westphalia, the towne of Wezel, and others, wherefore it much behooued them to stand vpon their guard: yet they of the contrarie faction sought to make themselues masters of the towne, so as in the moneth of Aprill there was likely to haue beene a great tumult within the towne, whereas they had shut vp the magistrate and about some fourtie others in the towne house, and in the meane time the contrarie faction resol∣ued to send to treat with the earle; which they of the towne fearing, they made meanes vn∣to the Estates to send them some souldiers with all speed: to whom captaine Iohn vander [ B] Corput was sent, with certaine companies, who beeing neere vnto the towne, and the earles messengers comming to Emden, met with them of the towne, vnto whom captaine Corput spake, and tooke them away with him, saying, there was no reason the towne of Em∣dèn should agree with the earle, vnlesse the vnited prouinces (according to the contract and agreement made at the towne of Delfziel) might haue their voices and consent therein: by which meanes the pretentions of the said factions for that time ceased. Not long after Edsard earle of east Friseland died, leauing fiue sonnes by his wife, who was daughter to the king of Sweathland, their names were cont Enno the eldest, Gustanus, Iohn, Christopher, and Charles; whereof, Enno vntill that time was called baron of Esens by his mariage with the heire of Esens, who tooke the rule and gouernment of the countrie vpon him: his brother [ C] Christopher went to serue the archduke Albert in the Netherlands, who made him colonel of a regiment of foot, the which hee raised this yeare in Brabant, and elsewhere.

Enno earle of Emden comming to the gouernment (by the mediation of Iohn Fredericke bishop of Breme, sonne to Adolph duke of Holst, and of the duches dowager of Holst, the said Enno hauing for his second wife maried one of his daughters) made an agreement with them of Emden, and with their adherents, together with the vnited prouinces, according vnto the contract made at Delfziel foure yeares before. This accord was afterward proclaimed in Em∣den the sixt day of October, in the yeare 1599, and cont Enno was installed in his earle∣dome.

As certaine troupes were leuied this yeare in France by monsieur la Noue, for the vnited [ D] prouinces, cardinall Andrew of Austria gouernour of the Netherlands, sent the earle of Bassigni, sonne to the lord of Boytel, to hinder the same, and to make complaint vnto the king, for that he had suffered such aid to goe vnto the rebellious Netherlands, con∣trarie to the contract and agreement of peace: whereunto the king made a short answer, saying, that he vnderstood that such as went thither were Huguenots, who went to aid their brethren, for that the warre which he had beene constrained to maintaine with the leaguers (wherein they had faithfully serued him) had made him so bare as hee could not reward their seruices, whereby they might haue meanes to liue quietly at home in their houses: and that if the cardinall had need of as many leaguers out of his realme, that hee was content to graunt them to doe him seruice: and if it should be construed to be against the peace, he said [ E] that he should not be found to bee the first that did infringe it, but rather the king of Spaine, who supported the duke of Sauoy against him, whereby he did not yeeld the marquessate of Salusses vnto him, whereunto he had so iust a title, as all the world did know: and besides he had suffered an armie of 30000 men to enter into the duke of Cleues countrie, beeing his friend and allie.

In the beginning of this yeare the old countesse of Arembergh (a wise and discreet ladie) * 1.66 widow to the earle of Arembergh, who was slaine in battell by Lodowicke earle of Nassau, di∣cd at Seuenberghen, where shee liued as in a neutrall place; so as vpon the 24 of Februarie, they of Holland decreed that her lands and goods (which were of great value in Holland, & by her death descended vnto her two sonnes, who as then serued the king, beeing their ene∣mies) [ F] should be againe confiscated, and so held to the vse and benefit of the countrie. But o∣mitting to speake of any other thing, we will returne to the admiral vpon the frontiers of the empire.

The princes electors of the Rhine, and of the inferiour circle of Westphalia, hauing their [ A] deputies assembled in the citie of Cologne the 21 of Ianuarie, to take some future course * 1.67 for the admirals disorders, by way of armes, seeing that the emperours letters were of so small credit with him: to that end they did write to the princes and estates of the circle of Fran∣conia, and the lower Saxonie, to mooue them to ioyne with them, and with their common forces, to chase the Spaniards out of the limits of the empire, and that the said princes, to the number of fiue circles, would to that end, send their deputies of Conflans, on the 11 of March following, the which they did.

In the meane time the emperour did write againe from Prague the 11 of Februarie, 1599, to cardinall Andrew of Austria, gouernour of the Netherlands in the absence of the archduke Albert, reiterating his commaundements, with other letters to the like effect to the admirall; [ B] who on the other side, as it were in despight of the emperour and the princes of the empire, tooke Emmeric againe, beeing in the country of Cleues, the which prince Maurice had before taken from them, and deliuered to the duke free.

The archduke Albert meaning to excuse himselfe of all these disorders, by his letters writ∣ten vnto the emperour from Milan on the 29 of December, he seemes to lay the blame vpon cardinall Andrew, that the imperiall commandement for the retreat of the Spaniards out of the territories of the empire, was not executed: whether he did it fainedly or with a good in∣tent, may well appeare, by the taking againe of Emmeric.

The deputies beeing at Cologne, by letters of the 21 of Ianuarie, made their complaints vnto the emperour, as well of the admirall and the Spaniards, as of prince Maurice and the E∣states [ C] armie; beseeching, that they might haue an imperiall armie granted them (which ought commonly to bee of fourtie thousand men) to force both the one and the other to depart out of the territories of the empire, and repaire the hurt that was done. Whereupon the admirall sent a commissarie in his name to Cologne, to treat with the said deputies of the princes and Estates, but especially with that of cont Vander Lippe, captaine generall of the lower circle of Westphalia: which commissarie, before hee would propound any thing in the assemblie of the deputies, required a copie of the reasons why the admirall was sent for, with the names of all the deputies, and of the princes, lords, and Estates their masters, saying, that if they thought those affaires should be decided according to the constitutions of the empire, they were de∣ceiued, but it was his intention that they should be ended according to the forme of a coun∣cell [ D] of warre: whereupon answer was made him, that seeing hee auowes himselfe to bee for the king of Spaine, the archduke Albert, and the cardinall Andrew, they would see his letters of credit, and heare his propositions: the which beeing seene, the commissarie would not say any thing vntill the next day.

In the meane time the deputies of the princes and Estates of the circles beeing somewhat diuided, the commissioner sent to the deputies of cont Vander Lippe, that they should send one to conferre with him, which was onely to haue a delay for the deliuering of his proposi∣tions, the which he said he would at large in writing on the sonday following. At which day, the said cōmissioner being in the assembly of the deputies, he presented a certain iustificatory writing in the admirals name, promising as soone as might be to retire the Spanish forces out [ E] of the limits of the empire. The letters which the admirall had written vnto the deputies of the circles assembled at Cologne, from Rees the twentieth of Ianuarie, to excuse himselfe, * 1.68 were full of allegations, pretending an vrgent necessitie, which had moued the king of Spaine to come and lodge his armie in those quarters, that hee might the better by that meanes subdue his enemies the Estates, laying before them the great benefits which the empire had

receiued from the king of Spaine, and the house of Burgoigne; wherefore it was recipro∣cally bound to serue and accommodate him therein; saying, that he was not come thi∣ther with any bad intent, to incorporate any mans lands, or countrie, or to wrong any man, but through extreame and vrgent necessitie, and with sincere affection which hee bare vnto the empire, and the preseruation thereof, accusing as much as possibly hee could, [ F] the Estates of the vnited prouinces, to bee the onely and chiefe cause of these miseries, for that they would neuer reconcile themselues vnto the king, notwithstanding so many goodly treaties which haue bin offered, with the intercession of the emperour & other kings

and princes of Germanie, nor yet the grace which the king of Spaine hath done them to [ A] haue transported all his Netherlands to the Infanta his daughter, with the archduke Albert; * 1.69 so as they haue bin forced to take a very rigorous course. And seeing that the king & the said archduke had made him Generall of their armie, to imploy it as soone as might bee, and to march into the kings countrie, which was held by the enemies, they haue thought they might well allow them so much, as to passe by the frontiers of the empire, to take from the e∣nemie those places they held, and afterwards restore them to their lords. In the meane time, by the long expectation of the prince elector of Cologn, after the yeelding of Rhinberck, and the retreat of the enemies shippes vpon the Rhine, the said armie by the diligence of the archduke (pretending to ruine Schencks fort, situated vpon one of the corners of the Rhine) had staid still: but afterwards beeing suspected of delaie in the pursuit of this designe, wee [ B] haue brought it (said hee) along the Rhine, to aduance that businesse by his presence and ours. And beeing come thither, the which by reason of the treaties and negotiations was a long worke, it was forced to remaine there, as well to assure the riuer of Rhine, and defend the towne of Orsoy, as for other considerations. They were forced to vse the towne of Burick, to disappoint the enemies, and to hinder their designes. In the meane time victuals and forrage beeing wasted, considering the complaints of neighbours, many things haue past: among others, the fact of cont Vanden Broeck, who for his accustomed cruelty, and for the hatred he had formerly borne them, falling vpon them that went to forrage, and putting them to the sword, remembring it, and beeing incensed to reuenge for former affronts, ha∣uing neglected and contemned our brotherly admonitions, desiring rather to practise armes [ C] than to entertaine amitie, if any thing hath happened vnto him more than wee would, it was with our griefe and dislike, and whereof wee are resolued to doe iustice. And when as the neighbour countries came vnto vs to complaine of the wrongs and oppressions which they said they had endured, wee haue giuen them iust and lawfull excuses to euery point: so as after wee had taken Bergh, to preuent the pollicie of the enemie, as soone as wee had receiued money and victuals from them of Wezel, according to their redemp∣tion and accord made with vs, to distribute among our men, and to raise the army which wee brought to Rees, and hauing well furnished it, wee came to Emerick in view of the e∣nemie, a towne seated vpon the Rhine, neere vnto Schencks skonce, the which beeing strong both by art and nature, of hard accesse by reason of the waters, ill to batter, and worse [ D] to assault, leauing it there, wee tooke the high countrie and went before Deutecom, the which yeelded, and so did the castle of Schuylenbourg. Whilest this past, beeing in counsell what was to bee done, whether to lead the armie vp higher and farther into the enemies countrie, or not, considering the varietie of the season, raine, cold, and swelling of the riuers, the depth of marish and muddie waies, and the poore estate of the souldiers, beeing impossi∣ble to hold them longer in the raine and wind, after long consultations, by the reasons of warre, the iniurie of the time, and the preseruation of the armie, it was held most expedi∣ent to winter in the neerest places, that is, in the countries of Cleues, Munster, Marck, Co∣logne, about the Rhine, and beyond the Meuse, that they might thereby both stoppe the enemies courses, entertaine the kings armie all the winter, and haue it euer in a readi∣nesse. [ E] By reason whereof, wee haue seene what the common necessitie required, which was the shortest course, and the most expedient for vs to hasten, as wee haue courteously done, according vnto militarie order: seeing that through the shortnesse of time wee had not leisure to demaund nor attend the consent of superiours, who by their difficulties and te∣dious disputes, might haue beene the cause of greater danger. Against the which, as many by reason of the strangenesse of the fact, neither knowing the danger, necessitie, nor profit thereof, haue made their complaints vnto their princes, who apprehending the hindrance of their subiects, haue also complained vnto vs, wee haue answered them courteously, com∣mending the good amitie of the confederate lords of the Rhine, and of their countrey against all inconueniences; putting them in mind of the kings great benefits, and of his hazard, to [ F] preserue the countrie & territories of the empire from vtter ruine, to the preiudice of his own affaires. Finally, we gaue them to vnderstand the kings iust intention and ours in this action, hauing demaunded nothing more of them, but that wee might winter for a time, not to hold any thing, nor to doe any manner of wrong or oppression, earnestly intreating

them to put in ballance according to equitie, the benefits which they haue receiued from [ A] the king, against the small hindrances which the lodging and entertaining of his souldiers * 1.70 may cause them suffer, in regard of that which his enemies had caused them to endure, if this armie of the kings had not restrained them. Finally, hauing laid before them the assurance there was (were it by peace or warre) that rest and tranquillitie would ensue: that it would please them to beare this common fortune modestly betwixt them and the king, and con∣taine their subiects for a time with patience, and rather make the best interpretation of this action to the emperour, and other princes of the empire, than by badde reports and fruitlesse and false complaints, and badde conceptions, aggrauate the kings sincere actions, bringing our innocencie into danger, and it may be, vnder a pretext of commiseration and succours required, kindle a fire which would spread ouer the whole empire, the which may not bee [ B] quenched, but by the generall ruine of the whole. By which friendly behauiour and ad∣monitions, wee had thought to haue cut off all occasions of complaints, and that there should be no more mention made vnto the emperour, nor in any other courts and estates of the empire: whereof, notwithstanding, wee vnderstand the contrarie, and feare that in this assemblie (through the exclamations of some, mooued with hatred and spleene conceiued against the king and the catholike religion, or through indiscretion, or malice, t•…•…usting too much to the light promises of the enemies of the countrie, or through ingrati∣tude, or such like) that such false reports are againe brought in question. By reason whereof, wee haue thought it expedient, as wee haue done by letters to his imperiall Maiestie, and by word of mouth to M. Charles Nutzel, his Maiesties commissioner in these parts, to oppose [ C] vpon euery article, the kings merits and iustifications, against such friuolous complaints, and to send them in writing to the princes and estates of the empire; and to you in your assem∣blie, intreating you in his Maiesties name, and ours, not to haue any sinister impression without cause of his Maiesties sincere intention, by an vndue commiseration, or spleene, ri∣sing from a little disorder, which bee the ordinarie fruits of warre, least you fall into grea∣ter inconueniences and troubles, which would bee the cause of a farre greater mischiefe, whereof you should reape nothing but a late repentance. But rather vsing your accusto∣med wisdomes and discretions, according to the loue and affection which you beare to the publike quiet, measuring the good with the small losses and hindrances which haue happened vpon the frontiers of the empire, ioyning to these of the king, you will interpret [ D] it in the best sence, and comfort and feed with hope such as haue beene partakers of these losses, giuing others which are farre off to vnderstand, to what a good end all may sort, without giuing credit vnto the complaints which haue beene wrongfully made, as well vn∣to the emperour, and vnto the estates of the empire; the which beeing most notorious, should suffice any man of vnderstanding, to excuse and iustifie his Maiesties actions and ours. Yet for that in these concurrents of time, some mens iudgements are so depraued, as these nouelties sound so strangely in their eares, as they neither can nor will comprehend the true ground; and therefore matters remaine thus obscured and darkened. For whose better satisfaction, wee thinke that the king hath therein satisfied, if (as these false reporters, by lies and slaunderous suggestions, doe charge his Maiestie) wee on the other side doe shew [ E] by the deduction of alliances and treaties, as well of the whole empire, as of the princes and estates, with the house of Burgoigne, that his Maiestie in stead of seruices against his ene∣mies and rebels, hath receiued disseruices: although that according vnto diuine and humane lawes, yea and according vnto the constitutions of the empire, they were thereunto bound and obliged. Contra•…•…iewise, it appeares with what bountie, moderation, clemencie, and with what charge his Maiestie hath, amidst so great troubles and tumults of warre, pre∣serued the whole dioces of Cologne, and neighbour countries, beeing in great danger to bee all lost, and the catholike religion supprest and put downe; and that to the great hin∣drance of his owne affaires. By which merits and good deedes, they of the dioces of Co∣logne and Westphalia were the more bound, so as no man of iudgement, if hee will not bee [ F] noted of ingratitude, can iustly blame his Maiesties actions, nor ours, touching the lodging and wintring of his armie, contained with all militarie modestie: and they should not giue place to so many fruitlesse clamours and complaint, at the least if such men be any thing affe∣cted to their countries good, to stir vp in stead thereof new troubles, & new warres, whereof

there can be nothing expected but fire and flame, and a totall deuastation. Wherefore wee [ A] trusting in your wisedomes and discretions, and assuring our selues that you will therein do all * 1.71 good offices to his Maiestie and the Estates of the empire, seeking nothing more, than by the effects to attaine vnto a good peace, and to discharge the frontiers of the empire of the said armie, as soone as may be; wherein if through the presumption, rashnesse, or bad practises of some I be hindered, we protest openly, that the blame of all the mischiefe shall be layd vpon the authors and procurers of those hindrances, and not vpon the king. And to the end that the reasons here produced for his Maiesties iustification and ours, may bee the better represen∣ted vnto his imperiall Maiestie, and to your excellencies, and the necessitie which hath forced vs thereunto, wee intreat you, that in stopping your eares to all false reports (which else would increase daily) you will now resolue to assist this warre with all your meanes, and to conuert [ B] it to a good peace, with which hope we wil attend your iudgement and aduice, beseeching God, &c. From Rees the twentieth of Ianuarie 1599. Signed, Francis of Mendoza, great Ad∣mirall of Arragon.

The same deputies of the admirall, on the seuenth of February following, presented a certaine declaration in the assembly of the deputies of the princes and Estates of the said fiue circles, in the said towne of Cologne, in the name of the king of Spaine, the archduke Albert, the cardinall Andrew, and the said admirall, in a sharpe and Iesuiticall stile, in the which are re∣lated particularly and at large, the iustifications, reproches, instances, and pursutes made vnto the emperour and to the princes summarily set downe in the admirals letters: All which dis∣course seemes rather to be made in contempt and mockerie, and the more to incense the Ger∣mans, [ C] as if they did them great wrong to complaine of the admirals actions, and of his armie, and that they were yet beholding vnto them. The which they did onely to win time, and to haue the bad season of winter spent, and to see if the Germans would doe any thing, as it see∣med they threatned them. This discourse is so tedious, as it would tire the reader, and so im∣pudent and arrogant, as we haue thought good to omit it. To the which answer was made, and all the points of the reproches, and accusations, made in the said declaration, examined, de∣bated, and reiected as false & calumnious, to the preiudice of the emperors honor, of the prin∣ces and the Estates of the empire.

The fifteenth of December, the same yeare 1598, there died in the towne of Leiden in Hol∣land, * 1.72 that worthy and learned personage, Philip of Marnix, seignior of S. Aldegonde, who was [ D] much lamented of al learned men, being about threescore years old, who in his time had done great seruices to the prince of Orange, and the general cause of the vnited prouinces. The next * 1.73 day there died in the towne of Arnhem, doctor Elbert Leonin, called Longolius, chauncellor of Gueldres, sometimes professor, and a great lawyer in the vniuersitie of Louuaine, a man of great knowledge and experience in affaires of estate, of a quick conceit, and sound iudgement, hauing also done great seruices to the said prince and States. He was aboue 80 yeres old when hee died. In two dayes together the vnited prouinces of the Netherlands, lost these two lear∣ned men.

Cardinall Andrew, gouernour of the Netherlands in the absence of the archduke Albert, * 1.74 did also send Fernando Lopes de Villa noua, gouernour of Carpen, to the emperour, with the [ E] like iustifications, with expresse charge in passing, to excuse and iustifie him to the prince ele∣ctor, archbishop of Mentz, and to make the emperour and all the princes and states of Germa∣nie deafe and blind, if it were possible, although they did heare and see plainely. The prince elector of Mentz, gaue him a short and resolute answer, which was in effect, That he could not allow of that which the said cardinall and admirall had attempted vpon the territories, and a∣gainst the constitutions of the empire. That for his part he would not fayle in that which con∣cerned his duetie for the preseruation of the peace and quiet of Germanie, being in that maner troubled and interrupted: And that for his better counsell, he did aduise the said cardinall, to retire his armie out of the confines of the empire, as soone as might be, and not to attend vnto the end of Aprill, to repaire all iniuries, to restore that which they had extorted, and make satis∣faction [ F] for the dammages which they had suffered both in generall and particular: In doing so the princes and Estates of the empire should haue reason to excuse that which was past, and to allow of the vrgent necessitie, by the which they seeke to purge and iustifie the said actions. This answer was giuen to Fern. Lopes by the said prince elector, the 25 of Februarie 1599.

The Estates of the vnited prouinces sent in like manner their iustifications in writing, of all [ A] their actions, to some of the princes electors, and others in Germanie; whereof the substance * 1.75 was, That they had receiued their letters, containing the complaints of the circles of West∣phalia; for the wrongs and oppressions which the countries of Cleues, Iuilliers, Cologne, and Westphalia, did suffer by the souldiers of either partie: By the which letters they were requi∣red to retire their souldiers out of the confines of the empire, without any delay, restoring the

townes which they held, pulling downe the forts which they had built, and leauing the coun∣tries, townes, and estates of the empire in their antient peace, quiet, and tranquilitie: Where∣vnto their answer and resolution was in like sort requisit. In answer whereof the sayd Estates protested, That they were verie sorie to heare of any such complaints, and the more, for that they were put in the same ranke with the Spaniards and the admirall, who had not for∣borne [ B] to besiege, batter, force, and take the towns, castles, forts, and houses of gentlemen in the countrey of Cleues, and the circle of Westphalia, with murthers, burning, spoyles, and raui∣shing of wiues and virgins, without any respect of what estate, condition, or qualitie soeuer; wherwith not content, they haue by their garrisons and threats, forced some of the said towns, ouer and aboue their ransomes & concussions, to change their religion & policie, which they had for many yeares past quietly enioyed, vnder the authoritie of your excellencies, and other princes, wherein the king of Spain had no title nor interest, and therefore had no reason to co∣lour his attempts.

Whereas for their parts (say the Estates) nothing hath beene done but by meere constraint and necessitie (which hath no law) for the preseruation, maintenance, and assurance of their v∣nited [ C] prouinces, and the which without any contradiction, according to the law of armes, and martiall discipline, may be done, whereunto they haue beene forced. By reason whereof they besought their excellencies, and all men of iudgement in matters of warre, calling them to wit∣nesse, if considering the admirals attempts (seeing they had no other meanes to make head a∣gainst the enemie, but in preuenting him, and in fore-occupying the places which he himselfe had incorporated) they had seized first thereon, and put in some of their men, for that the Tolhus which they had seized, was not sufficient to resist the admirals forces, who in the end would not haue failed to haue come thither (where the inhabitants should haue been in∣treated with the like mildnesse that they were in other places) and thereby to haue had an en∣trie into their vnited prouinces: Besides, they neuer had any intent to seize vpon one foot of [ D] land belonging to the empire, nor to any prince or lord that were a neuter, to hold or retaine them as proprietories, as (they said) they had of late assured his imperiall Maiestie, the princes * 1.76 electors, and namely the prince elector of Cologne, with whom they desired nothing more, than to entertaine all good alliance, amitie, correspondencie, and good neighborhood: main∣taining themselues in that sort, without diminution of their estate, vntill they might once see an end, whereunto they haue alwayes aspired, vnto that houre, and the which they haue suffi∣ciently made knowne by their resolution, to restore the town of Rhineberck to the said prince elector of Cologne, to hold that vnder the lawes of neutralitie, if that had not beene preuented by the siege which the admirall laid before it, who thereby would giue colour to his attempts vnto those, who through impatiency would not looke vnto the ground of the matter: [ E] Which attempts are the more manifest, by the taking and surprising of townes and pla∣ces, and the alteration of religion and policie: whereby he doth not onely aduertise the prin∣ces and noblemen, but he doth teach them plainly, how hee will intreat both them and their subiects, vpon the first oportunitie, to erect the Spanish Monarchie. They haue well found by experience, how willingly and freely (sayd the Estates) in the yeare 1590 last past, they did at the request of the said princes and estates of the empire, deliuer vp diuers places which they had taken from their enemies, being scituated vpon the territories of the empire, hoping that the enemies would in like manner yeeld vp those which they held, and which they had promised the said princes and estates to yeeld, being also held of the empire, as it is well known to all the world: Which yeelding of their parts, and refusall of the enemies, hath been so pre∣iudiciall [ F] vnto them, as in the end they haue beene constrained to besiege and force Alpen, Moeurs, and Berck, according vnto the good successe which they haue had. It is also well knowne, how they haue since yeelded the townes of Alpen and Moeurs, without restitution of any one peny of that which they had layd out to conquer them, and how they had offered

to do as much for the towne of Berck, with the declaration of the true meanes to entertaine [ A] the limits of the empire in peace, so farre foorth as the enemie (who did all hee could to the * 1.77 contrarie) did not hinder it: which their good and sincere intention hath beene so much the more apparant, for that according to the order set downe by prince Maurice their generall, to chase away the enemies garrisons out of the towne of Emmeric, they haue done it, and be∣ing satisfied therewith, haue yeelded the towne vnto his prince. Whereby your excellencies and other princes may iudge of the sinceritie of their actions, without any doubt or distrust of them: but that you would rather seeke the meanes, by the which the Spaniards and their adherents might be chased out of all Germanie, and preuented of their pretended monarchy, driuing them euen beyond the Alpes, to the end that the members and subiects of the empire may be deliuered and freed from so great troubles and dangers, wherein for these many yeres [ B] we haue pretended and done our best indeuours, and are yet resolued so to do: wherein wee hope and trust, that God will moue the hearts of kings, princes, potentats, and commonweals, and opening the eyes of their vnderstanding, they wil take the defence of their common cause in hand, running all ioyntly to quench this fire, which begins now to flame. For the which we pray vnto his diuine Maiestie both night and day, beseeching most humbly, that it would please your excellencies, and the other princes, to take and interpret our reasons and iustificati∣ons here set downe, in good part, and as the sincerenesse thereof doe deserue. Praying the Almightie &c.

During all these rescriptions and iustifications of either side, the Spaniards had, like har∣bingers with chalke in their hands, run ouer and forraged the frontiers of Germanie in West∣phalia, Cleueland, Marck, and Bergh, the which neither writing nor threats could make them [ C] forbeare; making their greatest excuse, that they would first haue the Estates deliuer vp that little which they held vpon the confines of the empire, as the Tolhus, and the fort of Grauen∣werd. By reason whereof the deputies of the circles of Franconia, of the Rhine, of base Ger∣manie, of Westphalia, and of base Saxonie, assembled at Conflans, to consult what was to be done, to reduce Germanie to quietnesse, and to cause the Spaniards retire, freeing as wel those places which were scituated vpon the riuer of Rhine, from their garrisons, as all other places of the territories of the empire. And in like maner those which the Estates of the vnited prouin∣ces held, with reparation of damages and spoils made by either partie vpon the territories of the empire: According to the which they did write vnto the said Estates the tenth of Aprill, [ D] commaunding them in the emperours name and the princes, to retire their garrisons out of the confines of the empire, to deliuer vp the townes, and to ruine the forts which they had built, (namely that of Grauenwerd) to repaire the damages done by them, to punish the breakers of the peace, and the perturbers of the publike quiet of Germanie, to restraine the courses and spoyles of their souldiers, that hereafter the territories of the empire may bee freed from such spoyles and oppressions, and that the traffique and commerce may be restored.

Whereunto answer was made by the said confederat Estates, That they had hoped and did * 1.78 verily beleeue, that they had giuen contentment vpon the like points vnto his imperiall Maie∣stie, and to the princes, by their precedent letters, whereof they sent a copie vnto the said de∣puties: for that nothing had been since attempted by them vpon the territories of the empire, [ E] hauing no other intent, but to make head against the admirall, and to resist his mightie armie, by preoccupation of those places, where their troups were lodged; of the which without doubt the admirall would haue seized, that by the fauour thereof he might get an entrie into their prouinces. Assuring the said deputies, that they had neuer any intention to seize vpon a∣ny one foot of land belonging to the empire, nor to any country that was neuter, but haue ra∣ther sought to win and entertaine with good friendship and neighbourhood, all princes, po∣tentats, and commonweales, wherein they desire to continue as much as may be, and the assu∣rance of their estate may beare; as in effect they had sufficiently declared, when as (notwith∣standing all the barbarous insolencies which the Spaniards practised before their eyes, in the duchies of Cleues and Mont, and in the diocesses of Cologne and Munster) they had carried [ F] themselues temperatly and modestly, and had done more, if the Spaniards had not brought their garrisons so neere: for which cause they could not restraine their souldiers, but they must sometimes go to discouer them, and to skirmish with them: so as the deputies had no iust cause to distrust their good and sincere intention. Assuring them, that as for those places which they

held, and were of necessitie to hold for their safetie vpon the territories of the empire; that as [ A] soone as euer they had abandoned those quarters, that they also for their parts would quit * 1.79 them, and giue order for the excursions of their men of warre. And whereas the deputies re∣quired, That the Estates would abandon and ruin the fortof Grauenweerd: they shewed that the countrey and iurisdiction of the duchie of Geldre, had alwayes maintained, and did yet, that that place is of the seigniorie and dependance of Geldre, and not of Cleues. And if the duke of Cleues would not be therewith contented, that in that case they would be mediators to the Estates of Geldres, and the county of Zutphen, which are of their vnion, that they would consent to haue this controuersie decided by the said deputies, according to the treaty past in the yeare 1544 betwixt the emperour and the duke of Cleues, by the which the sayd difference hath remained vnto this day vndecided, so as they cannot now do otherwise. They [ B] intreated them, that their answer and sincere declaration might be taken in good part, and that they would be mediators vnto the emperor, the princes and estates of the empire, that the Spa∣niards might effectually leaue the townes and places which they held vpon the confines of the empire: that in the like case they might for their parts deliuer all, and giue more cause of contentment to the emperour. This answer was sent from the Hage in Holland, the 12 of May 1599.

The said deputies of the circles being again assembled at Munster, writ their letters vnto the * 1.80 generall Estates of the vnited prouinces, on the 15 of May, insisting chiefly vpō the restitution and abandoning of those places which the Estates held vpon the confines of the empire, espe∣cially for the fort Grauenweerd, the which doth the Spaniard more hurt than all the rest. The [ C] said deputies did also complaine, that the Estates entertained some of their troups in the sub∣urbs of Emden, and that they caused the * 1.81 Montaigne of Calmine, in the countrey of Lem∣bourg, to contribute, and that for the execution thereof their men had burnt certaine mils to beat copper. Whereupon the Estates answered, That for the first point of restitution of places, they thought they had giuen them contentment by their letters of the 12 of the said moneth, and by the copie annexed, written vnto the emperor, and to the princes of the empire: for that the places which they held were only for their defence, manned with a moderat garrison, and well paid, the which did not oppresse the inhabitants, whereas if the Spaniards had held them (whereof they would not haue failed, if they had not bin preuented) they must haue attended nothing but ruine & desolation: assuring them againe to haue them, as soone as the Spaniard [ D] should be retired. As for those men which they had in the suburbs of Emden, it had bin done since that the Spaniard had past the Rhine with his whol army, & had sought to make himself master of that towne, aswell by the disvnion that was within it, as by the troups hee had about it: for which consideration they had bin moued to send some troups to preuent any such en∣terprise, not only for the assurance of the said town, & of the good inhabitants, but also for the seruice of the empire, and the estate of their prouinces, the which they entertained with great charge & good order for their pay: Hauing (according to the promises made by them to the earle deceased, and to the senat of the said town (when they made an agreement betwixt them at Delfziel) to cause the said treatie to be obserued) sent their deputics thither, to make a good peace betwixt the new earl & the senat, and if it were possible to reconcile all their quarels and [ E] discontents. And that when as the danger of Spanish practises shall cease in those quarters, by this peace which they do mediat, they would then speedily retire their men, wherof they haue giuen charge vnto their commissioners: Intreating them, that they would interpret this action in the best sence, and excuse it as done for the seruice of the empire: remembring that the ma∣gistrat of the said towne hath not yet made any complaint of our souldiers.

As for the contributions of the Calmine, that they should not take it in ill part, to ad∣uance the Spaniard, for that if they get any contributions out of the enemies countrey, the Spaniards draw much more out of theirs: that it is according to the law of armes, wherein they haue done no wrong vnto the empire. That they had no knowledge of the burning of any mils, if it be not by some exploit of warre, wherein it is verie hard (although they should [ F] be verie sorie any such thing should happen) to restraine the incensed souldiers, promising to take such order, as their souldiers shall bee hereafter more temperat and modest in their behauiour.

Henry Iules duke of Brunswick and Lunebourg, postule of Halberstat, hearing the many

complaints of the barbarous cruelties committed by the Spaniards vpon the frontiers of Ger∣manie, [ A] fearing least this canker should spread further, and creepe into the bowels of the em∣pire, * 1.82 had on the nineteenth of December the yeare past, by his proclamation, exhorted his sub∣iects and vassals, to be armed and readie vpon all occurrents to repulse the attempts of the Spa∣niards: wherein he was seconded by prince Maurice, landtgraue of Hessen, who hauing leui∣ed good troups of men, with those that the Estates of the circles, aboue named, ioyned vnto them, made a goodly bodie of an armie, none but Germans, beeing about ten thousand foot and three thousand horse, whereof noble Simon earle of Lippe was generall: Philip earle of Hohenloo commaunded the duke of Brunswicks troupes, and George Euerard earle of So∣lins, those of the landtgraue of Hessen, and Oliuer of Timpel, seignior of Cruybeke, was called from the seruice of the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces, to be generall of the artillerie to the said armie, without the assistance of which Estates, to speake the truth, the said armie had [ B] wanted many of the chiefe commodities which they had need of.

This armie being on foot, the Spaniards left their lodgings about the end of Aprill, in the quarters of Westphalia and Munster, the which they left miserable and desolate, comming a∣long the Rhine, to the townes of Emmeric and Rees: then the armie approched, and came and besieged the fort of Walsom, right against Orsoy, on the riuers side, which the Germans tooke, after which the armie spent almost two months idly in those quarters, to the great discontent∣ment of the said princes of Brunswick and Hessen, & of their lieutenants. In the end cont Van∣der Lippe causing it to descend lower on the same side of the Rhine, the admirall of Arragon retired his Spaniards out of Emmeric the 7 of May, displacing the bridge which he had vpon the Rhine, and carrying it downe before the towne of Rees, and hauing well mannaged the [ C] said towne with a good garrison, he past ouer the greatest part of his armie, and hauing cast a portatiue bridge vpon the riuer of Meuse, he entred into the island of Bomel, betwixt Rossum and Driel, vpon either banke of which riuer he intrencht himselfe, and built a fort.

The German armie hauing the towne of Emmeric at their deuotion, being abandoned by the admirall, cont Vandr Lippe besieged Rees, a little towne, and of small defence, beeing vn∣worthy to stay such an armie, in which campe (besides the discontentment of the commanders and souldiers) there were many wants from the beginning, and had beene more, if the Estates had not relieued them, whose armie also was not farre from them. This sodaine and vnexpe∣cted descent of the Spaniards into the isle of Bomel, made them of the towne to wauer, so as many of the inhabitants retired with what they could carrie away. Whereof prince Maurice [ D] being aduertised, hee posted thither with all speed, with some of his horse and foot to assure them, the which did much incourage them of the towne. Without doubt if the admirall at his first entry into the island, had gone directly to the towne of Bomel (the which lay then o∣pen on the one side, by reason of their workes which they made at the rampars and bulwarks) it had beene in verie great danger. At the Admirals first arriuall into the quarter of Bomel, he besieged the fort of Creuecoeur, whereas captaine Spronck commaunded for the Estates, who after it had beene battered, hauing endured some assaults, hee was forced to yeeld by composition, he and his men departing with their full armes and baggage.

The Estates seeing the last yeare how the king of Spaine drew vnto them with his armie, [ E] when as the admirall past, they resolued to make warre against him in his owne countrey, by sea, not with any hope to get any thing from him, which they would keepe with their forces (which had beene too farre from them) but to annoy him and his subiects: for the effe∣cting whereof they would prepare an armie at sea, of fourescore sayle of ships, of Hollanders, Zeelanders, and West-Frisons, diuided vnder three admirals, whereof Peter vander Does was admirall generall; his ship was called Orange, and carried an orange coloured flag: William Diericsen Cloyer was captaine of the ship. The second was Ian Gheerbrandiz, carrying a white flag, and the third Cornell is Ghyleynsem of Flessingue. Captain Sturme was lieutenant colonel, with some companies of foot, and great store of mariners: so as there were about 8000 souldi∣ers and saylers, the which being well prouided, staied but for a wind. [ F]

Prince Maurice being at Bomel, and resolued to set vpon the admirals bridge, which he had made vpon the riuer of Meuse, hee sent for most part of the said mariners: whereof the admi∣rall being aduertised by two French men which were fled vnto him from the princes campe, this enterprise was not followed, and the mariners were sent backe.

The admirall after he had prouided for the defence of his bridge vpon the Meuse, approa∣ching [ A] the towne of Bomel, he besieged it afarre off. Prince Maurice made trenches without * 1.83 the towne (to hinder his neere approach) from one corner of the riuer vnto the other, the which he manned with good troups; yet the Spaniard left not to approach neere, and to bring his artillerie to batter the towne at random, as he did, so as colonell Murrey, a Scottish man, being vpon the rampar, and viewing the countenance of the Spaniards campe, was slain with a canon. And as the princes armie was part of it in the towne, part in the trenches, and the rest on the other side of the riuer of Wahal, he was forced to make a bridge of boats vpon the said riuer, before the towne, to passe from one quarter to another. The Spaniard to annoy this bridge, planted certaine peeces of ordnance vpon the riuer side, to batter it in flanke, do∣ing much harme vnto passengers, and in the towne. In the meane time the besieged (who [ B] notwithstanding were not besieged but on the one side, hauing the riuer and their bridge al∣wayes free) requited them, their men being in the trenches, were daily in fight with the Spa∣niards by whom they were also often assailed, with losse of either side, but more of the Spani∣ards, of whom they did daily carrie great numbers hurt to the towne of Boisleduc; so as the Spaniards were forced to leaue their approaches, and to retire further off, and in the end to a∣bandon all their trenches neere vnto the towne.

The Spaniards being parted from their campe with foure thousand foot, and a good troup of horse, appearing plainly that it was for some exploit or enterprise, which they supposed to bee vpon the towne of Breda, prince Maurice hauing some intelligence thereof, parted from Bomel, & past the Meuse to enter into Brabant, neere the town of Wandrichom, with sixteen [ C] cornets of horse, and some foot, thinking to surprise some of his enemies; but they were ad∣uertised, and retired speedily to Herental, fearing a second battaile of Tournhout, and so the prince returned to his armie in the towne of Bomel.

The sea armie of the Estates did set sayle the fiue and twentieth of May, to goe and braue the Spaniards at their owne doores, so as vpon the eleuenth of Iune, comming neere vnto the Groyne, they met with two Spanish boats, and hauing taken a Spaniard out of one of them (they being also sent to discouer them) they vnderstood, that they were aduertised vpon that coast of their comming, and that they were in armes, that at the Groine there were foure thousand foot, and some horse. Whereupon the generall hauing called his captaines aboord the admirall (within canon shot of the fort, which shot among their ships) they found it not [ D] fit to attempt any thing vpon that quarter: so hoysing sayles, they tooke their course towards cape S. Vincent, so as hauing past the islands of Lancerotta, Allegansa, and Forte ventura, they discouered the great island of the Canaries, where they arriued the six and twentieth of Iune. Wee will speake soone of their successe, but now let vs returne to the affaires of the Ne∣therlands.

Whilest that the earle Vander Lippe was with his German armie at the siege of Rees, and the admirall in the island of Bomel, the deputies of the circles of the empire, being now assembled * 1.84 in the towne of Huxar, they writ vnto the Estates the eighteenth of Iune, tending to the same complaints of their troups lying in the suburbs of Embden. Whereunto answer was made the tenth of Iuly, being conformable to the others. And soone after the deputies writ other [ E] letters from Huxar to the Estates, wishing the Estates to forbeare to doe any executions vpon the lands of the empire, for the countesse of Moeurs and Nyeuwenart, seeming to reproach the Estates, as if they would not suffer such executions to be done in their iurisdiction. Wher∣vnto the Estates answered, That seeing the wrong which was done vnto the said countesse, de∣taining her goods and reuenewes in the diocesse of Cologne, against all right and reason, they had often requested the prince elector, and the chapter of Cologne, that they would suffer her to leuie and receiue them, the which had beene often reiected by meanes of some of her ene∣mies in the said chapter: But in the end there was a certaine agreement made, the which not∣withstanding they would not performe. Wherefore seeing the said ladies husband is dead in our seruice, they could not refuse (as to a poore desolat widow) to grant her letters of reprisal, [ F] and so they are to be vnderstood.

Afterwards the sayd deputies sent a trumpet with letters on the three and twentieth of Iune, demaunding a safe conduct for a certaine number of them, who would come vnto the Estates * 1.85 to treat with them as well of the points and grieuances aboue mentioned, as of other matters

concerning the quiet of Germany, and the preseruation of the publike good: which trumpet [ A] was presently dispatchd with a safe conduct, with an answere on the eleuenth of Iuly, in the * 1.86 which are set downe the insolencies and oppressions of the Spaniards in the countries of Westphalia, Cleues, Cologne, Marck and Mont: and that for their owne defence, the Estates had need to make vse of the townes which they held as it were by way of lone of the coun∣trie of Cleues. But as the iourney to come into Holland, seemed too troublesome for the de∣puties, they desire by letters of the fourteenth of Iuly, that the Estates wold send to them and to cont Vander Lippe generall of the armie of the circles, being camped before Rees, cer∣taine commissioners, or their embassadors, to treat of the aboue mentioned points: Where∣upon * 1.87 the Estates sent Nicholas Bruninck counsellor to prince Maurice, & Daniel Vander Meulen; where beeing arriued in the campe before Rees, on the fifteenth of August they had [ B] audience in the counsell of warre, before the said cont Vander Lippe, Otto Van Starchedel, lieutenant of Cassel, for the landtgraue of Hessen, Isaack Craft for them of Brandebourg, Christopher Conincx Merck, for the duke of Brunswic, & doctor Amandus Rutterscheir chance∣lor of the said armie. At which audience of Bruninck and Vander Meulen there were propoun∣ded foure points: the first was, The restitution of Grauenweerd: the second was, The repara∣tion and restitution of dammages, which the Estates men had done vpon the territories of the empire: the third, Libertie of commerce, and cassation of licences: and the fourth was, Caution, that hereafter there should bee no more oppressions, nor incursions made by their souldiers. To all which points there was an ample and pertinent answer made by the Estates deputies: Three of them were but faintly maintained by the Generall and his assistants, yea, it seemed they were reasonable well satisfied with the allegations of the [ C] said deputies: But the reparation of damages and oppressions, was disputed with great vehe∣mency; for the Estates commissioners did lay before them, & did aggrauat the great damage and losses which the Estates of their vnited prouinces had receiued from the enemy by the land of the empire, who not onelie vsed it for a passage, but to ease his country where he com∣manded, and to entertaine his armie there for many monethes, making it his rendez vous, and the seat of war: wherfore the Estates could do no lesse, than to seeke the enemy where he was. That if by any such occasion their men had at any time exceeded, that they were sorie for it, and had done what they could to redresse it, causing restitution to be made, & punishing the offenders: but that which the Spaniard had done, was with a purposed intent. The imperiall [ D] deputies maintained, That if the Spaniard did ill in seazing vpō the land of the empire, yet the Estates shold not do the like, but they should haue attended their enemy in their own limits. Wherunto answer was made, That the lands held by the enemie was not the empires, so long as they held them, and that it was against reason to bind them to hold that place as neuter, which made war against them: that it was not for the Estates to dispute, by what title, or with what authoritie the enemie had vsurped the said places, but it did belong vnto the said im∣periall deputies; who hauing taken order for the dislodging of the enemie, the Estates would let all their neighbours see by the effects, what difference there is betwixt their neighbour∣hood and the Spaniards. But the deputies of the Estates did coniecture, that vnder colour of these restitutions and reparations of damages, the German did hope to draw some money [ E] from the Estates: but there was no mention made there of any restitution of places held of the empire, and vsurped by the emperor Charles 5, nor of the towne of Emden, neither yet of the countesse of Moeurs, which as yet seemed, serued but for matter of cauillation, wherof menti∣on is so often made in the letters written by the said imperiall deputies to the vnited Estates.

The Estates had a day or two before the arriuall of their deputies at the imperiall campe, deliuered vp vnto the Germans the fort of Tolhus, the towne of Seuenter, and some other forts there abouts; as afterward the Spaniards (to shew some willingnes of their parts) aban∣doned (but it may be, being forced thereunto) knowing the preparations that were made for the towne of Genep.

The Deputies of the Estates hearing that the German army was leuied but for three mo∣nethes, * 1.88 [ F] the which being expired, might perchance be continued three moneths longer, they did represent vnto the earle of Hohenloo for the duke of Brunswic, to the earle of Solins for the landtgraue of Hessen, and to the baron of Creange for the marques of Ausbach, the diffi∣culties which would grow by this continuation, & the small likelihood there was for them to

win any honour, and to assure the credit and the Estates of their princes, without the coniun∣ction, [ A] directly or indirectly of the German armie with prince Maurice, whereby they should * 1.89 haue meanes to ruine the enemie, and to settle Germanie at quiet: but there was need of a speedie resolution, for that all hope of good successe consisted in celeritie, and that not making this coniunction in time, & to purpose, they might loose both their charge and paines, making them soon subiect to reproches & slanders: wherfore they shold do wel not to loose any time, but to send speedily vnto their princes, & to aduertise them of the true estate of the affairs, and of their danger, in case they suffered themselues to be abused by any treatie with the enemie.

The said generall and imperial commissioners, did importune the commanders of the Spa∣nish * 1.90 armie with cōplaints, no lesse than they had done the vnited Estates, vpon the same points of reparation of damages, restitution of places held by them, libertie of commerce vpon the [ B] Rhine and caution for the preuenting of such oppressions hereafter. Whereunto the Spani∣ards made diuers euasions. In the mean time the general approched his army neere vnto Rees. Doctor Yenburch was sent by the Spaniards vnto the general and the imperial commissioners, on the 16 of August: at his arriuall he talked to euerie man of the reparation of damages, and the charge he had to deliuer vp Rees: but the next day he denied all, saying, That hee had no such commission, intreating them, that they would giue him three dayes time to aduertise his masters, euery man knowing that the Spaniard sought nothing but to win time: so as they were discontented with this kind of proceeding, yet after they had disputed much against him and threatned him with the coniunction of the Estates armie, with that of the princes & circles of the empire, in the end they granted him these three daies, for there was no shew that they [ C] would begin to force the towne of Rees, hauing no preparation but what the Estates had lent them, and sent them: besides the iealousies and distrusts which were in the said camp, were the cause that they imputed those things to practises and malice, which haply proceeded from the ignorance and want of experience of the generall, being accused of some, as if from the begin∣ning he had had a bad intent, that in leading the armie vp and downe here and there, hee had caused them to spend two moneths and aduanced nothing, and that he had a meaning to dis∣solue the armie, and make the companies disband: and that him selfe had solicited the empe∣ror, to be imployed in a treatie of peace. Others spake wel of him, that he had a good mind, and that they did what they would with him, but they complained of his insufficiencie, which was the only cause of these disorders; the which after the retreat of the army were better known. In [ D] the mean time all agreed, That there were some dangerous people about the general, to whom he was too open, who gaue aduice vnto the Spaniards, of all that past among the Germans, holding Freniz, marshall of the campe, in greater iealousie than any other, by reason of which distrusts there was no respect among the commanders contending one against another, by ad∣uancing nothing for the generall: yea the Spaniards sought to corrupt some in the campe, as it was discouered by letters of captaine Palants and others, who thought to draw away two or 300 horse at a time: besides the free accesse of them of Rees vnto the camp, did debauch many. Whereupon the generall was constrained to make a proclamation, That no man should pre∣sume vpon paine of death, to confer, eat nor drinke with the Spaniards, nor with them of the said towne. Finally they held this bodie of the German armie, as a Poliphemus, who hauing lost [ E] that one eie which he had goes without any conduct, loosing by little & little his vigor, bloud and life, finding no hope of recouerie, if prince Maurice did not approch with his forces, and by his good conduct and direction, restore it both sight, bloud, and life. But their matter must bee far sought, and if there had bin any good disposition, yet the Germans durst not: notwithstan∣ding money comming afterwards vnto the campe from the princes, it reuiued the Germans, and began to daunt the Spaniards. What the issue of this armie was, we will presently shew: and now we will returne into the island of Bomel, and see what the admirall of Arragon and prince Maurice did, fronting one another.

The Estates hauing for a long time held a fort in a little island called Voorn, which is in a maner of an ouall forme vpon the banks whereof are good trenches, which they must win be∣fore [ F] they could enter into the island, the which lies in the middest, at the meeting of the two ri∣uers of Meuse and Wahal, the which hauing with their mingled course enuironed the sayd island, either of them notwithstanding run in seueral streames, vntill they come to win in one bodie of a riuer neere vnto Gorchom, whereas the island of Bomel failes at Louestein. This

strong fort was a great gall vnto the Spaniard, to which if he could he would haue done some [ A] affront. So as the admirall and colonell Borlotte, who was the chiefe conductor of this enter∣prise * 1.91 in the island of Bomel, sawe there was no good to bee done against the towne, for that they had come on so slowly: for we must confesse the truth, that if at their first entrance into the island, they had marcht directly vnto the towne, which lay then open by reason of their works, and before that prince Maurice had leisure to assure it with great new trenches without, doubtlesse he had put it in great danger: the which hauing neglected, they thought they had done sufficiently in the beginning to haue freed a passage into the said island. So all the towne being well assured by the princes comming, the supply of men, and the finishing of their forti∣fications, * 1.92 retiring on the 5 of Iune with all their losses, behind the said towne, and further into the island, they went and lodged at a village called Rossum, being but a good canon shot from the fort of Voorn, where he remained almost a moneth without any attempt, but the making [ B] of some trenches. Prince Maurice knowing well that the Spaniards designe was vpon the fort of Voorn, after that he had long attended to see if he would passe the riuer, and to annoy him in his passage, in the end he past himselfe in the night with 3000 men the third of Iuly, & came to his enemies quarter at Herwerden, hauing at his backe the ioyning of the riuer of Meuse and Wahal together, where, with an incredible celeritie, he intrencht himselfe against his ene∣mies in the form of a halfe moon, of the height of 2 men, with ditches 12 foot broad & 6 deep, & of so great a circuit, as they easily might haue lodged six or 7000 men. The Spaniard disco∣uering this work the next day, being the 4 of Iuly, made sodenly, thinking to hinder it, he came in the afternoone with some troups of foot and horse, and presented himselfe before this halfe [ C] moone, thinking to draw the princes men out of their trenches: but they being aduertised, that the enemie was in ambush, hidden behind the dikes, kept themselues quiet: the which the Spaniard seeing, he returned soon after to charge with great troups, falling vpon these trenches of the halfe moone like a sodaine lightning, with such violence and furie, as some hauing past the pallisadoes, fought hand to hand. The princes men vnder the valiant cōmand of sir Fran∣cis Veer, monsieur de la Noue, and colonel Edmonds, defending themselues couragiously, repulst them. The captaine who had forced the pallisado, lay slaine vpon the place, to retire whose bodie they made a second charge, at the which they carried it away, but not without great losse of their men. That which made the greatest spoile among the Spaniards, were eleuen peeces of ordnance, planted in three batteries vpon the fort of Voorn, and three peeces from the tren∣ches [ D] of Varyck and Hessel, the which shot directly through the Spanish squadrons, with the musketiers which galled them in flanke aboue the riuer: al which forced them to retire, hauing lost seuen captaines, many officers, and aboue 700 souldiers, besides those that were hurt. At these charges there marched in the first ranks among the Spaniards, two monks, carrying cros∣ses, and banners, wherof the one was slain, and the other taken prisoner, being hurt in the head. Prince Maurice lost the sergeant maior of sir Fr. Veers regiment, being generall of the English, with some ten or twelue souldiers, and some twentie hurt.

The 5 of that month a troup of Spanish horse, with 400 musketiers, thinking to surprise the princes guard, were so entertained, as hauing lost a captaine, & left a Spanish earle behind them prisoner, they retired with losse and shame. We wil leaue them for a while in the island of Bo∣mel, [ E] in face one of another, and will speake of the successe of the Estates armie vpon the coast and islands of Spaine, hauing left them in the road of the great Canaries.

The 20 of Iune Peter vander Does, generall of the Estates armie, beeing arriued with all his * 1.93 fleet before the towne of Alegoena, he cast anchor vnder the great castle which is on the Northwest part of the town, from whence the Spaniards began to shoot at him and his whole fleet, so as causing those ships to approach neerest which had the greatest ordnance, hee began in like maner to batter the castle, which was called Gratiosa, spending some time in this sort: during the which the general had his maine mast pierst thorough, and his fore mast somewhat perished, the viceadmirall, which was the great ship of Amsterdam, had six or seuen shot tho∣rough her, which slew some souldiers before they could get into their boats to goe to land. [ F] Those of the castle hauing tryed what ship ordnance could do, began to coole their first heat of shooting. In the meane time the souldiers and mariners hauing gotten into their boats, rowed towards land, whereas the islanders attended them in great numbers vpon the sea shore, with three small peeces of artillerie. The generall being in his boat, hauing caused all

the others to come about him, approaching neere vnto land, they saluted one another with [ A] their musket shot, the islanders keeping their ground firme: the which the generall conside∣ring, * 1.94 and that for want of water they could not get to land, he himselfe leapt first into the wa∣ter * 1.95 vp to the girdle, and so did all the rest, marching resolutely to land, notwithstanding all the resistance of the Spaniards, who defended the landing place verie valiantly; yet they got to land, not without some losse of their men, by reason of the difficultie there was in landing, whereas the Spaniards did also loose some fortie men, before they would abandon the lan∣ding place; among others the gouernour of the towne being on horsebacke, had a leg shot off with a great peece: the Estates generall was hurt in the leg with a pike, and had three thrusts vpon the bodie, but they were light hurts, and if one of his men had not slaine the Spaniard which incountred him, he had beene in danger of his life. The souldiers of the armie hauing [ B] thus gotten to land, and the boats returning to their ships to fetch new supplies of men, the islanders abandoning their artillerie, and carrying away their gouernour with one leg, they made their retreat towards the towne, leauing six and thirtie of their men dead vpon the shore. The generall hauing all his men together, hee put them in battaile, beeing foure and twentie companies, with so many colours flying, and so they marched one and twentie in front. They of the great castle, seeing the landing won, were so terrified, as from that time they made not a shot. The Estates men being thus in battaile, three of their mariners came running to them from towards the castle, bringing the generall word, that they of the castle would yeeld, if they might haue their liues and goods saued: whither he presently went, being accompani∣ed with some captaines, to whom the place was presently yeelded, trusting vnto his fauour * 1.96 [ C] and mercie, leauing their armes, nine peeces of brasse ordnance, and six of yron, with all the prouision and munition, there being eight and fiftie persons prisoners, the rest had been slaine by the canon: These prisoners were put into a Spanish ship, which the armie had taken, ex∣cept three of the chiefe of them, whom the admirall had reserued to informe himselfe more particularly of all things. Hauing receiued this castle into his power, hee caused the king of Spaines ensignes to bee taken downe, and the colours of prince Maurice to bee set vp in the place.

Toward the euening this petie armie was diuided into three squadrons, whereof the one was set at the foot of the rampar of the towne, the second vnder the mountaines, and the third, being the reereward, along the sea shore, and so they continued all night in armes. [ D] Earely in the morning the next day, they marched al together in good order vnder the towne, where they continued a while readie to fight; but as the canon from another castle ioyning vnto the towne, did much annoy them, and made a great spoyle among their squadrons, car∣rying away sometimes fiue or six at a shot, the generall Vander Does beeing somewhat intren∣ched, and hauing made his platforme for his batterie, hee planted fiue peeces of ordnance, the which hee caused to bee brought from the castle hee had lately taken, wherewith he shot but one volley that night: in the meane time the besieged hauing planted some peeces against the Estates batterie, did them much harme. The night following they stood all againe in bat∣taile: the islanders had some field peeces also vpon a mountaine, wherewith they shot into the campe. [ E]

At the breake of day, being the eight and twentieth of the moneth, the generall Vander Does caused his battery to begin, playing with foure peeces vpon the castle, and the fift against those which the islanders had vpon the mountaine, the which continued about foure houres. The besieged in the castle had set vpon their rampars and bulwarkes, in manner of parapets and de∣fences, certaine packes of wool, and pipes ful of stones: but the canon passing thorough these pipes, the stones did them more harme than the canon it selfe, the which slew many of their men, brake their defences, and disordered their artillerie, then were there foure companies sent toward•…•… the mountaine, to dislodge them that were with the artillerie, and in the meane time the generall caused fire to bee set to the towne gate: the which they of the castle (whose ordnance was dismounted and spoyled) and they of the mountaine hauing discouered, and [ F] the townes-men seeing their port on fire, abandoning both towne, castle, hill, and artillerie, they fled all towards the mountaines, to holes and caues, which they haue there, carrying a∣way the best of their goods, plate, and iewels, and sauing themselues with their wiues and * 1.97 children as well as they could.

About noone the general caused two ladders to be fetcht from a church without the towne, [ A] and brought thither, whereof the one was too short: he himselfe mounted with some souldi∣ers, * 1.98 one man in front, vp to the towne wals, where they found no opposition; and being entred in this sort, his men ran directly towards the castle. The Spaniards at their retreat had left a mine, with a match, the which tooke fire before the Estates men were entred in so far, so as this mine did them no harme: being entred, and hauing taken downe the king of Spaines ensigne, they set vp that of prince Maurice, whereas they found fiue peeces of ordnance, with all that belonged. The towne and castle being thus won, the general put his men againe into battaile, 15 in front, as if he would take a view of them, in a low plaine within the wals of the towne. Some souldiers brought one vnto him that was borne in Flessingue, whom they had drawne out of prison: whereupon the generall went himselfe with some captains vnto all the prisons, [ B] from whence he freed about 36 prisoners, who gaue him to vnderstand, That the towns men flying towards the mountaines, had carried with them two prisoners, the one an English man, the other a Dutch man, which were condemned to be burnt, who had bin a long time priso∣ners in the Inquisition. Towards the euening the quarters were made, and the whole armie was lodged within the towne, euery captaine hauing his quarter apart, except such as were ap∣pointed to be in guard without the towne, at the descent of the mountaines, whereas the islan∣ders did sometimes shew themselues in great troups. The towne was spoiled of all that remai∣ned, the best being carried into the mountains: whereupon the generall caused a proclamati∣on to be made, whereby no man might appropriat any goods to himselfe, but all was to be car∣ried into the admirall, according to the decree of the Estates. [ C]

The next day being the 29 of the month, some mariners got vp into the mountains, to seek * 1.99 some aduenture, but the islanders being better acquainted with the passages than they, crost them, and slew some 20. Towards night the generall sent some 300 men to a little castle, halfe a league from the towne, but the garrison seeing them come, abandoned it presently, and fled towards the mountaines, whereas the Estates souldiers found three peeces of ordnance, and hauing left a squadron of men in guard there, the rest returned to the towne. The last day of Iune the generall commanded, that the wine, oyle, and all the goods which they had gotten should be imbarked. The Spaniards which had fled into the mountaines presented themselues diuers times to treat with the generall, but hauing heard their first demands, which he held im∣pertinent, he sent them backe, and would no more heare them, commaunding his men not to [ D] aduāce any further into the mountains, than their lost sentinels were set, in the mean time ma∣king hast to imbarke the bootie. On the 1 of Iuly he caused his minister to preach in the chiefe church of the towne, whereas he assisted with aboue 400 men, to giue God thanks for this vi∣ctorie and happie successe, and to pray vnto him, to blesse and prosper all their enterprises. The third of the moneth, after that he had shipt all the bels, artillerie, munition, and other goods, a∣bandoned by the islanders, the generall sent 2000 men into the mountaines, to assayle them which were fled thither, who at the first made head, where there was a braue fight, where al∣though the Spaniards had great aduantage, yet retiring further into the mountains, the Estates men not knowing the passages, and not daring to pursue them, after they had lost 70 men, and one sea captaine, they returned to the towne. [ E]

The next day the generall hauing put all his troups in battaile, after that he had blowne vp * 1.100 the castle of the towne with a mine, and burnt all the churches and cloisters, both within and without it, in the end being readie to make his retreat, hauing drawne forth all his men, he cau∣sed the towne to be set on fire: then they came to the first castle which they had won, called Gratiosa, distant halfe a league from the towne, wheras they all imbarked in their shaloups and boats, and being entred into the ships they kept the sea. They were no sooner imbarked, but the islanders came presently from the mountaines, and ran to rescue the fire, the which they quencht as well as they could. The generall before his imbarking had left a mine in the castle of Gratiosa, the which tooke fire presently after, and blew it vp in the ayre. The general being at sea, he called all the captaines both of land and sea to counsell, to consult what was to bee [ F] done, and to informe himself, of the most expert mariners and pilots, of the scituation and lan∣ding of the other islands in those parts. In the mean time there came certaine Spaniards to the sea shore, carrying tokens of peace, and desiring conference: Whereupon the generall sent a barke which brought them aboord, and hearing that it was for the prisoners which were

taken in the castle of Gratiosa, hauing receiued their ransome, hee suffered them to goe, [ A] and returned them all free and glad men vnto the towne, so farre as their ransomes would * 1.101 extend.

The eight day of the moneth the generall hauing hoist sayle with all his fleet, carrying with him the rest of the Spanish prisoners which had not beene ransomed, they did for a while (by reason of a contrarie wind) coast along the island of the great Canarie, vnto a corner thereof, where they were forced to cast anchor, discouering the island of Tenariffe, which is one of the Canaries, there they sent all their boats to land, for fresh water: The mariners before they returned to their boats, burnt great store of wood laid vpon heaps along the sea shore, but yet they incountred not any one Spaniard in this watring. Hauing set sayle againe with an in∣constant and troublesome wind, on the 12 day they were in sight of the island of Gomora, in the which there was a small towne, whereunto the admirall with the white flag, with his vice∣admirall [ B] and a pinace, approched, at whom there were certaine great shot made: where∣upon retiring themselues out of the danger of the canon, they cast anchor. The other ships (which were yet farre off) did what they could all night to approach. The next day the ge∣nerall Vander Does hauing gathered together all his fleet (which had beene much dispersed by reason of the foule weather) called a counsell, where they resolued to set vpon that island: the which was done, and foure companies were sent to land in the valley right against that corner where they were at anchor: which being done, all the ships approched neere vnto the towne, before the which they cast anchor, and from thence they made certaine great shot against the town, but they answered them not, neither did they make any resistance, although there were [ C] foure brasse peeces in a little castle neere the shore, the which they buried, seeing the armie ap∣proach. Then were there six companies more landed, who came vnto the towne without any resistance, all being fled away with that which they could carrie into the mountains, which the foure companies which were first landed in the valley perceiuing, they aduanced towards the mountaines, to stop their passage, and to get their bootie. The Spaniards which were hidden in the caues, hauing suffered them to passe vnto a descent, finding themselues strong ynough for them, they burst out, and compassed them on euerie side: The souldiers of the fleet seeing themselues hemd in, they fought for their liues, & slew many of their enemies, so as in the end they freed themselues, with the losse of 80 of their men, among the which there were 2 lieute∣nants: the rest which escaped, returned towards the euening to Gomora, the which was sey∣zed [ D] on, and guards set in all places: the houses were searcht, and all places digged, where they thought that any thing might be hidden, wheras they found certaine pipes of wine, and not a∣ny thing else at that time. Some souldiers going in small troups to the mountaines, to seeke aduenture, were defeated, ten and twelue at a time.

The generall Vander Does hauing made a generall muster of his men, to see how many hee might haue lost, commaunded his men to imbarke the wines, three peeces of ordnance, and the bels which he could find, with the rest of the spoile which the islanders could not carry in∣to the mountaines; then on the 16 day hee shipt all his men, beeing resolued to send three or foure hundred men on land the next day, to seeke them that were fled into the mountaines: but they had so cruell a storme that night, as it was put off, seruing as an aduertisement to the [ E] generall to spare his men, and not to send them lightly into danger, yet 300 men went into the valley, whereas but three dayes before their companions had beene surprised: but they found no enemie, and being loth to enter into the mountaines, they returned with a little field peece, and two barrels of powder, which they found there. And seeing that the islanders kept them∣selues in their caues and hollow places of the mountaines, and that there was no more there to be gotten, hauing set fire of the towne church and cloister, they went to sea, leauing the island all desolat. The islanders seeing them all imbarked, came downe speedily from the mountaines to quench the fire, as they of Allegoena in the great Canaries had done. The fleet remained the 20 day still at anchor in the road. Behold how these two islands of the great Canaries and Gomora, which for many yeares had felt no enemie, were conquered, spoyled, and burnt, by [ F] the sea armie of the Estates, the which was leuied to no other end, but to do an affront to the king of Spaine, their capitall and mortal enemie, and to annoy him as well by sea as land, with∣out any intent to keepe or hold any thing: so as hauing carried away all they could find in the said islands, they fired them, and so abandoned them. And so,

Quicquid delirantreges plectuntur Achiui, [ A] Seditione, dolis, scelere atque libidine & ira. * 1.102

For wee may say of them, as well of other places, and especially of that which the fron∣tiers of Germanie had suffered and endured of the Spaniards the winter past, The poore people were not in fault, but oftentimes they pay which were not the debtors.

This exploit beeing thus performed, not content to haue skoured the seas, and to haue fronted the enemie of the Estates in his owne countrie, but meaning to attempt something else, and thinking for the small resistance which he had found, that he had no need of so great a fleet, nor of so many mariners, and to haue them which he should keepe with him the better furnished, he resolues vpon good counsell to send away halfe his shippes; whereupon he calls all the captaines and officers aboard, where after he had thanked them courteously for the good and faithfull seruice which they had done vnto the Estates of their common weale, [ B] and to prince Maurice their captaine generall, and great admirall of the vnited prouinces, and praied vnto God to continue his fauour and blessings to them all; he appointed 35 shippes to returne home into the vnited prouinces with one admirall, which was captaine Ian Gheer∣brandtsen, and hauing taken his leaue of him and the other captains, and recommended them to the tuition of God, they tooke their course eastward, and hee with thirtie sixe of the best shippes, and best appointed with men, and all other things necessarie, for two or three mo∣neths bent his course westward. The fleet of Ian Gheerbrandtsen being often scattered one from another, arriued in September safely in Holland.

The generall Vander Does sayled westward with his fleet, towards the island of S. Thome, * 1.103 [ C] right vnder the equinoctiall line, along the coast of Guynee, not farre from the island del Principe, which is one of the Portugall islands, inhabited and gouerned by naturall Portu∣gals, abounding in sugar, which is their chiefest traffique, whereof hee became master, with small toyle or losse, hauing wonne the towne of S. Thome. But as the aire of that climate is very violent, hotte, and intemperate, for men comming out of a country neere vnto the Nor∣thern region, more accustomed to temperate cold, than to the extreame heat of the line; (whereas the souldiers remaining in the towne and island, had lien longer vpon the ground than was fit, or their natures could indure, and to refresh themselues had filled their bellies with such waters as they found, the which were more hurtfull than profitable, and it may be had been corrupted and spoiled by the islanders and inhabitants of the place) there fel a sick∣nesse among them, in a manner contagious, whereof there died many in great torments: [ D] which the generall Vander Does finding, hauing shipped all the spoile which he could find in the towne and island, and Francisco de Meneses gouernour thereof beeing taken prisoner, hee put to sea, and bent his course homeward: notwithstanding, beeing infected with the vene∣mous contagion of the aire, there died a great number of them, wherewith the generall Van∣der Does was likewise toucht, whereof he died, and in a manner all the captaines and officers: of the captaines there returned onely Regnier Camp and Calwart, the rest, and aboue three parts of their men, both souldiers and saylers were buried in the sea with their captaines and officers, so as they had scarce men enough to bring home their shippes and bootie, who in the end returned one after another into Holland and Zeeland. [ E]

It is true this sea armie had beene very chargeable to the Estates, and they lost many men, but they neither esteemed the losse, nor the profit of the bootie (the which I heare did in a manner counteruaile the charge) in regard of the affront which they thinke they haue done vnto the king of Spaine, whilest that his Spaniards braued it in the island of Bomel, against whom it seemed that their men and money might haue beene better imployed.

Now let vs returne to the two armies in the island of Bomel, betwixt the riuers of Wahal and Meuse, that of the Spaniards lying at Rossum, and prince Maurice in the little island of Voorn, and thereabouts along the dikes, and in his trenches. The Spaniard finding that (by reason of the Estates forces, and the situation of their campe) hee should preuaile nothing, ha∣uing attempted twice or thrice (but in vaine) to enter into the island of Thiel, hoping that [ F] the winter following, through fauour of yce, the riuer beeing all frozen, he might easily passe the Rhine, the Wahal, and other riuers, to haue entrie and accesse into the Veluwe, or into some other part of the countrie of Gueldres, or the dioces of Vtrecht, and so into Holland, hauing resolued to retire the body of his armie (which had suffered infinite discommodi∣ties

in that island of Bomel) and to put it into garrisons, meaning to keepe a place of armes & [ A] seat for the warre in those parts. * 1.104

Whilest that the admirals armie and prince Maurice were in field, and neere one another, cont Lodowicke of Nassau went forth of the campe on the eight of August, with tenne cor∣nets of horse, passing ouer the riuer of Meuse, betweene Batenbourg and Rauenstein, and marcht towards Genep, where he found the waies very bad; in Longstrate by the towne of Graue, they were pursued by Ambrosio Landriano, who with some twentie cornets of horse charged him in Longstrate, but he got out and resisted them valiantly, forcing one of the cor∣nets to flie, but for that he could not discouer Landriano's strength, he retired backe againe to Genep: those which were led by Marcellus Bax, and Lieuin Seis, lieutenant to Iohn Bax, ha∣uing receiued no great harme, saued themselues and passed ouer the Meuse, hauing lost about [ B] an hundred in Longstrate, whereof the more part were taken, and yet they brought away two hundred forrage horses, and 25. prisoners with them.

The admirals armie lying for the most part in Brabant, prince Maurice sent his cosin William earle of Nassau gouernour of Friseland, with 10 cornets of horse, & 24 companies of foot, gi∣uing * 1.105 him commission to take 26 companies more out of other places, with ordnance and munition, and to take the towne of Deutecom from the enemie againe, who went before it on the 24 of August, making his trenches on the 25 day, and the next day he planted two pee∣ces of ordnance, and then an other, and so began to batter it; which they within finding, they demand to parle at the first summons, making their composition to depart: the which they did on the 27 day, with foure ensignes, Dom Iuigo de Ocaola beeing gouernour, who also [ C] commanded the castle of Schuylenbergh, the which was also yeelded, for that hearing of the comming of the Germans armie, whereof there was great brute, and beeing besieged by the Estates, he had called forth the souldiers, fearing that otherwise he should not haue any good composition, nor yet a conuoy. These two places beeing taken, the Estates were againe freed for their passage all abouts to the Rhine: they put a garrison into Deutecom, whereas they found 52 barrels of poulder; which done the earle returned to the princes campe on the 29 of August.

He therefore caused a mightie fort to bee built in the village of Rossem, a very commodi∣ous * 1.106 place, beeing the narrowest part of all the island of Bomel, bordering vpon the riuers of Wahal and Meuse, with fiue great bulwarkes, whereof two to the north and northwest, and two others to the south and south west were washt by the Meuse, hauing without that coun∣terscarps [ D] vpon either riuer, like vnto a halfe moone, which made two little forts, being distant some 1400 paces from prince Maurices halfe moone at Herwaerden, which couered his fort of Nassau in the island of Voorn. This fort cardinall Andrew of Austria lieutenant generall to the archduke Albert in his absence, and his cousin german, caused to be called by his name, the fort of S. Andrew, without doubt, an inexpugnable fortresse, for the building whereof, they cut downe all the willoes and other trees in the island of Bomel, the which was left na∣ked of trees.

Which fort (commonly called the key, and by some the spectacle of Holland) beeing fini∣shed, the Spanish armie retired from thence, and was put into garrisons, but soone after they [ E] fell to mutine for their paie. By reason whereof, after that the cardinall Andrew, the admirall of Arragon, and other commanders and councellors of the Spanish armie, had duely obser∣ued and considered that (notwithstanding the bridges of yce, which God had giuen them vpon the said riuers, the waters being so frozen as they might easily haue past both on foot and horse backe) the forces which prince Maurice had left in those quarters, would haue hin∣dren and annoyed them much, they thought it not fit to attempt any thing, or at the least not to attempt to passe there, whether it were for feare of being beaten, or hauing past, of a thaw, which would haue staied them, like mice in a trap: besides, it may be they had not their soul∣diers at commaundement, by reason of the said mutinies, as soone after it appeared very plainly. [ F]

The Germane armie being disorderly broken vp & dispersed, Genep was taken frō them on the fourth day of Nouember by the admirall, who also threatened to besiege Emmeric, the which was held yet by the Germans: monsieur de Rheyet gouernor of the town doub∣ting it, and seeing the Spaniards lie before Genep, he sent vnto prince Maurice for aid, all the

rest of the Germans beeing gone, who presently sent colonell Edmonds and Duuen•…•…ord with [ A] fifteene companies of foot, and fiue cornets of horse with monsieur Sidleniskie, who com∣ming * 1.107 before the towne on the sixteenth of Nouember, and thinking to enter, they found the townes-men and some of the souldiers in quarrel, contrarie to the gouernours mind, who durst not then aduenture to let in those supplies, who stood still, and knew not what to doe. In the end colonel Edmonds went to the Rhine gate, wherewith the bourgers fell into an vp∣rore; in the meane time certaine Germans who were well affected to the Estates, beeing within the towne, brake open the gate, and so hee got in with the losse of few men, and then marched along to the stone gate, which they opened, drawing in the rest of their troupes: and so taking order for all things within the towne, the colonels with monsieur Sidlenisky, and the horsemen left the towne, placing ten companies there vnder monsieur de Rheyet, for [ B] the guard thereof, and to preuent the admirals designe, who seemed to haue an intent to passe with his armie along the Rhine, by Berck and Rees, and so to enter into the earledome of Zutphen.

Thus Emmeric continued still vnder the gouernment of monsieur de Rheyet, but in the vnited prouinces paie: his Germanes which lay in the towne (although they were promised to be duely paied, to make them the more willing to serue) were so iealous of the others, and so inconstant as they could not be staied, for that the duke of Brunswick (whose men they were, had forbidden them, and called them home, making shewe as if he would imploy them against the towne of Brunswick, with whom hee was in quarrell at that time, and so vpon the eighteenth day of Ianuarie, in the yeare 1600 they left the towne: and so [ C] through the iealousie of these princes, the best resolutions were crost, and quite ouer∣throwne.

Thus the great preparation made by the princes and Estates of Germanie, which conti∣nued the space of a whole yeare, vanished away like smoake, loosing thereby much of their * 1.108 reputation, and discouering their owne weakenesse and diuisions, which defects the wisest men did iudge the Spaniards would afterwards make vse of, to their aduantage, whensoeuer they should command absolutely ouer the Netherlands, thereby to make some conquest vpon the frontiers of the empire; for it appeared plainely that the admirall sought to effect more by policie than by force, spending more money than blood in all his enterprises: for when as the admirall saw that prince Maurice had gotten Emmeric againe, hee had no will [ D] to attempt any thing more that yeare in Cleueland; wherefore hee did not onely forbeare to take any more townes for the wintring of his armie, but hee also resolued to abandon Rees, which serued him to no vse, but as an vnprofitable frontier towne, from the which he could make no great incursions, nor much annoy his enemie; neither could hee well hold it, but either it should bee forced, or else hee should be constrained to keepe a strong garrison, to his great charge, and a bad report of all men: for which considerations he caused the skonce before the town to be razed, and on the 18 of December left it and went to Rhine∣berck, hoping to get it easily again, if prince Maurice once left it; to which end there were em∣bassadours sent from the princes of the empire to treat thereof: at the same time also hee left Genep. [ E]

The vnited prouinces made offer vnto the princes of Germanie to take all the townes ly∣ing vpon the Rhine for their vses, and to free the riuer of Rhine and the frontiers of the em∣pire from the inuasions of the Spaniard, with certaine troupes of horse and foot, paying them for it, but they could not agree; for many princes and townes were of opinion to leuie and entertain foure thousand foot, & a thousand horse, for the defence of the frontiers in the win∣ter time; but those of the contrarie faction crost it, for that the Spaniards, that winter, sent Charles earle of Egmont, and their counsellor Heest, as embassadors vnto diuers princes of the empire, giuing them to vnderstand, that they would leaue all the townes and places which they held, excusing whatsoeuer had beene done, and promising recompence for all wrongs which had beene committed by them. [ F]

The Estates of the vnited prouinces (although they had made but a defensiue warre this yeare) found themselues in great want of money, and the more for that they had set forth a great fleet at sea, the which had cost aboue twelue hundred thousand gulderns, whereof as

then but few were returned. They also grew bare by the leuying of so many new souldiers, [ A] whom they meant to entertaine but for a time, and yet they kept them still in pay; so as vpon * 1.109 the 29 of October they mustered their whole armie, and found it to be 10600 foot strong, be∣sides their horsemen. Moreouer they had spent much money in digging and making of skon∣ces, and kept in paie many ships, boats, wagons, horses to drawe, carriages for artillerie, with o∣ther extraordinarie charges, amounting to aboue twelue hundred thousand gulderns, besides the souldiers pay: for which cause they appointed an assembly of the Estates to bee held at Gorchom, wheras the generall Estates, the councell of estate, prince Maurice, and William earle of Nassau met together, to consult how they might abate the charges of their armie, seeing the disorders among the Spaniards, for want of foresight and keeping of accounts, the which might serue them for a president. They were also to take order in Zeeland, for the keeping of [ B] the gallies in the hauen of Scluce, and to determine of some things concerning the princes of the empire, with other like.

Whereupon order was taken that a generall reduction should be made of their souldiers, and that they would hold no more in paie than the estate of the countrie would affoard▪ and that they would discharge as many ships, waggons, and other traines, as they might conueni∣ently, and digge no more than they should be forced vnto, and yet they would haue a newe passage made through the Weert, right ouer against S. Andrews fort, that they might passe freely vp and downe the riuer of Wahal, without any let of the said fort. And moreouer tou∣ching the admiraltie, and sea causes, that all things might be ordered in euery prouince, after the best manner that might be, and for the keeping of the mouth of the riuer of Scluce, which [ C] they would not haue abandoned, but haue the gallies still fought withall, they also deuised to haue a•…•…konce made at Niewer hauen in Flanders, but it was not done for want of money, & yet the men and the ordnance was readie.

Lastly, they resolued to doe some exploit in the enemies countrie, meaning to mooue cer∣taine high Dutches, when as then laie still at Seuenaer, to serue them a while, but they could not effect any thing, for that those souldiers would not serue the Estates; wherfore they resol∣ued vpon a reduction and discharge of some of their souldiers, & the abating of their charge. In this assembly they also deuised how to raise some good summes of money against the next yeare.

Vpon the 21 of Nouember the earle of Busquoy, who had beene taken prisoner before [ D] Emmeric, was deliuered, paying 20 thousand gulderns for his raunsome, & Paul Emili•…•… Marti∣nengue for 1000 gulderns raunsome, according to the quarter newely made and agreed vpon for captaines and colonels of horsemen.

Vpon the 20 of Nouember prince Maurice began to breake vp his campe, and dismisse his troupes, but yet he resolued once againe to attempt some thing against Creuecoeur skonce, * 1.110 or els against Boisleduc, but beeing readie to march with certaine troupes, and 60 wagons with all kind of furniture, there fell so great a storme of wind, raine, and snowe, as they could not possibly march; so as vpon the 28 of Nouēber he brake vp his armie, leauing the Voorn, Hesel quarter, and all the small skonces well appointed with men.

All this time there was an order taken by the generall Estates, that execution should bee [ E] done vpon the villages and pesants of Brabant, which would paie no contribution: and to that end there were 12 cornets of reisters, and two thousand foot, appointed by prince Mau∣rice to go into Brabant; but hauing their commission, and beeing all readie to march, the foule weather (before spoken of) kept them from passing the water, neither could they get to Lo∣uaine as they had charge, so as they could not doe any thing; but on the 29 of Nouember they fell vpon a companie of poore pesants, who would haue made head against them at Bal∣ler, whereas they burnt certaine houses. Captaine du Bois would needs march further into the countrie, but he was wounded, and his cornet slaine; yet this road did so terrifie the pesants of the countrie thereabouts, as most of them brought in their contribution to the Estates, as they had decreed. [ F]

Vpon the sixt of December Iohn earle of Nassau, sonne to old Iohn earle of Nassau and Dildenbourgh, and brother to William prince of Orange, who was murthered in Delft, came to the Hage in Holland, and had audience in the assemblie of the generall Estates, tou∣ching

the arrerages of his fathers lands, which was the pretence of his comming, yet many [ A] did conceiue, that he had some secret charge from some of the Germane princes, but all * 1.111 was kept secret, and nothing ensued, although the earle of Hohenlo were a mediator be∣twixt them.

The admirall of Arragon hauing discharged his armie, with great discontentment of the * 1.112 souldiers, for want of their pay, among whom there was a rumor spread abroad, that the arch∣duke Albertus would pay no arrerages to his souldiers, but from the time of his installment, and that they must seeke the rest at the king of Spaines hands, the which was very vnpleasing vnto the souldiers; whereupon many of them mutined. The Germanes of Slegels regiment being in Herentales, with a companie of Albanois horsemen, vnder Nicholo Basti, tooke the small towne of Peer by scalado, whereas many of them were slaine, but they put the bour∣gers [ B] to the sword, and spoyled the towne. Iohn Iacomo, earle of Belioioso, was sent to pay them with good words, but they would not heare him speake, nor let them in. Henry earle of Berghes souldiers tooke three hundred oxen before the gates of Cologne, being brought thi∣ther to be sold, whereof part were ransomed. Many such like insolencies were committed in other places: such as were interessed by the souldiers, made their complaints at Brussels, but had no answer; they had only a certificat giuen them, that they had done their messages, and made their complaints.

About the last of December the Spaniards being 1200 strong of all nations, horse and foot, tooke Weert and Kempen, and fell vpon the towne of Hamont, making a generall mutinie, the footmen did chuse Iohn Alonzo Maiolichino, an Italian, for their Electo, and the horsemen [ C] Giouanni Martines; to whom Gaspar Sapena, a colonel, was sent to pacifie them, whom they refused to heare, and chased him away.

In the end of the yeare, an embassadour sent from them of Westphalia, had audience of the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces, where he complained of the great wrongs and oppressions done vnto them by the Estates souldiers in their territories, desiring to know, if it were done with their priuities and consents. Whereunto the Estates made answer, That they were very sorry for it, and would take order to preuent it, saying moreouer, That they wondered why those of Westphalia had made so small resistance against their enemies, ha∣uing made such great complaints vnto the emperour, and drawne the princes and Estates of Germanie into armes; and when as their brethren and allies were in the field, they drew their [ D] neckes out of the coller, and not onely abandoned them, but did helpe and assist the ene∣mie, which might haply bee a cause to moue their souldiers to vse that vnlawfull rigour a∣gainst them, taking them for their enemies, as being the cause of their owne and their neigh∣bours harme, through the great affection which they had borne vnto the Spaniard. The like answere was also made by them vnto others, which came from thence to complaine, yet they did write vnto their troupes, commaunding them to carry themselues discreetly, & to respect neutrall places.

The archduke and the Infanta hauing consummated their mariage in Spaine, came into Italie, and so arriued at Brussels in Nouember 1599, but before they would be installed, and enter into the gouernment, they did what they could to procure a generall peace: [ E] to which end they moued the Emperour (who did much affect the greatnesse and welfare of the house of Austria) to send an honourable embassage vnto the Estates of the vnited Prouinces, to persuade them to yeeld vnto a peace, for the good of the empire and of all Chri∣stendome.

The embassadours which were appointed to this charge, were Salentin earle of Isen∣bourg, Harman earle of Manderscheyt, and Charles Nutzel van Sonderphiuls, knight. Being come to Grensaw, they sent a trumpet vnto the generall Estates, with a letter, to desire a pas∣port, to come freely and deliuer what they had in charge: whereunto the Estates made answer as followeth.

Right honourable, we haue receiued your letters, dated at Grensaw the eight of Octo∣ber, * 1.113 [ F] whereby we vnderstand, that the emperours Maiestie hath giuen you in charge to deliuer vnto vs certaine points which concerne his imperiall Maiestie, and by consequence the whole Empire, crauing first a pasport and conuoy to come personally vnto vs, for the preuen∣ting of all mischiefes, which may dayly happen in these troublesome times, desiring

also a time and place to be appointed to deliuer your message and to receiue our answere: [ A] wherein we could not choose (in regard of the dutie which we owe vnto his imperiall Ma∣iestie * 1.114 and the whole empire) but let your honours vnderstand, that we hold our selues much bound vnto the high and mighty imperiall Maiestie, to the princes electors, and others the E∣states of the empire, that it hath pleased him and them to giue your honours charge to bring this message vnto vs, which we vnderstand to consist of two points; first, to procure a treatie of peace betwixt the high and mightie prince Albert archduke of Austria, with the noble In∣fanta of Spaine, and vs: and secondly, for the restitution of places belonging to the holy em∣pire, and ceasing from incursions into the territories thereof.

Touching the first point, may it please your lordships to remember what was set downe by vs at large in our letters vnto his imperiall maiestie, in the yeare 1591, as also what answer [ B] was made by vs vnto the baron of Rheyt, vpon the like propositions; and also in anno 1594, vnto the letters of the archduke Ernestus of famous memorie, and in the yeres 1595 and 1596 vnto the high and mightie imperiall Maiestie, the elector of Ments, the archbishop of Sals∣bourg, the administrators of Saxony, Philip Lodowicke vander Nieubourgh, and the estates of Cologne and Nurembergh, as also to the embassadours of Poland and Denmarke, and lastly vnto your honours and to Charles Nutzel van Sonderphiuls, concerning this point, whereof the copies are hereunto annexed, whereby his imperiall Maiestie, and the whole Estates of the empire may easily coniecture, how this may be effected: and although it may be allead∣ged that the estate of the Netherlands since that time is much altered, by reason of the preten∣ted gift of the said countries vnto the Infanta, besides the death of the old king of Spaine, with [ C] the ensuing mariage of the archduke Albertus and the Infanta; yet it may be auouched that the vnited prouinces haue now more waightie and more inuincible reasons and arguments to mooue them not to treat of any peace with the Spaniards, or with the archduke and In∣fanta (as depending of the Spaniards) than euer they had, as may appeare by a proclamation set forth by vs in Aprill last, in the which wee haue briefly set downe certaine chiefe points, whereby the king of Spaine that now is (vnder the gouernment of the archduke) hath shew∣ed himselfe more rigorous against these countries, and the inhabitants thereof, and against the members of the empire, concerning their rights and priuiledges, than the deceased king his fa∣ther did: and that vnder the archdukes command great seueritie hath beene shewed against the Christian religion, and not onely the vnited prouinces, but also their neighbours, namely [ D] the confines of the empire haue bin so vnworthily intreated, as it is strange that the members and Estates of the empire doe not seeke reparation of the wrongs, iniuries, and oppressions done vnto them, by force; and the rather, for that hee that was generall for the king and arch∣duke, beeing prest to obserue what had beene promised, hath openly protested vpon the very frontiers of the empire, that he could not obserue the promises made by the archduke, for that God and the kings seruice required other proceedings; saying, that notwithstanding the said promises, he would not forbeare to vse all force and violence, by murthering, spoyling, bur∣ning, and other execrable actions against the territories and subiects of the empire, as also in changing and altering of lawes, policies, and religion: which proceedings should be displea∣sing vnto the archduke; yet they keepe still the townes of the empire in their possession, and [ E] bragge that they haue gotten a great victorie against the forces of the empire, as it may be suf∣ficiently prooued, hauing no intent to yeeld vp the said townes so vsurped, but to hold them for their owne vse and commoditie. Moreouer it was neuer more apparant than at this pre∣sent, that the Spaniards and their adherents designe is perpetually to disturbe and subuert the Estates rights and priuiledges of the Netherlands, and vtterly to ruine them, to the vnspeaka∣ble preiudice of all neighbour kings, princes, and common weals, but especially of the Estates of the empire, whom they seeke to ouerrule, & to keep the archduke with the Infanta & their heires in perpetuall subiection, not allowing them authoritie to yeeld any thing vnto the pe∣titions of the Netherlands and the inhabitants thereof, concerning the Catholike religion, and other principall points belonging to the wel fare of the same. We shal not need to speake [ F] of the letters, by the which it is agreed that alwaies foure or more of the chiefe townes or forts in the Netherlands, shall haue Spanish garrisons in them, nor yet of the secret aduice giuen by the late deceased king of Spaine, vnto the king that now is, shewing by what meanes hee may alwaies take occasion to regaine the Netherlands; but it shall suffice to produce the

said pretended donation, whereby the archduke, the Infanta, and their successors, haue for e∣uer [ A] promised, and bound themselues by oath, to follow the wills and appetites of the Spani∣ards, * 1.115 not onely in regard of the freedomes, rights, and priuiledges of these countries, but also for the disposition of the succession of the Netherlands, the protection and bringing vp of their heires by the Spaniards, and the power and prerogatiue which the kings of Spaine will haue to dispose of them and their childrens mariages, or to giue in mariage to whom they please, to hold the Netherlands of them in chiefe, and to restraine them from their free naui∣gation and trading by sea; and all and euery of these points, vpon forfeiture of the same: ad∣ding hereunto, that they and their heires shall be bound to hold and maintaine the catholike Romish religion, vpon the like penaltie, as doth plainely appeare by the articles of the said do∣nation hereunto annexed: so as there is small reason for the emperours Maiestie, the empire, [ B] or these prouinces, if they will maintaine their respectiue freedomes, priuiledges, and religion, to enter into any treatie of peace with the archduke, considering the late rigorous procee∣dings both in the Netherlands and vpon the frontiers of the empire. And it is manifest that the treatie not long since made betweene the Queene of England, the Spaniards, and the archduke, was according to their old manner, vnder colour of a treatie, to effect some further designe; as the armie sent of late yeares out of Spaine to inuade England doth sufficiently witnesse: as also in August last the like should haue beene done, if almightie God by his grace had not diuerted that pretence, forcing them to employ that fleet to follow our ships of warre, which were then sent out vpon the coast of Spaine. Besides the archduke and the Infanta haue such great spirits, as notwithstanding they cannot pretend any right to the vni∣ted [ C] prouinces by the said gift, or by any other title, yet by their proclamations they publish & hold them for rebels: actions vnworthie of so great princes, the which can neuer bee for∣gotten.

Touching the second point, wee hope not onely by presentation, but actually, to haue made manifest our iust and true intents vnto the emperours maiestie, the princes electors, and the Estates of the empire, so as it seemeth strange to vs, wee should be further molested and troubled, for that wee seeke to bring our common enemie to reason, and to abate his pride.

By these and many other reasons, it may be thought vnnecessarie that (for the preseruati∣on of the honor of the emperors maiestie, and of the whole empire) your lordships should come hither to treat of the said points, which wee also thinke not fit: wherefore wee haue not [ D] sent you any pasport to that end; hoping that the emperour, and the Estates of the empire, hauing seene these our letters, will conceiue our meanings herein, which is, that wee hereby desire to ease your lordships of the paines and trouble which you may indure in this iourney; humbly beseeching the emperours maiestie, and your honours, to haue a good conceit of vs, and to aduance the cause of the Netherlands, wherein the welfare of the emperour, the seruice of the empire, and our good consisteth, and we will not faile alwaies to acknowledge and requite the same vnto the honours &c. Dated in the Hage the seauenth of December, 1599.

This letter beeing deliuered to the emperours embassadours, they returned an answer on [ E] the 8 of December, as followeth.

Right honourable, wee haue receiued your letters, and vnderstand by the contents therof, * 1.116 that you are informed (ex relatione aliorum) of our comming, and of the effect of our embas∣sage: wee must confesse, that touching the restitution of places belonging vnto the holy em∣pire, and the dammages receiued thereby, we haue especiall charge to sollicite both parties in all friendly manner; but concerning the other point, it is not intended that we by the empe∣rours commandement should enter into any new treaty of peace with you, but onely for the furtherance of a treatie which was begun at Regsensborgh, in the yeare 1594, the which the princes electors, and the electors of the Estates of the empire referred to some other conueni∣ent time. And concerning the other points contained in your letters and copies, touching [ F] the doubts risen betweene the kings Maiestie of Spaine, and the Netherlands, to the great dishonour and preiudice of all Christendome, experience hath taught vs to iudge thereof, as time and occasion shall serue. And although wee haue commission from the emperours

maiestie, our gratious lord and soueraigne prince, to treat with either partie; yet you may as∣sure [ A] your selues, the emperours maiestie, the princes electors, and other Estates of the empire, * 1.117 know how to remedie the wrongs done both by the Spaniards, for their parts and by you of the vnited prouinces; & not to free the empire, but also the oppressed members thereof, from all vnneighbourly force and inuasion: yet his Maiestie at the earnest request of the princes electors, and Estates of the empire, hath thought good to impose this commission vpon vs, as your honours at our comming shall vnderstand more at large. And although, according to these our instructions gratiously giuen vs by the emperour, we may not (as it seemes by your letters) be heard at this time, nor allowed to shew thē vnto the general Estates, yet we doubt not but you will dutifully consider them, and not vpon any colour or presence whatsoeuer, contrary to the commendable custome of all nations, and to the blemishing of the emperors [ B] authoritie and reputation, refuse to giue vs a pasport, and without hearing vs speake, so skorn∣fully reiect the instructions sent vnto you by the emperours maiestie, and the whole empire, the which are done with a good intent; but rather accept friendly and thankfully thereof, and take them in good part, whereby the cause may be aduanced, and so without further delay we may proceed to a neighbourly audience of you, and the discharge of the commission and embassage receiued by vs, the which according to our instructions wee are to deliuer vnto you. The consideration whereof, in all friendly manner we recommend vnto your honours, &c. and therewith we commit you to the protection of the almightie, and our selues vnto your friendly censures. Dated as aforesaid &c.

The generall Estates hauing receiued this letter from the embassadors, they made a reply, [ C] the which, for that it is very long, & in manner a repetition of the former. I haue thought good for breuities sake to omit, and to touch onely at the principal points. First hauing made prote∣station of their duties and seruice to the emperours maiestie, & the holy empire, they insist, that for many vrgent reasons they could neither directly nor indirectly, enter into any treatie of peace with the king of Spaine, or the archduke and Infanta, & that not onely in regard of the welfare of the vnited prouinces, and the inhabitants thereof, but in respect of the Queene of England, and other princes and common weales their neighbours, and the good of all the inhabitants of the Netherlands, sighing vnder the burthen of the Spanish yoake.

Touching the restitution of certaine places which was demanded, they answered that they held them for their owne safeties, & the emperors seruice, & not onely to free the vnited pro∣uinces, [ D] but also the territories of the empire from the inuasions and oppressions of the Spani∣ards; in which places they entertained garrisons at their owne charge, for their necessarie de∣fence. That they would giue contentment to certaine embassadors which were at that instant come from Cleues, Iuilliers, and other territories of the empire to the same end, so as the em∣perours maiestie, nor the Estates of the empire should haue no cause to dislike of them: pro∣testing that they had no desire to hold any lands out of the vnited prouinces, nor to doe any wrong vnto their neighbour countries, offering to deliuer vp Emmeric and the Tolhus, as soone as the enemie should doe the like, and to giue securitie not to take any place vpon the frontiers of the empire, nor to build any skonces, nor to make any incursions vpon the territo∣ries of the empire, so as the enemie would make the like promise, & giue the like securitie. Af∣ter [ E] that they make an ample relatiō of the Spaniards proceedings for the space of 15 months, and the great insolencies committed by them vpon the territories of the empire; all which they had done as they said in contempt of the emperours maiestie, and of the holy empire. In the end they persuade the princes electors, & other estates of the empire, to oppose themselues against the enemie, and to reuenge the wrongs done vnto the empire, that hereafter he should not dare to attempt the like. Lastly, they desire them to censure of their proceedings, as tōding onely to the seruice of the holy empire, and that they would giue the emperours maiestie, the princes electors, and all the Estates of the empire to vnderstand in what honourable respect they held thē, & wold be alwaies ready to do the like vnto their honors, to their best abilities.

Whilest the Estates were framing of this answer, the embassadors came to Brussels to deli∣uer [ F] their charge, whereupon the first of Februarie they had open audience of the archdukes, they being accompanied with the admirall, the prince of Orange, & diuers other noblemen. Charles Nutzel made the speech; the effect of his oration was, that they did congratulate

(in the emperour their brothers name) the archdukes comming into the Netherlands, shew∣ing [ A] how much the emperour desired to plant peace and quietnesse in the Netherlands, who * 1.118 was bound by his office to defend the friends and allies of the empire from all force and inua∣sion: then hee passed to the restitution which the archdukes were to make of the towne of Rhineberck to the elector of Cologne, and the satisfying of them of Westphalia, & the coun∣tries of Cleues, Marke, and others, for the wrongs and oppressions done vnto them the yeare past. Whereunto the archduke made answere in generall termes, That he thanked the empe∣ror for his great loue and kindnesse, promising to send him an answer in writing, whereby the sincerity of his heart vnto the holy empire might be the better knowne (wherof he said he was no vnprofitable member) and how much he desired the peace and good of those countries, which as then were his, and that there should not bee any defect in him to enter into any ho∣nourable [ B] condition of peace, that he might not be the cause (as it was neuer his intent) why his neighbors should endure any harme or wrong by his souldiers, the contrary effects wher∣of were to be ascribed to the condition and fruits of warre, and not to the disposition & wilful suffrance of the commanders &c. And so being feasted by the archdukes, & receiuing diuers presents, they returned backe to the emperor, by whom not long after they were sent againe, about the same subiect.

After the archdukes comming into the Netherlands, he wrote a letter with his owne hand vnto the Q. of England, aduertising her M. of their arriuall in the Netherlands, and what great desire he had to make a peace with his neighbors, & to renue the old league & alliance which their house for many yeares held with the K. of England, for the effecting whereof he said he [ C] had full power from the king of Spaine. Whereunto the Q. of England made answere, That she had alwaies sought that peace, which might tend to the general good of all Christēdome, wherunto she would willingly giue eare, seeing they said they had authoritie from the king of Spaine to treat, but that she was bound in honor, as the vnited prouinces in like sort were, not to enter into any treatie before she had first made them acquainted therwith, and known their resolution, if they meant to be comprehended therein, to whom she would send, to know if they would ioyne with her, or that she should treat alone by her selfe, the which whē time ser∣ued should be made knowne vnto them. Moreouer, her Ma. did congratulate the archdukes cōming into the Netherlands, & the rather, for that she had had an vncle of their bloud, who had done her great honour, and therefore she wished the Infanta all good. These letters with [ D] others being sent to and fro by 2 brethren, called Ieronimo and Iaspar Coyemans, at the last there was a treatie of peace agreed vpon, but it tooke no effect.

Whilest that the archdukes did labor by all means to bring the Netherlands to an vniforme obedience vnder them, news came, that the duke of Lermas secretarie in Spaine was cōmitted to prison, for a discourse which he had written, saying, That the last deceased K. of Spaine had pretended to erect a Monarchy in the Netherlands, and there to make his Sedem belli, being more cōmodious for vse that than Spain, in regard of the great riuers bordering on the neigh∣bor countries, and the cōmoditie of the sea, together with the great numbers of ships & sailers, the discouery wherof it may be was ill taken by some, yet in February after he was set at liber∣ty. This Winter the duke of Arschot came to Cruyninghen in Zeeland, whither his lady the [ E] countesse of Meghen came from the Hage to meet him, where they continued together for certain daies, vpon hope of further reconciliation, there being some dislike betwixt them, as it was said, for matter of religion, but many thought it was rather to make some propositions for a treaty of peace: but for that the Estates held it not conuenient for them, there appeared no man in their behalfes, so as vpon the 19 of Nouember the duke returned againe into Brabant, and the countesse his wife vnto the Hage.

The archduke Albertus being now 39 yeres old, for that he was borne on the third of No∣uember 1560, and the Infanta Isabella 33 yeares old, being borne on S. Clares day 1566, being * 1.119 come to Brussels, they sent for the Estates of their dominions, who by commission from their generalitie, came thither to congratulate & salute them, with whom they tooke aduice about [ F] their instalment, and for the making of their ioyfull entries into the chiefe townes, according to the auncient custome, disposing of their officers and houshold seruants according to their Estates, imitating the auncient orders of the houses of Bourgoigne and Spaine, rewar∣ding many of their seruants with offices. At their requests, and to doe them honour,

the order of the golden fleece (the soueraigntie whereof the king of Spaine reserued to him∣selfe) [ A] was giuen vnto prince of Orange, the duke of Arschot, the marquesse of Haurec, the * 1.120 earle of Arembergh, who also was made admiral, to Florents earle of Barlaimont, Charles earle * 1.121 of Egmont, Philip of Croy earle of Sores, and to the admirall of Arragon his generall, in re∣compence of his seruices, seeking to bind many others vnto them, by rewards and prefer∣ments.

Their court and traine was magnificent and stately, hauing a stable of seauentie or eightie great horses, eightie coach horses, and 150 mules, the earle of Sores beeing master of their horse. There attended on them sixteene or eighteene pages, all which were noble mens sons; besides a guard of halbardiers and shot, with other officers, so as the charge of their court was esteemed aboue two thousand gulderns a day, besides officers and seruants wages: Don•…•… [ B] Roderigo de Lasso was captaine of the guard on horsebacke. They sent embassadours into all places, to entertaine friendship and good correspondencie with their neighbours, as into France they sent the prince of Orange, and others elsewhere.

They mooued the deputies of the prouinces, which were come to Brussels to congratulate their comming, to further their installment, and ioyfull entries, wherein there did grow some difficultie, for the prouinces in generall, yet by seuerall petitions demanded the performance of certaine articles, and the peace which was promised them by the archduke, before his de∣parture into Spaine, and then they said they would proceed to their installing, standing vpon this point, to haue forrain souldiers sent out of their towns & forts, & to haue all places of im∣portance kept & guarded by them that were borne in the countrie; saying openly, that they [ C] had beene aduertised for certaine, that the archdukes before their departure from Spaine, had promised to entertaine Spanish garrisons in diuers townes and castles of the Netherlands, for their safeties, and to seeke to raise a certaine contribution of foure millions of gulderns yeare∣ly, for the maintenance thereof, which bred a great iealousie among them, so as at that time they could not resolue vpon the installing, vnlesse the three articles following (which they said were more than necessarie) might be performed. That according to their priuiledges, all strange garrisons and souldiers should be sent out of the countrie: all offices executed by such as were borne in the countrie, and a peace concluded with the vnited prouinces, by th•…•… counsell and aduice of the Estates of those prouinces.

But concerning all these doubts, a messenger was sent into Spaine, and secret conference [ D] had with diuers men; many Machi•…•…uilian persuasions were vsed, as that the townes and forts beeing planted with garrisons, and the prouinces full of strange souldiers (against whom there was no striuing, they beeing masters) it was best vnder that yoake, to choose the least euill, be∣ing forced thereunto through feare and compulsion, and that the installment and oath made by the prouinces in t•…•…at manner, could not be of force, beeing as it were compulsiue, and that therefore they might at all times breake it, with many such reasons more. It is said the Infanta alleadged, that she was not bound to take any oath at all, as her predecessors had done, for that the countrie was giuen her by her father: the which was hardly censured. But the archduke being duly informed hereof, thought it best and least preiudiciall for them, to vndertake those points, and to sweare to maintaine their priuiledges, that so they might get possession, and af∣ter [ E] when time serued, find some starting hole. With these considerations on both sides, & not without secret persuasions, they agreeed vpon their installment, according to the ancient ma∣ner. All things beeing thus concluded, vpon the 24 of Nouember they were honourably re∣ceiued * 1.122 and installed in Louaine, whither the deputies of the smaller townes, & of the 4 chiefe townes came as of Boisleduc, Antuerp, Brussels, and Louaine, which made the third member of Brabant; for the second member there appeared the barons of Bassigni, Gromberghen, and Weesemale, the earle of Arembergh, the marquesse of Berghen vp Zoom, the prince of Orange, and the duke of Croy and Arschot: and for the clergie, which was the third mem∣ber, there appeared the prelates of saint Gheertrude, Eueruode, Diligem, Tongerlo, Hey∣lichstem, Grumbergen, Villers, and Vlierbeque; all which presented themselues before the [ F] archduke & the Infanta, who were accompanied by the embassadours of Spaine, the duke of Aumale (who was banished out of France) the marques of Haurec, the earle of Māsfeldt, the admiral of Arragō, the president Richardot, & the auditor, who read the ioyful entries (signed and sealed by the archdukes) openly both in Latine and Dutch: which the Infanta kneeling

vpon her knees, did first sweare vpon the holy Euangils to obserue, and after her the arch∣duke: [ A] which being done, the three Estates aforesaid, in regard of their principalities, and the * 1.123 estates and townes of Brabant and Ouermase, tooke their due othes of obedience, & then all the priuiledges of Brabant were confirmed and sworne vnto. From Louaine they returned to Brussels againe vpon the eight and twentieth of Nouember with great state, whereas the triumphant Arke, made at their first entry, stood yet still vndefaced, and there they were also installed, they of the towne giuing them a present of plate, which was esteemed to bee worth 20000 gulderns.

From thence vpon the fift of December they entred into the castle of Antuerpe, and so on * 1.124 the eight of December they made their ioyfull entry into the towne, where they were most honourably, sumptuously, and triumphantly receiued: first, there rode before 56 officers or [ B] wardens, of 28 seuerall occupations of the towne: after them 26 Wyckmasters, apparrelled in purple, veluet, and silke: after them followed such as had beene magistrates in the towne, being 17 in number, all knights and men of good account, whose names, for breuitie sake, I omit: after them went foure officers, called the short Roade, and the long Roade, & the foure Secretaries of the towne; then followed the foure Clarkes of the towne: after them came the Estates pensioners, who are also of the counsell of the towne: then followed the treasu∣rers, the bourgomasters, and Schepenen of the town: after all followed M. Henrick van Varigh, Schout and Margraue of the land of Rhyne, and Iohn Dammant, amptman of the town, both knights. The archduke made foure of the bourgomasters knights, with these ceremonies: they kneeling downe one after another before the archduke, the earle of Solre standing by [ C] him, and giuing him his sword, hee gaue each of them three seuerall blowes vpon the right shoulder, and therewith he made him kisse the pomell of his sword: which done, the arch∣duke said: I make you knights in the name of God and S. George, truly to defend the Christian faith, the church, iustice, and all widowes and orphanes. On the 10 of December the archduke and Infanta, after a masse said by the bishop of Antuerpe, went vnto the towne-house, where they were installed vpon a scaffold, and sworne with the accustomed ceremonies; the forme of their oath was as followeth.

We Albertus and Isabella Clara Eugenia, princes of Spaine, by the grace of God, archdukes * 1.125 of Austria, dukes of Burgundie, Lorraine, Brabant, Lembourg, Luxembourg, and Guelder, earles of Habsbourg, Flanders, Arthois, Tirol, Burgundy, Palatin, Henault, Holland, Zeeland, [ D] Namur, Zutphen, & Margraue of the holy empire, lord of Friselād, Salines, Macklyn, Vtrecht, and the territories of Ouerissel & Groningue, let you vnderstand, that I Albertus archduke, as husband to the foresaid Infanta, and I the Infanta as princesse and heire of these countries and prouinces, doe promise to fulfill and accomplish that which vpon the 21 of August ann̄ 1598, was by vs and in our names promised and sworne to all and euery one of the Estates of the Netherlands in particular (as then assembled at Brussels in the great hall of the palace) and moreouer doe sweare, that we will vphold and maintaine the rites of the Church, and of the Margraueship of the holy empire, and in generall all their statutes, priuiledges, charters, free∣domes, rights, liberties, and customes, both new and old, as also the priuiledges of our ioyfull entries, which were giuen and graunted by vs and our predecessors vnto the Estates of Bra∣bant, [ E] none excepted, and to hold and maintaine them, and cause them to be held and maintai∣ned fully and wholly in euery point, and that we will not doe any thing contrary to the same, neither in all, nor in part, in any sort whatsoeuer, and that we will doe all that good and lawfull lords and Margraues of the holy empire are bound to do vnto their good subiects in the said Marquessate, and whatsoeuer is innouated contrary therunto, we will amend and reduce it to the former estate, as God and all his holy Saints shall helpe vs.

Whereupon the magistrat in the behalfe of the towne (speaking vnto the auditor of the towne in Dutch) holding vp his fingers, tooke his oath as followeth: Wee bourgomasters, * 1.126 Schepenen, counsell, & inhabitants of the towne of Antuerpe, all in generall, and euery one in particular sweare vnto you, right high and mightie princes, Albert and Isabella Clara Eugenia, [ F] princes of Spain, by the grace of God archdukes of Austria, dukes of Burgundie, Lorrain, Bra∣bant, Lembourg &c. earles of Habsbourg Flanders, Arthois &c. our soueraigne lords & law∣full princes, who are here personally present, that we shall and will be good and true subiects vnto you, and doe all things that loyall and faithfull subiects are bound to do for their lords

and lawfull princes, so God vs help and all his holy saints.

[ A]

Moreouer according to the auntient manner, there was an instrument or writing drawne * 1.127 of this solemne oath taken on both parts, and at the request of the Margraue was signed by both the princes, and their names set downe as witnesses, that were at that time present, in this manner. Giuen in our towne of Antuerpe the twelfth day of December, 1599, in the presence of the right worthie and reuerent father in God, the bishop of Tricaricensis, the popes Nuntio, Bàlthazar de Suniga embassadour for the king of Spaine, the duke of Aumale, the earle of Mansfeldt, the duke of Arschot, the prince of Orange, the marquesse of Haurec, the earle of Arembergh, the earle Vanden Berghe, the marquesse of Berghen vp Zoom, sir Iohn Richardot knight, Iohn Berlij president, Christopher van Assonuille, monsieur van Alten knight, Nicholas Dammont knight, and chancellor of Brabant, besides other officers and stan∣ders [ B] by. Signed, Albert and Isabella. Vnderwritten, by commandement of their highnesse, & signed Vereycken.

This was done in euery place with great solemnitie and triumph, as vpon the 28 of Ianu∣arie at Gant, whereas the last of Ianuarie they of Bruges and other places tooke their oathes by their deputies, the 3 of February it was done at Cortrick, the 6 at Dornick, the 9 at Douay, and so in other townes.

Whilest the archdukes were riding abroad to bee installed, prince Maurice vndertooke an * 1.128 enterprise against Wachtendonck, a very strong town, lying in the higher parts of Gueldres, vpon the riuer of Niers, the which was recouered from the vnited prouinces some twelue yeares before, by Charles earle of Mansfeldt, hauing besieged it two moneths; to which end [ C] vpon the two and twentieth of Ianuarie hee gathered together eight cornets of horse about the cloyster of Bebber by Cleef, and some eight hundred foot vnder Lodowicke earle of Nas∣sau, and colonel Edmonds, who began to march thither-wards in the forenoone, with cer∣taine waggons, and by night came to Nyekerke by Wachtendonck, where they rested a while, and then they went forwards towards the towne, some went ouer the yce, and some through the ditches, and so got ouer the walles into the towne, whereas there were not a∣boue eightie souldiers neither in the towne nor in the castle, for that the horsemen which lay in it were gone forth to seeke for bootie, and to spoile the fort of Wandersluyten, where they were encountred by certain souldiers of the garrisons of Bonne & Buyler, & defeated: prince Maurice his men were no sooner entred into the town, but the bourgers tooke an alarme, yet they found smal resistance, so as they becam masters of the town without any difficultie: then [ D] they placed certaine musketiers vpon the towne wall, to shoot at any they should discouer within the castle, whereas monsieur van Gileyn gouernour of the castle was hurt in the throat, and an officer, with one other slaine. The gouernour hauing not aboue thirtie soul∣diers within the castle, sent with all speed to Ruremond, to the earle Vanden Berghe for aid, who presently caused all the garrisons thereabouts, to march thither, but it was too late; for cont Lodowicke of Nassau was come with his horse and foot, whereas some of his horsemen left their horses, and among the rest, the lieutenant of prince Maurice his companie, got ouer the ditches, and so vpon the castle wall, whereas at last hee perswaded the souldiers to yeeld, vpon promise of their liues: one of the gouernours maids beeing of a stout courage, ranne [ E] to the walles with a forke in her hand, and therewith ouerthrewe a ladder whereon there were fiue men climing vp.

By this meanes on the three and twentieth day of Ianuarie they did winne the towne of Wachtendonck, which towne lying in the vpper parts of Gueldres, in a marish ground, a∣mong the townes which as yet are held by the Spaniards in that prouince, was of great im∣portance for them, to crosse the admirals proceedings.

There laie certaine companies of Spanish footmen thereabouts, who were in great dan∣ger to be discouered and charged, for that neither the towne of Gueldre, nor any other place would receiue them, by reason of their disorders, and of the generall mutinie. This enterprise thus happily performed by cont Lodowicke and colonel Edmonds, was very benefi∣ciall [ F] vnto them, for that the pesants thereabouts had brought all their best goods into the towne: who after they had taken good order for the estate of the towne, they departed from thence with their horsemen, leauing Lewis vander Cathulle lord of Rihoue for gouer∣nor of the town, with all the footmen; & for that the town was vnfurnished of match, scoops,

spades, and other furniture vpon the 5 of Februarie colonell Edmonds went thither againe, to [ A] carrie such necessaries as they wanted. * 1.129

As it was said before, certaine of the archdukes souldiers were mutined: the archduke by the aduice of the admirall, had resolued to punish them, beeing a necessarie and fit medicine for such a disease, and to that end he caused three peeces of ordnance to bee drawne out of Ma∣stricht, hauing two thousand Bourguignons which were newly raysed by the marquesse of Varrabon, and two thousand Wallons, to whom there was least due, which hee meant to im∣ploy against the mutinous souldiers, which would not be pacified without money: but they found few of them willing to march, some of the leaders obiecting the inconueniences which might grow, by suffering duetifull and quiet souldiers to fight against desperat mutiners, put∣ting him in mind of what had happened betweene the Italians and Spaniards at Sichem, in the [ B] yeare 1595, and that it grieued and discontented many men, to see such rigour vsed against poore men, whom meere necessitie forced to demaund their owne. They laid before him the danger of a general mutinie, if he tooke that course: Wherefore he resolued by the changing of garrisons, and other exployts which Borlotto had in hand, to preuent all further mutineis; yet they mutined more, as at Creuecoeur, and in S. Andrewes fort: so as the archduke finding no other meanes to pacifie them, he granted the mutinous companies at Hamont, that they should goe to Dyest, and there stay vntill they were paid all their arrerages: whereupon they were conducted thither by Tessada Master of the camp, being two thousand foot, & one thou∣sand horse, where they were to receiue daily fourteene stiuers for a footman, and twentie eight for a horseman, vntil their account and reckoning were paid them. Yet notwithstanding, whe∣ther [ C] it were that their pay came not time ynough, or for some other reason, eight hundred of these horsemen, & one thousand footmen, went into the Wallon countries, as far as Berghen, Henegoe, and to Dornick, whereas they forced the countrey men (who had not paid them a∣ny contribution since they were in Hamont) to pay them their contribution, wherein no ad∣monitions of Iohn Iacomo earle of Belioioso (who was sent vnto them) was able to dissuade them.

The garrison of the castle of Carpen, being but two and twentie souldiers, and some horse∣men, * 1.130 mutined also, and receiued two hundred Spanish horsemen in to them, to whom Fer∣nando Lopes their gouernour was sent, but he could not pacifie them, vntill it was August fol∣lowing. [ D]

Part of the Spanish armie lying about Boisleduc, betwixt Graue and Venlo, the comman∣ders * 1.131 thought it dangerous to lye neere the mutiners, finding some of their men both horse and foot to goe vnto them daily, especially Wallons and Italians, so as they were growne to bee three hundred horse, and fiue hundred foot, and went to Hamont, from whence many of the Spaniards were gone to Dyest, who after the manner of the mutiners, had chosen them an Electo, whose name was Brunoro Grabieli di Augubio, and for the horsemen Pietrantonio Gene∣uef d'Alessandria, and all their officers were Italians, as fittest for that vocation. Whereupon Loys de Velasco, fearing that more of his men would run away, hee past ouer the Meuse to Ar∣son, and so marched towards Berck, and lay in the villages of Nidekerke and Oudekerke, not farre from Venlo, but the same night three hundred of his horsemen, and some of his footmen [ E] left him, and went to the mutiners, whereby the archdukes affaires concerning the wars were but in ba•…•…estate, vntill that more money came.

It was said before what was done by the vnited prouinces, in the winter time, concerning the warres, now I will shew what preparation they made for the summer warres. In winter they sat in counsell, to procure a consent from the prouinces, for the leuying of certaine mo∣ney towards their warres: where they found many difficulties, partly for that the admiraltie in euerie place was bare of money, and much behind hand, for that their receits grew short, by reason of the restraint of licences, whereby each partie thought to weaken other. The Indian ships were also of more charge than profit vnto them, and their traffique into all places was small: besides, the gallies being at Sluce, bred no smal feare in them of Holland and Zeeland; so [ F] as there was a speech they would insconce the Hage, and place a garrison of horse and foot there.

The beginning of the yeare 1600 beeing spent without any exployt, the garrisons of the forts of S. Andrew and Creuecoeur, for want of pay (beeing behind hand for many moneths)

began to mutine, chasing away their commaunders, captaines, and officers, hauing all the win∣ter [ A] (which was verie sharpe and long) endured verie much, as well by cold, as other discom∣modities, * 1.132 to whom (by reason of the princes souldiers) there was no free accesse, without great * 1.133 conuoy, although they did protest sufficiently, that they would continue in the seruice and o∣bedience of the king of Spaine, and of the archduke Albert of Austria, his sonne in law, deman∣ding no other thing but their pay, whereon the archduke Albert, and the Infanta of Spaine, duchesse of Brabant, his wife, seemed carelesse.

Prince Maurice, who was in like maner retired (being yet watchful vpon all occasions) with the rest of his forces, hauing verie well manned the towne of Bomel, the fort of Nassau in the * 1.134 island of Voorn, and his other trenches, being desirous to imbrace this occasion, and to make his profit of these mutinies and alterations of the enemies souldiers; winter being past, hee ap∣pointed [ B] the rendez vous for his armie about Rotterdam, and at Willenstadt, and hee parted the eighteenth of March 1600 from the Hage, and came to Dordrecht, whereas imbarking two dayes after with a great troupe of noblemen, colonels, commanders, and captaines, hee moun∣ted vp the riuer of Meuse, with some two hundred sayle vnto the fort of Creuecoeur (where∣as the Spaniards were likewise mutined.) Being landed with his armie the one and twentieth day, he began to plant his canon, at the first hee summoned the place to yeeld vpon certaine good conditions. There were foure companies of Wallons within it, who remembring their former mutinie, and the smal hope there was of any timely succours (although that their mu∣tiny were pardoned, or at the least they had so promised them) and seeing what hast the prince made to force them, they yeelded to a composition which was offered them by the Estates, [ C] and the foure and twentieth of the moneth they yeelded the fort vnto the prince, wherof two companies, not trusting vnto the Spaniards curtesie, did willingly put themselues into the prin∣ces seruice, and the other two (as they had free libertie giuen them) retired themselues vnto S. Andrewes fort.

This fort of Creuecoeur being so easily gotten by the Estates and prince Maurice, seeing this beginning to promise a good and a happie end of his designes, hee entred with his armie into the island of Bomel, to trie S. Andrews fort by siege, to the which hee approached the six and twentieth day of the month, although the time and season were verie vn•…•…itas well by reason of the continuall raine, as for the cold, so as most part of the time his men were forced to lye co∣uered in the ships, dispersed here and there vpon the riuers of Meuse and Wahal. [ D]

The prince was no sooner come before the fort, but he built many forts to assure his camp, * 1.135 in frontier places of Brabant, by the which the Spaniard might haue accesse to succour the said fort, and in like maner to importune him. Among others, he built a fort in the village of Hesel, and in the compasse of the territorie of the said village, seuen smal sconces, which were called the seuen Planets, and three in the village of Rossum, aboue the intrenchments of the one and the other, opposit vpon the North and the West to S. Andrewes fort. And to the end that the ships sayling vpon the riuer of Wahal should not be in danger of the canon of S. An∣drew, the prince caused a chanell to be made, which turned out of the riuer, and fell into it a∣gaine: which chanell was called by the name of S. Andrewes Crosse. On Brabant side, be∣yond the riuer of Meuse, the prince caused seuen other forts to bee built in a great circuit of [ E] ground, from the village of Maren vnto Kessel, being three hundred paces distant one from a∣nother, yet ioyned one to another with good trenches, in the which they might safely lodge good numbers of horse and foot. And on another side of Brabant, and beyond the Meuse, a∣nother fort in the village of Alem, ioyning to the which were the Estates ships, and a bridge ouer the Meuse, to passe their men out of the isle of Bomel into Brabant, with some other bat∣teries betwixt Alem and Maren, besides those that were at the point of their trenches at Ros∣sum, opposit to S. Andrew; with another vpon the Meuse, vpon Brabant, called Knol S'chans, about 1600 paces distant from the fort of Alem. And the better to hinder the approach of the Spanish forces, at all these forts built vpon Brabant side, betwixt Maren and Kessel, and at Lit∣•…•…enham, or at euerie end of a halfe moone which the prince had caused to be built, were two [ F] small sconces, like vnto the others. Hee also caused a banke of the riuer of Meuse to bee cut, ioyning to two of his sconces in the village of Littogen, by the which the riuer did flow ouer all the champian countrey neere vnto the towne of Bo•…•…sleduc, which tooke all meanes from the Spaniards to set vpon the princes forts vpon Brabant side, and much lesse vpon them that

were in the islands of Bomel and Tyel, and betwixt the two riuers of Wahal and Meuse, [ A] whereas the prince had his chiefe forces, as well along the dike, as in the said forts and tren∣ches. * 1.136 He had also made another bridge vpon the Meuse, right against the fort of Kessel, ioy∣ning to the which was another part of his ships of war, and other barkes with victuals and mu∣nition, as there was in like maner neere vnto the banke, that was cut at Littogen, with so many intrenchments within the circuit of Maren, Kessel, Hesel, Alem, Voorn, and Rossum, as it is impossible to describe them perfectly by writing, nor make them to bee conceiued with seeing of the purtraict, the which is very industriously cut in copper. By reason of all which forts and trenches, prince Maurice was to stand to it, and to attend the Spaniards strongest attempts, his whole camp being so well fortified, as 50000 men would haue bin much troubled to haue for∣ced a quarter: for proofe whereof colonell Borlotte hauing sworne to raise the siege with 2000 [ B] men, hauing approched to the village of Os, and there staied some time, he was forced to retire as he came, and returne into Brabant, confessing since, that he found no meanes nor accesse to effect any thing.

The prince hauing thus intrencht and fortified his campe of a great circuit, and taken from the Spaniard all hope to force him, especially by reason of the waters, so as the besieged in S. Andrewes fort were not free from the inundations, beeing forced to lodge like conies in their rampars, in great miserie and pouertie, suffering extreamly, vpon hope that they should be re∣lieued, reconciled, and paid, doing their best endeuors to reconcile themselues with their ca∣non: so as the prince could not well approach to batter them in breach, by reason of the wa∣ters, but the whole moneth of Aprill was spent in shooting at random one at another: but on the first day of May, the waters beginning to fall, the prince commanded, that in a darke night [ C] in the waine of the moone, they should make their approches with good trenches, towards Rossum and Herwaerden, there to make his batteries: and soone after hee sent a drum to sum∣mon the besieged, who although they seemed to be resolued to hold the place for the king of Spaine, and the archduchesse his daughter, yet they gaue some eare vnto him, consenting to enter into treatie. According to the which vpon the 4 and 5 of May, there were sent vnto them the seignior of Vchtenbrouck, colonell of the regiment of Vtrecht, and Vander Aa, captaine of the princes guards: at which conference the besieged seeing small hope of succors, and the vn∣certaintie of their reconciliation, and much lesse of their pay, they demanded of the Estates, the arrerages of their seruice which the king of Spain did owe them, and for the which they were [ D] mutined, which came to the summe of 500000 florins. Whereupon an offer was made vnto them of 125000, which they wold not accept, hauing also discouered a signe which was made them at Boisleduc (being within lesse than two leagues) which gaue them to vnderstand, that they should be relieued within lesse than foure daies; so as this treatie was without effect, be∣ginning againe to thunder with the canon after their accustomed maner, vntil that on the 8 of the month, the besieged seeing the princes men to be much aduāced, euen to the foot of their owne counterscarpe, and that they began to make two bridges, to come vnto the assault, after that a breach were made, the foure daies of their hope being expired, and seeing no aduance∣ment of any succors, about two of the clocke in the afternoone the same day, they cried vnto the pioners which wrought in the trenches close by their counterscarpe, saying, That they de∣sired [ E] to parle with some deputies from the prince and Estates, if it pleased them to send vnto them & heare them: to which effect there were 2 or three messengers sent at their request, vn∣to the prince and the deputies of the Estates. Wherupon the prince with some noblemen and colonels, went to horsebacke, and came into the trenches, without the which at the half moon which S. Andrews fort had without their counterscarpe, the said seignior Vander Aa, and ano∣ther captaine had some conference with them: whereupon the besieged sent 8 deputies in a boat, the which were brought vnto the princes trenches, the prince sending backe 4 of them, entred into the treatie with the rest, granting vnto them willingly and freely whatsoeuer they could in reason demaund, being loth to loose so faire an occasion, fearing (the which hee did foresee, and it fell so out soone after) another ouerflowing of the riuers, the which had forced [ F] him to abandon those approches and trenches which hee had before S. Andrew, and to retire his canon with great toile. The composition being concluded and made, there was promised * 1.137 them 125000 florins, and to remaine within the fort vntill that the money were paid them: promising & swearing vnto the said prince, That they would keep and defend it faithfully for

the Estates and the said prince, and to obey such captaines and officers as should be appointed [ A] them by him, renouncing and reuoking the oth which they had made vnto the K. of Spaine, * 1.138 or the archduke Albert. Moreouer, these were the articles.

• 1 That the sicke and wounded should bee sent to some towne of the vnited prouinces, * 1.139 who should receiue their parts as much as should rise due vnto them, out of the said summe of one hundred twentie fiue thousand florins: and that there should be a gratuitie giuen vn∣to widowes out of the same summe.
• 2 All souldiers which had heretofore serued the estates or the said prince, should haue their pardon, and should be paied what was due vnto them out of the said summe.
• 3 All such as would retire, should be satisfied out of the said summe, to whom good pas∣ports and safeconducts should be giuen, and that the said souldiers should be as well intreated [ B] as the best the Estates could haue.
• 4 Those which were come from the fort of Creuecoeur, should be also paid as the rest.
• 5 That to all souldiers hauing bin vnder the princes seruice, requiring leaue to depart, and a pasport, it shall not be refused them, so they demand it not vnseasonably.
• 6 Nothing shalbe reproched vnto them, of that which is now done.
• 7 The souldiers may, with the princes aduice, chuse 8 captaines of the Wallons regiments of the baron of Hauchicourts and of the Marquesses, and three of the Germanes.
• 8 All Commissaries, Prouosts, Brewers, Bakers, Victuallers, and all others that would re∣tire, shall haue good and safeconduct. The chapleine may also retire freely with all his orna∣naments, church furniture & baggage, to whom safeconduct and conuoy shalbe giuen as vnto [ C] the rest.
• 9 That all reformed sergeants and corporals, hauing had pensions in the K. of Spaines ser∣uice, shall haue the like entertainment, remaining vnder the prince and Estates.
• 10 All Commissaries, captaines and officers, shall haue a surplusage and increase out of the said summe, proportionable to that which euery souldier shall receiue.
• 11 That to morrow commissaries shalbe sent into the fort, to take an Inuentarie of the artil∣lerie, munition and victuals that should be found therein.
• 12 Being gone out of the fort, the souldiers shall take the same oth which others haue done that serue vnder the prince and Estates.

All these conditions being granted and accepted, the 8 of May in the euening, Cont Ernest [ D] of Nassau required the souldiers of the said fort, in the princes name, and for his sake, to giue a falue with their canon and small shot, in signe of victorie, the which they did thrice with their muskets and harguebuses and then with their canon.

Finally, on the 11 of the moneth, the souldiers as they went out of the fort, were paid by the poll, by the Estates commissaries, being 1124 men past by muster, the least of them receiuing 106 florins. All which being departed, the prince sent in foure of his companies, and before that he himselfe entred, he suffered all bourgers, citizens, marchants, and other inhabitants of the vnited prouinces, which through curiositie and zeale to their country, were come, and desired to see, to enter in great numbers, and to view it both within and without. Then he en∣tred with all the chiefe of his armie, and hauing well viewed the place, he returned vnto his [ E] quarter.

As for the article before mentioned, that nothing should be reproched vnto them which was past, that was in effect presently kept. For as on the tenth of the moneth, after the accord was made, a French souldier would haue entred in despight of the souldiers of the garrison, being yet in guard (who being repulsed by them, he began to iniure them, calling them trai∣tors and marchants of forts) he was layd hold on, and by the law of armes condemned to die, and then deliuered by the princes commaundement to them of the fort, to be shot to death, or to doe with him as they pleased, who notwithstanding pardoned him, and sent him backe.

After that the souldiers of the fort had receiued their pay, being all gone foorth, they were [ F] presently imbarked, and sent by water into garrison into diuers townes in the said prouinces. Behold how this fort, which was held impregnable, was easily gotten by the Estates, and not only the place, artillerie, munition, prouision of warre and victuals, which was more in value than 125000 florins, but also a great troupe of as braue men as the king of Spaine had of

a long time in his armie, all choyce men, and old experienced souldiers, whereof they made [ A] good proofe at the battaile of Nieuport, as you shall presently heare. And although the neg∣ligence * 1.140 or want of meanes of the archduke, although this place did so much import him, as the Spaniards called it the Key whereby to enter into Holland, and the other vnited prouinces, wheron depended a great part of his honor, hauing lost so many men, and spent so much mo∣ney, before he could bring it to such perfection, as when it was deliuered to the Estates. If it were not through want of meanes, nor by the archdukes negligence, but of his commaunders in the war, captaines, commissaries, or treasorers, I know not how they could answer it, nor dis∣charge themselues before him: and yet it hath not been heard, that any one hath bin called in question for it: for what could such valiant men haue done more, hauing 20 months pay due vnto them, being half buried aliue in the earth, like mouls, enuironed round about with water, without any auoidance, halfe naked, all tattered, starued with cold, and smoakt vp like red her∣rings, [ B] hauing suffered infinitly, during the season of a tedious winter, and vnto their yeelding: seeing themselues in the goodliest season of the whole yeare, abandoned of all succors, hauing so long attended them in vaine, notwithstanding their great indeuors? What could they haue done, but in the end to fall into dispaire, or to do that which otherwise they would neuer haue done? For* my part, I cannot blame them, and much lesse accuse them, it belongs vnto them that are interessed: but if they will weigh this fact in the iust ballance of militarie discipline, and * 1.141 the rules of war, it may be they will excuse them.

They found in this fort 96 barrels of powder, certaine thousands of bullets, 18 peeces of ord∣nance, and other sorts of arms and munition in great number, with a great quantitie of wheat, [ C] rye, corne to brew with, and other victuals and prouisions.

They of Groningue, and the countrey thereabouts were this yere discontented, for that be∣ing * 1.142 behind hand with their contribution, for the space of 3 yeres, and taking no order for the paiment thereof, being at the least 400000 gulderns, the Estates of the other prouinces, were forced against their wils, to vse some forcible execution (a bad and vnfit president, especially in the time of their ciuill wars) giuing the charge therof vnto monsieur Temple, with 800 foot, and 200 horse, who with some other companies of Friseland, vpon the sixteenth of March entred into Groningue, partly against the bourgers wils, who the next day forbad the bourgers to watch, and in the end dealt verie seuerely with them; and yet William earle of Nassau laboured what hee could to haue them mildly intreated, whereof some particular persons were the [ D] cause. But to preuent all further inconueniences, in the end there was a citadell built, the Estates pretending that both the towne and the territories of Groningue were in great daun∣ger, by reason of their great weekely markets, whereas there was so great a concourse of peo∣ple, as the enemie might easily by that meanes attempt something against it: so as they were forced to keepe a continuall garrison there, of twentie, or twentie fiue companies. For which cause they resolued (not without great dislike and murmuring of many men) to build vp a ca∣stle, the which after long disputation, and much contrarietie, was begun the next summer, at the North end of the towne, which the surueyors and workemen said, would not cost aboue 70000 gulderns, which made them yeeld thereunto the more willingly: but in the end they found the charge to be aboue 400000 guldernes, the which was more than the arrerages of [ E] their contribution amounted vnto, so as the surueyors and masters of the worke had small thankes for their labor. Gaspar van Eusum was made gouernor therof with 6 or 800 men.

They of Zeeland complained, that they were not able to leuie the generall contribution * 1.143 which they were rated to pay, for the further maintenance of the warres both by sea and land, laying open all their meanes, both contributions and other, vnto them of Holland, desiring they might be discharged of so great a taxe, or else to haue some aid of men and money, with other necessaries for their defence, the warrelying most vpon them. They of Holland and Vtrecht seemed to be well content, and promised to pay their rate as they had done the yeare before, aduising them to prouide for the defence of the countrey, with all the means and speed they could. [ F]

They of Gueldres and Ouerissell seemed also to complaine: yet all in generall thought it fit to take the aduantage of the time, whilest their enemies souldiers were in mutinie, and to make better resistance against the gallies at sea, whereupon they resolued to deuise al the means they could to raise money, to make a good offensiue war the next yeare.

Prince Henry, yongest sonne to William prince of Orange, hauing beene with his mother in [ A] France, and now returned againe into the Netherlands, the general Estates thought it good to * 1.144 acquaint him with the affaires of the countrey where hee was borne, and to that end (al∣though * 1.145 he were but seuenteene yeares old) they made him one of their counsell of Estate, that he might see and heare what was done concerning the affaires of the countrey, so as vpon the 17 of March was his first sitting.

The archduke Albertus and the Infanta, being installed in most of the prouinces vnder their obedience, they now found themselues much perplexed for money, so as the Spaniards, Ita∣lians, and other nations, fell generally into mutinie, and spoiled all the countrey, forcing the peasants to pay them contribution, so as they feared a greater tumult, if it were not speedily preuented: for which cause the generall Estates vnder their command were assembled, wher∣as [ B] vpon the eight and twentieth of Aprill, beeing at Brussels, the archdukes both by mouth and writing, made these propositions vnto them, by the president Richardot and d' As∣sonville.

My lords, it is not vnknowne to euerie one of you, how much you haue longed after this assembly, in regard of the great zeale you beare vnto the aduancement of your countries cause * 1.146 which you thinke is too much neglected: the like desire their highnesses haue also had, since their first comming into these countries, the which had beene long since effected, if the time spent in their instalments in these their countries, had not beene some let, being necessarie for them to begin with that ceremonie, not only to giue the common people contentment there∣by, but also to accomplish that which was promised, before my lord the archdukes your prin∣ces [ C] departure into Spaine: and now hauing proceeded thus farre, the cause of this assemblie being well knowne to euerie one of you, for that you may haue beene particularly informed thereof in each of your seuerall prouinces, it shall not be needfull to make any long discourse of that which is here to be done, touching the aduancement of the countries cause, for that your princes long much to heare what you intend to propound vnto them, beeing well infor∣med of the businesse, hauing also no intent to offer any new matter vnto you, but that where∣with you are alreadie made acquainted. And their highnesses thinke it sufficient, that you know, and are assured, that they are come hither to liue and dye with you, and to do all offices befitting good and mild princes: hoping withal, that you for your parts wil not faile to do the dueties of good and faithfull subiects. And if you desire to vnderstand more of their loues [ D] and affections towards you, it shall appeare by that which they now desire at your hands, which is, To be carefull and prouident for the present estate of your countrey, which (to their great griefe) they find to be in farre worse estate than they would haue it. It discontents them to see you surcharged with so great burthens, yet they haue not vndertaken to disguise any thing vnto you, nor yet to feed you with any vaine hopes, or to hold you in suspence: for they know there are many great difficulties, to surmount the which we must both labor and sweat, hauing no better meanes to be vnburthened thereof, and to free our selues from these difficul∣ties, which seeme to enuiron vs round about, than to shew our power and force according to our abilities, alwayes with the helpe and assistance of God, the which shall neuer be wanting, if we pray heartily vnto him. The chiefe cause therefore of this assembly (in regard of the [ E] great and generall complaints, and the disorders which grow daily by such long and bloudie warres) is, That their highnesses desire, that all in generall, and euerie one of you in particular, will endeuor your selues to giue him counsell, how it may be effected, and to set downe the necessarie meanes to be vsed, for the maintenance of the common cause, & the setling of some good course, for the profit and commoditie of the countrey. I do not prescribe in what man∣ner it should be done, wherein they desire to haue your wise aduice and counsell, hauing no other intent, but to gouerne all things well, as their future actions shall make manifest. But to proceed to a point of greater importance, whereon we must resolue, is either Peace, or Warre: Peace were more beneficial vnto vs, which without doubt is that which you much desire, and your princes much more than you, being naturally inclined therunto, and desiring to gouerne [ F] you in peace and quietnesse. If therefore you know any means how to attain vnto it, you shal doe well to impart it vnto their highnesse, wherein they will heare you with all attention, and stand alwayes readie with open armes, to receiue the strayed members, and to vnite them a∣gaine to the whole bodie, from the which to their owne great preiudice (through the persua∣sions

and instigation of some men) they haue indiscreetly seperated themselues, and (which is [ A] worst of all) haue so hardned their hearts, as no reasons, offers, nor meanes, haue hitherto been * 1.147 of force to draw them to any reconciliation.

If this then bee no more successefull than the former, wee must of force take armes in hand and prepare to war, for the maintenance whereof we haue a million of aduantages aboue our enemies: for besides, that God doth commonly aid the iust cause, wee our selues are without all comparison the stronger, yet wee will not denie but wee haue our meanes and chiefe maintenance from that great monarch of Spaine, whereas the vnspeakable treasure of Pe∣ru and the Indies lye open vnto vs, in regard that the yong king loueth the high and mightie Infanta, his sister, so deerely, and sheweth more bountie vnto her, than the deceased king her father. But it is true, all must not come from thence, we must put to our helping hands, that we [ B] may once free our selues from these miseries, and for that cause you are called to this place, to aduise with one consent of the meanes how to maintaine the wars, vntill it shall please God to send vs a good peace.

That which is allowed monethly by the king of Spaine, amounteth vnto two hundred and fiftie thousand crownes, and what more is to bee added thereunto, must bee raysed in these countries: wherein you must resolue what course you thinke fittest, to imploy the money comming out of Spaine, and that which shall be leuied here, thereby to keepe better martiall discipline, to suppresse all complaints and disorders, and to content the common people.

Moreouer, you must haue a care for the paiment of your ordinarie garrisons, and the repay∣ring of your frontier towns and forts, the which must necessarily bee done, for that they are in great danger. Besides all this, you know that euerie man must liue of his owne, the which is [ C] to be vnderstood both of princes and priuat men. The inheritance and patrimony of our prin∣ces is their demeanes, whereof in times past the dukes of Bourgoigne, who were our princes, and their predecessors, did liue, reseruing it for themselues and their houses, but being once v∣nited with Spaine, our princes grew so mightie, hauing so many other estates and kingdomes, as they made no estimation of the reuenues of these countries for their owne maintenance, but did bountifully imploy and pawne the reuenues of these countries, for the necessities of the war, and for the defence and preseruation of the countrey, in such sort as it is scarce able to pay the rents, whereunto you must haue a great regard, as being bound by nature to discharge those debts, which were made for you, that our princes may haue meanes to liue, and not bee [ D] burthensome vnto their subiects. It is to be hoped that this may bee effected in few yeares, whether it be by such meanes as you your selues shall find out, or that their highnesses shall propound vnto you. In the meane time they desire you to prouide them meanes whereon to liue, vntill their reuenues may bee freed from all such debts. If these things may bee effected, we shall haue meanes to bridle our enemies, to keepe our souldiers in discipline, to preuent all disorders, and to pacifie the daily complaints, which are verie great and many, to the great trouble and griefe of their highnesses and of all good men. Wherefore my lords you are to proceed herein, and to conclude with one generall consent, what you shal thinke possible and conuenient, as if you were all children borne of one wombe; and whereas you cannot agree, their highnesses shall in friendly maner giue you their aduice, and shew you such means as are likest to be effected, that so all ioyntly and with one common consent, may seek to vphold and [ E] maintaine the bodie of this estate, which hath bin so mightie and flourishing.

These propositions being made, & for that daily, besides the mutinies in Dyest, Hamont, & Bilsen, the other garrisons also mutined, and forced al Henault, and the champian countrey of Brabant to contribution, meaning to do the like in Arthois, as they had done in the countries of Liege and Lembourg, so as they were constrayned to resist them by force: It was therefore mentioned in this assembly (for the preuenting of further inconueniences, & to appease these mutinies) that the Estates should leuie 50000 crownes presently, the which was granted, vpon condition, That it should be defalked out of the first money that they shold agree vpon to pay * 1.148 vnto the archduke. And entring into further treatie, the general Estates desired a particular ex∣position [ F] of euery point, as well what numbers of souldiers they were to maintaine, and what countrey souldiers they should be, what their entertainment would amount yearely vnto, and what was sufficient for the maintenance of the admiraltie, ordnance, munitiō, victuals, &c. and what all would amount vnto: Prouided alwayes, that first of al the mutiners of Dyest, Ha∣mont,

and Bilsen, should bee satisfied and paid. [ A]

Whereunto, vpon the 23 of May, the archduke made answer, That it was hard to be done, * 1.149 letting them vnderstand, that he would desire no more than should bee needfull to maintaine * 1.150 10000 foot of the naturall borne subiects of the countrey, besides the ordinarie garrisons, and 5 companies of light horsemen, besides their ordinarie troups.

For the maintenance of the admiraltie, they thought it necessarie to haue 30 thousand gul∣derns a moneth.

For the repairing and fortification of frontier townes, 300000 gulderns a yeare.

For the freeing of the demeanes and reuenues, a prouisionall yearely summe of 200000 gul∣derns, to be made for the maintenance of their houses.

Touching the paiment of the old debts, and the mutinous souldiers, they did hope to haue [ B] some helpe therein from the kings bountie, and that they would take vpon themselues the charge of paying the strange souldiers, with the money which was to come out of Spaine, be∣ing 250000 duckets a moneth and not charge the Estates therewith.

After this, the Estates desired to know what assurance they should haue out of Spaine, for * 1.151 the paiment of the said 250000 duckets monethly, and how that money should bee imploied, that the souldiers might be kept in good discipline, without any charge to the common peo∣ple, both for seruice money (which is their lodging) carriages, and other things: for that ha∣uing no good orders established, the countrey might be wasted, and made vnable to giue their princes any aid: and therefore they held it necessarie to make an account and reckoning with the souldiers, and to acquaint the king of Spaine therewith, that by his bountie they might [ C] be paid their arrerages: desiring also to haue a particular note what garrisons should be paied by the countrey, as also, if furnishing the ful summe demanded of them, they should not be dis∣charged of wagons, pioners, &c. and of all other things that concerne the wars, as for the pas∣sing of souldiers through the countrey, and that they should liue vpon their owne pay in the champian countries, &c.

To these and the like points the archduke made answer the 12 of Iune, assuring the 250000 crowns a month, declaring moreouer their priuat meaning and intent in 13 articles, the which for breuities sake I omit.

Whereupon the generall Estates, on the 27 of Iune, made answer vnto euerie seueral article, and among the rest that touching the assurance of the 250 thousand crowns a moneth, which [ D] should come out of Spaine, such orders might be taken, as the Estates might tast the effects thereof: desiring moreouer, that some able and trustie messenger might be sent vnto the king, to beseech him to continue the said paiment of 250 thousand crowns, not onely that yeare of 1600, but vntill the first of Ianuarie 1602: and also to hasten the extraordinarie prouision for the paiment of the old arrerages vnto the souldiers: the Estates desiring leaue to write parti∣cularly vnto the king concerning the same: and in the meane time, for their better securities and contents, they besought their highnesse, that it might appeare euerie moneth, how it had beene performed: And so they made answer vnto the rest of the articles.

In May past, Walborgh, countesse of Nieuwenar, Horne, Moeurs, &c. died, who had to * 1.152 her first husband Philip of Montmorencie, earle of Horne, who was beheaded by the duke of Alua, and then shee maried with Adolp earle of Nieuwenar, Alphen, &c. hauing no issue by [ E] either of her husbands. By her testament she gaue the earledome of Moeurs to prince Maurice, the earledome of Horne, with the towne of Weert, and all her mouables, vnto Euerard earle of Solins, who had maried with Sabina countesse of Egmont; the baronie of Bedborgh with the appurtenances, shee bequeathed vnto the earle of Benthem, and made the Estates of the vnited prouinces her executors, who had assisted her much in the defence of her right: but as soone as the duke of Cleues vnderstood of her death, hee sent certaine souldiers to seyze vpon the towne and castle of Moeurs, as depending vpon the duchie of Cleues; and not long after, when as monsieur Cloot went thither with certaine souldiers, to take possession there∣of in prince Maurice his name, hee was repulst by them of Cleueland, but the next yeare [ F] following, when as the towne of Berck was woon againe by prince Maurice, it was deliue∣red to monsieur Cloot, who was made gouernour thereof. There was a great summe of mo∣ney offered to prince Maurice for the sayd earledome of Moeurs, but hee would not in any wise sell it.

In the same moneth of May Harman earle of Manderschelt, and Charles Nutzel, embassa∣dours [ A] for the emperour, came to the Hage, who deliuered their embassage vnto the Estates, * 1.153 which was, To command them to make restitution of such places as they held in the territo∣ries * 1.154 of the empire, with reparation for the wrongs and damages which they had done vpon the frontiers of the empire; saying, That the emperor wondered they had not performed the contents of their letters of the 31 of Ianuarie, by the which they had promised to deliuer vp such places as they held in their possession, belonging vnto the empire, whereas the Spaniard had left Rees Emmeric, Lobith, and other places, and they on the other side had taken more places, and held Emmeric still, thereby giuing the Spaniards cause of iealousie and distrust, it being an open contempt against the emperor and empire.

And as touching the sconce of Grauenweerd, commonly called Schencks sconce, which the estates did pretend to stand vpon the territories of Gueldres, seeing it stil remained sublite pen∣dente, [ B] it was requisit it shold be deliuered into the duke of Cleues hands, or else by forme of se∣questration, it should be put in some neutrall hands, vntill the law had determined of the sci∣tuation thereof.

They also demaunded restitution of the ransomes and other booties gotten by them from the subiects of the empire, and assurance that no such excesse should be committed hereafter.

Moreouer, they said, That they had expresse commission, to complaine of the wrongs done by their souldiers in the territories of Aix, whereas they made the peasants to pay contribution euen vnto the gates of the towne; as in like maner in Westphalia, Iuilliers, and the territories of Cleues, as also of a sentence giuen by them against those of Gelekerke. Besides, that the rents [ C] of the Foukers of Ausbourg, were detained from them in Friseland, wi•…•…h such like complaints: wherefore they desired there might be certaine committees appointed to take order therein, and that in the meane time there might bee a truce or surceasing from armes, hoping that by the intercession of the emperor and the empire, the aduerse party would be drawne to consent and agree thereunto.

Whereunto the Estates of the vnited prouinces made answer, on the seuenth of Iune, say∣ing, * 1.155 That they humbly thanked the emperor, and the princes of the empire, for the great care they had of the Netherlands: and that for their parts they had alwaies sought to yeeld all due respect and honor vnto the said princes, and to the empire, according to their best means, with restitution and satisfaction, according to the order set downe at Renisbourgh &c. being much [ D] grieued to heare that the emperor should be so falsely informed, of their taking of any new places, since the Spaniard had deliuered vp those places which he had held. And as for Em∣meric, they desired them to consider that the towne was not yeelded vp againe by the Spaniard; but the Spaniard holding it by force from the empire, their generall, prince Mau∣rice, had taken it from them in the yeare 1598, and deliuered it vnto the duke of Cleues, to whom it belonged, with condition, not to suffer any Spanish garrison to enter any more in∣to it, and that, when as in the yeare 1599 the Spaniards tooke Genep, and Rees, and attemp∣ted to take it againe, the bourgers of the towne desired them to send in certaine souldiers for their defence, where they haue euer since continued.

Touching the castle of Lobith, they said, it was neuer in the Spaniards power, but in the yere [ E] past, when as the Spanish army marcht that way, they were forced to put a garrison into it for their owne securities, as they did in Seuenar, and other places; which garrisons (as soone as the Spaniards were gone to Bomelerweert) they retired againe, the which they were also readie to do at Emmeric, if the Spaniards would promise not to take it againe, and would leaue Rhine∣berck, with other places which they still detained; and that the duke of Cleues would suffer prince Maurice and the earle of Solins quietly to enioy the lands of the countesse of Nieu∣wenar and Moeurs, giuen vnto them by her last will and testament. They said, they had thrice since the yeare 1597 restored such places to the empire, as the Spaniards had taken from it, and therefore they hoped that now the fourth time they would not vrge them to make restitution before the Spaniards did the like. [ F]

As for their title to Grauenweerd sconce, they said, That wheras in the yere 1586 the Spani∣ards had resolued to build a sconce in that place, therby to haue an entry into Guelderland and into Cleueland, they were preuented by them, who had built a sort there for their defence,

without any complaint of them of Cleueland, as beeing vpon the territories of Gueldres: [ A] at the last they of Cleueland pretended to haue certaine ciuill iurisdiction ouer the same, and * 1.156 yet the soueraigntie of Gueldres was not any thing preiudiced thereby.

The fort being made in the yeare 1590, the Estates of the vnited prouinces informed the emperour, what right they had thereunto, wherein as then there was nothing done, so as they proceeded in the fortification of the place, and therefore they hoped (that seeing it was built vpon a void peece of ground, adlegitimam defensionem) they might hold the possession there∣of: and for that it was a place which concerned their enemie much and that the duke at that time made no complaint touching the same, they were of opinion therefore, that hee made no motion for the restitution thereof, but onely by the practises and persuasions of the Spani∣ards. And as for putting of the place into the hands of some neutrall persons, and they to bee [ B] charged with the garrison, that would onely be a meanes to pleasure the Spaniards.

Touching restitution of damages, they said, That they thought the Spaniards ought to do it, who wilfully had entred into the confines of the empire, to make it their passage into Hol∣land, so as they were vnwillingly forced to oppose themselues, and if thereby any incursions were made into the empire, it was done against their wils, and contrarie to their proclamati∣ons, and if they had not suffered the Spaniards to enter into their territories, no such incon∣ueniences had happened.

Concerning them of Aix, they promised to take so good order therein, as they should haue no cause to complaine, so as they would remaine neutrall, and not more partiall to one partie than to another. The like they answered for them of Cologne, Iuilliers, and others, prote∣sting [ C] to be sorie for any wrongs that had beene done vnto them. And as for the Foukers rents in Friseland, if it were found they had any right thereunto, they would take order they should haue speedie iustice.

Touching the foresaid embassage determined on at Renisbourgh, tending to the making of a peace, they said, That it appeared, that both the deceased king of Spaine, and the king that now liueth, sought nothing else, but to bring the countries of the Netherlands vnder the Spanish yoake, the which was especially intended, by the donation of the sayd countries vn∣to the Infanta, by the which gift the Archduke and Infanta are bound by othe, to gouerne according to the will and disposition of the king of Spaine, contrarie to the priuiledges and laudable customes of the Netherlands, as also that the protectorship and mariage of the prin∣ces [ D] of the Netherlands, is reserued to the pleasure and disposition of the king of Spaine, the countries freedome being infringed, and thereby made feudatorie, in perpetuum, to the crowne of Spaine, the libertie of nauigation restrained, and at the king of Spaines disposition, bee∣ing also sworne, for euer to maintaine the Romish Religion, and none else, and that all those conditions should bee so strictly obserued, as for the least breach they should forfeit the sayd countries.

Besides, that the donation of the Netherlands serued them for a iustification, and to proue that there was no good meant therby, as it appeared in the beginning of their gouernment, for that the king of Spaine had violated fiden publicam, by committing so many sailers and seafa∣ring men of the Netherlands to prison, whom his father suffered to come into Spaine for his [ E] owne good and profit. And that the archduke also since his entrie into the possession of the Netherlands, had broken his pasports and safeconducts, commanding that the poore fisher∣men should be spoyled at sea, during the time of their pasports.

Moreouer, That the admirall of Arragon had entred in hostile manner into his neigh∣bours countries, forciblie taken their townes, vsed all cruelties towards the inhabitants, proclaiming others that haue nothing to do with him, rebels &c. All which beeing duely considered by them, they had great reason to thinke, that it could neither bee honourable nor profitable for them to acknowledge the archduke, nor yet to treat with him nor the king of Spaine: And therefore they humbly besought the emperor and the empire, to consider of all these things with equitie and reason. [ F]

After this, the emperors embassadors persisted to haue thē grant liberty for the embassadors appointed by the estates of the empire, to come & make relatiō of their embassage, who might haue other reasons to alledge, wishing them to consider of all they had deliuered. Whereunto

the Estates replied on the 12 of Iune, That they had sufficiently considered of the points con∣cerning [ A] restitution and reparation, and found by the proceeding of things since the yere 1594, * 1.157 that the resolution taken at Rhineberck was not good nor profitable, neither for the empire, nor for the Netherlands, desiring them to presse the Spaniards to repaire the hurt which they had done in the countrey of Moeurs; and that for their parts they would doe their best ende∣uors to giue the emperor contentment, and take order to preuent all future incursions. There was also a motion made by the embassadors, to haue the towne of Wachtendonck made neu∣trall, thereby to preuent all incursions, which the Estates held to be an vnreasonable demand, it being theirs by conquest, taken from their enemies in Guelderland.

In the end the emperors embassadors dealt in such sort with the Estates of the vnited pro∣uinces, * 1.158 as they did willingly consent to deliuer the towne of Emmeric to the duke of Cleues, vpon promise, That the emperors Maiestie and the empire, should procure the archduke to [ B] yeeld vp the towne of Rhineberck, vnto the prince elector of Cologne, and so both parties, to free the frontiers of the empire from further molestation and trouble: Shewing by the effects, that they desired nothing but friendship and good correspondencie with the empire, prote∣sting not to hold any thing belonging vnto the empire, vnlesse it were Grauenweerd, wheron they had built Schencks sconce, which weert, or peece of land, beeing in question to whom it should belong, they pretended to hold it vntill the cause were decided. And so the towne of Emmeric was deliuered vp to the duke of Cleues, the lord therof, in Iune 1600, to the content∣ment of the said duke and embassadors, who went from the Hage to Antuerpe, and so to Brus∣sels, to procure the restitution of Rhineberck vnto the elector of Cologne: but the archduke [ C] was gone into Flanders, about the war there, so as the embassadors were forced to follow him to Gant, where, vpon the 14 of Iuly, they (with other embassadors) desired him, That Rhine∣berck * 1.159 might be restored vnto the elector of Cologne, as the vnited prouinces had already done vpon their words; but they could not then obtaine it, the matter beeing referred to a confe∣rence, which by meanes of the embassadors was concluded, betweene the deputies of the vni∣ted prouinces, and the committees for the Estates vnder the archdukes command, as Brabant, Flanders, &c.

About that time the seignior of Briaute, a yong gentleman of good esteeme in France, cap∣taine * 1.160 of a companie of horse in the Estates seruice, verie valiant, & exceeding iealous of his ho∣nor, was in garrison in Gheertruydenbergh: vpon certaine words of disgrace, as wel against his [ D] owne person in particular, as against the whole French nation in general, simply reported, and vainly spoken by a souldier, who had fled from the Estates partie, called Lekerbitken, that is to say, a delicat morsel, for his valor being made lieutenant of a horse companie to Grobendonc, gouernor of Boisleduc (Briaute, doing therein wrong to his reputation, to make question to a base traitor, for words of so smal moment, being vsual among souldiers, for he was one of them which had sold Gheertruydenbergh to the duke of Parma) hee sent him a challenge, to fight with him single, fiue to fiue, ten, or twentie. This was accepted by Lekerbitken, of twentie to twentie on horsebacke, and with such armes as they vsed in the warres. The day and place ap∣pointed, prince Maurice sought to dissuade him, shewing the sleightnesse of the quarrell, and the disproportion to equall his person with a traitor and renegado: but no persuasions could [ E] preuaile. Briaute made choyce of nineteene, almost all French men, and went out of his gar∣rison, giuing the gouernour to vnderstand, that it was with the princes consent, and hauing gi∣uen him (in case he were slaine in this combat) his best arms (the which were as faire, rich, and as curiously wrought, as any prince could weare) hee went out of the towne to the place ap∣pointed for the combat, midway betwixt Boisleduc and Gheertruydenbergh, where finding not his enemie, courage and heat made him aduance further than he should haue done, mee∣ting him about halfe a league from Boisleduc. Vpon their approach they charged equally, Briaute and his companie with two long pistols onely, and Lekerbitken with petronels, and long pistols (the two champions hauing before giuen markes how to know one another, Briaute by a great white plume, and the other by a red) Briaute hauing chosen his aduersarie [ F] charged him furiously with his troupe, and notwithstanding all their harguebusadoes, shot him in at the beauer, and ouerthrew him: Lekerbitkens brother was likewise slaine, and two or three more of his companie, so as it seemed that Briaute should remaine victor: but they of Boisleduc to reuenge the death of their cōmander, charged more furiously than before

the which terrified some of the French, so as they fled, and left their captaine in danger, who [ A] was taken prisoner with a kinsman of his, the rest were slaine or put to rout. Briaute and three * 1.161 of his companie beeing led prisoners to Boisleduc, Grobendonc being before the port, atten∣ding the returne of his men, and to know with the first how the combat went, seeing not his lieutenant, hee demaunded where he was? Answer being made him, That both he and his brother were slaine: He replyed, And why haue you not slaine these men? at which words his men fell vpon Briaute and his cosin, whom they murthered in cold bloud. I leaue it to others censure, whether this fact of Briautes bee to bee imputed to magnanimitie of cou∣rage, or to vanitie and presumption, and Grobendoncs commaundement, to murther, or to an action of warre. But in my opinion he should not haue done it, neither should Briaute haue beene so vaine, as to challenge a traytor to combat: and Grobendonc should not haue endu∣red [ B] the affronts and disgraces which the kinsman of Briaute did him, hauing beene chalen∣ged to fight bodie to bodie, yea by his yonger brother, beeing but eighteene yeares old, the which hee basely refused, not knowing how to excuse this fact before the archduke, nor the captaines and men of honor.

The islands of Zeeland, as Walchren, Schouwen, Zuytbeuelandt, Tolen, and others, espe∣cially * 1.162 that of Walchren, finding themselues opprest by the six gallies which Ieronimo Spinola, a merchant of Genes, had obtained of the king of Spaine, the which (notwithstanding the Estates ships of warre, which were in guard at sea) hee had brought into the hauen of Sluce, from thence to rob and spoyle the vnited prouinces; besides the great spoyles which they of Dunkerke made daily at sea, as well vpon them of Holland and Zeeland, which fish for her∣rings, [ C] as vpon their ships, merchandise, and passengers, required the generall Estates of the v∣nited prouinces (seeing there was no more danger towards Holland and Gueldres, by the ta∣king of the forts of S. Andrew and Creuecoeur, and by the freeing the island and towne of Bo∣mel) to helpe to free them from the said gallies and Dunkerkers, and by that means diuert the warres from Holland and Gueldres, into the countrey of Flanders, against the sea towns of Dunkerk, Nieuport, and Sluce, making themselues masters of the sea, after they had once wre∣sted the said townes from the Spaniard, which did so much mischiefe.

This attempt seemed weightie, and ful of difficulties, yet the Estates remembring the good∣ly victorie which God had giuen them in the isle of Bomel, that the old regiments of the arch∣dukes Spaniards and Italians, were generally in mutinie for their pay, the which by all pre∣sumptions was not easie to find, nor for them to pacifie them, by reason of the great arrerages [ D] that were due vnto them; and therefore entring into Flanders with their whole armie, there should not be any one to hinder their designe, hoping to take one of those three townes, be∣fore the archdukes armie should be readie. All being well debated, and resolution taken, the prince sent for as many ships as he had need of, from al the sea towns of Holland, Zeeland, and Friseland, to imbarke his troups, both horse and foot, with his artillerie, victuals, prouisions, and munition of warre, in great aboundance, assigning to euerie one his quarter, and the time when they should all come to the great rendezvous, to the number of about eight and twentie hundred saile of all sorts, fit for such a voyage, as well to fight at sea, as to land men, the which had neuer beene seene in any expedition in the Netherlands, so as there past in one day [ E] betwixt morning and night, aboue 2000 before the town of Dordrecht, the which was a plea∣sant thing to behold.

All which ships being come to the rendez vous in Zeeland, before the island of Walchren, vnder the castle of Ramekins, staying for a wind to carrie them to Oostend, vpon the coast of Flanders vnder the Estates obedience, there to land, hauing had none but a Northerly wind, all the time they lay at anchor, with the which they could hardly land at the towne, the prince doubted that their long stay might giue the archduke leysure to gather his armie together, before that hee should bee entred into Flanders with his armie: wherefore, leauing Zeeland, he imbarked the 19 of Iune in his pinace. The deputies of the generall Estates of the vnited prouinces were likewise at Flessingue, the which were the seigniors of Keuenburch, Olden∣barneuelt * 1.163 [ F] Vander Dussen, and others for Holland and West-Friseland, the seignior Fernand•…•… Alleman for Zeeland, Renesse Vander Aa for Vtrecht, the seignior Franckena for the lordship of Friseland, and the seigniour Alberda for Groningue, the Ommelands, and the rest, to assist the prince with counsell, and to attend the will and pleasure of God, hauing some few

daies before commanded a fast and publike praiers, that it would please God to blesse their [ A] designes; whereupon the prince and all the commanders and captaines beeing aboard, see∣ing * 1.164 the wind constant in that corner of the north, with the which it was not possible for them to land at Oostend, he tooke another resolution, with the deputies of the Estates, to aduance their designe by land, although it were at the first appointed by sea (the which had beene the shorter, and the more commodious) and the same day waighing anchor about noone, they set saile with about 1500 vessels, leauing the rest (whereof they had no great need) before the castle of Ramekins, there to attend a good wind to carrie them to Oostend. The same night the prince arriued with his armie before the towne of Bierulyet, which is a little island vpon the coast and iurisdiction of Flanders, not farre from the Sas (which is the sluse of Gant go∣ing to the sea) from whence he sent the earle Ernest of Nassau his cousin, with such ships and [ B] men as he thought necessarie, to land neere vnto the fort of Philippine, which was held by the Spaniards, and to get it as soone as possibly he could: those of the fort did only make shot with the cannon, but being amazed at the great number of ships, and seeing that it was inten∣ded against them, they yeelded vp the place by composition to depart with their rapiers and * 1.165 daggers, the which was done the same night, and the next morning early the prince landed, where hauing taken a view of his armie, with the deputies of the Estates, leauing the forts of Patience and Ysendicke which were neere and held by the Spaniards; on the 23 of Iune they parted from Philippine and marcht towards Asnede, where the castle being summoned, yeel∣ded, without attending the canon, the souldiers departing with their armes & baggage, the sconse that was there, and the barricadoes of the church being abandoned. [ C]

The prince and his armie being entred into Flanders, in the middest of their enemies coun∣trie (whereas the Spaniards had so often desired to see them) the shippes which had transpor∣ted them beeing discharged of their victuals and munition, were dismist, and returned home. The 24 day the prince parting from Asnede, came to lodge at Eckloo with his whole armie, from whence he parted the next day. After his departure the pesants vsed some crueltie a∣gainst some of the Estates souldiers, hanging them vp booted and spurd: in reuenge where∣of (yet without any knowledge or commandement from the prince) some souldiers (which could not be afterwards knowne) returned, and burnt the whole borough. This was wont to be one of the greatest and goodliest boroughs in Flanders for traffique and handiworks. The same day the prince parted from Eckloo, hee arriued at the village of Male, a league from [ D] Bruges.

The same day the wind beeing come faire to saile to Oostend, some fourtie barkes of the fleet, which carried baggage being left (as we haue said) vnder Ramekins set saile, being guar∣ded by three ships of warre; but (as it happens in such cases, that some are alwaies more for∣ward than others) the gallies of Scluse fell vpon them that were most scattered, and could not aduance by reason of the calme, so as they tooke eighteene or twentie of them, and the ships of warre could not helpe them, nor pursue the gallies to rescue the bootie. And when as the Spaniards had taken all that was in them, with the masters, mariners, and passengers priso∣ners, not able to carrie away all the said ships, they burnt foure and let the rest goe. At this en∣counter captaine Blanckart captaine of one of those ships of warre (not able to bee seconded [ E] by the other two, by reason of the contrarie tide, and the calme) was set vpon by the said gal∣lies. He had fiftie good men aboard, who defended themselues couragiously, and repulst the Spaniards thrice from off their hatches, which they had wonne: finally, they defended them∣selues in such sort, as after they had lost 22 men, and all the rest hurt, but eight, among the which, the captaine was so wounded, as within few daies after he died, hauing their ship shot through & through, lost their maine mast and yard, & so torne, as it could not be more, those which remained whole, refusing to yeeld, although they were grapled fast vnto them, but threatened the Spaniards (wherof the captaine himselfe had giuen charge to one of his men) that rather than they would yeeld, to set fire of their owne poulder, and blowe them vp, and so the one should be as rich as the other. Wherewith the Spaniards beeing terrified, they a∣bandoned [ F] it suddainly, beeing all torne with the cannon, and in this estate it was brought to Flessingue: the Spaniards going to their hole at Scluse, with the bootie which they had ta∣ken from the rest of the other ships, among the which was the baggage of cont Ernest of Nas∣sau, and the baron of Sidleniskie, sergeant maior of the princes armie, that of sir Robert Sid∣ney

gouernour of Flessingue, of captaine Wernhard du Bois, of doctor Strabanus the princes [ A] physition, of two of his surgeons, and the rest was belonging to poore victuallers. Captaine * 1.166 Blanckart died in Flessingue, where he was honorably interred with a militarie pompe.

In the meane time prince Maurice marching with his armie in battell, passing through the country of Flanders, he came the 26 of Iune to Iabeque, passing almost by the ditches of Bru∣ges, at whom they made some shot, but did him no harme. In the meane time the prince and the Estates wrote letters both to Gant and Bruges, and to the villages of their iurisdicti∣ons, and to other neighbours (who could not beleeue that the Estates designe, nor their ar∣mie had bene so great, but that it was a road only, made by some aduenturing troups) that their intent was not to spoile the country; but that their designe and desire tended to the ge∣nerall freedome of their country, and the expulsion of the Spaniards and their adherents: re∣quiring [ B] them therefore to ioyne with them, and to furnish them with a good sum of money to help to supply the charges of this warre, the which would turne to their great good and profit. But (according to their expectation) it was but wind: and contrariwise the Brugeois who before had bene free from souldiers, did now receiue a garrison into the towne: the pe∣sants being for the most part retired into the townes, leauing nothing in their houses, where∣with the princes armie might be in any sort accommodated, so as the souldiers endured great wants, being forced by reason of the great heat and the small store of victuallers which follo∣wed, to drink stinking water; yet the prince did forbid vpon paine of death, first of all fire, and then all sorts of insolencies to the pesants, and especially to wiues & maydens: the prince comming the next day with his armie to Oudenbourg, the which was abandoned by the [ C] Spaniards, as in like manner the fort of Snaskerke, Bredene, and some sconses here and there, for that they were not to be held against so mighty an armie. The spaniards left in Bredene foure peeces of ordnance. The prince stayed two dayes at Oudenbourg with part of his ar∣mie, sending the Wallons, French and Suitsers to Oostend, to besiege the fort of Albert vpon the downs, within canon shot of the towne, toward Nieuport, and two other forts more within the country, called Isabella & Grotendorst: that hauing that of Albert, he might haue free & easie passage betwixt Oostend & Nieuport, which towne he had resolued to besiege.

The same 29 day of Iune Ian of Duyvenuoord knight, seignior of Warmont, admirall of Holland, hauing a good wind to get out of the road of Ramekins, with 10 shippes of warre, & some 150 ordinarie barkes laden with victuals and munition of warre, beeing come before [ D] the fort of Scluse, foure of the gallies seeing that by reason of the calme they could not ad∣uance, came and charged the fleet, thinking to carrie away some part thereof, but approach∣ing neere, and the wind rising, they were so galled with the great ordnance from the ships of warre, as they were glad to retire, with great losse of their men, and one of their gallies was so beaten, as had they not laboured very much at the pumpe, it had bin in danger of sincking: they had very many men slaine, for they might see the blood of such as were slaine vpon the hatches, run out at the scuppet holes. And it was an admirable thing, a gallie-slaue Turke, as he rowed, his chaine was taken away with a cannon shot, hauing his garters left on his legges, and a peece of the chaine, without any other harme; so as seeing himselfe vnchained, desirous to get his libertie, or els to die (as such poore soules desire often to die, and had rather die than [ E] liue) he cast himselfe into the sea, and began to swimme towards the Estates ships of warre, where at the first they shot at him, but shewing his garters and the peece of the chaine, he was knowne to be a slaue which had escaped, so as he was receiued into one of the ships, and well intreated. The 28 of Iune, the prince hauing his camp at Oudenbourg, made a iourney to * 1.167 Oostend to giue order for the siege of Alberts fort, and to resolue vpon that of Nieuport with the Estates deputies, the which being done, he returned the next day to his camp: that mor∣ning they began to batter the fort of Albert with foure canons, the which did so terrifie the besiged, as about ten of the clock before dinner they yeelded, to depart with armes and bag∣gage, leauing foure peeces of ordnance in the place. The prince at his dislodging from Ou∣denbourg, left Iohn Piron colonel of a regiment of Zeelanders, with seuen companies of foot [ F] and two of horse, of captaine Wageman and Lambert, and one companie in the fort of Snas∣kerke, to keepe those places, and to stay the Spaniard for a time, if he would aduance, & with all to serue to giue aduertisements vpon all occasions, what course the enemie tooke.

The prince being vpon the way with the body of his armie, he past aboue the forts of Isa∣bella

and Grottendorst, at a bridge lying betwixt them and the towne of Nieuport, and went [ A] and camped close by the downes, and neere vnto the towne, with all the forces he had, cau∣sing * 1.168 the French which had taken Alberts fort to approach presently; the Wallons and the * 1.169 Suitsers arriued the same day, about three of the clocke in the after noone: so as the first day of Iulie, the prince hauing past the hauen of Nieuport, with a good part of his troupes, and won the fort of Dam, halfe a league from thence, the Spaniard hauing abandoned two other forts that were not to be held, the one vpon the downes, the other vpon the dike ioyning to Nieu∣port, where there is a tower seruing for a lanthorne to sea-faring men, he went to besiege the towne, camping on that side which looks towards Dunkerke; cont Ernest of Nassau his cou∣sin remaining with his regiment, and the Scottish men camped on Oostend side, and so to be∣siege it on both sides the hauen, the which he meant to doe with all speed, before that the [ B] Spaniard should interrupt him (as it was euer the princes course to intrench his campe with all diligence, and not giue the enemie leisure to come and disquiet him; wherein he hath a singular grace to winne the hearts of the souldiers, who in that case serue him willingly for pi∣oners) doubting not but the archduke would doe what he could to preuent him, and beeing well acquainted with the diligence of the Spanish captaines, who in affaires of great impor∣tance are not idle nor sleepie. For as soone as the archduke Albert had intelligence that the prince was entred into Flanders with his armie, coniecturing quickly what his designe might be, quite contrarie to that which the commons had imagined, he dispacht post vpon post to the Spaniards, and other souldiers that were mutined, hee praies, intreats, protests, threatens, promiseth wonders, exhorts, chargeth them with their faith and loyaltie, accuseth them, that [ C] if they faile him at this need, to be the cause of his and their owne ruine: finally, he, the Infan∣ta his wife, their commanders, gouernours, and captaines, labour so hard, as vpon assurance and hostages they draw them to field, with the which in few daies (and in a shorter time than prince Maurice or the Estates did imagine) he frames an armie of twelue thousand foot, and about three thousand horse, with the which he makes hast (promising vnto himselfe an assu∣red victorie) to come and encounter the Estates armie, were it in field, or in their campe and trenches.

The prince and Estates were ill aduertised of this suddaine preparation, for that their spies were on all sides taken, so as not any one returned. Finally, hearing for certaine that the Spa∣nish armie marcht and approached neere vnto them, whereof they were aduertised by cap∣taine [ D] Wageman, whom colonel Piron had sent expresly from Oudenbourg, aduertising them that the archduke came to charge thē in person, & to vnderstand his pleasure what he should doe in extremitie. Piron had beene aduertised of the archdukes comming, by the rout of some horsemen of Oudenbourg, whom he had sent to the warre to discouer some thing.

The deputies of the Estates beeing aduertised hereof by Wageman in the fort of Albert, they presently dispacht a post vnto the prince, who was in his campe on the other side of the hauen at Nieuport, to whom there was no accesse to conferre, but at a low water, for the which they must alwaies attend. But the deputies hauing taken a resolution, that it was ne∣cessarie to goe and meet with the enemie, and not to suffer himselfe to be coopt vp betwixt Dunkerke and Nieuport, where there was no retreat for the armie, they aduertised the prince [ E] thereof; who hauing also therein taken the aduice of his councell at warre, he resolued to passe the hauen, and to fight with the enemie, if hee came and offered it: the which notwithstan∣ding hee could not instantly doe, but must of force staie till the next day, by reason of the high water, and the multitude of shippes which lay in the channell, the which hee would cause to retire into sea, as it was done according to his commandement, meaning to take from his men all thought or hope to retire and saue themselues by sea, but that they must either fight or die: commanding cont Ernest of Nassau in the meane time, to go with the regiment of Scottish men, and that of the Zeelanders to encounter the Spaniards at the bridge, which they had first past, ioyning vnto their enemies forts, to stoppe the archdukes passage, if it were possible: the prince assuring himselfe that hee would come that way, hauing no other [ F] passage, for the countrie was full of water: the which the archduke did with all speed, hauing taken the forts of Snaskerke and Oudenbourg, which were not to be held against so migh∣tie an armie, the which were yeelded by a composition, signed by the archduke himselfe. By

the which it was said that colonel Piron and all his men beeing in the fort of Oudenbourg, [ A] should depart with their armes, ensignes, and baggage. But beeing ready to issue forth, colonel * 1.170 Piron seeing the mutined Spaniards stand ready with a countenance, as if they meant to cut them in peeces, hauing protested that it was against the accord (which they meant to doe vn∣to them) he retired backe againe, and there stayed, declaring that he would not come forth, but would die all fighting, if they might not bee assured to haue the accord kept, as it was made; the which Dom Louis de Velasco generall of the archdukes artillerie, did especially medi∣ate, yet were they spoiled of some of their baggage and horses, and their ensignes violently pulled from them, contrarie to the composition. But those of Snaskerke comprehended in the same accord, where captaine Busignt commanded, escaped not so easily, for both hee and his lieutenant, with captaine Eindoren of cont Ernest of Nassaus regiment, were at their com∣ming [ B] out of the fort, slaine in cold blood, and almost all their souldiers, except some who bee∣ing stript into their shirts saued themselues by their heeles. Of which treacherie and crueltie the archduke excused himselfe, laying the blame vpon the mutined Spaniards, with whom he said, his authoritie at that time had small credit, beeing like men halfe madde; but whatsoeuer it was, these mutiners did soone after receiue a iust recompence and reward for their trea∣cherie and crueltie, hauing carried themselues so insolently vpon so small a victorie.

Colonel Piron being come to Oostend with such men as could escape the enemies furie, hauing acquainted the deputies of the Estates of the accord that was made with him, signed with the archduke Alberts owne hand, and vnderneath, By commaundement from his High∣nesse, Vasseur, they did then beleeue, that the archduke was in person in the armie, the which [ C] before neither they nor prince Maurice could imagine. Whereupon the prince was presently aduertised, that the archduke was there in person with all his forces, and that Oudenbourg & Snaskerke were recouered againe by the Spaniard, aduising him to be readie in good order, and resolute to encounter the enemie. Whereupon the said colonel was sent by the prince to ioyne with Cont Ernestus and the Scottishmen, & to stop the Spaniards passage at the bridge, or at the least to stay him a while, vntill that the prince should repasse the hauē with his army, and cause the ships to retire as he did, bringing with him six peeces of ordnance in the head of his foreward. Cont Ernestus being vpon the way, and marching towards the bridge with two peeces, he found, that part of the enemies armie was alreadie past, against the which he must needs fight, to stay them a while. But as the Spaniard aduanced his passage, and his [ D] number encreasing continually, the partie being too vnequall, the earle hauing maintained the skirmish a long time, and very valiantly, not being able to subsist any longer, hee was for∣ced * 1.171 to giue backe, after that he had lost his two peeces, and about 800 men, most part Scot∣tish men, and among thē captains, Arthur Stuart, Robert Barckley, Andrew Murray, Iohn Kilpa∣trich, Iohn Michel, Iohn Stoachem and Hugh Nyesbeth, Scottish captaines of sir William Edmonds regiment: whereof Murray and Barckley being prisoners, hauing receiued their faith that held them, were afterwards most inhumanely murthered in cold blood, euen in their armes that had taken them. After the same barbarous maner were slaine the captains Turquean, la Grappe, and Walrauen, of the regiment of colonel vander Noot of Zeeland, and captaine Ghistels a Zee∣lander also, of colonel Pirons regiment: most of the souldiers that were not slaine in the [ E] fight, beeing taken prisoners, were against all law of armes, miserably murthered. Cont Er∣nest, colonel Edmonds, and some other captaines were pursued vnto Alberts fort, whereas they saued themselues yet some of their men were slaine, euen at the palisado of the said fort.

The victorious Spaniard puft vp with this good successe in the beginning, and to pursue his victorie, holding the Estates armie (in his opinion) alreadie vanquished, and prince Mau∣rice, and prince Henrie, with their hands and feet bound, hauing resolued not to leaue one li∣uing in the whole armie, but those two princes, to serue him as trophies, which designe was solemoly sworne by the captaines and their officers, as since it hath beene voluntarily confest by the mouth of many of them that were prisoners in Holland, and I my selfe haue heard it * 1.172 auerred in Vtrecht, and that they had horror to take such an oath. [ F]

The archduke hauing past the bridge with his whole armie, began to march with a stately countenance towards his enemie, vpon the sands of the sea, carrying with him eight, peeces of ordnance, with 9 cornets of lances, 5 companies of harguebuziers on horsebacke, 〈◊〉〈◊〉

of cuirasses, and 600 Spanish and Italian horse, of the mutiners of Dyest, three regiments of [ A] Spanish foot, two of Italians, 5 of Wallons, 2 of Burguignons, 4 of Germans, with some com∣panies * 1.173 of the regiment of cont Frederick vanden Berghe, all bending directly towards Nieu∣port, * 1.174 with an intent to charge the prince, and the Estates armie in their campe and trenches, assuring themselues of victorie, by their mornings good successe: but the archduke found himselfe deceiued in the opinion which he had conceiued of the prince, finding that he had repast the hauen, and that he attended him in good order, and with a resolute countenance to fight with him. Then the archduke and the admirall of Arragon began to thinke other∣wise of their affaires, abating some part of their first heat, so as making no such hast as before, they began to dispose of their battailons and squadrons, and to come and charge the prince along the seashore, the tide beeing farre spent, so as there was a great distance betwixt the wa∣ter [ B] and the downes. The prince obseruing his enemies countenance, hauing disposed of the order of his armie, as his little leisure would giue him leaue (without any amazement for these first losses, the which he kept secret, for that he would not discourage his souldiers) hauing the wind for him, and the sunne in his enemies faces, he fronted them a while in order of bat∣tel, beeing thus disposed.

Cont Lewis of Nassau, lieutenant of the Estates horse, brother to cont Ernestus, and cousin to the prince, had the leading of the foreward, with his companie of horse, that of cuiras∣ses * 1.175 of the prince, commaunded by the seignior of Gant, sonne to the seignior of Oyen, a Guel∣drois, the companie of Cont Henry Frederic, the princes brother, led by captaine Bernard, and that of Goddart of Bertenborch, in the first squadron of the right wing. Vpon the left, [ C] the second squadron was led by captaine Macellus Bax, with his cornet, and that of the seig∣nior Paul Bax, gouernor of Berghen vp Zoom his brother, that of captaine la Salle and of Pe∣ter Pauier, hauing in the middest of the said squadrons, and in the head of the first battailon, the princes companie of gards, commanded by the seignior vander Aa, captaine thereof, & the companie of the earle of Hohenlo, led by the seignior of Strydhorst, with Sir Francis Veers re∣giment of Englishmen (being generall of all the English nation, that were vnder the Estates seruice) himselfe marching in the head of his colonel companie, with that of captaine Hamond Yaxlee, his sergeant maior, of Denis, of Daniel Veer, of Hamont, of Ogle, of Tirrel, of S. Calisthenes Brooke, of Foster, of Fairfax, of Grant, & of Holcroft. In the second battailon was colonel Hora∣tio Veer, brother to the generall sir Francis Veer, marching also in the head of his regiment, [ D] with the companies of Sutton his lieutenant colonel, of sir Th. Knowles, cōmanded by captain Petfyn, of Cecil, of Purton, of Morgan, of Meetkerk, of Scot, of Vauesor, of Caius Hartewiston, & of Dexbery. In the third battailon commanded the seignior Tacco Hottinga, with his companie, that of the baron of Sidlenisky, sergeant maior of the armie, led by his lieutenāt, of Gasper Euw∣sum, by his lieutenant, of Michael Hago, of Frederic Gronsteyn, of Iean Kyef, of Hans van Osthem, of Hans Vryes, of Hans Zagreman, of Quirin Blanw, of Edsard Groenesteyn, of Egbert Honing, of Holsteyn, of Assuerus, of Gerrit Schau the yonger, of Arnsma, and of Ripperda, which was the re∣giment of Friseland, vnder cont William Lewis of Nassau their colonel, gouernour of the said country of Friseland, of Groning, and of the Ommelands, cousin to the prince, and brother to the earles Ernest, & Lodowick of Nassau. These 3 battailons of foot making 41 companies, ha∣uing [ E] the foresaid 2 squadrons of horse vpon their wings, made the foreward. Cont George E∣uerard of Solins led the battel, with his cornet of horse, that of Ioos Wyernch Clout, and of Iohn Bax: the said 4 companies were led by cont Frederick in the first squadron on the right wing, & vpon the left, captain Goddard van Balen, led by his cornet, that of fir Fr. Veer commāded by his lieutenant, and the cornet of sir Edw. Cecil: & in the midst of the said 2 squadrōs, there mar∣ched first the regiment of prince Henry Frederic of Nassau led by Daniel of Hartin, seignior of Marquette, his lieutenant colonel, with the companies of Iean du Boult, Antony of Sancy, of Francis Marli, Francis Mareshal, Philip de la Lou, Iean Nemmery, Ionac Durant, & Gabriel of Nou∣uelles, whom they called the New Gueux, the which was wont to be the regiment of the barō of Hachicourt, in the archdukes seruice, & were come out of S. Andrews sort, as we haue said. [ F] In the second battailon were the Suitsers, being but 4 companies, & then the French vnder monsieur la Noue, the which were put into 2 battailons, the first was commanded by the seig∣nior of Domeruille, lieutenant colonel, & the second by captain du Sault, both of la Noues re∣giment, of Semendiere, of Mareschot, of Hamelet, of Cornteres, by his lieutenant (for hee had bin

slaine two dayes before at Alberts fort) of Formentiere, of Verneuil, of Pont Aubert, and of [ A] Lefort. Which foure battalions making 25 companies of foot, and two squadrons of horse, * 1.176 made the battaile: In the middest wherof was prince Maurice, to haue an e•…•…e both before and behind him, being accompanied by prince Henry Frederi•…•…k his brother, a young prince of 16 or 17 yeares old, whom the prince would gladly haue had retired, to the end (said he) that if he himselfe died in the fight, yet the Estates of the vnited Prouinces, should haue ano∣ther generall to command ouer then a•…•…mie, to repaire it if it should be put to rout, but it was not possible to persuade him to re•…•…ier, intreating and protesting that he would liue and die with his brother, and that he would not chuse any other fortune; which doubtlesse w•…•…s signe of a great courage in so tender an age. The rereward was led by Oliuer Vanden Timpel knight, seigniour of Corb•…•…ke &c. with the cornets of horse of Wernhard du Bois, of Hamelton, of [ B] George Couteler, vnder the conduct of du Bois. In the which there was also three battalions of foot, the first was the regiment of cont Ernest of Nassau, with his colonel companie, led by his lieutenant, of captaine Huseman his lieutenant colonel, of Strael seriant maior of Mas∣sau, of Imbise, of Clotwits, of Balthazar Eawsum, of Pithon, of the old company of cont Er∣nest by a lieutenant, of Andrew Breeder, of Crimits, of Lucas Wenser and of George Verkele. In the second battailon was the regiment of the Lord of Ghistelles, with his colonel compa∣nie, that of cont Euerard of Solins led by his lieutenant, of Eneas Treslon, of La Mouillerie, of Langeuelt, of Raysse, and of Floris van Wyngaerden. In the third battailon was the regiment of colonel Huchtenbrouik, with his colonel company led by his lieutenant, of Marlin sergeant maior of the regiment of north Holland, of that of the seignior of Timpel, by Belin his lieute∣nant, [ C] of Dericke de loughe, of Ruyssenburch, and of Calwaert, being in all 27 companies of foot, and three cornets of horse, which made the rereward. Such was the disposition of the armie of prince Maurice, and the Estates of the vnited prouinces.

The earle of Hohenloo was left behind in Guelderland, with 24 companies of foot, and 6 cornets of horse: fearing that if all the Estates forces had been in Flanders, the enemie might in the meane time haue attempted some thing in those parts, or in the •…•…sle of Bomel, who would gladly haue bin there, & so did the Prince and the Estates wish it, when as they saw the Spaniard so neere them with all his forces. But the wind did neuer serue to come to Oostend neither before nor after the battell: where there were also some companies of foot and horse left for the gard of the towne. [ D]

The deputies of the Estates being at Oostend, hauing newes of the defeat of cont Ernests troups, & seeing the archdukes armie march with all speed towards Nieuport: they thought it then their best course, to continue within the towne, to haue their refuge vnto God, and to implore his ayd, as they did in their councell chamber by M. Iohn Vuytten bogoerd their mi∣nister at the very instant when as both the armies were ready to fight.

On the other side the Spaniards, especially two or three of the old commanders, who were best experienced in such actions, obseruing the resolute countenance of the prince, and the disposition of his armie, which seemed ready rather to come and charge them, than to attend the shock, they see they should not find that which they had conceiued in their imaginations, their enemie being in better order, and more resolute than they expected: for they did con∣fidently [ E] beleeue that the prince would retire with his armie into the ships, & that they should come time enough to charge before they were all imbarked, where they lookt to get a great bootie, through the confusion that would be among them. But seeing the armie in battell, & the ships in the middest of the sea, they began to doubt that there would be blowes. Some were of opinion not to fight, and that it was sufficient to haue viewed the enemies counte∣nance, seeing their souldiers began to be wearie, hauing marcht fiue or six dayes together, and with their first fight before noone, but they should seeke to recouer the fort of Albert, and by the fauour thereof and others, intrench themselues there with all their armie, to cut off the victuals which came from Oostend to the princes campe, couping them vp, betwixt Nieu∣port, their armie, and the sea. Which councell without doubt, had bene most auaileable for [ F] them, and most preiudiciall to the prince. But the archduke and some of his commanders, growne too proud with their first victorie, impatient of all delay, and boyling with heat to fight, gaping after their pray, as if the beast were alreadie taken, reiect all councell, and resolue •…•…o charge the prince, at what rate soeuer.

The prince hauing put his armie in battell, as we haue said, & viewed the Spaniards coun∣tenance [ A] from one of the highest downes, he caused 6 peeces of ordnance to be aduanced on * 1.177 the sands, betwixt the downs and the sea, in the head of the foreward; then entring into coun∣sell with his commanders and colonels, what was fittest to be done, whether to suffer the e∣nemie to approach neerer, to get some aduantage, or else to goe and begin the charge first: all beeing well debated, they resolue to aduance, and to charge the enemie, and thereupon be∣ing informed (according to his demaund) by captaine Mortier and Fernel, gentlemen of the artillerie, commanding at those sixe peeces, that the enemie was neere enough to be endam∣maged with their cannon; hee thereupon gaue them charge to shoote, as they did: all the commanders beeing retired, euery one to his battailon, the prince hauing encouraged his souldiers, recommends vnto them their honours, liues, and the fruit of the victorie, telling [ B] them that there was the place where they must either vanquish or die in fighting, or else drinke all that water of the sea (which he then shewed them) to saue themselues: then fal∣ling downe vpon his knees, he made his prayers, and implored Gods aid and succour, and so did all his souldiers.

About two of the clocke in the after noone, the princes armie marched with great cou∣rage * 1.178 and resolution against the Spaniards, and hauing let passe some volleys of great shot, which did no great harme, but onely one peece past through a squadron of English footmen, he began to charge along the sands, his cannon hauing endammaged the Spanish horsemen, who finding themselues galled on that side, and withall the vice-admirall of the Estates houe∣ring vp and downe the road, did annoy them; leauing the sands they entred into the downs, [ C] and then were there two demie canons planted vpon one of the highest downs, which com∣maunded round about: in which downes they did fight long, and in diuers charges, the vi∣ctorie beeing long in ballance, vnder a doubtfull fight, inclining sometimes to the one partie and sometimes to the other, first one retiring, and then another; the which no man can parti∣cularly describe, for that the greatnesse, heat, and furie of the fight was in the downes, among those sandie hilles, in seauen or eight seuerall charges, so as no man could discerne what was done in all places, by reason of those little hilles, but onely that which was before his eies, the downes hindring the sight of that which others did. So as in this battell, euery one was for himselfe, taking away the knowledge as well of those that prospered in their armes, as of such as wanted helpe, which made them thinke that euery one had enough to doe for himselfe, [ D] without caring for his companion, and that here he must either find his victory, or his graue.

The battel continued so long, as the tide came vp to the foot of the downs, so as there were some among the Estates Frisons, who seeing some of their horsemen turne their backes (the which fell out often on either side) thinking that all was lost, and flying into the sea to get to their ships, were drowned; yet the body of the Frisons returning to charge on the one side, ge∣nerall Veer, and colonel Horatio his brother with the English on another side, the seignior Do∣meruille with the French, and the other colonels in other places, beeing incouraged by the prince, did so gall and tire the Spaniards & Italians that were mutined (who were more obsti∣nate in the fight than all the rest, and behaued themselues as valiantly as any souldiers could doe) besides cont Lodowicke of Nassau, the earle of Solins, the captaines Gant and Balen, char∣ged [ E] them so furiously with their horsemen out of the downs into the meadows, as they durst returne no more into the downes for feare of the princes cannon, which did much annoy them, so as beeing prest by these troups, their footmen beeing defeated of another side, and all their caualarie disordered by the princes battel, they find that all their resistance was in vaine, and that their souldiers were too weake to endure so great force; so as euery one seekes to saue himselfe, some flying towards Nieuport, & the rest to other places of easiest accesse for them. The duke of Aumale retired beeing lightly hurt.

The archduke seeing this disorder, hauing no meanes to recouer that which hee had but * 1.179 newly lost, he leaues his armes, and turnes head with the first towards Bruges, where he saues himselfe, but looseth all his houshold, artillerie, and baggage, and abandons all to the victors [ F] mercie, who in his furie kils all be encounters, without respect, mercie, or ransom. The slaugh∣ter of the mutined Spaniards (who had bin most wilfull in the fight) was very great, receiuing a iust reward for their cruelty in the morning, the Scottish men sparing not any one for an ex∣piation of their companions that were slaine the same day; yea their choller and rage was so

great, as they that fledde and were ouertaken, were slaine like beasts, and some were murthe∣red [ A] being prisoners, euen in their armes that had taken them, and would willingly haue saued * 1.180 their liues. The victory continued vntill night, chasing, taking, and killing. The blood of men slaine dyed the fields, and the slaughtered carcasses lay dispersed ouer the countrey, vpon the lands, downs, and medowes, so as the number of them that were slaine on the archdukes part exceeded 6000, and about 800 prisoners, who were in great danger of their liues, euen the ad∣mirall * 1.181 of Arragon (being taken prisoner and led to Oostend) if he had not bene in the princes company.

The prince and the Estates as well at the first incounter in the morning, as at this battaile * 1.182 lost aboue 2000 men, among others Bernard, Couteler and Hamelton, captaines of horse, and some 20 captaines of foot, but noe man of marke. On the archdukes side were slaine, the earle [ B] of Saume, the earle of la Fere, the Seneshall of Montelimar, the baron of Pimereul, Chassey Ot∣tigny sonne to the president Richardot, Dom Gaspar de Sapena, colonel, who died at Oostend, Dom Diego de Torres, Dom Gaspar de Loyaza, Dom Gonzalo d'Espinola, Dom Ioan de Pardo, Dom Garciade Toledo, Dom Lopes de Capata, Dom Alonzo Carcamo, Dom Louis Faccardo, Sebastien Ve∣lasco, Sebastien Doteloa, Christoual Verdugues, Mettheo d'Otteuille, Ioannetin de Casa nueua, the pay master Alines, and many others which are yet vnknowne to vs, and cannot recouer their names. Among the prisoners, besides Dom Francisco de Mendoza admirall of Arragon, lieute∣nant generall of the archdukes armie, there were Dom Baptista de Villanoua, who was conuey∣ed * 1.183 to Horne in Holland, Dom Alonzo Ricquel to Delft, Dom Gonzalo Hernandes de Spinosa to Vtrecht, Dom Pedro de Montenegro to the Hage, Dom Pedro de Velasco to Berghen vp Zoom, [ C] Dom Pedro de Leusina to Enchuisen, Dom Antonio de Mendoza to Berghen also, with Dom Frā∣cisco de Torres. Among them of the archdukes houshold, there was the cont Carlo Rezi, Dom Diego de Gusman, and Mortier, all three pages, and Dom Pedro de Monte-maior, a gentleman ta∣ster, his physition, barber, harbinger, rider, cooke, porter, the groomes of his chamber, some of the archers and halbardiers of his guard, and in a manner all his houshold: 3 priests or monks, 40 ancients, 37 pencioners, which are ancients and sergeants reformed, as they tearme them. They lost sixe peeces of ordnance, and those two of cont Ernestus were recouered: there were * 1.184 136 ensignes of foot taken and 5 cornets of horse, comprehending the mutiners standard, and the colours that were lost the same day were recouered.

Prince Maurice beeing victorious, did camp that night vpon the place of battell, & the next [ D] day he returned with his armie to Oostend, leading the admirall of Arragon with him, wher∣as he, the deputies of the Estates, the commanders of the armie, with many captaines and o∣thers assisting, gaue solemne thankes vnto God for such an vnexpected victorie proceeding from his onely hand. The prince staied at Oostend vntill the sixt day of the moneth, to take some course for the supplying of his companies that were spoiled, whilest that the souldiers did refresh themselues of their labours past.

Such as discourse of warre at their pleasures, and consider not the variable euents which doe often happen vnlooked for, would haue wisht that the prince should haue pursued his vi∣ctorie after another manner, and that the deputies of the Estates beeing in Oostend, should haue sent forth both the horse and foot that were in the towne, to cut off the passage at the [ E] bridge, by the which the Spaniards were come, the which was the archdukes onely retreat, where they might easily haue beene taken; and besides, they might haue made a great bootie of their baggage, which remained behind. But such as talke thus (although it had beene well done) doe not say, that the deputies might well coniecture, but they could not precisely iudge what the issue would be: so as they were not certainely aduertised of the victorie, vntill it was compleat by the defeat and flight of the enemie, so as they could not haue pursued them so suddainly, but they would haue past the bridge, as they did, and brake it after them, being late before the victorie was assured. Besides there is an ancient prouerb, That you must make a bridge of gold to a flying enemie. And although the prince, besides those troupes that were in Oostend, had horse and foot enough, that were fresh and fit enough to pursue them; yet contenting [ F] himselfe with the victorie, and to remaine master of the field, he did forbid his men to follow after them, for that he would not hazard them too much: what did they know, whether the archduke had any fresh troupes beyond the bridge, who fortifying them that fled, would ei∣ther through shame or despaire haue made them returne to the charge?

Others demanded, why the prince (seeing his enemie was defeated, and the countrey of [ A] Flanders and Arthois shaken) returned not presently before Nieuport; or at the least, that hee * 1.185 besieged not the forts about Oostend, the which (it may be) would haue yeelded presently, whereby he should haue assured the towne better, and made the whole countrie contribute? To whom I must answer, That the town of Nieuport was not to be taken suddainly, nor yet the forts, which are almost inaccessible by reason of the waters (as it hath beene well knowne since) were not to yeeld so easily, as such conquerours haue imagined: into the which colo∣nell Barlotte (a resolute souldier, and not to be terrified with small matters) was retired. More∣ouer the prince assured himselfe that the archduke would seeke to repaire his armie with all speed; and therfore he would willingly attend the earle of Hohenloo his brother in law, with his troupes to fortifie his campe. Besides there were many things to bee ordered: so as hee [ B] could not haue lesse than fiue or sixe daies libertie to prouide for all necessarie occasions, and for his souldiers to refresh themselues; and withall in a manner halfe the armie was busied to prouide for their companions and camerados that were wounded, and to haue them drest, & also to assure themselues of their prisoners, whereof a great number of them were also hurt.

The fift day after the defeat, the prince beeing gone to set downe againe before Nieuport, * 1.186 hauing againe past the hauen, called backe his shippes, landed his canon, intrencht his campe, and made his platformes for his batterie; the same night there entred three regiments of foot into the towne (the which they could not hinder, for that the place was not fully be∣sieged) besides the fiue companies that were in garrison in the towne before: so as the besie∣ged about the twelfth of the moneth made a gallant sallie with about a thousand men, be∣twixt [ C] one and two of the clocke in the afternoone, and came and charged the princes men in their trenches, ioyning vnto the towne, with a furious skirmish, the which was so well main∣tained, and the besieged so repulst, as they were forced to retire: but not content therewith, they returned the next day, but they preuailed no more than at the first, neither was there in both these skirmishes, any great losse on either side.

All which, the prince hauing well considered, and the multitude of men that were within the towne, that it would not bee easie to take by assault, without greater forces than hee had, and without a long siege; the which would greatly haue weakened his armie, and it may bee haue wasted the tenth part of his souldiers, the which at that time, and according to the place were fewe enough, which he had no need to wast prodigally, for such a paltrie [ D] place, the which at his departure he must of necessitie haue abandoned (although hee had forced it) or els to haue beene in danger to haue beene soone taken againe; besides at that time there was nothing to be gotten there: therefore he resolued to raise his campe, and to make an honest retreat. Wherfore on the 17 of the moneth, he commanded to imbarke all the cannon, the tents & pauilions, and at the first high tide to haue the ships get out of the hauen, to returne towards Oostend, being resolued to besiege the forts of Isabella, Clara, and Grotten∣dorst: to the end also that he should be no more in danger to bee shut vp, as the enemie had thought to haue done, knowing well that the Spanish commanders prepared for a new ar∣mie, to haue their reuenge if they might. Moreouer in besieging the said forts, if hee were willing to attend them, and to fight with them with such forces as might haue come vnto [ E] him; he had Oostend alwaies at his backe, whither he might at all times retire himselfe with∣out danger, and goe to sea whensoeuer he pleased to returne into Holland. So the next day the prince hauing repast the hauen of Nieuport with his armie, he went to besiege the fort of Isabella, lodging in the meadows towards the sea, neere vnto the downes; on which side, by the meanes of Clara & Grottendorst, the said fort might haue bin relieued at need: wherefore he caused 2 peeces of ordnance to be planted on the downs, looking towards the approaches, & 4 others vpon Oostend side, neere vnto the fort of Albert, to batter that of Isabella, and the 19 of the moneth he planted 6 cannons more, and somewhat neerer, with which 10 peeces he began to batter the next day, 2 or 3 houres onely; whereby they did conceiue that hee must vse greater force, or else he should preuaile little. Notwithstanding, though al things were rea∣die [ F] to make two other batteries, yet was it not battered after that time; they made a shew also as if they would vndermine it: but at the break of day the Spanish armie being fortified with new supplies shewed it selfe, and campt neere vnto the fort of Clara without any let, for that neither it nor the fort of Grottendorst were in any sort besieged; from whence the commāders of the armie sent to refresh all those forts, both with men and munition; to the which they had

free accesse, by reason of the cutting of the ditches in the meadows, the which are necessarie [ A] in that countrie of west Flanders. Some said the prince should haue done better, first to haue * 1.187 attempted the fort of Grottendorst, which was not very well fortified, by means whereof that of Clara had bin seperated from the fort of Isabella, betwixt which two it is built.

And as these 2 armies of the Spaniards and Estates were in front one of another, but could not annoy one another, but by light skirmishes, by reason of the forts and the scituation of the countrey; the Spaniard hauing all the firme land at his commandement, and the Estates ha∣uing that onely hauen of the sea, Oostend, to furnish them with all their cōmodities, whither they could not at all times go aboord nor get out: seeing therfore that he should profit little in battering of the said fort, where although he had made a desired breach, yet could he hard∣ly haue giuen an assault, for that he must haue incountred with two enemies at once, one in [ B] front at the breach, and the other at his backe out of the enemies campe. It was therefore re∣solued to make a retreat, and to content themselues for that yeare with that goodly victorie which God had giuen them in that part of Flanders. Whereupon on the 24 day of the mo∣neth, all the artillerie was taken away to be imbarked in the hauen of Oostend, whereas the ships were entred, except those foure peeces which were vpō the downs neer vnto the fort of Albert, and the first two which they had planted in the princes quarter before Isabella fort.

Whilest this was doing, on the 25 day, colonel Barlotte being in the first trenches of the counterscarpe of Isabella fort, or within the fort it selfe, hauing shewed himselfe too much, he was shot into the head with a musket, whereof he died instantly, being much lamented by the archduke but nothing by the Spaniards, Italians, nor any other commanders; for that his [ C] fortunate successe, hauing made him presumptuous & a bold speaker, it did procure him ha∣tred among the great, for that hee persuaded himselfe that nothing could be well executed without him. And to speake the truth, of a poore souldier of fortune, a barber as he had been, hauing past throgh all militarie degrees, he had by his valor attained to a colonels place, & to other goodly charges, hauing bin often imploied in dangerous exploits, wherein hee did al∣waies acquit himselfe happily for his masters seruice. At his death he left great wealth to his children.

Prince Maurice and the deputies of the Estates, hauing caused the fort of Albert to be ruined and beaten downe, as much as they thought good, he imbarkt his cannon and re∣tired his garrisons out of all the forts which he had wonne from the enemie. And the last day [ D] of Iulie, after that he had left 51 companies of foot, and 7 cornets of horse in Oostend (hauing not ships sufficient to imbarke them all) to haue the towne wel manned, vntil they might see the Spaniards resolution, whether hee would besiege it or no; hauing set good order for all things, the prince and the councell tooke their course for Zeeland. Beeing at sea, the gal∣lies of Scluse came in a calme (for otherwise they came not forth) to affront some of their shippes, thinking to get some straglers, but the wind beeing somewhat risen, they could not retire so speedily as they would, but they were well battered, and lost many of their men. The prince beeing returned with his armie into the vnited prouinces, and hauing diui∣ded his men into their ordinarie garrisons, to refresh them after so painefull a voyage; the archduke in like manner retired the bodie of his armie out of Flanders, except some compa∣nies [ E] which he left for the guard of those forts, and of such as he found abandoned, repairing that of Albert in a short time, and leauing them all, as they continued vnto the siege & yeel∣ding vp of Oostend; which mooued the Estates also to retire their horsemen, and 27 compa∣nies of foot, the rest remaining there in garrison.

At that time the seignior of Wackene, vice-admirall to the archduke, remaining most cō∣monly * 1.188 at Dunkerke, to be reuenged for the death of the Spaniards, and others which had beene slaine at the battell of Nieuport, went in person to sea with seauen or eight shippes of warre, and fell vpon a poore companie of fishermen of Holland and Zeeland, which were fishing for herrings; who although they had certaine shippes of conuoy dispersed here and there (as they make their fishing in a great compasse of the sea) the foremost beeing too farre [ F] off to helpe the hindermost at need, so as the ships of warre appointed for their guard could not equally defend them al alike: the vice-admirall (a Flemming by nation) yet with the furie of a Spaniard, enters in among them, and takes fifteene or sixteene of the said shippes (which they call Buisses) and hauing taken all that was good in them, retaining the pylots & masters of the ships, he nailed all the mariners and fishermen vnder the hatches, making holes in the

keeles of the ships, so as they sunke by degrees, and yet those poore miserable wretches that [ A] were shut vp, could not come forth to saue themselues, or, at the least, to doe their best endea∣uours, * 1.189 being drowned like mice in a trap: A cruell act, and most lamentable to see, and heare the cries and sighes of those that were so miserably drowned. Of this cruell and inhumane act, the Seignior of Wackene went himselfe to carry newes to the court of Spaine: for the which at the beginning he was commended, honoured, and recompenced by the king: but all good men, which loued their honours on either party, did hate and detest him. He di∣ed afterwards very miserably in that court.

The Estates being assembled at Brussels, they acquainted the archdukes, by what meanes they might attaine vnto a peace with the vnited Prouinces.

First, they gaue them to vnderstand, That the reasons why they of Holland and Zeeland [ B] would not subiect themselues vnder their highnesse obedience (as it appeared by diuers of * 1.190 their letters and speeches) were, that (notwithstanding their highnesse presence, and the pri∣uiledges of the countrey, sworne and confirmed by them) they saw the Spaniards and strange souldiers had still the guard and gouernment of the chiefe townes and forts of the countrey: as the castles of Antuerpe and Gant &c. the townes of Graue and Liere, the forts of Flanders and Denremonde, the Sas of Gant, the towne and castle of Sluce, Nieuport, Dunkerke, the towne and castle of Cambray, with diuers others.

This (said the Estates) might be easily redressed, by remouing of those strange garrisons out of the said towns and castles, assuring themselues, that their highnes authoritie might be con∣firmed as well by other meanes, considering the loyaltie and constancie (whereof there hath [ C] beene sufficient proofe made) of many townes, which haue no strange garrisons, as Arras, S. Omer, Bethune, Ryssel, Valenciennes, Douay, Berghen in Henault, Alost, Dornick, Namur, Maestricht, Brussels, Macklyn, Louaine, Venloo, Boisleduc &c. and therefore, if their highnesse thought it good, there should bee souldiers borne in the Netherlands put into those townes, when the Spaniards should leaue them.

The second obiection made by the Estates, was, That a peace could not be concluded, so long as the Spaniards held the chiefest gouernments (the which was contrary to the priuiled∣ges of the countrey) as in the town of Lembourg Veert, the countrey of Cambresis, Bruges, Antuerpe, Gant, Dixmuyden, Liere, Nieuport, Dunkerke &c. which difficultie saied they might easily be remooued, for that there was store of noblemen and gentlemen borne with∣in [ D] the Netherlands, to whom the gouernment of those towns and castles might well be com∣mitted, beeing bound as strictly by oath vnto their highnesse, as those Spanish gouernours were vnto the king of Spaine; otherwise in time their highnesse might be depriued of those townes and castles, by such as would pretend to hold them for the king of Spaine, to the vtter ruine and desolation of the whole countrie: for which reasons they of Holland and Zeeland did confidently beleeue, that those townes and castles were yet in the possession and vnder the command of the king of Spaine, and not of their highnesse.

The third point was, the libertie and freedome of religion, wherein they excused them of Holland and Zeeland, for that their highnesse had sworne by the donation made vnto them, neuer to yeeld thereunto; which point said they, ought to be referred to diuines to dispute, & [ E] to the consideration of princes.

The fourth reason which the Hollanders did obiect, that the prouinces vnder their high∣nesse commaund, by vertue of the said graunt, seemed to be held in fee of the king of Spaine; whereupon they said, that as it had pleased their highnesse to signifie often vnto the Estates of Brabant, that they had no meaning the Netherlands should be held in fee of Spaine, so now they would be pleased to intreat the king of Spaine to vouchsafe to write his letters of certificate to the contrarie, and to let them vnderstand that he hath no such intent, although there be some likelihood, considering the contents of the grant.

The fift obiection was, that they held it not conuenient that the Netherlanders should be restrained from their traffique to the Indies, which they said was as much as to striue against [ F] nature, to forbid the Netherlanders that trade, vpon such conditions as they should thinke good, for that they ought to haue free passage to all places, as well as the Spaniards.

In the sixt and last point they shewed the distrust which they of Holland and Zeeland had, that if a peace should bee made with their highnesse, how it should be obserued from point

to point, and what assurance they should haue for the same: for the freeing of which doubt, [ A] they thought it conuenient, that libertie and free pasport should be graunted to them of Hol∣land * 1.191 and Zeeland, to come and be admitted to sit in the assembly of the generall Estates, and there to entreat of a peace, or of a truce and cessation from armes, wherein they thought thē∣selues best assured, hauing authoritie from their highnesse, alwaies with this exception, that in regard of the prouinces vnder their Highnesse commaund, there should bee nothing altered touching their religion, nor their Highnesse authoritie, but they should treat only about resti∣tution of lands, goods, and priuiledges; and the conclusion of the peace should be made vp∣on these conditions, That if it should so fall out, that all things concluded with them of Hol∣land and Zeeland, were not fully and directly obserued and kept from point to point, that the generall Estates should bind themselues to see them obserued and kept, and to that end should [ B] aid and assist them of Holland, Zeeland, and their associats; and for not performance thereof, the generall Estates should be wholly discharged from their oath taken vnto their Highnesse: for the obseruing whereof, the generall Estates should bind themselues by oath vnto the vni∣ted prouinces of Holland, &c.

Herein it seemed the generall Estates of the prouinces vnder the archdukes command, fay∣led somewhat of the maine point which the vnited prouinces aimed at, who said, they would neuer be subiected vnto the Spanish gouernment, for if their sheafe of arrowes were once di∣uided and broken, they would be as strongly vnited again. Thus much was treated of at Brus∣sels, and what ensued, you shall hereafter heare.

The generall Estates had a galley, called the blacke galley of Dordrecht, for that it was built [ C] there, carrying 10 or 12 peeces of ordnance, whereof there were two canons in prow, and two in poupe, manned with rowers, whereof some were voluntarie for pay, as well to rowe, as to fight at their boording, besides the souldiers that were in it, vnder captaine Wipeul, who had for his lieutenant that gallyslaue Turke, which had escaped by swimming from one of the gallies of Sluce. This galley was sent to Flessingue in Zeeland, to draw Spinolaes gallies thither. Du∣ring the time it lay there at anchor, the captaine had discouered, that three of those galleyes of Sluce had taken a marchants ship of Zeeland. Whereupon he pursued them, and at the first charged one of them so furiously, as being well beaten, hee forced it to retire into their hole. Then the captaine rowed vnto the two other gallies, who had seized vpon the ship, the which hee tooke from them in despight of them, forcing them to retyre, with no small [ D] losse.

On the 29 of Nouember the said captaine with his galley, and foure long boats well man∣ned, went and set vpon the admirall ship of Antuerpe, in the middest of the riuer, before the * 1.192 towne, the which was one of the goodliest ships that was vnder the archdukes seruice, in the which there were 16 brasse peeces, 10 of yron, 6 to shoot stones, & many harguebuses acrocke, the which hee boorded suddenly in a darke night, cut some in pieces, and some leaping ouer boord were drowned: then he tooke the ordinarie marchants ships of Brussels and Macklin, in euery one of the which there were 4 brasse peeces, besides others, and fiue other ships, which they call Heus, seruing to conuey victuals and munition which went to Sluce, and to other forts which the Spaniards held vpon the sea coast, and vpon the riuer, appointed as the mar∣chant [ E] ships were. All which ships and prisoners he brought to Flessingue, passing at the mer∣cie of the enemies canon at Ordam, and other forts vpon the riuer of Antuerpe. This was an act of able and resolute men, the which caused a great amazement in the towne of Antuerpe, where they kept their gates shut two daies, for feare of some treason. They tooke in these ships 50 brasse peeces of all sorts, which were more worth then the gallie had cost at the first to make and rig, although in the beginning they had held it to be vnprofitable, and the charge lost, but other effects since haue shewed the contrary.

The archduke hauing (to his charge) after the battaile of Nieuport, gathered together some new troupes of souldiers, after prince Maurice his returne into Zeeland, he sent most of them into Brabant, vnder the commaund of Dom Louis de Velasco, lodging the greatest part of them [ F] betweene Duffel and Macklyn, not very farre one from another, doubting prince Maurice his horsemen, who did greatly spoyle the countrey round about. The mutinous souldiers of Hamont held the towne and castle of Weert still for their securitie, hauing 14 stiuers a day de∣liuered them for euery souldiers pay, and yet they made great spoile in the country. The arch∣duke

also reformed his old souldiers, both horse and foot, especially the Spaniards and Itali∣ans, [ A] and reduced diuers companies into one. * 1.193

We haue shewed before how the emperors embassadors moued the archdukes for the de∣liuerie * 1.194 of Rhineberck vnto the elector of Cologne, but they referred it to a treatie of peace which was then in hand, saying, That they daily expected a pasport from the vnited prouin∣ces, for the deputies of the Estates vnder their commaund, as Brabant, Flanders, &c. who were at that time in Antuerpe, attending the said pasport; the which being sent by them of the vni∣ted prouinces, the deputies appointed for the Estates of Brabant, Lembourg, Luxembourg, Gueldres, Flanders, Arthois, Henault, Valenciennes, Namur, Ryssel, Douay, Orchies, Dor∣nic, Tornesis, and Macklin, being assembled at Brussels, went to Antuerpe, and from thence to Berghen vp Zoom. Their names were, Gerard of Horne, earle of Bassignie, sonne to the lord [ B] of Boxtel, of the house of Horne, gouernour of Macklin, Philip van Bentinghe, lord of Bight and Paffenhowen, colonell and steward of Montfort, M. Henric Coet, pentioner of Ypre, and others; who vpon the 19 of Iuly, came to Berghen being brought in by mon•…•…eur Bax, gouer∣nour of the towne, who met them some quarter of a mile off. There they found some eight or ten deputies for the Estates of the vnited prouinces, whereof monsieur van Oldenbarneuelt, aduocat for Holland, was one, where they were all feasted by monsieur Bax.

The next day being met together, the letters sent from the Estates assembled at Brussels, vn∣to * 1.195 the Estates of the vnited prouinces, were there read, the cōtents wherof was, To shew how desirous they were to enter into a treatie of peace, with the Estates of the vnited prouinces, shewing how good and necessarie a peace would be, and what miseries and calamities follow [ C] warres; praying them once to vnmaske themselues, to lay aside all iealousie and distrust, and to enter into this treatie of peace with sinceritie of hearts, &c.

Which ended, the deputies of the vnited prouinces rose vp, and went into a corner of the * 1.196 hall, where hauing conferred together, they sat downe againe, monsieur Barneuelt speaking for them all, said, That they reioyced much, to heare the generall Estates assembled at Brussels, so well affected to a generall peace and vnion of the whole Netherlands, as they had sent natu∣rall borne subiects and members (wishing well vnto the Estates) vnto them, whereof some were their kinsmen, and had liuings among them: for which their great good will and affecti∣on, they gaue them heartie thanks, taking God, the world, and their owne consciences to wit∣nesse, that they desired nothing more, than a godly, iust, and assured peace: but in regard of [ D] many strange oppressions and cruelties, vsed by the Spaniards and their adherents, they had great cause of distrust, whereof he produced some examples. Hee also laid open the admirals violence and crueltie, not onely to them, but to their neighbour countries, who notwith∣standing were better affected vnto him than vnto them, with many such like reasons: so as they could not beleeue, but that all such violent actions were resolued on by the archduke and his counsell, intending to do the like vnto them, when time and opportunitie serued: Therefore (they sayd) they were not in any sort resolued to enter into any treatie of peace with the Spa∣niards or their adherents, vnlesse that the generall Estates would take arms with them, to chase all strangers out of the countrey, and then the whole prouinces would find meanes to vnite themselues together, and so reduce them againe to their former estate &c. [ E]

Wherunto the deputies for the Estates in Brussels made answer, That it was verie credible, * 1.197 that by the retreat of strangers, and the committing of townes and castles into the hands of such as were borne in the countrey, all doubts and distrusts would bee remoued, and matters reduced to the antient order: But looking precisely into this action, they were of opinion, That as long as the vnited prouinces continued in armes, and made war, it was not fit nor conuenient for the Estates in Brussels to reiect the king of Spains aid, therwith to defend them∣selues against such as made war against him.

Whereupon either partie conferred together, and then sitting downe againe, monsieur * 1.198 Barneuelt sayd, That they held the donation made by the king of Spaine to the Infanta, to bee false, and of no force, for that it was therin expresly set downe, That if the archduke died with∣out [ F] children, the Infanta should returne into Spaine againe; and if the Infanta dyed, the arch∣duke should remaine in the Netherlands but as gouernour thereof, and the countrey returne againe vnto the king of Spaine. And moreouer, if they had any children, they should not ma∣rie but with the house of Spaine. It was also decreed by the same gift, That the subiects of the

Netherlands should not trade vnto the Indies, and that vpon forfeiture of the said countries: [ A] concluding thereby, that they were now more subiect vnto the Spanish seruitude than euer, * 1.199 for that in consideration the archdukes had bound themselues so strictly vnto Spaine, and that the generall Estates of those prouinces had likewise sworne to be true and faithfull vnto them, as to their naturall lords, that of force that yoke must needs ensue. He also said, That touching the points of communication specified in their letter, with their instructions and verball pro∣positions, the deputies of the vnited Prouinces, hauing duly cōsidered theron, they found, that the whole transport made by the K. of Spain to the Infanta his daughter, tended meerly to the preiudice of the Netherlands, in regard that the archdukes, & the Estates also with them, were so strictly bound vnto the king of Spaine, as in their opinions they could not safely deale con∣cerning a peace, neither with Spain, the archdukes, nor with the Estates, as their sworne vassals; [ B] neither had they sufficient authoritie to do it. They also said, their commission extended not so far, as they could maintaine and effect that which shold be concluded betwixt them, and ther∣fore they desired to haue full assurance thereof, before they would enter into any conference or treatie of peace. Lastly, they said, That if they might be freed from the archdukes and the Spaniards, they for their parts would suffer them to liue in their former Estates, and betweene them they would make a forme of gouernment, where all men, both Catholikes and Refor∣med, might vse their own religion, and liue in freedome of conscience.

Whereunto the deputies of the Estates of Brussels made answer, That they had a prince, * 1.200 without whom they desired not to do any thing, being in good hope that all matters by the help of good mediators might be so wel reconciled, as their highnesses in the end would agree [ C] with the Estates, and both parties be well satisfied.

And touching the assurance which they demaunded, they said, They must not set the cart before the horse: for if the treatie of peace were once begun, the deputies of the general estates should haue ample commission to treat with them, and whensoeuer they came to the maine points, they would secure them in such sort, as they should rest satisfied, concluding, that they would not forsake their princes, nor attempt any thing but with their likings and consents; so as the conclusion of a peace must proceed from the archdukes, and not from the Estates.

Whereupon the deputies of the vnited prouinces gaue them to vnderstand, that they were bound by contract to diuers princes and states, not to make any peace with the Spaniards, nor the archdukes, without them, to which end they had caused diuers decrees to bee published, [ D] being also desirous to aduertise the said princes and commonweals, what their instructions and propositions were, the which they would do in such friendly manner, as all men should find that they desired peace and vnity, intreating them of Brussels to do the like, and to persuade the Estates, to get the Spaniards out of the towns and castles of the Netherlands, and to place such as were borne in the countrey &c.

And thus the conference between them ended, the deputies of the vnited prouinces giuing * 1.201 letters sealed vp vnto the other deputies, bearing date the 22 of Iuly, containing a discourse of all their conference, and recommending the peace vnto them, wherewith the deputies depar∣ted from Berghen, and returned to Brussels, making report of all that had beene done.

Vpon their returne, the Estates being assembled at Brussels, finding by the report of their [ E] deputies, that there was no peace likely to be concluded (the vnited prouinces hauing so lately gotten a victorie before Nieuport) and that their prouinces were in the meane time to bee de∣fended, they resolued to raise a good summe of money, according to their antient and laudable custome, who neuer left their princes in need, but liberally assisted them: whereupon they a∣greed, to impose a taxe of two shillings vpon euerie chimney throughout their countrey, and consulted how to find meanes to entertaine 10000 foot, and 3000 horse, which they found would cost them 320000 gulderns a moneth, and to that end, vpon the 4 of Iuly, when as they * 1.202 had receiued newes of the archdukes ouerthrow, they deliuered their fourth declaration vn∣to the archdukes committees, containing many seuerall points.

First, That the mutinous souldiers should be paid, and all other souldiers kept in good mar∣tiall [ F] discipline.

That the Spanish Tribunals, called de la Hazienda, and de la Visita, that is, Treasorers and Ouerseers of the Spanish treasure, being 250 thousand duckets a moneth allowed by the king of Spaine, might be reformed, and that they should haue no further dealing with the accounts

of the naturall borne subiects of the countrey, vnlesse it were with such as were indebted vnto [ A] them vpon some former reckonings. * 1.203

That the Estates were content to vndertake the discharge of the admiraltie, the payment of the garrisons, and the repairing of the forts, according vnto the list propounded vnto them.

They also vndertooke to furnish 250 wagons for an armie, and to entertaine ten thousand footmen, and the ordinarie horsemen of the countrey, for a yeare; vpon condition, That they should be freed from the fiue cornets of light horsemen: Whereunto they all agreed, desiring that the archduke might be aduertised thereof.

These articles were deliuered: whereunto the archduke made answer the sixteenth of Iulie, whereby he seemed to yeeld vnto the chiefe points. And the same day the marquesse of of Haurec gaue the Estates to vnderstand, That the archdukes desire was, they should resolue [ B] vpon some meanes touching the freeing of the demeanes, and for their yerely reuenue.

Touching the freeing of the demeanes, the Estates desired they might not be charged ther∣with, vntill a peace were made, and as for their yerely reuenues and entertainment, they yeel∣ded to 250 thousand gulderns yerely, as it was propounded, the which should be borne by the whole prouinces in generall; and that vpon condition their highnesses should reforme their housholds, discharge all superfluous seruants, and reduce it to the antient orders of the dukes of Bourgoigne.

After this the Estates began to consult, how they might raise these summes of money; the prelats and gentlemen concluding to impose a taxe vpon victuals, and vpon all apparell, and al∣so [ C] vpon al wares and merchandises, wherwith they acquainted them of Flanders. Wherupon * 1.204 the two estates agreed, with the good liking of the third estate, to raise these summes vpon corne, wine, butter, flesh, &c. viz.

Vpon a measure of Brabant, called a sester of wheat, foure stiuers.

Vpon the same measure of Rye or Meslin, 3 stiuers.

Vpon euerie aume of French, Renish, or Spanish wine, 8 stiuers.

Vpon a barrell of beere, valued from 2 to 4 gulderns, 6 stiuers.

Vpon a barrell of beere valued from 4 to 6 gulderns, 12 stiuers.

Vpon a hogshead, and vpon all foreine beere, 24 stiuers.

Vpon euerie oxe or steere of 3 yeares old and vpwards, 30 stiuers. [ D]

Vpon euerie cow or heifer, 20 stiuers.

Vpon euerie wether or calfe, 5 stiuers.

Vpon euerie ewe or ramme, 4 stiuers.

Vpon euerie lambe, goat, or pig, 2 stiuers.

Vpon euerie hog, 8 stiuers.

Vpon euerie milch cow both winter and summer, a stiuer euerie moneth.

Vpon euerie oxe or cow that is put to pasture to be made fat, 2 stiuers.

But the deputies of the other prouinces seemed to make some difficultie hereat, desiring ra∣ther, that a diuision should be made, and that euerie prouince should haue his portion set downe, with a fit moderation, as they were able to rayse it, and that the prelats and nobilitie [ E] should consent to pay two third parts of a fourth part of the whole summe; vpon condition, that their priuiledges which had been broken, should be restored, and the tolles taken away, after the antient maner.

They of Antuerpe made diuers difficulties, concerning the taxes imposed vpon victuals, saying, That they had paid part of their debts out of the excises raised vpon victuals, and that the said excises were partly farmed vnto merchants, who had disbursed 150 thousand gul∣derns for the archdukes vse, before his going into Spaine, and that they had beene contributa∣rie for the paiment of the mutined souldiers in the castle of Antuerpe; desiring that considera∣tion might be had thereon.

Vpon the ninth of August they consulted againe, touching the conference which had [ F] beene betwixt the Estates of Brussels, and the vnited prouinces, to see how they might reunite the prouinces which were fallen from them, the which was deferred to the report which should bee made by the deputies of the contrarie side, vnto their committees, wherein

as then they could not proceed: But in regard of the former conference, and for that the ene∣mie [ A] presumed to haue a great aduantage, it gaue them more cause of distrust than hope: * 1.205 wherefore they concluded, that their princes were in the meane time to be aided, yet not to forget the treatie of peace, which could not be sodainly effected, and therefore they must take order for the warre. To which end the generall Estates at Brussels set downe the archdukes demaunds, with a note of the seuerall summes, what they would amount vnto, whereby they * 1.206 found that the entertainment of the ordinarie garrisons a•…•… that time for 8450 men amounted monethly vnto 81120 gulderns.

Ten thousand foot diuided into fiue regiments, all naturall borne subiects, amounted vnto the summe of 128700 gulderns a moneth.

Fifteene companies of bands of ordnance, which should serue six moneths with full pay, [ B] and six moneths for halfe pay, one moneth with another, amounted vnto 60750 gulderns the moneth.

The archdukes houshold charges monethly, came vnto one and twentie thousand gulderns, and 16667 gulderns the moneth, for two hundred and fiftie wagons for the armie: so as all these charges together amounted vnto 308237 gulderns the month: where to they added the charges of collectors, and muster-masters, which came to some twelue thousand gulderns a moneth: so as the whole summe was 320 thousand gulderns a moneth.

For the raising of this summe monethly, the prouinces were of diuers opinions: for in the diuision and quotation of the generall collected summes out of all the prouinces, according vnto the old taxation in the grant made by the said prouinces, vnto the emperor Charles the 5, [ C] for his warres in France, they of Brabant and Flanders made many difficulties; for that they of Brabant for their parts (the summe as then being 300 thousand gulderns a moneth) paid the fiue eight parts thereof, Flanders 6 eight parts, Arthois and Henault each of them a sixt part of that which Flanders paid, Valenciennes a sixt part of that of Henault; Ryssel, Douay, and Or∣chies an eight part of Flanders: Holland halfe as much as Flanders, Zeeland a fourth part of Holland, Namur a sixteenth part of Flanders, Macklin a small matter: they of Guelderland, Luxembourg, and Lembourg, did not contribute. Moreouer, there was consideration had of those which lay neerest vnto the enemie, which were Arthois, Henault, Ryssel, and Na∣mur, the which were taxed at small summes, the greatest burthen beeing layd vpon Brabant, Flanders and other prouinces, which at that time flourished: The like respect (said they) was at [ D] that time to be had, so as at the last the archduke made a reasonable diuision among them.

They of Brabant desired, That the two companies of light horsemen vnder Adolph earl van∣den Berghe, and monsieur Grobendonc (as being verie necessarie for the defence of all the coun∣trey * 1.207 of Brabant, and especially of their frontier towne of Hertogenbosch, or Boisleduc) might be comprehended in the list of the garrisons appointed to bee paid out of the collection of 320000 gulderns a moneth; as also that the winter army might be diuided, and that their high∣nesses would be serued therewith according to the Ioyfull entries. That the gouernment of Lembourg, and of the townes ouer Meuse, might be put into the hands of naturall borne sub∣iects of Brabant, as also the rest of the townes, castles and forts in Brabant; and that the towne of Antuerpe (contrarie to the contract made for the building of the castle) might bee no more [ E] charged to make prouision of wood and turffe for the same; nor yet that the said castle should presse them to any seruice, which was to be done at their highnesses charge. They complained also, That the towne of Antuerp had lost the benefit of diuers cloisters in those parts; as of the monasterie of Assigem, the which was transferred vnto the towne of Macklin, vnder the arch∣bishoprick, to their great preiudice: which monasterie did no more contribute vnto the bur∣thens layd vpon the country, as it had vsually done, and therefore they desired the archbishop would be pleased to restore the said monasterie vnto them againe, according to the iustice and equitie of the old dukes of Brabant, with many such like complaints. They of Brabant also complained, That they were ouercharged to pay 70 thousand gulderns a moneth, considering their arrerages, and that the chimney money amounted but to 150 thousand gulderns: where∣fore [ F] they desired to be rated but at 60000 gulderns monthly; and that consideration might be had of the 150000 gulderns, which they had paid vnto the archduke before his going into Spaine, as also of that which they had paid vnto the mutined souldiers of the castle.

The like complaints were made by the general Estates vnto the archduke the fourteenth of [ A] October, presenting 26 articles vnto him, containing many orders touching souldiers, and that * 1.208 all maner of contributions might cease, as of mony gathered for lodging, forrage, fortification, * 1.209 wagons, pioners, passages, setting forth of souldiers, &c. and all other charges which had been brought in without the consent of the Estates, and that the countrey might be onely charged with the summe of 320000 gulderns a moneth. They also desired to be freed from all the mu∣tined souldiers; especially from them of Dyest and Weert: and that all summes of money col∣lected in euerie prouince, might be receiued by the rent-master appointed by the Estates of euerie prouince, and that the garrisons of the townes and forts in the said prouinces, should be first paid therewith, especially those which lay vpon the frontiers, who were daily forced to do some seruice for the countrey; and that the surplusage of the money might be put into a com∣mon [ B] purse, and kept towards the paiment of the new regiments, and other charges compre∣hended in the list exhibited from the archduke, and all with the consent of the deputies of the Estates; as also that the souldiers should be mustered euerie three moneths at the least: And that neither spirituall nor temporall persons, knights of the Golden Fleece, counsellors of estate, nor any other priuiledged persons, of what estate soeuer, should bee exempted from paying their parts of the said monethly summe, vnlesse it were their highnesses and their hous∣hold seruants.

Vnto these articles the archdukes made answer by the earle of Solre, vpon the last of Octo∣ber, * 1.210 complayning, That they protracted the time so long before they gaue vp their full resolu∣tions, whereby many good occasions against the enemie were lost, and that many of the arti∣cles [ C] propounded, were vnnecessarie, and yet they thought good to answer them seuerally at this time, without any more replications or reports made vnto their prouinces; and withall, that by the last of Nouember following, they should prouide their money readie.

They answered some of their articles according to their d•…•…sires, and to others they made a larger discourse. Touching the tenth article, That the money raysed monethly, should bee imployed for the payment of the naturall borne subiects of the countrey, they said, That if it were so granted, they feared some question and alteration would grow by that diuision of payes, if it should not bee generall: and therefore they desired the Estates, to referre that vnto their highnesses, who would not pay any thing but it should be for the good of the coun∣trey, and the necessarie imployment for the warres; saying, That the naturall borne subiects [ D] of the countrey, were much to bee commended for their fidelities, and that hee meant to le∣uie foure regiments of Wallons, which should bee monethly payed, as the rest were, out of those summes, as also the ordinarie bands of horsemen.

They also granted that women should bee exempted from that taxation, for that time one∣ly, without making it a president; yet they persuaded themselues, that it was not the Estates meaning, to include the foure orders of the begging friers, nor yet the Iesuites, or Capuchins, who had more need to bee relieued and succoured, than to be burthened with any paiments.

The like answer was made to them of Brabant, fauourable ynough, both being signed, Al∣bertus and Isabella, and vnderneath, Vereyken.

This taxe being concluded, the prouinces did presently take vpon them to raise certain soul∣diers, [ E] as Brabant the leuying and paying of 3 companies of horse, and 2000 foot, Lembourg 1 * 1.211 cornet of horse, and 500 foot, Guelderland and Rissel each as many, Douay and Orchies 2 cor∣nets of horse, and 1000 foot, Arthois & Henault each 3 cornets of horse, and 1000 foot, and the other small prouinces after the rate, besides Flanders, which yeelded to pay 80000 gulderns a moneth.

But to preuent all further questions and disputes, which might grow among the said pro∣uinces, about the raising of the said 320000 gulderns a month, which was agreed vpon, for that some prouinces would raise it vpon victuals, and some by other meanes; the archdukes made an indifferent diuision betwixt them, after the rate set downe in the 9 yeres taxe, raysed vpon * 1.212 those countries in the time of Charls the emperor, for his wars in France, and also according to [ F] the abilities, power, and scituation of the prouinces, as the time then serued, viz.

Brabant euerie moneth 70 thousand gulderns. Lembourg six thousand gulderns. Luxembourg ten thousand gulderns.

Gueldres ten thousand gulderns. [ A] Flanders 95 thousand gulderns. * 1.213 Arthois 30 thousand gulderns. Henault 30 thousand gulderns. Ryssel ten thousand gulderns. Douay fiue thousand gulderns. Orchies ten thousand gulderns. Valenciennes fiue thousand gulderns. Namur seuen thousand gulderns. Dornic three thousand fiue hundred gulderns. Tournesis fiue thousand gulderns. Macklin three thousand fiue hundred gulderns. [ B]

These contributing prouinces, according to the archdukes diuision, making in all three hundred thousand gulderns a moneth, granted it at the first but for a yeare, hauing been eight moneths before they could agree vpon this rate.

This taxation was not well looked into at the first: for being granted but for a yeare, it was afterwards made perpetuall. And whereas the Estates thought it good to haue two armies, one of strangers, the other of naturall borne subiects of the countrey, thereby the one to keepe the other in awe, the Spanish counsell thought it not conuenient, doubting that the natural borne subiects might vpon any discontent ioyne with the vnited prouinces, and driue all the stran∣gers out of the countrey. The archdukes ordered the matter in such sort, as the money was [ C] the most part raysed vpon victuals, &c. as fittest to continue, and the earle of Bassignie was re∣ceiuor thereof for a time: but the archdukes complaining thereof, as being dishonorable both for them and the countrey, at the last he got the receit thereof into the hands of his commit∣tees, so as the prouinces had no further dealing with the mony, and yet the contribution con∣tinued, neither had they scarce one naturall borne subiect in the field, more than they had be∣fore, but were stil subiect to strange souldiers, and mutinous companions.

About this time Dom Henriques Goesman was sent from the king of Spain into the Nether∣lands, * 1.214 with certaine letters of comfort, both vnto the archdukes, and the Estates, touching the battaile lost at Nieuport, the superscription of their letters being * 1.215 A nos Estados, which caused a great murmuring among the Estates and the people, beeing ignorant to whom they belon∣ged, [ D] the king of Spaine pretending yet a command ouer them, which made them thinke, that the opinion of the Estates of the vnited prouinces, touching the transport of the Netherlands, was true, and that they were to consider well thereon, especially concerning the granting vn∣to taxes, the prouinces being verie poore, threatned by the French men, and warred against by the vnited prouinces: Besides that, they had no trade, by reason of the forbidding of licences, for all merchandise comming in or going out of the countrey, whereby the said prouinces were in a verie miserable estate: But this Goesman brought certaine summes of money with him, and the superscription was excused by the president Richardot, as being mistaken by the Secretarie who writ it.

This Dom Henriques de Goesman had commission to complain of the merchants of Antuerp, [ E] who (as he said) traded with the Hollanders into the Indies, and also into Spaine, vnder the names of French men, Easterlings, and such like, by indirect meanes: which trade the Spani∣ards sought by all meanes to take from them of the vnited prouinces, doubting that they ena∣bled themselues by that trade to make warre against them: and for that cause they strictly for∣bad all licences, for any goods going in or comming out of the vnited prouinces, and to that end they stopt the passage of the Rhine at Berck, and in Spaine the admirall caused all the Ne∣therland merchants and sailers to be committed to prison, intreating them with great crueltie, whereof some were put into the gallies, and some executed: They examined them what rials of plate they had carried out of Spaine contrarie to the law, and whether their merchandise came out of the Netherlands, or from England, or whether it belonged to any of those places: [ F] And to that end Goesman desired that certaine merchants counting houses in Antuerpe, with their books of accounts and letters, might be seized on, and perused, to find out those deceits, thinking by that meanes to take all trade of merchandise from their enemies, the which could not be easily effected. In the end, after great crueltie vsed towards the Netherland merchants

and saylers, they compounded with the admirall, that for all former faults committed, they [ A] should pay him 60 thousand duckets in March following. * 1.216

Dom Francisco de Mendoza, admirall of Arragon, taken prisoner (as we haue said) at the bat∣taile of Nieuport, tyred with his imprisonment in the castle of Woerden in Holland, which seemed vnto him a verie melancholike place, he intreated the Estates, that they would appoint him some place of better ayre: whereupon he was brought vnto the castle of Persin, halfe a league from the Hage, where vnder colour of bestowing his charitable almes vpon the poore, giuing to each of them at the first a stiuer, the next day there came two or three hundred, to whom he gaue two stiuers a peece; so as this bait did make the number of beggers to increase daily. The Estates fearing that vnder this pretence of almes, the number of beggers, and others vnder that habit, would grow so great, as they might take away the said admirall, and imbarke [ B] him at Catwick, which was but a league from thence; they caused him to come to the prison at the Hage, whereof he was more wearie than of any other place, and would willingly haue giuen a great summe of money for his ransome, which the Estates respected not, hauing more care of the freedome and libertie of their vassals and subiects, that were prisoners, than desire of his money: wherefore in stead of a ransome, they offered to exchange him for their subiects and seruants that were prisoners as well in Spaine, the Netherlands, as elsewhere, and detained in great pouertie and miserie. Whereupon the admirall, seeing that he was not to be ransomed neither for gold nor siluer, and that without some other meanes hee was in danger to end his dayes there, he laboured so with the king of Spaine and the archduke Albert, as for his deliue∣rance he had full libertie promised for all the prisoners of the vnited pouinces, or that had been [ C] taken in their seruice, being at that time either in gallies, prisons, or otherwise restrained; and without ransom; and that before his deliuerie, he should cause them to be represented to the Estates in full libertie: Whereupon letters were written vnto the vnited prouinces, that they should deliuer in writing, into the hands of certaine committees, that were appointed to that end, all the names of such as they knew were detained as well in the Inquisition in Spaine, at the islands, or Indies, and in the Netherlands, at Sluce, Dunkerk, and elswhere. The which was done; and all the prisoners being returned, the admirall hauing paid for a courtesie twentie thousand florins to cont Lodowike, generall of the Estates horse, and one thousand to foure ca∣ualiers, which had taken him at the battaile, whereof one was a naturall Spaniard, the admirall * 1.217 was enlarged and set at libertie, in the beginning of the yeare 1601, returning to Antuerpe. [ D]

The spoyles done by the archdukes great armie, vnder the conduct of Francisco de Mendo∣za, admirall of Arragon, the yeares past, had much incommodated the vnited prouinces, in the desolations of Cleues, Westphalia, and the neighbour countries, but especially in the taking of Rhineberck, a towne of importance, by reason of the passage, and of the customes which they take: besides, it serued the archduke as a key for the countries of Ouerissel and Friseland: and besides the contributions of great summes of money, which the garrison did draw mo∣nethly from many of the Estates subiects, it was a wonderfull preiudice to the merchants of Holland, Zeeland, and others, in their negotiations of Germanie: wherefore the Estates intreat prince Maurice, that he will take this moat out of their eye, chase away those forragers of Berck, and assure the nauigation of the Rhine, to the good of the vnited prouinces. [ E]

In the latter end of the yeare 1600 there was little done in the Netherlands, concerning the wars, being winter; but many secret enterprises were attempted and discouered, whereof one was vpon the towne of Geertruydenbergh. There was a gentleman in Brussels, called Fran∣cis de Prouence, who was persuaded by his brother Adolph, in the behalfe of monsieur Groben∣done, gouernour of Boisleduc, to imploy himselfe in the Estates seruice, that hee might find meanes to betray Geertruydenbergh to the archduke: whereunto in the end hee yeelded, not (as he said) for any desire of money, but to doe good seruice to God and his prince; and with that resolution he went to Brussels, where he receiued further instructions from monsieur Ma∣riensant, and had two hundred Philip dollers giuen him, with promise of a more honourable reward. Before he departed from Brussels, he confest, and receiued the sacrament, at the hands [ F] of the father of the Iesuites, who assured him, That without any sinne or burthen to his consci∣ence, he might practise to reduce any town into the hands of the right lord, with the shedding of as little bloud as he could, &c. At his departure he left a note written with his owne hand (in forme of a petition) for his brother, that he might therewith solicit for the said promised re∣ward,

if he should chance to be committed or executed for that cause. And with this resoluti∣on [ A] he put himself into seruice in Geertruydenbergh, vnder monsieur Nels cornet of horse. Be∣ing * 1.218 there, he discouered a place where he might bring Grobendoncs men in, which was behind a house, called the Hart, where they should climbe vp with ten ladders: but before it should be put in practise, he with others were to ride out, and by a secret compact should go towards Boisleduc, where they should meet with 20 horsemen, who should willingly suffer themselues to be taken prisoners by him and his companie: which done, hee should put them into the prouosts hands, to keepe them in prison, and the same night, that the enemie should come to scale the wals, he should find meanes to let them out of prison, who killing the watch, should keepe the wals that none should approach, vntill that Grobendoncs souldiers had gotten into the towne. [ B]

This enterprise being discouered, and the said Francis committed to prison, hee confessed the fact; for the which vpon the 5 of Ianuarie he was condemned to die, and not long after was beheaded, and his bodie quartered. Before his death he became verie penitent for the treason by him intended: He wrot a letter to his brother, lamenting his sinne, certifying him, That during his imprisonment he had beene instructed in the holy Scriptures, and learned to know what belonged to his saluation: desiring his brother and friends, to read the new Testament with all diligence, that they might attaine to the knowledge of their sinnes, with the right, true, and liuely iustifying faith. He had before made his wil, & giuen a legacy towards the repairing of the broken Sacrament house, but he reuoked it againe, willing his friends not to doe it; say∣ing, That Christ dwelt in heauen, willing them to giue that mony to the poore, which would [ C] be much more acceptable vnto God. And so Geertruy denbergh was freed from that practise.

Notes

• * 1.1

  1598
• * 1.2

  1598
• * 1.3

  1598
• * 1.4

  A summe of the articles propounded to the cardinal at Brussels.
• * 1.5

  The archduke Albert leaues off his cardi∣nals weed.
• * 1.6

  1598
• * 1.7

  The Queene of England send•…•… vnto the Estates.
• * 1.8

  Goodly offers made by the archduke vnto the vnited Estates.
• * 1.9

  1598
• * 1.10

  1598
• * 1.11

  The oppressi∣on of the Ad∣mirals soul∣diers.
• * 1.12

  1598
• * 1.13

  Letters inter∣cepted from the Spanish campe.
• * 1.14

  1598
• * 1.15

  The end and death of the king of Spaine
• * 1.16

  1598
• * 1.17

  The kings speech vnto his sonne.
• * 1.18

  1598
• * 1.19

  The king of Spaines instru∣ction to the prince his son.
• * 1.20

  1598
• * 1.21

  A hardie at∣tempt of cer∣taine mari∣ners of the Spaniard.
• * 1.22

  1598
• * 1.23

  The archdukes letters to the princesse of Cleues.
• * 1.24

  1598
• * 1.25

  The admirall summōs Berck.
• * 1.26

  They of We∣zel write to the admirall, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his answer.
• * 1.27

  1598
• * 1.28

  The earle of Broek besieged in his castle, and yeelds.
• * 1.29

  The earle of Broek mur∣thered.
• * 1.30

  The admirall doth ransome the towne of Wezel.
• * 1.31

  1598
• * 1.32

  The admirall besieges Rhine∣berck.
• * 1.33

  The powder in the towne set on fire.
• * 1.34

  1598
• * 1.35

  Rhineberck yeelded.
• * 1.36

  Prince Maurice writes to the deputies of the circles.
• * 1.37

  1598 Deputies from the duke of Cleues to prince Maurice
• * 1.38

  1598
• * 1.39

  The deane of Emmeric's speech to the admirall.
• * 1.40

  1598
• * 1.41

  The deputie•…•… of the cir∣cles letters from Dort∣mont.
• * 1.42

  1598
• * 1.43

  The princes electors letters to the empe∣rour.
• * 1.44

  1598
• * 1.45

  1598
• * 1.46

  The emperors commissioner writes vnto the admiral.
• * 1.47

  A discourse of the insolencies committed by the Spaniards.
• * 1.48

  1598
• * 1.49

  1598
• * 1.50

  1589
• * 1.51

  The empe∣rours procla∣mation against the admirall.
• * 1.52

  1598
• * 1.53

  1598
• * 1.54

  The empe∣rours com∣mandement to the general Estates.
• * 1.55

  1598
• * 1.56

  1599
• * 1.57

  A proclam•…•…ti∣on in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 name▪ forbidding all traffique into Spaine.
• * 1.58

  A proclamati∣on made by the vnited E∣states to for∣bid traffique with Spain•…•….
• * 1.59

  1599
• * 1.60

  A proclamati∣on made in Friseland for∣bidding con∣tribution to the enemie.
• * 1.61

  1599
• * 1.62

  Orders made by the Estates for their horse and foot.
• * 1.63

  1599
• * 1.64

  A preacher murthered at Deuenter.
• * 1.65

  1599
• * 1.66

  The death of the old coun∣tésse of Arem∣berghe.
• * 1.67

  1599
• * 1.68

  The substance of the admi∣rals letters to the deputies at Cologne
• * 1.69

  1599
• * 1.70

  1599
• * 1.71

  1599
• * 1.72

  Aldegonde & Longolius die.
• * 1.73

  〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.74

  The elector of Mentz answer to cardinall Andrew,
• * 1.75

  1599 Letters from the vnited pro∣uinces to the princes of Germany.
• * 1.76

  o
• * 1.77

  1599
• * 1.78

  Letters from the Estates to the deputies of the circles.
• * 1.79

  1599
• * 1.80

  The deputies write againe to the Estates.
• * 1.81

  It is a mine∣rall matter which they vse about copper. The Estates answer.
• * 1.82

  1599
• * 1.83

  1599
• * 1.84

  Letters from the deputies of the circles to the Estates.
• * 1.85

  The German deputies send to the Estates for a pasport.
• * 1.86

  1599
• * 1.87

  The estates send commis∣sioners to the deputies.
• * 1.88

  Counsell pro∣pounded to ioyne both the armies against the Spaniard.
• * 1.89

  1599
• * 1.90

  Letters from the imperiall commissioners to the chiefe of the Spaniards, like to them of the Estates.
• * 1.91

  1599.
• * 1.92

  The Spaniards retire from Bomel.
• * 1.93

  The successe of the Estates armie at the Canaries.
• * 1.94

  1599
• * 1.95

  The armie lands.
• * 1.96

  The castle of G•…•…atiosa yeel∣ded to the ge∣nerals mercie.
• * 1.97

  The towne & castle of Ale∣goen•…•… aban∣doned.
• * 1.98

  1599
• * 1.99

  The Estates men slaine in the mountain•…•…
• * 1.100

  The armie re∣tires and burn•…•… Alegoen•…•….
• * 1.101

  1599
• * 1.102

  1599
• * 1.103

  The progresse of the Estates armie at sea.
• * 1.104

  1599
• * 1.105

  Deutecom ta∣ken by Willi∣am of Nassau.
• * 1.106

  S. Andrews fort built by the Spaniard.
• * 1.107

  1599
• * 1.108

  The end of the Germans enterprises a∣gainst the Spaniards.
• * 1.109

  1599
• * 1.110

  Prince Mau∣•…•…ice breaks vp his armie.
• * 1.111

  1599
• * 1.112

  The admirall breaks vp his campe, and payes not his souldiers, who mutine.
• * 1.113

  The Estates letter to the emperors em∣bassadors con∣cerning a peace.
• * 1.114

  1599
• * 1.115

  1599
• * 1.116

  The embassa∣dours answer to the Estat•…•… letter.
• * 1.117

  1599
• * 1.118

  1599
• * 1.119

  The instalmēt of the arch∣dukes.
• * 1.120

  1599
• * 1.121

  Knights of the golden fleece made.
• * 1.122

  The arch∣dukes install∣•…•…ent at Lo∣•…•…aine.
• * 1.123

  1599
• * 1.124

  The archdukes installing in Antuerpe.
• * 1.125

  The forme of the archdukes oath in An∣tuerpe.
• * 1.126

  The oth of the magistrat of Antuerpe.
• * 1.127

  1600
• * 1.128

  Wachtendōck in Gueldres taken by prince Mau∣rice.
• * 1.129

  1600
• * 1.130

  The souldiers of Carpen mutine.
• * 1.131

  Mutineisin the Spanish campe
• * 1.132

  The garrison•…•… in S. Andrewe•…•… fo•…•…t, and in that of Creuec•…•…ur, mutine.
• * 1.133

  1600
• * 1.134

  The fort of Creuecoeu•…•… be∣sieged, and yeelded to the prince.
• * 1.135

  The prince builds many forts.
• * 1.136

  1600
• * 1.137

  S. Andrewe•…•… fort yeelded.
• * 1.138

  1600
• * 1.139

  The articles of the accord.
• * 1.140

  1600
• * 1.141

  Iohn Petit.
• * 1.142

  The Estates force them of Groningue to pay their con∣tribution.
• * 1.143

  They of Zee∣land complain of their charge
• * 1.144

  1600
• * 1.145

  Henry prince of Orange made one of the counsell of Estate in the vnited pro∣uinces.
• * 1.146

  Propositions made by the archdukes, to the prouinces vnder their command.
• * 1.147

  1600
• * 1.148

  The Estates de mand an expo∣sition of the propositions.
• * 1.149

  1600
• * 1.150

  The arch∣dukes demand
• * 1.151

  The Estates desire to know what the sta•…•…e of the wars would be.
• * 1.152

  The death of the countesse o•…•… Moeurs.
• * 1.153

  1600
• * 1.154

  Embassadors sent from the empero•…•… to the Hage.
• * 1.155

  The Estates answer to the emperors em∣bassadors.
• * 1.156

  1600
• * 1.157

  1600
• * 1.158

  Emmeric yeel∣ded by the E∣states to the duke of Cleues
• * 1.159

  The archduke refuseth to de∣liuer Rhine∣berck to the E∣lector of Co∣logne.
• * 1.160

  Briaute fights a combat, & is slaine trea∣cherously.
• * 1.161

  1600
• * 1.162

  The Estates re∣solution to make war in the countrey of Flanders.
• * 1.163

  The deputies of the •…•…es go to assist the prince.
• * 1.164

  1600
• * 1.165

  The fort of Philippine in Flander•…•… ye elded to the prince.
• * 1.166

  1600
• * 1.167

  Alberts fort before Oost∣end besieged, and yeelded to the Estates.
• * 1.168

  1600
• * 1.169

  Nieuport be∣sieged.
• * 1.170

  1600
• * 1.171

  Cont Ernest and Scottish men defeated.
• * 1.172

  Iohn Petit.
• * 1.173

  1600
• * 1.174

  The arch∣dukes armie.
• * 1.175

  The order of the princes armie.
• * 1.176

  1600
• * 1.177

  1600
• * 1.178

  The charge begins.
• * 1.179

  The archduke flies, and the prince had his armes and his horse of com∣bate.
• * 1.180

  1600
• * 1.181

  The losse on the archdukes side.
• * 1.182

  The l•…•…sse on the princes side. The dead men.
• * 1.183

  The prisoners
• * 1.184

  The bootie.
• * 1.185

  1600
• * 1.186

  The prince re∣turneth again to besiege Nieuport.
• * 1.187

  1600
• * 1.188

  The crueltie of the vice∣admirall of Dunkerke.
• * 1.189

  1600
• * 1.190

  The Estates shew the arch∣dukes meanes how to make a peace with the vnited
• * 1.191

  1600
• * 1.192

  A gallant ex∣ploit done by the blacke galley.
• * 1.193

  1600
• * 1.194

  A treatie be∣twixt the pro∣uinces vnder the archduke and the vnited prouinces.
• * 1.195

  The contents of the Estates o•…•… Brussels let∣ters to the vni∣ted Estates.
• * 1.196

  Barneuelts an∣swer to the ge∣neral Estates.
• * 1.197

  The answer of the deputies of Brussels.
• * 1.198

  Barneuelts reply.
• * 1.199

  1600
• * 1.200

  The Estates of Brussels answer
• * 1.201

  The confe∣rence breaks vp at Berghen.
• * 1.202

  32000 pounds •…•…ing.
• * 1.203

  1600
• * 1.204

  A taxe impo∣sed vpon vi∣ctuals.
• * 1.205

  1600
• * 1.206

  The whole charge of the archdukes de∣mands.
• * 1.207

  Demands and complaints made by them of Brabant.
• * 1.208

  1600
• * 1.209

  The generall Esta•…•…es com∣plain vnto the archdukes.
• * 1.210

  The archdukes answer to the general estates
• * 1.211

  An order for the execution of the taxation
• * 1.212

  A rate set downe by the archdukes.
• * 1.213

  1600
• * 1.214

  Letters of com fort & money sent out of Spaine to the archdukes.
• * 1.215

  To our Estates.
• * 1.216

  1601
• * 1.217

  The admirall set at libertie.
• * 1.218

  1601