The Fourth BOOK of the History of the Dutch AFFAIRES.

*AT the beginning of the Year, Ernestus called a Council at Bruxels, wherein he discoursed be∣fore hand of the great Things he was wont to undertake; which, at a glance, were excellent Matters, as if he had inten∣ded to confirm their Antient Laws and Customs: But power was not given to the States, according to the Old Custom, of judging concerning the Weal-publike: Onely the Bishops and Nobles were summon'd to meet, because the Nobility are an Ornament, and Authority to Soveraignty, and the Clergy are bound to be faithful by the Tye of Religion: The Commons are staggering and unconstant, being greedy of any kind of Peace; and therefore, except in the case of Tributes, are not to be hearkned to. As soon as he had gravely declared the great pains he had taken for the making Peace, in all other Things he desired their Counsel: Whereupon Areschot, a Noble-man of the first Rank in the Netherlands, is Report∣ed to have made a Speech in these words:

Our Fore-Fathers, in precedent times, not in any manner byas∣sed with Hatred, but onely because they were commanded, took up Arms against most valiant Nations, but chiefly the French; nor were they ever frighted at the Dangers, or started at the Evils Page  358 that follow Warre, while they fought in Defence of their Princes Greatness: And therefore they brought to pass the most difficult. Matters by their Valour and Wisdom. But now our Arms and Counsels are at little use, our Miseries and Calamities are the things wherewith we are best acquainted: And this War, which is nick-named Civil, certainly cannot be believed such, especially in the contemplation of the Mortall Jars between Fellow-Citizens, and Countrey-men: What then! Do we desire Peace? Certainly, it had behoved us long since to have cared for that, while those things we would have had preserved, had yet remained in being, before our Cities were burned, our Fields wasted, and a generall want had surprized our Families, which is like (for ought I see otherwise) to lye upon them even to Futurity: But if yet, after thirty years continual slaughters, we have not deserved rest, yet at least free us from another War? Must we go against the French? first let us secure our Backs from the Hollanders: But if it seem more convenient, to take Vengeance on those first, and that surely is very necessary; let us not blow up our hopes with too much self-conceitedness, lest while we court what belongs to another we en∣danger what is our own. But you will say, Peace is now offered to us: I answer, It is so indeed: But, pray consider, what cause of War hath the French? And how do the Hollanders drive of Peace? No surely, I rather believe, they are sensibly displeased, as well at ours, as their own sufferings. They cry out, let the For∣reign Souldiers be all sent away, for they are full of cruelty and pride, and utterly discordant to our Customs, who have no shew of Modesty, nor more Fidelity or Conscience, than to serve their oc∣casions: We say, these things are spoken maliciously, and by Ene∣mies; true: yet those things we suffer by them is little else, than what Enemies use: Ask the people of Artois; Inquire of those of Henalt, and other Provinces near thereby, to whom the Proprietors impute the Dearth of such Fertile Countries: They will tell you, 'tis true, the French took away a little, but the Spaniards robb'd us of all; and the like may be said of all other Forreigners, who, Page  359 however they disagree among themselves, yet unite to ruine the Ne∣therlanders. Thus under the Names of War and Sedition, we 〈◊〉 made a Prey; but the Injury done to us, leaves not off here, but we must be delivered to the Rule of Forreigners; so stupid 〈◊〉 we our selves accounted by them, while our voluntary patience •kes us become their Laughing-stock; whose Lusts and Plea∣sure, if they still prevail above our Complaints, and it be thought 〈◊〉 to incourage wickedness, by conniving at it, we shall at last be forced to do that, which the necessity thereof will sufficiently ex∣cuse, both to the Christian World, and to our Soveraign the best of Kings.

While he was yet speaking, the chief of every Degree once round about him with a general Consent, and rejoy∣cing, That there was one found amongst them, that durst publike∣ly speak the Troubles of their Minds. But the Spaniards were even mad against him with Fury; for divers of them were present: Fontain had avoided to be at the Assembly, because he was out of hope to be preferred before Areschot; and his Pride was too great to follow him: So really did he thirst after a real potency, that he would not slight the appearances thereof. I have observed, this very Areschot, through all the storms of this War, to have adhered to the Spaniard with great candor of heart, being such, as bearing an unspotted Fidelity to his Prince, yet would not make his Honour sub∣servient to the Lusts and Pride of Strangers; and being sen∣sible of his own Authority, was accustomed ever to use his freedom without check, mocking at the King's Ministers, be∣cause their Arrogance was hated by all, but himself was ne∣ver feared beyond words: Wherefore now secured, by the greatness of his old Age, he cast out those Words, which were looked upon as Oracles, so highly did they please the Peoples minds: Without doubt, the Netherlander's Hatred to the Spaniards, was never greater, since the Peace made at Gaunt; and some believed, that the Hollanders, as much as they could, heighthen'd it, if as formerly, under the old Page  360 Prince of Aurange: So now the Government was not in ma∣ny hands, but one Single Person managed the whole Frame of Authority, and all the Secrets of Leagues and Amity. The too great power of the Spaniards, and the Reciprocal Hatred, for the difference of their several Customs, were the first causes that inflamed the Netherlander's miseries. Fontayne given much to sleep and gluttony; and also, being taken in the very act of Adultery at Antwerp, was Reported to have very narrowly escaped Ruine. Stephen Ibarra was a Man of a more approved Ingenuity and Diligence, but all his good Qualities were sullied by Pride; which also was the cause of an irreconcilable difference between him and Charles Mansfeldt, insomuch that Charles had very nigh kill'd Ste∣phen: And the Spanish Souldiers took hold of this Pretence, to cry out, They would be commanded by no other Officers, than those of their own Nation. Christopher More was a good Coun∣sellour, and together with Idiaques, ruled Spain; but he u•urp∣ed also the Right of Domestick Power: Yet Didaco Ibarra, a man of so bold a Spirit, that he complained to the King by Letters, of the small Authority the Spaniards had with Erne∣stus, which he supposed the chief cause of all the present E∣vils: Taxis was more subtle to p•y into Dangers, and did perswade to win the Netherlandish Nobles, with great Preten∣sion; of Honour; but to keep the ordering of the King's Treasure still in the hands of the Spaniards, whereby, as with a private Knot, tie unto himself all other Mat∣ters.

Ernestus having heard out Areschot, and being in his own Nature full of delay; and knowing that he could by that means best p•event their Violence, answer'd, He would ad∣vise with the King, to whom he would also be an Intercessor, for attaining such things as related to the Peace. This hope support∣ed their Minds, although their Evils were not yet remov'd: For after both the Kings of Spain and France had proclaimed War, the lesser Towns of Lutzenburg being possessed, which Page  361 could not resist the Storm; the Count de Bulloin wasted all round about, nay, and ranged even to places far distant with Fire and Sword: But yet the Enemy met with four Troops belonging to Philip of Nassaw, which they either kil∣led, or put to flight, being circumvented by Ambushes, and the overflowing of the Rivers; and afterwards, in a greater Battel of Horse, the Victors prosecuted their good Fortune: Against the more potent Cities, Policy was rather used than Force, yet the Success was not therefore answerable: There was Chance, which really might have increased more Parties to the War, and made it break out in all the Borders, if there had not been more difficulty in keeping, than acquiring; of which this is compassed often by Boldness and Temerity, but that must be maintained with Care, and many excellent Policies. Hoye is a Town of the Bishoprick of Leige, which Authors believe to be the Remains of a greater, and more Cities spoiled of old by the Incursions of the Barbarians; and the Scituation perswades this, from the running of the River Maes through it, which a Stream breaks into, that runs with more violence, than scantiness of Water maketh shew of; this Brook gives Name to the place: The Soil, that is all about it, is very rugged by reason of Iron Mines, and an∣swers to the Nature of the People: It hath an Arched Bridg, the Rising Bank, on the right side, is over-looked by a large Castle, seated upon a little Hill: It is a choice place of Re∣cess for the Bishops, in regard of its pleasantness; and no less difficult to be Assaulted, because of its steep Ascent. But while it was assured, both by Peace and Right, those few that by there in Garrison, and spent their time in Riot and Idle∣ness, and did their Souldiery Duty as a Work of Supererogation: and by the like neglect all the Buildings Erected upon the Rock, were equal to the Foundation of the Castle. One of these Houses, by the consent of the Owner, Heraugier, the Inventor of such Stratagems, who was Governour of Breda, by him taken, commanded to be fill'd with Thirty Souldiers, Page  362 who, in the Night, by the help of the Window and Ladders, going out, and first using silence, then by continual beating of Drums and Shouting, hindring the Prospect, they took the Keepers of the Castle, and bound them; in help of whom, while it was yet but the Dawning of the Day, their Captain came with six hundred Horse, and one Thousand five hun∣dred Foot: But the Townsmen, though at the beginning of the Tumult, they ran to their Arms, when they saw so many Souldiers at their Gates, and others over their heads, affrighted with that double Terrour, losing their Courage, they submitted. Then Heraugier, placing therein a Garri∣son, sent his Horse abroad into the Fields, and the Country within the Maes, which were subject to the Spaniard, to col∣lect Tribute. This Exploit of War, committed against a Prince who was at Peace; and however he did not affect the Hollanders, yet in regard there had been no Hostility decla∣red against him, according to the Custom of War, might with more facility be answer'd to the Spaniards, than excused to him. Not was it altogether unlike that of Bonne and Berck, which being formerly taken in War, should be retained, now that the whole Archbishoprick of Colen was in peace. When therefore Bojoarus, the Bishop of Leige and Colen, had sent to examine the matter, and it was answer'd by the States, That it was rather out of present Necessity, than any Right they claimed; neither would they do any Damage to his Government, or Subjects; but onely having taken a Town from the publike Enemy, they were ready to restore it, when Arms were laid down on both sides: And that Bojoarus did not deal justly with them, in suffering the Spaniard to enjoy it; and thereupon the Conditions were refused, wherewith they were sollicited to Renditi∣on, being in themselves very reasonable, but that the conveniency of the place perswaded the contrary; for that Castle was a great Safeguard to their Journey, that the Holland and French Forces might the more securely meet; and in that Town they intended to place those Italians, which had formerly deserted the War, being Page  363 far from the Borders of Holland, and in a rich Country, where they might have their fill of Plunder.

As soon as the Bishop saw himself slighted, or at least de∣luded with Procrastiuation, gathering together some New Souldiers, whereto were added fifteen hundred Foot, seven hundred Horse, and fifteen pieces of Artillery, under the Leading of Lamot, he besieged the place on both sides; for the King's Commanders voluntatily gave their Assistance, their Interest being no less concerned, than the Bishops, lest thereby the Hollanders should come to possess all the parts have the Maes, and so connect the Country: Nor did the Spaniard's want an honest pretence, because the Country of Leige was fiduciary to the Princes of Brabant, by severall Leagues of Philip Duke of Burgundy, and Philip the First of Austria. The Town was easily gained by Scaling Ladders, and Breaches, for it was but meanly fortified, and all in it, that resisted, were slain. The greatest part fled into the Neighbouring Castle. But from the next Hill, which the Hol∣landers had neglected to possess, being higher than the Foun∣dation of the Castle, it was sorely batter'd, and below it was undermined: For there was present a great Number of the Native Inhabitants, who, being accustom'd to dig for Mettal in the Iron Mines, were very skilful in the Art of undermi∣ning.

Heraugier judged, that the Garrison might have held the place longer; and with the hopes thereof, he had gather'd together Forces for their Relief: But fearing, at length, lest his Journey should be hindred, by the overflowings of the Rivers, although there were in the Castle Subterfuges and Seluces, to prevent the inraging of the Enemy, at the Siege the Castle was surrendred, being observed by many, that he was better at suddain Enterprizes, than the patient enduring of tedious Hazard. He complained, That the Succours pro∣mised both from the French General, and the Italians at Sichem, 〈◊〉 fell short of his hopes, in answering the Event, and that the Page  364 Wall wherein they put their greatest trust for defence, was not, as it was supposed solid, but made up of two Walls, which gaped 〈◊〉 in the middle, and that the innermost parts of the Castle, were, by the Enemies Battery, laid quite open. The Souldiers that march∣ed out, that they might not be abused by the Bishop's men were protected by the Spanish Commanders, with so much ho∣nour, that some of them drew their Swords for their Enemies▪ against their Companions in Arms: For Heraugier had Co∣venanted with them, not immeritedly fearing, lost the Laws of Arms should not be observed by the Leig•ois: The Bishop was not content to have punish'd those, whom he thought guilty of the Stratagem, but he took from the City its Au• Liberty, as suspecting it to be unfaithful to him: Nor did he leave off to seek Revenge against Heraugier himself, object∣ing to him Cowardliness, and sending a Transcript of so•e Letters to the States, wherein he had irreverently spoken a∣gainst them.

Prince Maurice, and such as with him were conscious of the taking of Hoye, defended him chiefly among the rest, be∣ing thus brought in question: The possession of this Forreign City was not kept long, it being regained the 41 day after it was taken; and the benefit of the Fact was lost, though the Envy thereof remained: And by chance it had hapned, that the same day, wherein afterwards a Messenger arrived with the News of the Rendition of the place, contrary to all men's Expectation; the States believing the strength and se∣curity of the place, had given a rough Answer to the Bishop's Legate, to wit, That they would deliver Hoye, when the Enemy surrendred Berck. But the Spaniards added to the possession of Berck, that also of Hoye, and when they once had it, kept it, until their Wages were p•id, and the Enemy removed from those parts, and then they thought they might with safety enough deliver it.

Herein Philip sought the Fame of Piety, protesting, That he would rather bestow out of his own, upon the Church of Leige, the Page  365 most antient in the Low-Countries, then that he would, under any pretence whatsoever, take ought away that was its proper right. Four hundred of them that marched out of Hoye with He∣raugier, were slain by fourscore Horse of the Enemies, while being loaden with prey, and too covetous to preserve the same, they hindred themselves; In like manner, were they justly punished, who going out of the Garrisons in Over-Issell to plunder the Territory of Munster, were in the night by the Enemy surprized.

Among all these Affairs, King Henry, that he might com∣pell the Enemy lying about Picardy, to look to his own busi∣ness at home, commanded his Generall the Count de Bulloine, with as great an Army as he could make, to enter into that Burgundy which obeyeth the Spaniard, by the name of a County, taking opportunity, from the conveniency thereof, because there was the greatest passage for Traffique, both •t of Italy and Germany: The first Onsets were very vio∣lent, with great terrour taking the Towns, and killing every where all such as came to resist, which, at the best, made but a tumultuary croud of the People of that Country, who had not, through the whole course of their lives, known what War was, so that it might rather be termed a Butchery, or Massacre, than a War or Fight. Yet did not all this make the Spaniard remove his Forces out of France, towards the Netherlands: but upon knowledge of the danger, Velasco, Constable of Castele, (which is an hereditary n•me of digni∣ty) who then governed Millayne, for the Spaniard, with a Select number of Horse and Foot, drawn out of the Tran∣salpine Garrisons, marched over those Mountains of Alpes, in the deep of Winter, while their tops were covered with Snow, and in the passage took some Cities, resting at the River S•one, where staying for a great Recruit of Horse, and other choyce Souldiers of Germany, and Spoleto in Italy, and hereby giving no opportunity of sight, the French Forces be∣gan to moulder away.

Page  366Among these hazards, and flying Messengers,Ernestus his sickness grown more violent by the Winter weather, begin to get the upper hand, and besides, he knew he had incurred the Spaniards hatred, yet had not given any satisfaction to the Netherlanders, and that his Enemies accused him to the King, as a guilt stuck upon him, as well his endeavours of War as Peace, with the thoughts whereof, his grief so en∣creased, that soon after worn away with a lingring Fever and Flux of blood he dyed. His death was suspected, as it is ge∣nerally of all Princes, but was without any troubles or com∣motions attending it, the hope of peace subjecting the idle and the tedious labour of a multiplyed War, employing the rest. The Physitians looking with great circumspection, into the true cause of his death, upon the dissection of his Body, delivered their Opinions, That there was a Worm in his Reigns then living, which gnawed all the parts lying near it.

The Vacant Government was by Philips Orders, supplyed by the Senate: among whom, the chief management of War and Peace, and all other business Foreign and Domestick, rested in Fontayne by the name of President; for Ernestus, a little before his death, had by writing, committed that charge to him pro tempore, by the advice of the other Spaniards, and shortly after, the King confirmed it. Nor was he unfit for so great a place of Honour, although otherwise vitious enough, as the Affairs of the Netherlands managed by his care, wit∣nessed, as well as those of other places. But the Low-Country Noblemen, that could hardly bear him while his power was fat less, and but derivative from that of another, now receiv∣ed and carryed with envy and disdain, the Ensigns of Ho∣nour, which they took from his hand; crying out, that cer∣tainly, their Fore-fathers were Prophets, when speaking of this their own Country, they foretold, that they should in time become a Province to the Spaniard, That after Alva, and Requesens, or which is later, Reda for a short time, and as it were for a shew, they had their own Laws, but the same Page  367 arrogance of the Spaniard quickly returned: That now the whole power of peace was in strangers, who being equally vicious with their former Lords, yet came not near to them in Honour and Dignity.

Thus every one murmured to himself, and some of the more couragious stuck not to speak out to others, viz. That it was very grievous and ignominious to all people, to be subject to strangers: nor is the hatred of Kings so •it•, that when the Governments of many several people is to be be∣stowed, they will give to others the Command of them, who are willing to be in servitude. Therefore Charles Mansfeldt, out of a sense of Military Honour, finding himself to have been taken notice of with an eye of Enmity (as one who had contested first with the Duke of Parma, then with Ibarra, and now with Fontayne,) and that he was laid aside under the pretence of Honour; with those Regiments which Philip sent to the Emperour, he departed to fight against the Turk, who at that time grew very potent in Hungary. There being next of all to Matthias, who was General of his Brothers Army, he not long used his antient Valour and Policy, a∣gainst the well-skilled Enemy, before among all the dangers of War, he was taken away by sickness. But Duke Areschot, that the Netherlanders might never see him inferiour to Fon∣tayne, voluntarily exiled himself to Venice, protesting he went thither, where he would dye free, and where Fontayne should have nothing to do with the more happy People, because the Germane Souldiers, that kept Bruxells, making a small distur∣bance, he had endeavoured wholly to possess the City by some Regiments of his own Countreymen.

This was odious to all, so that now the tumults of others were not more feared, than the modesty of the Spanish Soul∣diers: And the rest of the Cities were possessed with the same fear: Hence grew a double distemper, from these com∣plaining that they were excluded, from the others, that they were almost det•uded; however, upon this occasion, the Page  368 Fields were harased by both. Whereupon, when a new mi∣sery was added to the calamity of the former year, and with the very fear of want, the price of Victuals was inhansed, the common people took to themselves such liberty, as is proper to poverty, and thereby vented their griefs and sufferings: This made the mindes of all people of all degrees, more in∣clinable to peace, the desire whereof had been first inflamed by the hopes of it given them by Ernestus: nor was Fontayne any longer able, by vain experiments, to resist the current of their resolved desires. The Family of Croy, was the most earnest of all in labouring for peace, of which Family, the Marquess of Haure, sent Letters to James Malery, of old allyed to their Stock, but then of great Eminency in Prince Maurice's Court, which were the very Index of his affecti∣on, and being by Malery shewed the Prince, and by the Prince to the chiefest of the States, Malery was commanded to write back to the Marquess, that there would be hopes of peace conditionally, if the Spanish Souldiers going out, not onely of the bowels of the Netherlands, but Lutzenburg also, and Burgundy, would remove from them all cause of fear; whereto the Marquess returning a reply, but passing by that whole demand in silence therein, Malerye was again com∣manded to write to him, that there might be means of agree∣ment and Concord between the Ʋnited States, and the States of the other Provinces, be found out, but that they would have no Treaty with the Spaniards. Therefore an Embassey was prepared to be sent to Prince Maurice, in the name of the Belgick Noblemen (for at this time, Areschot was not re∣tired to Venice) whereby they desired him to be just and fa∣vourable to their allyed Nobilities.

To this Treaty, came Theodorick Liesveldt, sometimes Chancellour of Brabant, when Frances de Valeis held the Go∣vernment, together with Masius and Hartye, all wife men and well skilled in the prudent manage of Affairs.

Page  369The Prince was then at Middleburg in Zeland, to whom being brought, they spoke seriously to him, to the effect fol∣lowing.

When first the forreign Souldiers had made a prey upon the Netherlands, by means of intestine discords the Senate, who then had the Authority, determined that civill strife, and made the King agree to a League: Nor will it be any difficulty for them, after they have agreed among themselves, to free their Country from forreign Arms: Not long after that first League, many things intervened by the fault of both sides, or else by the wrath of the Divine Providence, which hindred the well-nigh cured wound, to heal and grow well as it should; but rather made it f•ster worse than before: At this time, the same Senate sits at the Helm of Government, and being we aried out with the same, or greater Calamities, do entreat for an end thereof from their Neighbours, and they might be confident, the Senate would not be wanting to give them satisfaction, and this they might expect with the more reason, because the Covenants were desired of them, while they were prosperous▪ and in a flourishing condition. That they had no doubt, but Prince Maurice, where such a thing may be with Honour, would rather chuse to leave his fortune, than by tyring it out, force it to forsake him, in regard there is no thing so much suspected by a wise man, as long prosperity. In good reason there∣fore, they hoped, they came to advise with his Highness, who had outgone many of the most famous Souldiers, to preserve intire his gotten Renown; That he had many great Governments, and plenty of all other things, wherewith to content the greatness of his mind; That the Family of Nassau, was not onely famous for Arms, but had been generally renowned for other excell•nt Endowments of Peace; That it was their hope, he would embrace those Honours which should be attended by joy of all, and the teares of none, and that he would rather ex•ect obedience from the Princes of the same blood then compell any to execrate his Greatness. But if he was best pleased with such Honour, as was gotten with the expence of sweat and blood, there were honourable Warres, wherein he might Page  370 advance his Standard against the Enemies of the name of Christ; so would his Prudence and Valour, arrive to that heighth of glory, as for the greatness and Honour of the Adventure, should ex∣ceed the ambition of the present Age.

To which Prince Maurice, a few of the Deputies of the States being present, according to the usual Custom, made answer to this purpose. Wishing to God, that he might be so happy, as to set an end to these civill discords, both for the benefit of the present Age and Posterity; That he would account it more glorious, than the Name of a Conquerour, or then any Triumphed Garland. If therefore now at last, they were truly sensible of the smart of the Spaniards injurious dealing, they should then shew• Courage suitable to their own Honour, and the greatness of their Ancestors; So it would come to passe, that Freemen with Freemen, might make what Agreements they pleased; That by coming into the League of Ʋnion, they were not only vindicators of liberty, but would be Companions of Kings whose Authority they were now op∣pressed under; Nor would the dissimilitude of Religion, be any greater obstacle to Concord, than it is now in France; But he would not prescribe any rule to them therein, the Judgement of Re∣ligion being to be left to God, and the several Nations professing the same; Between the United Provinces, and the other parts of the Netherlands, there are many things common, as antient Ally∣ances, right of consanguinity, and the Customs of the places: But between them and the King of Spain, all things were discordant and hostile, necessity continuing and increasing those things, which were begun at first, either to please his will or lust. That it was not possible for the Ʋnited States, to enter into Articles with that Enemy, whom they were forced to abandon, and renounce for their King, and indeed, such Covenants would not be called a peace, but a yielding; The malice of that Tyrannizing people is implacable, and there is no question to be made, how he would use his power is peace, who stretcheth it so in time of War. That time, and the •i∣cissitude of Affairs, would bring many things to passe, which were but vain to hope for at present: But how should they ever give cre∣dit Page  371 to him, who thought it lawful to set to sale, the Heads of his most merited Enemies: That they would not rip up old sores, or 〈◊〉 into President, former transactions: since all men remem∣bred his Father the Prince of Aurange, and himself.

When Liesveldt, acknowledging himself to owe the Prince of Aurange all Honour and respect, began further to say, that is performance of Netherlandish Lords to him, neither they 〈◊〉 the Spaniards, were consenting to those Counsels. The Prince, forewarned of his intent, putting his hand into Lies∣veldts bosom, he pulled out the Writings whereby Fontayne gave him license to come, thus by an evident demonstration, confuting specious words: Thus the Embassey was dismis∣sed, because they had not power of treating, unless in the Kings Name: This form of new answer, was variously de∣scanted upon, not onely by the Tongues of the vulgar, but of the more prudent sort part; of whom, got both Honour and Wealth, by the War, and the other part wished for peace onely, because they earnestly desired it.

The Spaniards, and such as followed them, thought it was a sufficient offence against the Majesty of the King, if he to whom the care was committed, since these disastors sitting at the Helm, were called to treat upon their own accounts, should pardon them: What was the Event, say they, of such Embassies to the Union, but onely to make them more intol∣lerably proud; for having but from mean success gotten cou∣rage, they take the confidence, not onely themselves to shake off all Reverence and Obedience, but they instruct other Pro∣vinces to do the like, to enter into Treaties, and do any thing without the King: yes, they should go again and hear the rebellious Hollanders proposing Laws, whereby they would make themselves Conquerours of King Philip: And if it were hitherto doubted, yet now certainly it was manifest, that they despised, nay hated Peace.

Page  372And according to the Example of Switzerland, waiting if any others would throw off their Allegiance to their Prince• Government, that they might grasp within their own fifts, There is but one kind of peace to be had with them, and that they must be compelled and beaten into by, Arms, and cer∣tainly that would not be long about, if the Netherlanders have no less courage for duty and obedience, then is in the Union to maintain the contrary. But others, and they of the moderator sort, would by no means, that peace, so far pro∣m••ed, should now be lost; for what marvel is it, say they, if the Hollanders had rather yield to the rest of their Brethren of the Netherlands than the King, whom they, conscious to themselves, of their guilt towards him, dreads as a terrible revenger? That nothing was demanded contrary to Reli∣gion or Soveraignty, and the very particular concerning forreign Souldiers, was consonant to the desires of all, and is well advantagious to the War, as necessary for the Peace; That the Embassadors might be appointed, and instructed by the Kings Order, whose name soever was used in the sending them, and that the Netherlanders Fidelity was not so untry∣ed, as to suppose they would annihilate that Power by Ar∣ticles, for which they had so long maintained a War. That the Prince might far better connive at, and bear many things, then absolutely grant them. And if at last, expectation was not answered, it was lawful for the King to recede a little from the extremity of right for publick advantage; That be ought to cast an Eye of pitty upon their misery, and how ma∣ny people lay even at the last gasp ready to expire. That the fortune of the War had been various, which had been waged on this side by doing, on the other by suffering damage. Out Enemies have Pastures, Manufactures, and the Fishing-Trade, to maintain their vast number.

And besides, whit is infinitely more then that, not onely Rivers and great floods, besides their efflux, and return thither as to their Head, but the boundless Ocean is traversed for ad∣vantage: Page  373 Hence is that multitude of strangers; and that whole Nations are included with their narrow bounds: They who rightly know them, say, 'tis necessary for them to have War. But on the other side of the Hispaniolized Netherlands, are robbed of the Stock of their Fields, have a dry shore, and dangerous to Shipping: yet are their burdens, and the scar∣city of all things, hardly to be remedied, or made amends for by any gain: Moreover, all places are made wast and ex∣hausted, and whatever remains, is never free from discords and trouble.

It might be disputed indeed, whether Peace can be made; the same needs not be questioned as to War; At last, after all this, there was another fear added, lest the People of the United Provinces, vexed with the endless toyl of their mise∣ries, should choose a new Prince, wherein 'twas uncertain, whether they would admit a forreign Power, or content them∣selves with the Vertues and Valour of some Domestick; there was yet some hope, that a vacancy in the Common∣wealth should not be admitted; but if they once pitched upon a Prince, the War would either be inexplicable, or peace, if ever gotten, attained with loss and infamy.

In these varieties of Judgment and Discourses, some there were, that applauded a Truce, averring. That the Hollander's Affairs stood hither too upright, by their Ʋnanimity and Con∣cord, and that their Concord was supported by Fear: These being once removed, the Vices of Equality would quickly succeed, and Emulation of Cities, which they could hardly restrain, even a∣mong all the dangers of War: In the interim, with people covetous of Wealth, there must be a Traffick of Minds; and the great ones being corrupted, the Commons (according to their Nature) begin∣ning once to love, would quickly cease to hate: Neither would they be willingly brought under the Burthen and Hazards of Warre again, if they were but once mollified by the immunity of some smal time of peace: In brief, the Word would quickly pass for Kings: The Hollanders being thus brought under, among whom is the Page  374 chief strength, Councel and obstinacy. It will be easte for Philip to determine, in what manner to order his Forces against the lace∣•ated and torn Body of France, and the Womanlike Kingdom of Britaine, when that should onely support the War with consumed Wealth, and this fight only for fear.

This Counsel was confirmed by Lipsius, with many ex∣amples out of antient History. However, Taxis believe• the greatest damage would accrue to the Netherlands, under the Kings obedience by a Truce. Thus in variety of Opini∣ons, all things were destined otherwise than they happened, according to the Custom of Fortune, who being a great Ene∣my to humane Prudence, for the most part keepeth secret 〈◊〉 future Events: But lest the People, all their hopes of Peace being utterly cut off, should run into Sedition, Rumours we•• scattered abroad, that the Treaty was prolonged, that thereby the Authority of Forreign Princes might intervene; And to that purpose, the Emperour sent Letters soon after, superscri∣bed to the States of Holland, which they received, and 〈◊〉 in their General Assembly, whereto they returned this An∣swer. That they wished for Peace with their Neighbours, but had often declared why they could have no peace with the Spa∣niards: nor had any thing happened, which should cause them to alter their mind unless after the Kings sending poyson and assas∣sines to destroy them, they should therefore give credit to the Au∣thour of such monstrous and barbarous actions: And together with these Letters, they sent others to the Emperour, written by Taxis to Philip, and by them intercepted, wherein as he confessed it necessary for the Netherland States, to make a Composition with the United States, as it were, upon equall tearms, so that he would refer all things to Fontaynes pleasure, setting forth may Evasions, and first of a disswading, that neither the Spanish Souldiers should be sent away, nor the Germans admitted as Mo∣derators of Peace.

In these parts this year, Philip Count Hohenlo, and George Eberhard, Count Solmes, were solemnly marryed, and their Page  375 Mariages celebrated, with Playes, Feasting, and publick Gifts. Hohenloes Wife was Mary; Count Solmes's, Sabina; this the Daughter of Lamoral Count Egmonde, that of the Prince of Aurange, both famous and well approved Matches, 〈◊〉 well in regard of the great Merits of the Bridegrooms, as of the great Birth and Nobility of the Brides, both whose 〈◊〉, as was yet fresh in memory, became Sacrifices for the liberty of their Country.

Among all the mischiefs of Civil War, this War one, that the value of money was mightily inhansed, and every Nation had converted the use of raising the same, even into a matter of 〈◊〉; which some were of Opinion, to restore to an equal Standard, according to the Trades and Commodities of the Provinces. But of a sudden, even they who forbad that growing licentiousness, failed and give over the attempt. And there remain strong Arguments of an unsetled Society, better against the Enemy, than their consent and vanquished La•• agree among themselves. And besides, some Commo∣tions among their Neighbours, had made them attentive, who unless they were shut out by right, even loved to be in∣volved in a Neighbouring War, and making factions; for the Spaniards had openly declared their mindes and design; in claiming the Principalities of Cleves and Juilliers, as by the Minority and tender age of the former Prince, so by the sicknesse of his Son and Successor. The Government hereof, was snatched at on the one side by the Wife, a Woman of very insolent and shameless Conditions of the Family of Baden, and supported by the Austrian greatness: On the other side, by some Noblemen of the Country of Germany, as the Princes of Brandenburg and Newburg, who by their Wives, the Sisters of the Duke, took to themselves, the hope of so great an Inheritance; but altogether without the Em∣perours knowledge or consent, who when a male line is ex∣tinct, supposeth the right of bestowing those Principalities to be a new reverted to him.

Page  376These latter were favour'd by all the Protestants in those Regions, and by some Catholike also, who feated the Austria Families Pride, ever grievous to the Subjects, besides the vast Burthens of Tributes, with other Charges. These therefore using the Name of the States of Juilliers and Monts, they set free the Duke, who had been so inhumanely kept and hand∣led, that the grief thereof was believed to be no small me•• of increasing his Disease, and removed the Wife from the Guardianship, as one that endeavour'd mischief: In this i•∣te•im, Count Suartzenburge, hitherto a Follower of the Spa∣niards, was observed to List Souldiers in those Quarters, to go, as himself gave out, to the Turkish Warre; but others c••ceited it was to strengthen the Austrian Faction, it not being probable, that Forces which were to be used in the further part of Hungary, should be raised in the most distant part of Germany, as if they were purposely to be wasted and con••∣med by a long March, after they had long been in pay to 〈◊〉 purpose. But the Reverence of the German Empire, was the onely Obstacle that kept the Souldiers of Holland within compass and restrained their Incursions into the seatter'd and unprovided Country. At this time, the Elector of Br••denburgh, began to seek the Friendship and Alliance of the Ʋnited States. The same also did the Nobles of those Regi∣ons, desiring the Loan of a Sum of Money for a short time which would soon and easily be paid, when they had dra• to themselves both the Government and Treasury. Some of the Hollanders would have speeded this; for by that means they should have peace with all those beyond the Rhine; and by the same Bond, their Armies and the French could quickly 〈◊〉 joyned. Others, more prudently, averred, That so specio•• a pretence for War, ought not to be given to so potent 〈◊〉 Enemy in those Dukedoms; That there come to take part, not onely those who affect the Spaniard in Cleves, but the Neighbouring Bishops and Priests also, when of Money would be as well wanting to those that craved help, as •o Page  377 themselves; nor could it possibly be defended by their For∣ces, it being so far distant from them, and so scatter'd: Where∣fore they must wait, till their Minds and Forces grew meet to undertake such a business.

At this time also, the City of Emblen had no less Troubles, a rich place scituate beyond the River Ems, into whose Mouth runs a little Rivulet: It is part of that Frized, which of old contained the Cauchi, an intermingled and broken S•ore, possessed part by the Hollanders, part by the Danes; from whence that Region is now called East-Frizeland, be∣cause the antient Frizons on this Eemes, lye against it towards the West. Their Nature and Customs, were like the rest of the 〈◊〉; and, as to their Liberty, being left both by the French Kings, and the Emperours of Germany, when they could not bear Rule, they were content with any kind of Obedience. All publike Affairs were taken care of by Con∣tentions of the people divided, and sometime in common of 〈◊〉 whole Nation: Judgments were given by some; choice 〈◊〉, as well in their greater as in their lesser Assemblies▪ Among these, all such as possessed Lands or Farms were •∣••ul; and he who possessed most, had most honour, and for that was onely accounted noble: But these, when they had ••lded Castles, and strong Holds, became not onely to them∣selves, but to others, a Succour and Refuge, both in Domestick and Foreign Wars, yea, and kept always in readiness a stan∣ding Force to repell any Injuries that should be offer'd to them.

The Moderators of the Conventions and their Judges, who were their Defence against Factions, by little and little, ei∣ther through the Discords or Carelesness of the People; drew to themselves what they could possible; and when sometimes the memory of their Liberty returned to their Thoughts, they would fall into Civil Broils among them∣selves, to be revenged one upon another. Among these, the Imerge of Graithe became most notable by Marriages, Inhe∣ritances, Page  378 and injoyment of many Lands, which from Custom became a Jurisdiction; Thus, at first, the Dorpes of Em•∣den were by him gotten, and afterwards growing more hardly from others, he took the Government of the Town being yet but mean: From this Off-Spring Ulderic, in the year 1454. first drawing privily to him others of the nobler sort, and un∣der-hand working upon the people, from the Emperour Fre∣derick, he took upon him the Rule of all that Tract of Land, which is stretched from the Eemes to the River Vueser, along by the Sea, by the Name of Earl, or Count, together withal Authority belonging thereto, as much as the Frizon Liberty would permit: And after ten years, he published certain Inst•uments in Writing, as Laws, but more contractedly that before, left the Rights of others, who began within those parts to grow ambitious, and to get honour by the same means, should be damnified. He moderated his Government with so much Benignity, either leaving or granting many Things to the people of Embden, and many Things to the Magistrates; and his Son Edsard, by adding more, grew 〈◊〉 potent in the fidelity and love of his Subjects. that by the help he not onely hoped for the Dominion of Groeningen, and the Principality of the adjoyning Country, but also enjoyed and held the same, until the Saxons Arms, the Geldrians Re∣bellion; and lastly, the Austrian Violence, invading 〈◊〉 things beyond the Eemes, ejected and threw him out to all.

This man's Son, altogether unlike his Father, and so gover∣ning, that he himself needed to be govern'd by others, in short time left both his Life and Dominion. At which time when the Christian World began to be shaken with Disser∣tions about Religion, Embden following that Profession which in other Countries was sought after with Fire, and Sword, by the opportunity of the River, invited thither and maintained a great multitude of strangers, as well Dutch, as French and English. The Lady Anne of Oldenburg, was then Page  379 Governess in the name of another Edsard, her Son, using with great Civility and Moderation the growing Principa∣lity, and not according to the Custom of German Princes. She bore a great Reverence to the study of Religion and the Laws, which she judged not so much a safeguard to Liberty, as Authority: By this place of Refuge, together with her mildness and sweet behaviour, it is almost incredible, how much this City increased, containing therein no less than six Thousand: Soon after this follow'd all the Vices usual pre∣dominant in a flourishing people; as among them Pride and Luxury; among the Magistrates, and those in Authority, En∣vy and Emulation: Nor was it yet come to the height of force, so long as John, a younger Brother of Edsard, by counsel or fear, being of a mild nature, restrained his Bro∣thers more furious Disposition: But John being dead, Ed∣sard differing in Religion from the Townsmen (for he held the Augustane Confession, and the Town owned the Disci∣pline of Geneva) began more and more to have in Suspition the Townsmens Felicity: His Wife descended of the Royal Stock of Sweden, and a Regal Inclination increased the Dif∣ference; and, among other things, this was related as one c•u•e, That she detained to her own use some parcels of Houshold∣stuff borrowed of the Townsmen under this pretence, that it exceed∣ed the Rank of private men. Now by the instigations of those, who our of design of novelty, either flatter'd the Prince or People, a dangerous Contention arose, and came to that heighth, that the Earl interpreted the Assemblies and places of Meeting devoted to Religious Uses, Conventicles of Se∣dicious persons, and with the Collections of Money, which the City made out of a pure intent of Charity to relieve the poor, he gave out, they designed to raise Force against him: But on the other side, a troublesom sort of Tumultuous per∣sons crying out for Liberty, and (which is the most violent perswasive of all) Religion, being ignorant of all Civill Customs and Law, onely turbulent under that pretence of Page  380 Religion, oftentimes do pervert a good cause by ill manag∣ing. The unconquer'd Valour of their Progenitors, and the fresh and near Example of the Hollanders with the Frizons were mention'd: And what could they do more honourably, than to unite themselves into antient Name and League of those most valiant Nations? Now the Earl imposed Tributes and Burthens upon Merchandizes; now he so minds Af∣fairs, that he imposed Magistrates upon them of his own no∣mination: Hitherto the People's Rage and Fury, though fierce and obstinate, yet vented it self no other ways than in words; but when they saw a Garrison in the Castle, they threw off both at once Shame and Delay; and forthwith, un∣de a private person, their Leader run, to Arms; they assault the Court, the Gates, and all other strong places in the City: Neither did they onely choose Collonels and Captains, but by the worst of Presidents, they set up new Magistrates, de∣posing them, who withdrew themselves from the Troubles, in regard of the Oath taken to their Prince: The Keepers of the Castle were compelled, through Hunger, to desert the same; and all things being thus forcibly seized, they imme∣diatly, without any Dispute, resolved to court the help of the United Provinces: Both Parties dispatch Legates to the Hague, to agree with the States: Those accused the rude and unruly multitude of Sedition, in whose Revenge and Exam∣ple, the States were concerned, who flourish'd in Concord; and if Authority should thus be despised by the Vulgar, it would be to the injury of all Superiours. These, on the con∣trary side, called to mind the Hatred of sincere Piety, violati∣on of the Laws, unjust Taxations & a Dominion obtain'd by Arms and Faction; as if they demanded of the States, Whe∣ther they thought such Things tollerable: And they humbly desired, That they would have compassion on their Associats, both in Religion and suffering: They added further, That its Count had endeavoured the Friendship, both of the Pope, and King Philip, by whose assistance he would oppress their Liberty, Page  381 and receiving Possessions other where, deliver up the City to the Spa∣niard as a Gift. And they were well informed by Spies, that the Enemy placed the main strength of his War therein, if he could but attain the River, and well-contrived Port, and indeed there is hardly any River more desireable, than that of the Eemes, which running into the Bay of Dullart, divides the Territories of Embden, from the Jurisdiction of Groenin∣gen, and from the midst thereof, dischargeth it self into the Ocean with a large opening, capable of Ships of the greatest Burthen, and very safe by the interposition of several Islands; among which, its passage is somewhat incurvated; and this would make it easie for the Spaniard, to raise a new War in Frizeland, and to set forth a Navy to Sea, which hitherto in these parts, he could never attain to.

The Ʋnited States, who foresaw as well the Danger, as the Envy, if they should be resisted, dispatch'd away an Embassie with so much policy, as should neither cause the Earl to lay aside all fear of them, nor the People too confidently h•pe their Alliance: They commended Peace to bo•h, and if it seem'd convenient, they might, according to Law, decide the matter; for their taking up Arms, was but a greater cause of Suspition: That now they were Enemies to neither party, but if further Contentions did arise, they would declare them∣selves such, in particular, to them that began the War: But when News was hastned by speedy Messengers, relating, That Enno, the Son of Edsard, had levyed Souldiers, and was fortisying Port-Knocken, over against Delphezyle, straightway the number of Ships, which were wont to guard the Eemes, was increased, and a Regiment of Frizons commanded to match toward the City for the defence thereof, and to drive from the Bank those new Undertakers; And the City also o∣verjoy'd, as if thereby secure, deliver'd both it self, and its Fortunes, to the protection and warlike defence of the Ʋni∣ted Provinces: Neither, at that time, did any thing advantage Edsard, more than to make them Arbitrators of the Quarrel, Page  382 by whose power all things were managed. He offer'd them also a League and Alliance in Arms, fearing lest the City might anticipate him of that favour. But it will not be amiss to commemorate what manner of peace the Arbiters sent by the States to D•lphzyle made, and the chief Heads or Arti∣cles thereof; That as they judged in the Affairs of Embden, so Posterity may judge of them. The Heads of the said Agr•…∣ment were these:

That Religion should not be a Net for any one; That within the City, the same Religious Rites should be used as were accusto∣med; but without the City, the Earl was at liberty to use his own Religion; That in all Religious Meetings, onely matters of Di∣vinity should be handled, some one super-intending the same, if the Senate please to nominate him, as is usual in the Palatinate, and among the Hollanders, that under pretence thereof, no disturbance might be made; That the said Religious Assemblies, should no∣minate and ordain all Ministers for Preaching, but the Prince's approbation to be required therein; that the Poss•ssions belonging late to Religious persons, should be equally divided between the Earl and the People; That four of the Burgomasters, and nine of the chief Assistants by Lot should have the chief Authority, the other by order every year being changed and altered, none continuing in power above two years, lest they seek to gain the Soveraignty; That the Senate should name two in the places of any departing, of which the Earl to choose one, although he used before, according to his own will, to create what Magistrates he pleased; That all busi∣ness, either relating to the City or Sea, should be ordered by these: As the incorporating the City into Guilds and Fraterni∣ties for the better distinguishing the p•ople the keeping the K•yes of the Gates, and giving the Watch word to the Gua•ds: They had likewise the power of giving Judgment in Civil Affairs; as also to punish with Death, as they saw cause: They that were guilty of more heinous Crimes, being Strangers, were punished by judges, appointed by the Prince; That the Senate it self (which consiste•Page  383 of fourty men) should, by its own choice and suffrages, supply it self; and such as were admitted into honourable places, should take an Oath of Allegiance to the Prince, and likewise for the good Administration of Justice in the City; That such Laws and Tributes should be confirmed onely, as were agreeable with the an∣tient and municipal Law, so as every City separably might have the ordering of its own Revenues: But Falder being a new City added to the old, and so more conformable in their Duty to the Earl, should, for the future, enjoy the same Priviledges with Embden, to take off all occasion of future Discord; And that the Citizens might be the better assured of Pardon, the Earl should take away the threatning Terrour of his Castle, and deliver it to the City, and for the future should not keep them in awe by Forts built upon the Banks of the River, such as came thither with Merchandize: For all which Concessions of the Prince, the City would make to him a Compensation, with a great Summe of Money.

Thus were the People's Desires gratified by Securi∣ty, and the Prince's. by Greatness: Nor did the Co∣venants displease either, though yet they were found fault with by malitious and upstart People: However, it was concluded, That all future Earls and Magistrates should swear to this Peace.

Things there being in this manner setled, The States ad∣vised the Earl, that he would mollifie and sweeten all jealou∣sies and offences with clemency, lest the Spaniard esteeming a counterfeit friendship, before a reall fidelity, should at once compel him to treacherous actions, and engage him in a War with his Neighbours; The Citizens of Embden like∣wise, were commanded to apply their endeavours to the pat∣tern of their Neighbours, and not by casting off their obedi∣ence, to encrease their miseries; That a civil War was well redeemed with a little servitude; for even they themselves Page  384 (the States) have suffered and born the more furious natures of their Princes, so long as foreign Tyranny was kept away. Hereupon, the Souldiers on both sides being disbanded, qui∣etness might rather be said restored than concord; for the wound of dissention was not so perfectly cured, but that as it often festered anew, so it was fain to seek fresh Reme∣dies.

This year, and the subsequent time for a while, all the Af∣fairs of the United Provinces to War, proved unsuccesful, as if by a short contempt of their plyant fortune: The whole Spring, and part of the Summer, was spent by them in idleness, onely some few of their Souldiers warring in France; but their own discords hindred the motions of their Forces in Other places, though often called upon by Buzenual, for Suc∣cour. For the Frizon Cities, being malitious to the Country∣man, and by the rustick likewise hated, complained, that the burthens common to them both, were not faithfully distribu∣ted, for that many things of great profit in the Country, were either partially remitted, or totally omitted. And they of Zeland, did very sharply quarrel with the Hollanders, con∣cerning the Customs for exported Merchandise, and by this means, a long time deferred to pay their Tribute money into the Treasury of the Union; They also of Geldres and Over-Issell, excusing themselves by poverty, growing from the E∣nemies continual incursions, at last the Hollanders too, who bear at least two third parts of the common charge of the League, took example, either to imitate or revenge the hu∣mour: For if men follow after their profit, nor more out of necessity, than Wisdom or Policy, while the Enemies Af∣fairs were very unprosperous, and themselves had most ad∣vantagious Trading, and the French War raging, that time certainly, called for their more vigorous endeavours, and not to cast off all to a season, when the people being more impo∣verished, must, through the mercies of unprosperous events, yet run the hazards, and bear the burthen and heat of the day. Page  385 Neither did the successes in Lutzenburg, answer expectati∣on; for though several Forts and Castles were assaulted rashly and taken, yet neither was the Enemy much damnified, or the Victors any thing advantaged thereby. But after King Henry by making a great Progress in Burgundy, had drawn thither the Forces of his Kingdom, the Earl of Bulloyns For∣ces being exhausted, who by an ostentous defiance, had brought the Spanish Army against him, he was not onely not able to perform his threats, but also unable to defend himself, he saw the French Borders pillaged, himself being only able to assist them with a helpless and sorrowful look; By the irksomness whereof, and because the Souldiers began to grow insolent, through hunger and thirst, having nothing but wa∣ter to drink, Philip of Nassau, much against the Earl of Bul∣loyns will, made hast to return, but by a contrary way to that, he went out, for that the Enemy had blocked up. But the Foot being commanded to go back, by the way where France is encompassed by the Sea, that so they might sail into Hol∣land, himself with the Horse came into Gelderland, through Germany. And Fontayne, by how much he held a spited Go∣vernment, by so much be the more earnestly studied, that his Adversaries might have no cause to accuse him for any thing besides his greatness; His chief care was for the Souldiers, to strengthen the old, and to recruit them with a new Mili∣tia, and well knowing the Revolt of the Italians, and whate∣ver miseries followed thereupon, was accounted his fault, for the mitigating the envy he had contracted, he supposed to re∣duce them to obedience, would be his readiest way: where∣fore hastning the conclusion of the Agreements, begun by Ernestus, but interrupted and broke off by his death, in re∣gard monies did not yet arrive, he gave them pay from day to day, and pledges for performance of what was agreed; Not∣withstanding which, being Commanded to take possession of Tilemonte, they refused to follow their Colours; yet they made an advantage of it, averting the use of those Souldiers, Page  386 which they themselves wanted, even against the Enemy; and shortly after, divided them, some under new Officers, others into Garrisons.

The King of Spain's Forces were hardly at any time greater, or more numerous than now, yet being far dispersed in several parts, were never able to compass any great mat∣ter; In Burgundy, under Velasius, was a strong Army: In the Confines of Artois and Picardy, after the departure of Charles Mansfield Varembonius was quartered, to bridle Cam∣bray, and by making excursions into France, to revenge Ra∣pine by Rapine. Mondragonio attended Prince Maurice, to observe his motions, and in time to meet or prevent him.

In this lying about Hulst, there were four thousand Armed men. Verdugo with six thousand Foot, and fifteen hundred Horse, being Commanded, drew near to Ferte, to drive the Earl of Bulloin, who had less Forces, out of Lutzenburg, and to recover the Towns by him taken.

The Walls of this Town of Fert, by continual Batteries, and breaches, lay open, yet a great power of the French, be∣ing sent to help the Town by a fierce and violent Assault, did repress and beat off the Besiegers; But this Town thus freed from the Siege, being soon after by accident, for the greatest part burned and spoyled by Gunpowder, by the Earl of Bul∣loyne himself, was dismantled and ungarrisoned. In the inte∣rim, Verdugo turning his strength against weaker places, after a few Assaults, by a growing Disease, and the accomplish∣ment of his Fate, dyeth, report also being both doubtful and suspicious about his death: for he merited a name of Ho∣nour, although in the unsuccesful Government of Frizeland, as rather wanting opportunity and strength, then Valour and Industry. He was faithful to the heighth of Religion, and elo∣quent beyond the mode of a Souldier; His nature was full of urbanity, and thereby easily distinguished from other Spa∣niards, who generally do not use so prayse-worthy a quality, Page  387 and because he was raised from nothing, to great Honours, being born of a House not ignoble, though impoverished, he remembred his former Fortune, as much as was ne∣cessary.

The Cities of the Netherlands, made it their general Re∣quest to Fontayne at last, that he would stick close to the Siege of Cambray, offering him a great sum of money, and also Souldiers, because while neither the City was closely be∣sieged, nor the Spanish Army reduced thereto from their ly∣ing scattered up and down, they were spoiled by both; But he of his own accord, that the time of his Government might not passe away without something memorable, and that be might supply the empty Treasury, he sends to Varembonius his Camp, and increaseth his Forces, to make them up twelve thousand Foot, and two thousand Horse; With this Army, he secured all the adjacent parts from the French, and that done, he took Castellat, being first much weakened by Batte∣ry, and afterwards forced them to surrender, who had re∣treated into the Castle.

This is a Town in Vermandois, near the Head of the Scheldt, which another Henry King of France, had appointed for a defence to Cambray; and if any invasion should hap∣pen out of the Netherlands, for a frontire Guard to the King∣dom.

About the same time, Hanen a Town in the same Bor∣ders, was taken by force, with such variety of chances, as have made the Relation wonderful, and brought it almost within the compass of fabulous. The Governour thereof was one Gomero, one Of those Frenchmen, who under pretence of the Roman Religion, had sought to win foreign favour to his advantage. This man, at what time the greatest Affairs in those parts were turned against the King of France his For∣tune, Covenanting with the Spaniards, for a great sum of money, delivered up the Town, only retaining the Castle, while the Articles were performed; But by the Policy of Page  388 Fontayne, drawn out, he was overcome, together with his two Brothers: his Mother, and his Kinsman, Orvillier, still remained to the Garrison, with the danger of which dearest Pledges they were threatned, unless they forthwith de∣parted.

The Woman between fear and affection, consented; but Orvillier, being nearer to the incensed French, by secret Messengers, sent to the Earl of Bulloyne, and the rest of the Kings Commanders, who then resided in Picardy, who com∣ing, and being admitted into the Castle, all the whole day after, there was a sharp conflict with the Towns, wherein there were twelve hundred Souldiers Spaniards, Walloons, Germans, and Italians, nor was the Dispute ended, without the loss of some Noble Blood; for Humerius a great Soul∣dier, well experienced in the Art of War, and beloved of the King, was slain: At last, they hewed out their passage by fire and Sword, and they who with Orvillier, survived the Fight, were delivered for Pledges, according to Agreement, to prevent the Spaniards threatnings; But the Captives, by the treachery of their Keepers breaking Prison, brought the Castle into that danger, that they were fain to be discharged by Articles.

Thus by Orvillier's want of Courage, the French obtained the Castle, which he had resolved before to keep for himself; And Fontayne, because the Town being taken, he came too late, changing his fame into fury, brought the Governour before the Walls, even ready to die under the hands of the Executioner; There he in a weeping tone, now beseeches his Mother, then his friend, if they had any mercy, any con∣sideration of his blood, that they would not imagine while he stood under the stroke of death, to raise to themselves Trophies of Honour and Dignity; And when they answer∣ed, that it was not in their power, because the French pos∣sessed both the Town and Castle, he was immediately strang∣led before their faces.

Page  389Let these mens unhappy examples be a warning to others, and make them know, that they who follow several sides, by a wavering Judgment, make themselves be esteemed Ene∣mies by both.

From thence the Enemy proceeded to Dorlens, that so Cambray might be compassed behind, it having been in vain, and without, success, attempted about that time, by the trea∣chery of some Priests, and of the Townsmen. Here while Valentine Pardieu Lamot, was viewing the place, and ob∣serving the Fortifications by Moon-light, he was killed with a Bullet-shot from the Town.

This was the first of all the Commanders, who had for∣merly foreseen the discord of the States in the greatest Af∣fairs and the increase of the Spaniards Wealth; He was eminent in vertue, and more than ordinarily skilful in Mili∣tary understanding and Policy, manifesting what he ought to be, that will, as he did, from a common Souldier, come to be General of the Ordinance, Governour of the Town of Graveling, and attaining great Wealth, had the name and Honour of an Earl.

The Count Bulloyne had sent into the City a Garrison, and soon after, he himself, together with the Count St. Paul, came thither to bring both Gunpowder, and other Provision and Ammunition. But Villars, the Commander of the Van-Guard (this Villars had by King Henries Command, the charge of all that Coast by the Sea side) while he, greedily desirous to fight, contemned the Command of his Superi∣ours, being circumvented, and taken by Fontains Army, was, together with many other Noblemen thereabout, slain, be∣cause he had revolted from the Guisian League, to King Henry: (this day was then, by chance, the Feast of Saint James the Apostle, which the Spaniards look upon as a very lucky day to them, and often by such belief make it so) the rest got off, Fortune giving a Pardon to the errour of both parties; for if the French had joyned Battel with greater Page  390 Forces, which then the Count Nevers had raised, both the way into the City, and the place had layn open to them for Victory. And the Spaniard, if he had followed his Fortune, had put the French to flight, and there would have been little difference between this Battel, and those of Paugo and St. Quintins: the Conquerour assailed the Castle, which was ill defended; for the Governour of the place, Gamache, while according to the fashion of the time, he consulted rather his own safety than the Kingdoms, out of twelve hundred Frenchmen which he had with him, he took onely a few of such as he could confide in into the Castle, leaving the rest in the Town, that they might be ready, if any necessity did accrue, which proved to be his ruine; for some of the Spa∣niards being sent to review the breach made in the Castle by the Cannon, when they perceived it deserted, testifying their joy by a sudden shout, they drew more of their Com∣pany to them, who breaking into the Castle, they pursued their opportunity so close, as they likewise at the same time entred the Town; when death and slaughter raged without controul, for where Valour could not defend the Armed men, mercy nothing prevailed for the safety of the un∣armed.

Now while the Army wearied with these Affairs, rested themselves in French Garrisons, towards the latter end of Summer, Prince Maurice drawing together the Souldiery that had remained with himself, and those other Regiments returned with Philip of Nassau, for Service, and minding to gain those few places which the Enemy yet held about Frizeland, sat down before Groll, a Town in the Territory of Zutphen. The Garrison consisted only of six hundred men, there were but few great Guns in the Town, and no store of Provision for a long Siege; and besides, the Well or Ditch that supplyed it with water, was easily to be drain∣ed, or dryed up. And these things were the main causes of the Princes hopes.

Page  391This design being understood by Mondragonio, who with a flying Brigade marching out of Antwerp, infested all the Garrisons in his way, beyond the Maes and the Rhine; he had about five thousand Foot, and about a thousand Horse; but •e much multiplying their number, Prince Maurice, though he had twice as many in his Army, distrusting Provi∣sion•, leaving the Siege, and burning what they could not carry away, marched to the Issell, intending to stay for the Enemy within Germany; But Mondragonio, not daring to adventure upon his Camp, but content to have raised the Siege from Grolle, and not to have broken the mutual quiet∣ness of the year, retreated: keeping the River Luppe for his safeguard against the Enemy: For Prince Maurice followed him, being now satisfied, that he came not with so great an Army, as had been reported: He sent therefore beyond the River, Philip of Nassau, with five hundred Horse, suddenly to fall upon the Enemies Cavallery, as they lay dispersed and gra•ing. But Mondragonio receiving unquestionable Intelli∣gence of these directions from some Renegadoes, sent into the same place all his whole strength of Horse; Philip, as soon as ever he was come out of the narrow wayes, into the open Champayne, was presently inclosed, and they in the Rear not able to give any help, themselves also being in∣tangled, as in the confused violence of their flying Came∣r•des, so also in the straightness and lubricity of the way, but as the fortune of the fight between the Horse near at hand, was ambiguous, by the endeavours of some that violently broke in upon them, the Enemy was at a non-plus.

But the Commanders being unserviceable, by reason of their wounds, quickly abated their Courage; some remain∣ing yet intire, freshly set upon the troubled Enemy, but the greater part fled even to the River Luppe, upon whose Bank on the other side, the Prince stood ready with his Army to receive them.

Page  392This slaughter was neither great nor memorable, for any other thing than this, That the men of greatest Quality 〈◊〉 Command, bore the greatest share in the misfortune; 〈◊〉 Philip of Nassau himself, while he most strenuously m•∣tained the Fight, being first wounded, then taken Prison• soon after, among the signall respects of his Neighbours, 〈◊〉 Counts of Heremberg, he yielded up the Ghost. The ••fulness of his Spirit was not to be daunted, having form• been very succesful in War, wherein 'tis probable, he had 〈◊〉 miscarryed, if the fervency of his mind had by age been 〈◊〉 within bounds.

In this Fight also was slain Ernestus one of the Count 〈◊〉 Solmes: But Ernestus of Nassau, Philips Brother, rans• himself; and after all, the dead Bodies were buried: ••ther did any thing else happen, while the Armies lay 〈◊〉 and each attended the others motion and Counsels, so sp••ing the Autumn, and more secure times of the year; 〈◊〉 that Prince Maurice his men attempting Mursa by a No••∣nall Stratagem, and being come to the Trench, while 〈◊〉 cut down the Palizadoes that stopped them there, the day •∣pearing, they were forced to retreat; At length, M•∣gonio first drew off to Winter Quarters, not able any lo• to bear the incommodious season for War: he was a Com∣mander of ninety years of Age, who coming to command• Army, then publickly ready to fall into Sedition, fo• means to prevent that growing evill, by sending part of 〈◊〉 beyond the Maes; and keeping the rest on this side the ••ver he not only repressed their madness, but separated 〈◊〉 Counsels; Nor did the Prince prolong the time much 〈◊〉 him. Immediately after this, Mondragonius, by his de• helped to encrease the Funeral Solemnities of that year, be∣ing a very old Souldier, and continually in the War, 〈◊〉 the first beginning thereof in Alva's time, to his end; 〈◊〉 knew how to order and rule the Souldiery, as well by Policy Page  393 •thority; and there are scarcely so many, and so famous • of any of those great Commanders, who were his Predi∣•ors, to be remembred, as there are of him; no to forget 〈◊〉 felicity, that being never timorous of danger, but al∣wayes desirous of Honour, he had yet arrived to very old 〈◊〉, having never received any wounds; The Duke of •trana dyed also, known only by the Nobility of his Ex∣pect and nothing else.

This Year also, Don Antonio deceased, who formerly dri∣•• out of the Kingdom of Portugall, by the Spanish Ar∣• under the Duke of Alva's Conduct, when he might have raised Factions, not quite drooping both in Africa, Italy, 〈◊〉 other places possessed by the Spaniard, yet fled for Re∣• to France and England, and in vain placed his hopes upon the mercy and Charity of Christian Princes; yet refu∣sing the Ayd divers times offered to him by the Turks, and 〈◊〉 Moors, which he would have the World believe he did 〈◊〉 of Piety: his Friends reported that he was poysoned, because he would not be wrought upon to confer his right of •ym in that Kingdom to Philip, notwithstanding all the great promises of Moneys and Honours made by Philip to 〈◊〉.

In these varieties of Fortune, Fontayne was not long at rest, but set forth against Cambray, nor did the reason of his hope to attain the same, appear in publick; however, many of the Netherlandish Nobility attending, and several French Commanders, who disdained the pardon of their own Prince, and also the Souldiers after the spoyl of Dorleus, being greedy of a greater booty, and moved with the intreaties of the Neighbouring Cities offering them money, in a manner, com∣pelled them to shut up all the Avenues into, or out, of the Town, and, under the shew of a Siege, to wait for an oppor∣tunity of enterprising somewhat.

Page  394And King Philip himself had written to him, that it was a dishonourable act, that a strong Hold erected as a boundary by his Father, should be left in the Enemies hands: Incited therefore by all these Reasons, they were necessitated to hope well of that, which they could no way avoid; Barlat drove the Besieged from their outer Works, from thence they began Mines, Batteries, breaches, and other both Clandestine and open Stratagems were used, but the great and notable strength of the French, ready to receive their Assault, yet ter∣rified them; for Gonzaga, the Count of Nevers his Son, had by the Command of his Father, brought thither a hun∣dred, and soon after, other five hundred conducted by the Horse, through unguarded places, in the dawning of the morning, came in to their assistance; Then also was it found by a noble example, how dangerous it is to be feared of many, and that there is no Guard strong enough to uphold a Dominion, which is contrary to the peoples liking, where the greater danger arising from fear, quickly moves to an∣ger. For Balagny, that he might strengthen by force, his un∣just power, imposed Tributes, and grievous Guards, and all other things usual in a Tyranny, which drew upon him the hatred of the multitude; and at last, turned him out of all; Nor was Fontayne wanting privily to inslame their minds already disturbed, sometimes by Religion, otherwhile by fear, and anon by money: by which means, before the Ene∣my got to the Trench, all the common people being gather∣ed together from all parts, with whom joyned the Switzer Souldiers, by reason of divers private injuries, and also be∣cause Balagny commanded Brass money to be given them in pay, instead of Gold and Silver, but at if he would have re∣deemed the same; which kind of fact, hath in some places been allowed for liberty sake, but never was admitted to be given to the Souldiers for pay; all which things were now urged to Fontayne, treating with them

Page  395Neither did the Articles of Surrender contain many Heads; for the Spaniard's were easily admitted, for fear of the French; although they now must suffer more from them, than from the French whom they turn'd out: And they that reti∣red into the Castle, staid not to expect a Battery, or any other Assault.

And now appeared many Examples of the Spaciard's cru∣elty, though the Surrender of the Town was concluded, un∣less the King of France, within six days, sent them new Re∣lief; whereof he failing, the Town was accordingly deliver∣ed, and the Souldiers sent safe away, Balagny himself depart∣ing from his usurped Command, but as a private man, even prosecuted by the French, he very ill deserved that Fortune, which had been to him favourable enough; because a long time, deceiving both parties, and being faithful to neither, he had sometimes received Money and Provisions from the French, sometimes from the Spaniard, yea and from the Ʋnited States themselves; and a little before the Siege, he sold all the Victuals necessary for the City, giving out, that the Soul∣diers necessity required it, although the Customs he recei∣ved must needs be great; for that he kept in his own hands all Offices both Civil and Sacred: His Wife was a Woman of a Masculine Spirit; for while any hope remained, she her¦self would look to the Watches and Guards, help to carry Turf, to Traverse the Cannon, to oversee the Corporals, and, in short, to perform all the Duty both of a good Captain, and a good Souldier: Nay, she attempted the common people with a Largess; which Things proving all in vain, she ac∣knowledged, that it was her unlucky Fate; yet would she not indure to leave her Dominion to the Enemy, or own her Life as received from their Mercy; for the same day where∣in the Covenants for Surrender of the Castle, were conclu∣ded, she dyed of Grief, or rather took something to hasten the same: Now were the Images of Alencon and Balagny thrown down, and forthwith an Oath exacted from the Page  396 Townsmen (Richardot, being skilful in the Forms thereof, con∣trived it,) as if the City had been to have continued for ever under the Spanish Obedience. For, at that time, the Princes of Burgundy and Austria, had, under pretence of Guardianship, usurped the antient Right of the Counts of Alost; and by that Title, the Emperour Charles Erected a Castle in the City, that it might not again Revolt to the French. But F••∣tayn, with his Armed Power, soon decided the Controversie of Right, and commanded to swear Obedience to Philip as their Prince; saying before the Siege, That it was convenient, when Treating with Lewis Barlaymont Bishop of that City, he urged him, to rest contented with the Sacred Function, and to as∣sign to the Spaniard his Right of Dominion; which had ever belonged to the Bishop, under a Tye of Reverence to the Im∣perial Majesty of Germany. Nor did Barlaymont, notwith∣standing the said Oath, cease to demand his due and antient Right, the Townsmen all endeavouring the same, though to no purpose, reaping no other Fruit of their vain Labour, but Hatred; for the Spanish keeping the Castle, forbore no so• of Licentiousness, whereby it came to pass, that the Trade of Linnen Cloth, the greatest gain and advantage the City enjoy'd, was carryed thence into the Neighbouring Towns: And the Italians being intreated by Fontayu to assist the Siege, when the City being taken, as they did return to pos∣sess Tilemont, they valiantly set upon some Troops of Hollan∣ders which they met, and then first of all gave a proof both of their Fidelity and Courage in War. But the Honour of the Mauritian Horse was quickly repair'd, by an Irruption into Weert, a Town in the County of Horn, where they took Henry one of the Counts of Heremberg, prisoner, and afterward dis∣comfited the Convoy, that was guarding thither Provisions. But Weert, lying at too great a distance from their Confines, was again presently deserted: But Heraugier, grown experi∣enced by practice, that in making many Attempts, Fortune will sometimes favour one or other of them, studied to repair Page  397 the loss of Hoye, with the taking of Liere. It is a Town which the Spaniards formerly got by Treachery, and a Victory cruel enough at the little River of Neths, scituate in the mid∣dle between Antwerp and Mechlin, and serves them both of∣tentimes to great advantage: Hither were men invited on all hands by Heraugier, with the hope of prey; the Ensigns in the Twilight climbing up with Ladders over the Walls, fall upon the ignorant and unprovided Watch, killing them: Then the Gates are opened, the Foot enter, and a few of the Horse, in all about a Thousand, culled men out of Breda, and other Garrisons thereabouts, and, without all peradventure, might have kept the place, if there had been as much Valour and Obedience shew'd in defending it, as there was Industry & Policy in getting it. Alphonsus Luna was the Governor, who not being abashed, or faltting in Courage, at the first Shock in the Town, placeth his Souldiers, and as many of the People, as on a suddain could be got together, in the Market-place, and before the Court: Anon mistrusting those strengths, he went to the Gate that was behind the Enemy in the way to Lonuayn: But the Conquerours, who were altogether secure, dispersed themselves, some into the Churches, others into the Houses; but all to Rapine, Plunder, and Licentiousness: Thus they spent the greatest part of the day within the Walls; nor could Heraugier, either by Reverence to his Commands, or by Intreaties or Threatnings prevail, that so many of the Soul∣diers would come to their Colours, as might drive away that small party from the Gate: In the interim, Soccours and Re∣lief were sent to Luna out of the next Garrisons, among whom, a great Company of Citizens of Antwerp, and some few Spaniards out of the Castle. Heraugier seeing this, cau∣sed the Gate, whereat he and his men entred, to be shut up, that thereby he might necessitate them to fight: But for all that, these Straglers would neither mind their own, nor their Enemies Forces; onely so much was their fear now, because they were in no fear before: And for that there was no other Page  398 way to go out, and they that were first kill'd, stopped up that against those that follow'd; some of them leaped headlong from the Rampire into the Trench; others were slain amongst the people, and a great number both of Men and Horse taken: The Captain, and such as were skilful in swimming, got safe away. And herein the Deliverers of the Town shew a great Example of singular Continence; for that whatever was found among the prey, that belonged to the Townsmen, was care∣fully restored to the Owners.

During all these Vicissitudes of Affairs, both the Spanish and French Armies follow'd the War in Burgundy, with grea∣ter preparation than event. Of old, the Aedui, famous for their Alliance with the Romans, and the Sequani, both Na∣tions of Gaul, possessed that Territory; into whose possession shortly after, when the Romane Empire was torn in pieces, the Burgundians succeeded a people coming out of the North, but setled some time before in the nearer parts of Germany. These extended their Dominion a large compass, both on this side, and beyond the River Saone, even to the Name and Greatness of a Kingdom, but was first diminished by the French Grandeur, and afterwards, in a manner quite oblite∣rated: From thence those parts were sometimes given to Friends, but more often appointed to the French King's Sons, while that Empire could be divided, the Kingly Honour reserved: After this, all that Region almost which the Aed•• possessed, was Erected into a Dukedom, and that of the Se∣quani into an County or Earldom. After the death of Charles the Bold, Lewis of Valois, the 11th of that Name King of France, took the Dukedom from Mary, the Daughter of Duke Charles, pretending the Succession of that Government could not devolve to the Female Line: But the County or Earldom, which began to be subject to Germany, as soon as it was an Empire, after the Marriage of Maximilian with Mary, was claimed and held by the House of Austria. At this time, cer∣tain French Commanders, advised King Henry, That he should Page  399 invade the Spaniard on that part, where he lay most open to be 〈◊〉 and damnified; and that by this means, the Spaniard's pas∣sage out of Italy into France, or the Low-Countries, would be 〈◊〉 up, and the right due to his Ancestors be regained. The •ter was at first begun by inferiour Captains, and little Par∣ties: But when King Philip, fearing the danger, had sent Velasco, as we before mention'd, from Millayn, which he then govern'd, to Burgundy, with Ten Thousand Foot, and fifteen hundred Horse, that strength of the Enemy first brought thither Biron, and after that the King himself. In many light and accidental Skirmishes of Horse, the French went off Victor; And Velasco avoided a Pitch'd-Battel, desi∣ring to preserve the Towns. In the Dutchy of Burgundy, King Henry subjected to his Power the City of Dijon, which in the last Civil War of France follow'd the Guisian Faction, then headed by the Duke de Mayn, to whom there was nothing left Fortified in that Dukedom, but Chalons sur la Saone. But when he began to prosecute his Victory, into the Bounds of the County, or Earldom, the Switzers interceded him to re∣spite his Fury; because being bound at that time by Leagues to the House of Austria, they were obliged to resist all Force that should be offer'd, either to the Government of Millain, of the County of Burgundy: Whereupon King Henry took occasion, by means of a Truce, to withdraw his Army with∣out any dishonour, he himself being even tyred out with the Controversie, and the thing it self contended for, not being worth so many lives. And also, being sollicited by Cambray, he marched that way, when a sorrowful Messenger met him with the News of the loss of the City: Therefore he accu∣sed his Allies, That he himself being employ'd in Wars at so great a distance, they had betrayed to the Enemy the Confines both of France and the Netherlands; That they gave him other hopes, that his Borders should not be left destitute of Aid, else why should he so often have refused Conditions of Peace, when offered to him; And if they repented them of their League, that he was yet Page  400 ready to agree with the Spaniard. The Hollanders excused themselves to these Taunts, with the necessities of that year and furnished the King with Corn and Money, and two Re∣giments of men, the one of Scots, the other of Zelanders, un∣der the Leading of Justine of Nassau; wherewith being well Recruited, he fell into Vermandois; and careful, that where he had now begun, the Enemy might not break further into the Bowels of the Country, the people of Soissons being sub∣dued, he shut up Fayer with a difficult and Winter-Siege: But by how much the States more earnestly endeavour'd to please the King, by so much more grievously they offended Queen Elizabeth; for King Henry's prosperity, in stead of pity, had renewed in the English Nation their old Envy, and the Queen was incensed with the difference of his Religion, especiall for that she knew, what Laws, and how dangerous to the Protestants, the Pope had prescribed to King Henry, for the obtaining his Peace.

And this was the Reason, that lately before upon his desi∣ring of her four Regiments of men, for whose Pay the City of Paris should ingage their Credit.

The Queen answer'd, That it was an inconsiderate Desire proceeding from his Youth, to request her to denude her Kingdom, which was •••ed at by so many Treasons; yet if he would deliver to her, Diope, Bulloin, and Calais, she would furnish him with some Souldiers.

This gave suspition to the French; and besides, there was added, that lately in Bretaign, a Province of France, the Eng∣lish were unworthily Treated, nor could be admitted to such places as they desired, the Actions of their Predecessors being objected against them. But Queen Elizabeth sent Letters to the Hollanders, and one Thomas Budleigh, objecting to them, with much Regret, the Aid they sent to France, saying, They could not want her help, who could so freely gratifie others. Whereto the States made this Answer, That they did it not out of any ambitious counsel but meer necessity; that the Enemy Page  401 being drawn into many places at once, they might weary him out of breath, and themselves get a breathing space, for they were as it were forced, in regard the Queen sent Pay onely for six hundred Foot, and two hundred Horse which were in the Camp, where as six thousand Foot, and a thousand Horse of the League required the 〈◊〉.

She, on the other side, replyed, That although this was con∣tinued within the League, that at the end of the War, whatever was disbursed, should be repaid; yet she desired very earnestly, payment of what she had laid out, at leastwise that they would pay for some part thereof at the present, and she would take the rest by Annual Portions. Adding withall Threats, That if she were not obeyed herein, that she should take such course as her Lenity 〈◊〉 not use to be acquainted with.

To these, the States, after the return of many Thanks, De∣sired the Queen to cast an Eye upon the present times; to ob∣serve, that the War was very burthensom to them, and not wholly so successful as was hoped: And that of late the enlargment of their Bounds, had little increased their Tributes, but much aug∣mented their trouble and charge in the defence; That their Mer∣chandizing and Fishing Trade, upon which two onely they lived, that was spoiled by the detention of their Ships in Spain; and this oftentimes the Injuries of the English, and the Dunkirkers Pyra∣ous much impaired and the Sea also had done them very great da∣mages by Innundations: Over all which, if they should now be for∣ced to repay to England the Money due, and also the Queen should openly fly from the Covenants of the League the French al∣ready beginning to stagger It was with great reason to be feared, that the insinuating Designs of the Enemy, and the Allurements of a dangerous Peace, would prevail with the people: But it was not to be avoided however but that the States must pay with their own Money the English Souldiers, that lay not in the Towns put to Pledg to the Queen.

While these things were arguing between them, some new Endeavours of the Enemy brought the Queen to be more Page  402 mild towards these her Allies: For the Spaniards, out of French Bretaign, had fallen into Cornwal, wasting the Coun∣try, and carrying away great Booty, together with some ho∣nourable persons; and also they began in the open Face of the World to assist the Rebellion in Ireland; which Coun∣try, was, from all Antiquity, possessed by many Petty Princes Natives thereof: Of whom, Dermack, the Son of Munhard the most Potent, was despoiled of his Dominion, for many Acts of Tyranny by him committed: Whereupon he got to him, for his Son-in-law and Assistant, Richard Earl of Pem∣brook, who making War there in Ireland very successfully, was recalled by an Edict of Henry the Second King of Eng∣land, and compell'd to transfer all his Right and hope of Principality to the King; who himself, in defence of hir new Acquisition, went into Ireland with a great Army, and made some of the Lords by Force; others, by Treaties and Promises, to acknowledge his Authority as Supream. But such was the blindness and simplicity of that Age, that it was be∣lieved a great support of future Right and Jurisdiction, if the Pope's Authority and Consent were obtained; and he who never bestowed gratis upon any man so much as words, gave to the Kings of England the Dominion of Ireland; but so, as he should be a Feodary of the Church, and pay to the same a certain Tribute: But the following Kings refused to make any such Payment; pretending, That the Peers of the King∣dom of England had never consented to it.

At last, King Henry the Eighth, despising the Name of Lord, (for till then the Kings of England were onely call'd Lords of Ireland) first took to himself the most Noble Title of King, by his own power assuming that Honour, which his Daughter Queen Mary afterwards chose rather to receive from the Pope.

But although Ireland, where it is most civiliz'd, hath by little and little learn'd to receive and indure both the Eng∣lish Laws and Governours; yet it remain'd in other parts, Page  403 which are fuller of Woods and Bogs, a Lover of its pristine and Natural Liberty: For, by that Name, the Licentious∣ness almost of all, which in other places is forbidden, was cal∣led. Among the rest, the Family of Oneal is very eminent; of which, one first challeng'd the Principality of Ulster, and soon after of all Ireland.

These Irish, under such a Head, gather'd Courage, especi∣ally because England was at that time miserably torn, by the Bloudy Dissentions of the two Royal Families of York and Lancaster. But Henry the Eighth ruling peaceably, yet with a severe Hand, compelled the Heir of that Stock, intitled Con Oneal, to abjure the Name and Title of Oneal, which was presently swallow'd up in the Honour and Dignity of the Earl of Tyrone. Some believed, that Matthew was Son to this Man; but others suppose the same Matthew to be the Son of a Black-Smith: But his Grand-Father Con exceed∣ingly loved his Wife, and therefore suffer'd to be obtruded upon him, either a strange, or an uncertain Issue. This Man was slain by John, who affirm'd himself the lawful Sonne of Con; yet, before his Murther, had a Son, call'd Hugh, who was partly bred at Home, partly in England, and, by the Fa∣vour of Queen Elizabeth, had both the Earldom of Tyrone, and whatever belonged to Con, (the afore-named John be∣ing kill'd in his Rebellion, and all his Goods and Estate con∣fiscated) but under such Conditions, as for the future, took from him all possibility of doing a prejudice. He was a Man very knowing in matters of War; and, being intrusted in many Affairs, faithfully performed his Duty to the Queen; until in the year, 1588. when that most notable Spanish Fleet being beaten and scatter'd, some of the Commanders therein, with some Vessels, were cast away upon the Coast of Ire∣land; at which time, holding private Conferences with him, they stirred him up to recover the Right and Title of Oneal: Yet however he might then fix his Resolution, he discover'd Page  304 no sign thereof at the present: But others being risen in Arms, mov'd thereto, either out of Zeal to the Roman Religi∣on, or by the Injuries received from the English, he a long time covering his Hostile Mind with the Veil of Obedience, denied the guilt of any Crimes, with no less Confidence, than they were objected against him: However, without doubt, it was a great failing in the English, who would not, when they might, put into safe custody, a man of so fierce a Nature, whom they supposed guilty: But he, first casting into Prison the Children of John, that he might not be impeded by any Domestick Quarrel; and this year having heard, that General John Norris, a man famous in the Belgike War, and then employ'd in French Bretaigne, was called thence with the old Souldiers, to appease the Irish Commotions, put him∣self in the Head of the Rebels; but yet not omitting, with most humble words, to desire peace and pardon, throwing the cause of the Quarrel upon the cruelty of the Lord Lieu∣tenant of Ireland: By this kind of Policy, and by Truces, he endeavour'd to protract the War, until the Assistance promi∣sed from Spain might arrive: And there his Devices and Intents were much forwarded, by the Discords between Russel Deputy of Ireland, and Norris, who was appointed General of the War; Their Enmity growing to that height•, that whatever seem'd fit to the one, the other would not con∣sent to; because the first liked, and for no other Reason. But the Queen, after the breaking forth of this Rebellion, began a more fierce War; Not for her Allies, as before was pre∣tended, but for her own sake: And therefore she sent out out Drake a person well known in the Western World, with a great Fleet prepared, partly at her own Charges, and partly at the cost of private Men, with hope to seize and take the Wealth gather'd together and laid up in Porto Ricco. But the News of their coming being gotten thither before them, all the Wealth being carryed thence more into the Land, the Port it self was inclosed and stopp'd up by the Spaniards: Page  405 Wherefore Drake wasting all the other places of the Cana∣ries, going from thence to the American Streights, he spoiled the Town of Nombre de Dios, that lyes between two Seas; where himself, together with many of his men, either by the untemperateness of the Air, or with grief of mind, that the Success of his Voyage answer'd not his Desires, dyed. About which time also another English-man, Sir Walter Rawleigh, Captain of the Queen's Guard, entring the River Orenoco, came to Guiana, a place never conquer'd by the Spaniards, of which he made a discovery, from his own sight and know∣ledge. But as to the Amazons, and those whose Faces are in their Breast, having onely been heard of, but never seen, he left the finding of them out to others.

I should deprive Posterity, both Foreign and Domestick, of the profitable, and no less delightful part of the History, if I should not set forth at large the Voyages at Sea; whereby it is brought to pass, That the Hollander's Felicity, even in the midst of their Troubles, hath not onely exceeded the happi∣ness of others in peace, but also of themselves: For these being as it were born Sea-men, have from thence raised the chief, if not the sole support of their War; not studying to divide the World, or caring to be subject to the Bishop of Rome's Rules, who hath ascribed to the Spaniard the greatest part of his Nature; whereby, under the Cloak of Religion, he might oppress the Liberty of the whole World.

The antient Bounds of Merchandize and Trade, for which these Nations, through many Ages, were famous, besides a few Islands, were two Narrow Straights, and the Seas with∣in them; This Way towards the Sound; That Way towards Hercules Pillars, and the Islands of Gades. There is between these a middle Coast of the Ocean, where all the Profit ari∣sing to the Traders upon one side, grows by their Selling or Battering the same on the other side; for they (the Dutch) have a want of Corn, nor indeed have plenty of any other Page  406 considerable Commodity. Their Gain ariseth, by carrying it from place to place; and by such Things as are wrought by the Hands of Artificers, commonly call'd, Manufactures: But after, by the good Providence of God, the Efficacy of the Load-Stone was found out, whereby men were guided to un∣derstand the Course of the Sea; and also, the Records of Books taught us, to make search after the knowledg of the Antients, and not to despair the value of new Inventions; nothing now remained too hard for the Scrutiny of Human Experience.

The Portugeze found the utmost Borders of Africa and Asia, and the Castilian new Coasts beyond▪ the Ocean, or, indeed, more truly another World: The Endeavours of the French quickly grew faint, after an unhappy Attempt upon Brasile, they came to Terra-Nova, and found a Coast abound∣ing with Fish, but barren enough of all things else: Not was that Sea, and those Lands, that lying furthest off to the South Mallegon first of all found, now left unsearched: But the English, in a short space following, in part discover'd the North Sea. After all the Hollanders, that had without doubt been hitherto oppressed by the Cruelty of their Princes, as men that would not tremblingly send to Sea their People, whom they knew valiant and mindful of their Liberty, now out of Envy to their Enemies, and Emulation to their Allies, took the Courage and Boldness, that making use of what was already known, they would now, in their Turn, contribute their Labours for the benefit of Mankind, in the natural lay∣ing open of things, which, to that Age, had remained as a secret in the Breast of Nature. Neither in this further Quest of newer Things, were the old omitted or forgotten; And in∣deed, what Shore is able to satisfie them, who have always at Sea above Seventy Thousand men? This little Country, in mul∣titude of Shipping, not giving place to any the greatest King∣dom, and though inclosed in such narrow Limits, hath yet so Page  407 great a strength abroad. The Cities every year, build two thousand new Ships: the•efore besides England, France, the Parts of Germany, and the Baltick Sea, mutual poverty hath admitted and carryed them to Spayn, importing thither Mer∣chandise, and bringing thence Coyn, and the dissimulation and fear of King Philip, was least if he should de•a• them of Trade with their Neighbours, they should seek for •is fur∣ther off, and it may be, to his disadvantage; nevertheless, sometimes they received injuries, when onely for their Re∣ligions sake, they should be taken notice of; (for they ge∣nerally used the names of other Nations) and at last, as if the King needed their help, both the Ships and Marriners should be stayed; by which means, not onely themselves were endangered, but all they had was a prey to those that overpowred them.

In this very year, no less than fifty Ships were thus raised; And the Portugueses said, that the King would take care to moderate these injuries, if the Hollanders would forbear to send Navall Assistance, as well to Brytain as France. But the Spanish losses were repaired out of Italy, for their so many barren Summers last past, for France was not able, by reason the Country had been so harassed with War. Thus by the Swedish Voyage, the Dutch had gotten into their hands all Grain, which by a short recourse hither and thi∣ther, they had made hast to get to their no small advantage; Nor as it happened, did that Commodity wait upon the Rich onely for vent, being dispersed far and wide among the common People, with a small charge, and a quick return.

They went also to Barbary, where it is opposite to the O∣cean, and where it coasts upon any more inward Sea; with the Muscovite also the Hollanders Traded, before they were at War, and through the Baltick Sea, and Norva in Livonia, as far as Novograde: which Trade afterwards, was trans∣ferred by the English, through the Rushian Gulph to St. Ni∣cholas Page  408 Port, and by the Hollanders to Podesemser, and the Monastery of St. Michael he Archangel, all scituate upon the River Duina, and the English have earnestly laboured since that, to get it all to themselves the Prayers and liberty of the Hollanders scarcely prevailing: Shortly after, they fetched a longer course to the Kingdom of Guiny, abounding in Gold, Ivory, and Ebony, and the rest of Ethiopia; and at last, in a two years Voyage, they arrived to the Isles in the Indian Sea. That was begun to be attempted with four Ships, set out at the costs of private men. At first it was doubtful, and seemed to be full of danger, while every where, as they came in those unknown places, they met with none but barbarous Nations, and such as were at enmity with all the World; Here they were mightily afflicted with Diseases, and the injurious heat of the patching Ayr; Besides, the Portugueses hindred them all they could by punishments, if they were either by stress of Weather, or want of any thing driven to their Vessels or Colonies, nor ceased they so, but pursued them with false ac∣cusations unto those Kings and People, that were not sub∣jected to them: which a long time was very bitter, while all things were incumbred by the infrequent use of a strange Tongue, and suspitions of treachery on every hand: But af∣ter it appeared by publike Letters and Testimonials of Trade, that they came not to rob and do violence, or to seek domi∣nion, but that they were a People careful of the liberty, even of strangers, and that they had for that end passed so many Seas, that they might with equal fidelity, uphold the Law of Nations, on a sudden, the same and admiration of the Hol∣landers was greatly augmented: Thus the Spaniard's malice opened a way for such far distant Allyances by the common gain of Renowned Merchandise, and the name of Pr• Maurice, the famous Warrier, was honoured even in those remote places.

The Religion of those that first went to the Indies, was wonderful, so was the care of their Reputation; for because Page  409 they received no Commission, other then to defend them∣selves, when they met the Spanish Navy, a rich Prey, and as it were prepared for them they let it passe untouched; Scarcely could the Portugueses cruelty, which would admit none into that World, besides themselves, be drawn to con∣sent otherwise, But •hat these private Ships would strengthen their Trade by War; however, Embassies of the Indians fol∣lowed, and Gifts and Sea-fights against the Enemy, and which helped most of all, it appeared, that the Spaniard could be overcome: for to the taken of Towns, the•e was no great space of ground belonging, so that the Conquerours gained but little, and yet the Conquered lost not much.

The parts of that Kingdom are far divided, their Wealth, which is the support both of their bounty and W•r, lies at a great distance; which being taken away, o• exhausted by troubles, how can it happen otherwise to that vast scattered, and separated Empire, which is no where so near to it self, as to its Enemies: but that it should become a prey to all Nations? The Coast also of America, where yet it is pub∣lickly free, and where it is privately subject, hath become known by the fear of the King of Spain. From thence is brought Salt, Pearl, and Skins of Buff▪ I passe by other Lands and people, discovered and honoured with the care of the finders. That Voyage seems to me the most memorable, wherein the Hollanders went so far to the Northward, that it might be known whereof the whole World before was ig∣norant, what Ocean did joyn Europe and Asia: so both the Nobles and Merchants had conceived a hope, that the most opulent Kingdom of Cathay and China, and farther off, the Moluccas and India, might be gone to a far nearer way, than that used by the Spaniards. Three Ships, one of Holland, one of Zeland, and one Westfrizeland, went out to this in∣tent, which having passed by Norway and Finland, at •uilo∣dun, an Isle of Lapland, they separated, and every one took a several course; The Hollanders coming first through the fur∣thermost Page  410 Sea, to the side of Nova Zembla, over against them, where the Stream runs a great way to the North-west, some two Islands, which as a token or limit of their Voyage, they named, Orange-Islands, being about the degree seventy six. The rest passing the Sea which leads to Rushia, and choosing the Coast of Condore and Pitzore, came to the Straights, where they saw Land, fronting, o• lying opposite to the Continent, which narrowing the Sea, giveth it the name of Waygats. They doubted, whether it were a narrow Sea, or onely a Bay or Creek.

Here the day was darkned with Clouds, and the Ice con∣tinued for a long space, which the cold North wind, with equall danger, both tumbles together, and casteth asunder. A long time they were in suspence, whether they should make any further search towards the end of the World; At last, with much strugling, breaking forth those unknown, and un∣couth bounds, where they begun to withdraw themselves from the Land, with a direct course to the South-East, from thence they sailed towards Scithia, by the outmost part of Zembla, in the one hundred and tenth degree of the Equator, untill they conjectured, they were past that Sea, wherein the River Obis, coming out of the Sarmatian Marishes, is swallowed up in the Sea.

This is the antient River Carambuci, as the Learned be∣lieve, than which there needeth no better a boundary be∣tween Europe and Asia. Which tryalls performed, and meet∣ing the other Ship, which the exceeding great Ice had driven back from Zembla, the third Month after they went out, they returned home again.

This was done the Summer before this year: And so much satisfaction was received from this first Assay, that it was concluded, more Ships should be sent to make further expe∣riment not towards Zembla, but by the Nassavian Sea, which way carryed with it more of hope: So had they said at first, of that which runs between Waygats and the Sarmatians. But Page  411 here delay, a frequent impediment to the greatest Affairs, steps in, so that the Ships going out later in the year, than they ought to have done, found the Sea impassable: so cruel and vehement a cold, and, which in that Clymate was rare, had turned all into Ice.

They who came back from both the Voyages, declared the nature both of the Sea and Soyl, the unheard of forms of Birds and Beasts, as they found and saw the same. They ob∣served also the prominent Capes, Bayes, Culphs, and Ri∣vers, with the Scituation of the places, together with the names of the Country, Prince, yea and of the very people: they told also of many little Islands, and what was spoken of by the Ancients, that they were so variable, by the ebbing and flowing of the Sea, that now they would appear to be really Islands, and anon, they would seem parts of the Continent.

The bigger of these beyond the Strait, worthy to be re∣membred for its safe Harbour in time of danger, they called by the name of the States, and because it produceth upon the tops of the Frozen Mountains Crystall, not much unlike to Diamonds. It seems to me very congruous, to describe the Scituation of this Country, and what Men or Beast are to be found there, it being then first throughly known, and whe∣ther Authours of greatest Antiquity, have related concerning this matter, the same things, or other more vain and frivolous. Also we rashly believe, that by Magick Art there are caused at the North Pole, four Euripi, or Arms of the Sea; and how to go to the Caspian Gulf to the North, of old was questioned by wise men, while others affirm from the Verses of the Poets, That the whole World was shut up in the Sea: Another sort in that part, define an unbounded Land, extended into the utmost extremity of cold, under the Frozen Zone. And they who have assumed to themselves the License of fabulous In∣ventions, upon unknown places, stick not to say, That the very Sea it self stands still, and is without any motion▪ and is as Page  412 it were a vast Body, and naturall Mass, deficient in it self, from the intent for which it was made, or else forsooth, that it is a se∣cret proper onely to the Gods or more sacred Theory: Some o• the contrary, affirm it unaccessible, through the violence of Whirl-winds and Monsters: But if any could passe to the end of that Sea, they should either meet again with fertile Countries, or nothing but Air and Fire.

They have given great hope of sailing through it, in whose Books it is signified, that the Indians h•ve often by the force of tempest, been taken from thence, and driven forth upon the Coast of Germany: Neither needed it to speak more of the temperature of the Ayr, and the nature of the place, since some have placed these Northern People in continual day-light, and report them most exemplary for Fidelity and Justice; Others that the whole Region is covered with thick darkness, and utterly alienated from the lively Aspect of one benevolent Star; being altogether desert, by reason of wild Beasts, and the barbarity of the Inhabitants, (if any) and co∣vered over with Snow, and some first say, it may be seen, and presently, that it is without the World. All which so great repugnances, seem for the most part, to have drawn their O∣riginall from truth, as far as the same may be proved, by the experiments of Navigators, and the Speeches of the Inhabi∣tants; for about that Sea, which extends it self all along upon the Coast of Lapland, Rushia, and that Country which we call Samogitta, the Summer day-light by two Months longer, doth promise the like darkness in Winter; But that very time of the Suns appearance, is so obscured with Clouds, little lightsomer than night it self, and the benefit of heat so far remote, that the Sun can indeed by exhalation, procure or cause a Cloud, but not d•ssipate or dissolve it. And then again, the whole place is for the most part so covered with Snow, that one cannot readily distinguish between the Sea and Land. The Sea indeed is not very dangerous by storms, be∣cause on both sides, it grow larger from the Strait, as it were Page  413 restrained by its own coldness: So that the Antients did not without Reason, call it sometimes the Dead, and other whiles the Frozen Sea. For wheresoever it approacheth the Land, its condensed Waves congealed into Ice, continue a long time, and at a great distance to be seen upon the shore, nay sometimes the continued congelations of many years, may be seen together in one great heap; but when the Wind breaks, o• a remission of cold loosens these conjoyned con∣densations, the several fragments, like little Mountains or I∣slands, are violently carryed into the Sea, and sometimes meet and dash one against another, like two Rocks.

And this terrour hath beyond measure afflicted Naviga∣tors, because when they make off from Land in search, the narrow Sea, whose breath is but two hours Sail, but the length contains five dayes passages, of a sudden, becomes all so concrete, that it may be walked upon: and when it is thawed, the Ice goes not away by degrees, but is forced as it were, to fall into two Seas.

There are scarce fifty dayes of ours, at the greatest time of hear, before the latter Equinoctial; and that very time can∣not with them be accounted Summer, but rather an internal, or small relaxation of Winter: then indeed, you may posi∣tively discern the decay of the Ice, but longer than that, the Frost again approaching, will not suffer any Sailings; with∣in that time, the People did go to Rushia, where was seen the remains of some unfortunate Voyage, as floating •lanks, and the like, whether the returning cold, or any other Reason, made them appear, is uncertain. These People also trade beyond the River Obis; and there their home-dangers have taught them to Winter, and at the •ccustomed time to go back, when the Waters are open, and p•ssable for them: By the same means that the Hollanders had confidence to passe the Streights of Magellan, they took Courage through these Straights also to get into the Ocean; sometimes by the vio∣lent streams of Rivers running into the Sea, being carryed Page  414 out, and then as if they doubted what course to hold, or if the Wind did but abate, by the force of the same Rivers to be carryed back again; thus as it were, being divided between the Surges of the salt Sea, and the pleasures of the fresh Wa∣ter; and anon, in their passage from side to side, leaving the shore, they might see the rolling Waves, foaming and dan∣cing in the prosundity of the main Ocean; together, with several sorts of Monsters; for it is wonderful to be told, how full that Sea is bestial Animals.

There are both Sea-Calves, and Sea-Dogs, and the best of all wild Creatures, which is called a Morse, of a wonder•ul and active fagacity to defend it self, yet scarcely penetrable by any blowes. It hath seet almost like a Beavor, hath a large Body, and use lie equally, both the Sea and Land; for some∣times it is seen to lie upon the Ice, and other times to lie at sunning upon the tops of the Banks, and Cliffs near the Sea. It climbs up but slowly, and with great pains, but descends with an incredible swiftness; The People of those parts, set as great a value upon their Teeth, as we do upon Ivory.

The Rushians do say, that the divided Sea once past Way∣gats meets together again, and again breaks out, from which Speech I cannot affirm, whether they intend Tabi•, or the Scythian Mountain, so well known of old, and Zemble stretching into the East, though a little short, do meet, or the narrow Sea, by which America divided from Tartary, doth make out by countenance manners and Customs, that those Nations have the same Original; From Pitzone, a Province of Muscovy, as far as the River Obis, whatever borders upon the Sea, is, I cannot say, inhabited, but perambulated by the Samogitians, a kind of Sarmatian People, Cou•agious and Fortunate, contrary to the barbarousness of their nature, and the inclination of the Clymate: 'tis true, their Countenan∣ces are ill favoured, and black with smoak, with little Eyes, and wide Nost••ls. Their Bodies, though but of an ordinary size, yet are very strong, so that they equal in swiftness the Page  415 most Creatures: They content themselves with little, and are always in action, neither weakened with pleasures and •yot, nor worn out with cares: Whereever they go, all that they lay their hands on, is properly their own; nor have they any other kind of Possession, then a mind resolved to, and content with all hazards and adventures; Thus they enjoy all things, because they cover nothing; Their Arms are ac∣cording to the Soythian and Parthian manner, a Bow and Ar∣rows, which they chiefly use against wild Beasts: from these they have their Garments made of their Skins, wherewith they cover themselves all over, both Head and Hands; and their Food is the raw flesh of the same Beasts, as if they sa∣tisfied themselves with the gifts of nature, without any addi∣tion. They are so far from having any delicates, that both the use and name of Bread, is unknown among them. This kind of life they think better, than to plow up the Ocean, and weary out the over-toyled Earth, and still to promise them∣selves a further accomplishment of their desires, being hate∣ful both to our selves and others.

They know there are Ships, but never troubled themselves with the study of making the like, but keeping themselves within their own Territories, unless as it were by Divine As∣sistance, when the several Elements are consolidated into one Body of Ice.

Thus they go sorth and return, when in a long Hunting, they trace their prey, as far as Waygats, and Zembla; They affirmed those places to be two Islands, and that they were torn off from the Continent, but by a small Arm of the Sea: There they have born sway, longer than they know them∣selves, because beyond them, there is nothing but vast Wil∣dernesses, and wild Beasts: The Marriners in their second Voyage, saw him, that boasted himself to be the Prince of all those People, a Man who was remarkable, neither in Habit, nor Majesty, his Age being the onely thing in him, that deserved respect.

Page  416From Muscovy, whose Dominion hath been much increas∣ed within few Ages, the Rhiphean Mountains encompass them on the back and sides, as is believed, which being unaccessi∣ble, by reason of the Snow, they call the Girdle of their Land, and their poverty is their defence: notwithstanding which, their Neighbours pay them Tribute, the Skins of wild Beasts; for indeed they have nothing else, and this they do, rather out of hatred to, than fear of War: The appearances of the Coasts of Samogitia, Sembla and Waygats • are almost the same, in some places dangerous, because of Rocks, and in other places so even, that it is fordable.

The Ground there is •offey, and full of Marishes, but no where Woody: no Herbs or Grass fit for any good use grows there, whereof in most places, nature is prodigall, onely here no such thing is ever seen. And this makes it the greater wonder, to see the boughs and Bodies of Trees, swimming here and there in this place, unless it be, that the vast Ocean stirred with the very turnings of the shores, breaks into those remoter Lands towards the North, and so overturns all before it. 'Tis probable, that by such like force, the Islands which we now see, have been broken off from the Continent of Sarmatian, perchance of old, jetting out so hither and thi∣ther, as their sight makes appear. What part soever of that Coast, our Ships touched upon, they perceived sometimes smoak, and the foot-steps of men, but no Cities, nor so much as a Village; The inner part of the Country, is believed to have Woods and Lakes, which are filled and nourished by the perpetual dissolutions of Snow: All hereabouts, ac∣cording as the Soyl and water pleased, diverse that lurked scatteringly here and there in poor Hovels, or in Caves, ap∣peared, which places, served them only for fire to refresh their Bodies, against the bitterness of the Weather: wherein, though they could hardly stir, yet would they not be idle; The chief, nay & only Housholdstuff they have, is a kind of Sledge, which is drawn with incredible celerity, by four-footed Page  417 Creatures, not much unlike a Hart, sliding as it were in these, they trace their prey through the deepest Snows, yea, and change their Seats. All this Region is divided, though somewhat unequally between wild Beasts, and these Savage men.

There is abundance of Hares and Wolves, both with white Skins; Martins also, Sables, and many other Beasts, whose Skins are of great value: Here are Beares of a more than or∣dinary bigness (which are made white too, by the sharpness of the cold) and are beyond expression, fierce and ravenous, because they want Pasture, insomuch, as if they but once get a scent of prey, neither the fear of Weapons, nor the Sea it self, can put a stop to their eagerness, or lessen their pursuit. This mischief, miserably lost some of the unwary Seamen, that went a-shore, nor were their Companions able to help them otherwise, than by seeing them eaten, and afterwards to seek a too late Revenge. Upon the rising part of this Coast, was observed a sad division between Religion and profaneness; when upon the tops of the Hills on one side, innumerable Effigies of the Gods, testified both an igno∣rance of Art and dulness of understanding; and on the other Erected Crosses, shewed marks of Christianity: For the Rushi∣ans, whom either Tempest, or the desire of Trading for Furs, had brought into that part of the Continent, and among those Islands, had been taught Christianity by the Greek Church, fix Ages before; The Samogitians worship the Hea∣vens and the Stars, (Deities not worse than others.) accor∣ding to their old Custom, nor do they believe it lawful, to hate those that dissent from them.

There are some, that in those Woods, stick not to worship by an unknown kind of Superstition, things horrible, both to sight, and hideous for their dreadful noyse; nay, and call Snakes and Serpents sacred. But the Samogitian Customs are not so barbarous, not much differing from those used in Lap∣land, and Finland; although some, from their name, would Page  418 argue, that in former Ages they did eat mans flesh; which if we allow, there are these to be numbred among those people, whose lives were so mollified by age and example, shewed an apt inclination of mankind, to leave off their old and customary barbarity: At the first coming thither of the Hollanders, they were fearful meerly our of ignorance, they provided for their security, either by Arms or flight: But after they had tryed out innocence, and received some triviall Presents; (two sacred tyes) they called to witness the Sun, and their own poverty, that they were even against their wills, overcome by good turns; And if at any time after∣wards, Fortune smiled upon us, we were altogether behold∣ing to the affections of those People which border upon the Sea; though it were very necessary, that Castles should be built in those passages, to preserve the use of that new found Sea, and where Ships may have shelter and Harbour, if any sudden accident should happen. Then if industrious care, to∣gether with men meet there, the Island of Waygats is no less fit for Tillage, than those places which are inhabited in the utmost skirts of the Danish Kingdom; for as under the very line, where the Country is beyond measure hot, so those pla∣ces which being far off at both the Poles, or frozen up, will both admit humane Inhabitants, which by Custom, or being born there, after the first Plantation, will be naturalized to the Clymate, contrary to the Opinion of the Antients, as experience convinceth us; for certainly, Nature condemned no part of her self to Solitude, so that Groenland being more to the Northward, yet may, and without question would, pro∣duce and bear Fruit and Corn, according to our manner in Europe. 'Tis true, and equally probable to be believed, that at first many places lay desert and unmanured, while yet the choycer parts of the Earth would suffice for all; But when by little and little, either multitude or discord, forced men to seek further Habitations, the Land demonstrated the Sea, and that again discovered more Land.

Page  419Obdor is the next Region to Obis, famous for the Effigies and Oracle of a Noble old Woman: Beyond the little Ri∣ver Molgomzay, there is another greater, and a Bank of the same Name, whereof the Russians used by Authority not for Trade: But all the rest surely is fabulous; as, That the peo∣ple of Leucomoria, die in the Winter, and revive again in the Spring, while, in the interim, the onely Religion of the In∣habitants, is performed in the exchanging Commodities ex∣posed to Barter: That the mens Bodies are all rough and hairy, and their Heads and Faces resembling a Dogs, is no less vain surely, than those forged Inventions of the Antients, who have bestow'd upon some people Horses Feet; upon o∣thers, Ears of such bigness, that they cover their whole body; so that every where almost, the Report of these Things is made more wonderful, by additional hear-say: yet that some of these, and which is confirm'd with more certain Testimony of Truth, as Men without Heads, who have their Faces in their Breasts, either really be such, or seem so to be, by the shortness of their Necks and their Shoulders sticking up. I will not obstinately deny, well knowing, as in some places, the violence of Heat; so in other, the extremity of Cold, hath often warped Nature, and made it become deformed: From hence it is agreed. That the next are the Loppians, and the Mountain Imaus, and the Tartarian Hordes, removed to and fro among the Deserts, by a part of whom is Cathay possessed: Thence is the way to China, and other places in the Eastern part of the World.

This same Year was made unlucky by Pyrates of Dun∣kirk, who took five and Thirty Ships of Holland sent to Norway for Timber, among all which, was but one Ship of War; but in regard they could not carry them off, they took the Masters of them as Pledges, till the Money promised for their Redemption was paid.

Page  420And shortly after, they took no less a prey from others going to France; But one of the Pyrates Vessels being cir∣cumvented by the Hollanders, the greatest part of their men being killed in fight, with the execution of forty three that survived, they alittle repressed that villinous, and growing presumption and besides, above twenty Ships more were freed, which were taken and detained by that Ship, every of which had promised, for the preservation of their lives, two thousand Florens and more.