Cosmographie in four bookes : containing the chorographie and historie of the whole vvorld, and all the principall kingdomes, provinces, seas and isles thereof / by Peter Heylyn.

17. GVELDERLAND. 18. ZUTPHEN, and 19. GROINING.

The Dukedome of Guelderland, at such time as it was first taken in by Charles the fift contained under it, the Dutchy of Guelders properly and specially so called, the Earldome of Zutphen, and the Town and Seigneurie of Groining: held by distinct titles, and governed ever since their union with the Belgick Pro∣vinces, as distinct Estates.

GVELDERLAND I bounded on the East with Cleveland, and the Earldome of Zutphen; on the West with Holland and Vtrecht; on the North with Over-yssell, and the Zuider-Zee; and on the South with Brabant and the land of Gulick. The countrie flat, having few hils in it, but many plea∣sant and commodious woods, especially that called Echterwalt; of corne and cattell very fruit∣full.

The whole Countrey is generally divided into two parts. 1. The Veluwe, contained within the Zuider-Zee, the Rhene, and the Yssell, the barrener of the two and the worse inhabited, the people here∣of preferring wealth before health as in other places; but affording a more pure aire and a plea∣santer dwelling then the other, the woods and forrests well replenished with most kinds of game. 2. The Betuwe (so called of the Batavi who possessed these parts) intercepted betwixt the middle Rhene and the Wael, exceedingly fruitfull in corn, and of so excellent a pasturage for the feeding of Cattell, that in the year 1570. there was a Guelderland Bull sold in Antwerp which weighed 3200. pounds.

In both divisions (not reckoning in the county of Zutphen) are contained 300. villages, and 16. walled Towns, besides some fortified of late since the wars began. The chief whereof are 1. Nim∣megent (in Latine, Noviomagus) an Imperial City, ordained by Charles the great to be one of the three Seiges of the Empire for these outer parts, the other two being Theonville in Luxembourg, & Aix or Aken in the land of Gulick. And as a Town Imperiall it had anciently the priviledge of coyning money: for which and other freedomes of immunities indulged unto it, the people did no other service to the Emperours, then once a year to send a man to Aix or Aquisgrane, with a Glove full of Pepper. But the town being sold to the Gueldrois by William Earl of Holland and King of the Romans for 21000. marks of silver, anno 1248. the power of coynage fell to those Princes; and yet the Town was brought to do better service, then formerly it had done at Aken. The Town high mounted on the top of an hill, the Wael which is there large and deep running at the foot of it: rich, great, and populous, having besides the modern fortifications an ancient Castle with so goodly a prospect, that from thence one may behold the best part of the countrey; built, as some say, by Julius Caesar to command those parts. Under the jurisdiction of it are 2. Tiel, and 3. Bomel, two walled Towns, both situated on the Wael, both strong, and having many rich villages under their command; and 4. Gheut, on the

Wael also,* 1.1 an unwalled Town, but having all the priviledges which the walled Towns have. Not for off, at 〈…〉〈…〉 meeting of the Wael and the Maes, stands the strong Fort of S. Andrews, raised by the Archduke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to command the passage of those Rivers; but in the year 1600. taken in by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Count of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (after Prince of Orange) and ever since garrisoned by the States to secure that passage. 5. Riuermond, seated on the mouth of the Ruer, where it falleth into the Maes; a beau∣tifull and well peopled City, strong by Art and Nature, and seated in a fruitfull countrey: heretofore of the Diocese of Leige (as Nimmegen anciently of Colen) but made a See Episcopall by King Philip the 〈…〉〈…〉 1559. This is the second Capitall City of Guelderland, and hath under the jurisdiction of it, 6. Venlo, a strong Town on the Maes, on which the Duke of Cleve yeelded himself to Charles the fift, anno 1543. 7. Gueldres, heretofore of such reputation that it gave name to all the countrey; and well it doth deserve to do so still, being the only Town in all this Dukedome which neither first nor last hath been won by the Hollanders: but still preserved themselves in their obedience to their natural Princes. 8. St••ael, or Straelen, a well fortified piece, but which, according to the chances of War, hath oft changed its masters. 9. Arnhem, the Arenacum of Taeitus, and in those times the mansion of the 10 Legion, situate on the Rhene, not above a mile from the great Channell, which Drusut to keep•• his souldiers from idlenesse caused them to dig, to let the waters of the Rhene into those of the Yssell; called therefore by the Ancients Fossa Drusiana, by the moderns Yssell-Dort. The Town large and well-built; the ordinary residence heretofore of the Dukes of Guelderland, who had here their Chancery, and other supreme Couurts of justice. This is the third Capitall City of Gueldres (ancient∣ly of the Diocese of Vtrecht) and hath under the jurisdiction of it, besides divers Villages, 10. Wag∣beninghen on the Rhene, the same which Tacitus cals Vada. 11. Harderwick on the Zuider-See, burnt to the ground anno 1503. but since reedified, and now more strong and beautfull then ever formerly. 12. Hattem upon the Yssell, a good town of war, but not else observable.

Within the limits of this Dukedome stands the Town and County of Culemberg, erected into a County by King Philip the second, by reason of the fair territory which belonged unto it, former∣ly held in Fee of the Dukes of Guelderland, but otherwise not reckoned as a Member of ••it. 2. The Town and Earldome of Buren, situate on the River Liughe, having a strong Castle anciently, and a goodly territory; holden immediately of the Empire as a Fief Imperiall. The patrimony of the va∣liant Maximilian of Egmond, Earl of Buren, who died anno 1549. after whose death it fell to Philip of N••ssaw eldest sonne of William Prince of Orange, and Anne the daughter of the said Maximi∣lian.

ZVTPHEN accompted formerly for the 4. Capitall City of Guelderland, now a distinct Pro∣vince of it self, is bounded on the East with Westphalen; on the West with that part of Guelderland which is called the Velluwe; on the North with Over-yssell; on the South with Cleveland. It contai∣neth 8. walled Towns besides many Villages; that is to say, 1. Doetecum, standing on the old Yssell, rising out of Westphalen. 2. Doesburg, where the old Yssell falleth into the new Yssell, or the trench called Fossa Drusiana, communicating thereunto its name. 3. Brookhurst, a County of it self, which anciently had its particular Governour. 4. Lochen upon the River Berkell. 5. Tsheerenbergue, a Town and County. 6. Groll taken by the Prince of Orange for the States Confederate, anno 1627. 7. Bre∣dervord, a town of war, and subject to the change of Masters, as such places are. 8. Zutphen, or Zuidfen, so called of the Southern situation of it amongst the Fennes, on the right shore of the Yssell, whereit receiveth in it the River Berkel, which runs through the Town. A Town indifferently well built, as well for private as publick edifices; a distinct state in Civill matters, but in spirituall subject (in former times) to the Bishop-of Munster: a thing observable, and not to be paralleld elsewhere, that the four chief Towns and quarters of one Province only, should appertain (as here in Guelder∣land) to four severall Dioceses. Of which there may some reason be assigned for Zutphen, in regard it is a State more ancient then that of Guelderland it self; and not depending anciently on the fortunes of it: united to it by the marriage of Othe of Nassaw, the first Earl of Guelderland, with Sophia daugh∣ter and heir of Wickman the last Earl of Nutphen. So as this Earldome ended when that first began. Af∣ter this it continued subject to the Earls and Dukes of Gueldres, till the revolt of Holland and the other Provinces from the King of Spain, at what time it was besieged for the States by the Earl of Leicester; at the siege whereof fell that gallant Gentleman Sir Philip Sidney, of whom our British Epigrammatist thus verfifieth.

Digna legi scribis, facis & dignissima scribi; Scripta probant doctum te tua, facta probum.

Thou writ'st things worthy reading, and didst doe Things worthy writing too. Thy Acts thy valour show And by thy works we do thy learning know.

And though upon the losse of that gallant man (nephew and heir unto that Earl) the siege was raised at the present; yet was it re-enforced again anno 1190. and the Town then taken; continuing ever since in the confederacy of the States united.

GROINING-LAND,* 1.2 hath on the east East-Friseland, on the west West-Friseland, on the North the main Ocean, on the South Over-yssell; so wedged in as it were betwixt both Friselands, that some hold it to be but a part of the West. It containeth under it the Country called the Ommel••nds, (corrupt∣ly for the Emmelands, as I conjecture, because lying along the River Ems) and therein 145 Burroughs and Villages: the chief whereof are 1. Dam, near the Ems, bordering on East-Friseland: 2 Keykirk: 3. Old-Haven, standing on the Sea. As for the town of Groyning it self, it is rich, great, and very well built, situate-amongst divers small streames which run through it; and having also divers Channels for conveyance of waters, which addes much to the safety and strength thereof. A town of great jurisdiction, both within, and without, judging absolutely without appeals in causes, both Civill, and Criminall; in Spirituall, subject heretofore to the Bishop of Munster, till made one of the new Bishopricks by King Philip the second, anno 1559. And though the Prince in Civill causes had his officer or Lieutenant there; yet in Criminall the town was Soveraign, and granted pardons as Soveraign of the whole estate, paying to the Prince for all duties yeerly, but 6000 Crowns. Both Town and Country anciently belonged to the Bishops of Vtrecht, by whose negligence in defending them, they submitted their estate to the Dukes of Guelderland. But the Dukes of Saxonie laying some claim to it, disturbed this agreement for a time; during which Ezardus the Earl of East-Frise∣land possessed himself of it: but not able to make good his unjust possession, sold his estate therein to Gueldres, anno 1514. to whom of right it did belong. Afterwards in the yeer 1536. they put them∣selves under the command of Charles the fift, but with the reservation of all their priviledges, and ancient Liberties: for preservation of the which, in danger to be over-born by the power of the Spaniard, they consederated with the rest of the united States, anno 1594. and so still continue.

The antient inhabitants of these Countries were the Menapii and Sicambri, very valiant people possessing Guelderland, and the Majores Frisii, which were planted in Groyning, and the rest of Friseland. Of these the Sicambri were accompted the most valiant people, uniting with other nations in the name of French, and by that name, possessing, with the rest of those Nations, the mighty Empire of the West. In the division whereof, by the posterity of Charles the Great, these Countries were first part of the Kingdome of Austrasia, or East-France, afterwards of the Germane Empire: governed at the first by Guardians, or Protectours, created by the people in the reign of Charles the Bald: the two first being Wickard, and Lupold (or Leopold) two Brethren; who fixing their chief Seat in the Castle of Gueldres, occasioned the whole Country to be called Guelderland. But they, and their successours, by what name or title soever called, were in effect but Provinciall Officers, accomptable to the Emperours for their administration; the first free Prince hereof being Otho of Nassaw, who having to his first wife, the Lady Aleide, daughter of Wickard, the last Guardian; was by the Emperour Henry the third made first Earl of Guelderland: adding thereto the State of Zutphen, by a second marriage, as is said before. In Reinold the ninth Earl it was made a Dukedome by the Emperour Lewis of Bavaria, anno 1339. sold by Duke Arnold (justly incensed at his ungracious son Adolp) to Charles Duke of Burgundy, for 92000 Florens of ready money, and an Annuall pension, anno 1472. But not∣withstanding this Agreement, Adolph (upon the death of Charles) possessed himself of it, and left it unto Charles his son; who finally surrendred it unto Charles the fift, anno 1547.

EARLS and DUKES of GVELDERLAND.

• 1079 1 Otho of Nassaw the first Earl.
• 2 Gerard, the son of Oth, by his first wife Aleide.
• 1131 3 Henry, the son of Gerard.
• 1162 4 Gerard II. son of Henry.
• 1180 5 Otho II. brother of Gerard.
• 1202 6 Gerard III. son of Otho the second.
• 1229 7 Otho III. son of Gerard, who walled the towes of Ruermond, Aruhem, Bomel, Goch, Wageni••gen, and Harderwick.
• 1271 8 Reinold, son of Otho the third, taken and imprisoned till his death, by
• 1326 9 Rainold II. his own son, created the first Duke of Gueldres, by the Emperour Lewis of Bava∣varia, at Francfort, Anno 1339. liberall to the poof, and a great Patron of the Muses.
• 1343 10 Rainold III. son of Rainold the 2^d, molested with continuall wars with his brother Edward, by whom taken, and imprisoned till his dying day.
• 1371 11 Edward, the son of Rainold the second, by Eleanor the daughter of Edward the third of England, his second wife, dyed the same yeer with his brother; the last of the male issue of Otho of Nassaw.
• 1371 12 Mary, (by some called Joan) Sister of Edward, by the same venter, and wife of William Earl of Gulick.
• 13 William, son of William Duke of Gulick, and Mary of Gueldres, admitted Knight of the Gar∣ter by King Richard the second.
• 14 Rainold IV. the brother of William.
• 15 Arnold of Egmond, son of John Lord of Egmond, and Mary his wife, daughter of Joan, the sister of Rainold, and William, the two last Dukes, succeeded in the estate of Gueldres; taken,

• impri••oned, and most barbarously handled by his own son Adolph,* 1.3 and delivered by Charles the Warlike, Duke of Barg••ndie he sold to him his estates of Gueldres, and Zutphen to be injoyed by him after his decease, anno 1472.
• 1473 16 Adolp••, the wicked son of Arnold, dispossessed of his estate by the said agreement which Duke Charles enjoyed for his life; after the death of the said Charles was restored to li∣berty by the Gauntois, anno 1467. and made the Generall of their forces against Lewis the eleventh.
• 1477 17 Charles, son of Arnold, after long wars with the Princes of the houses of Burgundy and Austria, p••••tending the sale and legacy of Duke Arnold, to Charles the Warlike; surrendred his estates unto Charles 〈…〉〈…〉, to be enjoyed by him after his decease, if he left no issue. According to which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Emperor Charles succeeded him in Gueldres and Zutphen, anno 1538. being the year of his 〈◊〉〈◊〉: after that time accompted in the number of the Belgick Provinces.

The Armes hereof were Quarterly, 1. Azure, a Lyon Or, crowned Gules; for the Dukedome of Guelderland; 2. Azure, a Lyon Gules, for the Earldome of Zutphen.

Thus have we seen a Country, which at the first erecting of these Estates, was nothing in a man∣ner but bogs and marishes; and at the best, but a continuall Wildernesse of woods and forrests: by the great providence of the Princes, and extreme industry of the People, made the most populous, best planted, and the wealthiest Estate (for the bignesse of it) in the whole habitable world. And we have seen those severall Estates and Principalities, by Marriages, and other Contracts, reduced into the hands of the house of Burgundy: under the Princes of which great and illustrious Family, infe∣riour to no Kings of Christendome for Power and Riches, especially Duke Philip the Good; the subjects hereof did so abound in wealth and plenty, that Philip de Comines who then lived, affirmeth that this Country seemed like the land of Promise. Some thought there was a purpose in this Duke Philip, of erecting these estates into a Kingdome; diverted from it by the difference and variety of Lawes and Priviledges, which those people severally lived under; not to be brought without great difficulty and distaste, to one forme of Government: yet might have done it, if he would, as himself openly affirmed to the Embassadours of King Lewis the 11. But Charles his son being more bent on the de∣signe, negotiated to that end with the Emperour Frederick, whom he met at Triers, anno 1473, and doubtlesse had obtained his purpose, upon the marriage of his daughter with Maximilian, Fredericks son (which was then propounded) had not his rash ingagement against the Swissers, and his untime∣ly death therein, broke the course of his projects; which projects had they took effect, as in all probability they had but for that engagement, he had extended his dominions all along the Rhene, and on both sides of it, from the Alpes unto the German Ocean; and been the most considerable Prince at that time in Christendome: all Elsats in high Germany, being sold, or mortgaged to him by the Duke of Austria, the Dukedome of Lorrain at his mercy; besides, the hopes he had of the Earldome of Pro∣vence, intended to him by King Reny, which would have opened him a way to the Mediterranean: he being dead, the Government continued, as before it was; each Province having its distinct Lawes and living according to their ancient Priviledges, till the attempt of Philip the second, King of Spain; most resolutely (but unfortunately) bent to bring them under the command of that Crown, to cancell all their priviledges, and new mould the Estate, according to his own will and pleasure: occasioning thereby the Revolt of a great part of the Country; and the setting up of a new Estate, opposite unto him▪ and destructive of his interesse in it. But before we come unto this change, we will first look upon the Princes Power, Revenue, and other things considerable touching this Estate whilest it stood entire under the Princes of the house of Burgundie, and

LORDS of BELGIVM.

• 1369 1 Philip the Hardie, Duke and Earl of Burgundie, Earl of Flanders and Artois, the first great raiser of this House.
• 1404 2 John the Proud, Duke of Burgundie, &c.
• 1419 3 Philip the Good, added to his estate the Dukedomes of Brabant and Limbourg, the Marquisa••, and Machlin, by the death of his cousin Philip; the Earldomes of Hainalt, Holland, Zeland, and the Lordship of West-Friseland, by the resignation and death of the Countesse Jaqui∣line, whose next Heir he was; the Dukedome of Luxemburg, and the Earldome of Namur, which he bought for money.
• 1467 4 Charles the Warlike, who bought the Estates of Gueldres and Zutphen; and held them peace∣ably all his life.
• 1476 5 Mary, the daughter and Heir of Charles, married to Maximillan, son of the Emperour Frede∣rick; from whom King Lewis the eleventh of France took the Dukedome of Burgundie, and the greatest parts of the Counties of Burgundie, and Artois; unfortunately killed with a fall from her horse, and an unseasonable modesty in not suffering the Chirurgions to dresse her wound; the hurt which she had taken being in her thigh.
• 1482 6 Philip III. sonne of Mary and Maximilian, to whom Charles the eight of France restored all the places in Artois, and the County of Burgundie taken by his Father: marryed Joane daugh∣ter of Ferdinand and Isabel, Kings of Spain.
• ...

• 1506 7 Charles II. Arch-Duke of Austria, King of Spain, and Emperour of that name the fift; added to his Estate in these Countries, the Dukedome of Guelderland, the Earldome of Zutphen, the Lordships of Vtrecht, Over-yssell, and Groyning.
• 1558 8 Philip IV. of Belgium, and the II of Spain, invading these Countries against their privi∣ledges, was by a great part of them rejected from being their Prince, anno 1581. which made him after a long and a bloody war, to surrender all his interesse in them to
• 1599 9 Isabella Clara Eugenia his daughter, and Albert Archduke of Austria, whom he married to her: during whose Government, a truce for 12 years was made, and in the preface to that Truce the Confederate Estates declared to be treated with as a Free Estate, to whom the Kings of Spain could pretend no title.
• 16 10 Philip V. of Belgium, and the IV. of Spaine on the decease of the Arch-Duchesse Isabella his Aunt, succeeded in the possession of some, and the title unto all the Belgick Provinces.

The ordinary Revenue of these Countries to the Dukes of Burgundie, and after to the Kings of Spain, before the breach, were estimated at three millions of Crowns yeerly, which was more then any King in Christendome at those times received; the French onely excepted: the very measuring of corn in the City of Antwerp, being farmed yearly for 100000 Crowns in ready mony; But the ex∣traordinary was far greater: the Estates of these Countries in the year 1550 granting to Charles the fift an Aide, which they call the Noventale, amounting to 150000 crowns a moneth; and yet the Pro∣vinces of Luxenbourg, Limbourg, Gueldres, and Groyning, were not rated to it: And it is said, that Phi∣lip the second at his first coming to the Estate, was presented with a grant of 40 millions of Florens, to be paid in few years. So that these Countries were the true Correlative of both his Indies: the losse of which, before the making of the truce, anno 1609. cost him above 100 millions of Crownes, and the losse of 400000 men.

The Forces of these Princes by Land, may best be seen in the expedition of Charles (then Earl of Charolois) against Lewis the eleventh, whom Duke Philip the Good his father furnished to that enter∣prise with 9000 Archers, and 1400 men of Armes, every one of which had five or six great horses attending on him: and at his setting forward, was told by his Father, (never accompted for a Braggart) that if he fell into any danger, he should not be abandoned for the want of 100000 fight∣ing men. The said Duke having thus sent away his son, and being provoked by the indignities of those of Leige, and Dinand, who revolted from him: suddenly raised an Army to 28000 horse, and aproportionable number of foot, for the chastisement of that proud and rebellious people. And Charles himself, succeeding on the death of his Father in his unprosperous attempt upon the Swit∣zers, had no lesse then 8000 men at the siege of Morat. As for their power at Sea, I find not that they kept any standing Navy, nor needed they so to doe, as the case stood with them, considering that when they had occasion of any such service, they used to take up all the Ships which they found in their harbours (of which there never wanted good store) employing as many as they pleased, and dismissing the rest.

The principall order of Knighthood ordained by these Princes, was that of the Golden Fleece, first instituted by Duke Philip the Good (in imitation of the Order of S. George in England) anno 1430. The name and fancy borrowed, as some conceive, from Gedeons Fleece; from Jasons Fleece, as others think; but more probably from the Golden Fleeces of England, which brought him in so much gold and trea∣sure in the way of custome. Their Habit is a Collar of Gold interlaced with irons seeming to strike fire out of a Flint, (ex ferro flammam being the word:) at the end whereof hung the To••sond' Or, or Fleece of Gold. Their number at the first was but 25. (which is the number of Knights of the English Garter) increased afterwards by the same Duke Philip unto thirty one. Charles the first raised them to fifty one: And now the King of Spain hath assumed a liberty of making as many as he pleaseth: this being the onely Military, or Civill Order of which those Kings have the be∣stowing; the orders of Alcantata, Calatrava, and the rest of Spanish institution, being rather Religious, and Monasticall, at the best but mixt. Saint Andrewes day, the day of the Instal∣lation.

In this great Pomp and Glory did these Princes live, as long as they continued in good termes with the subject Provinces being masters of more goodly Jewels, magnificent furniture for their houses, & costly moveables then any 3 of the greatest Princes in all Europe. And on the other side, the subjects whilst they lived in duty under so great Princes, attained unto the height of all worldly happinesse: in their Apparell excessively gorgeous, in their Feasts and Banquets over-sumptuous, in their Manners dissolute, vices which usually accompany that kind of felicity. An happinesse too great to continue long. By the ambition and violence of Charles the Warlike, they were first plunged into a war against Lewis the eleventh, of which they did not only feel the present miseries, but lost all the Towns and Holds which they had in Picardy, with the whole Dutchy of Burgundy. And by a like, but better grounded Ambition of Charles the fift, they were exercised in continuall wars against the French, who miserably harrowed, and ransacked the Countries of Luxemburg, Hain••lt, and Artois, bordering next unto them. Charles at his death commended them to the especiall care of Philip his son, ad∣vising him to use them kindly, as those that were the chief supporters of his State and Glory: ad∣ding, that if he should deal otherwise with them, it would prove the ruine of his Fortunes. And on the other side, the People, to obtain his favour, presented him at his first entrance on the Go∣vernment,

with a grant of 40 millions of Florens, as before was said. But he transported with ambition, and a Catholick, zeal, not onely forgot their love, but his fathers counsell; and had no sooner concluded on a peace with France, effected by the treaty of Cambray, anno 1559. but pre∣sently he cast his thoughts on the subjection of this people to his will and pleasure. For they were so fortified with Priviledges, which their former Princes had granted, and the latter had been sworn to observe, that he wanted much of that absolute and uncontrollable command, which he strongly aimed at. Some of which Priviledges were, that the Prince could place no stranger amongst them, with jurisdiction over their Estates and persons, in Offices of war or justice. 2. The Prince could give nothing to the Clergy: nor 3 leavy any subsidies, without the States of the Coun∣try. But the main Prerogative was, that if the Prince by violence or wrong, did infringe any of the said Charters and Franchises the people after the declaration thereof made might goe to election of a new Prince. This not a little grieved the Spaniards, that such base and unworthy people (for so they esteemed them) should in such liberty possesse so brave and rich a Country; their King bear∣ing no title of Majesty, or absolute command over them. Besides, the Reformation of Religion, which then began to grow to some strength, moved the King to reduce them back to the Church of Rome, by the power and terrour of the Inquisition; and by the erecting of some new Episcopall Sees amongst them (for before there were but three in all) to settle some more constant course of Ecclesiastical Disci∣pline: Against both which, when the people violently opposed, he then resolved of bringing them by Spanish Rhetorick (that is, by the Sword and the Cannon) to their old obedience. To these ends he sent the Duke of Alva, an old and expert Captain (as having 60 years been a Souldier) with a puissant Army to be his Vice-Roy among them. He also gave him a Commission of that large ex∣tent, that he might place and displace whom he would, and execute all such as he could finde oppo∣site to his designes. At that time the two chief men among them were the Prince of Orenge, and Count Egmont: the first more potent with the people, the latter, with the Souldiers. Had these two joyned together, they might easily have prevented D. Alva's entrance; but Egmont was so soothed up with Letters from Spain, that he believed not the Intelligence which the Prince had concerning the Dukes Commission. The Earl exhorted the Prince to submit himself to the pleasure of the King, and so to prevent the ruine of his house: The Prince desired the Earl to maintain the Liberty of the Country; as for himself, He had rather be a Prince without an House, then a Count with∣out an Head. Being thus resolved, the Prince retires to his friends of Nassaw, in high Germany; the Earl stayeth to congratulate the entrance of the new Governour: who had no sooner setled him∣self, but he intrapped the Counts of Horne and Egmond, and beheaded them, anno 1567. Being thus rid of these two, with diverse others of good quality, who living would have much hindred his proceedings; he quartered his Spaniards in the Townes and Provinces, spoiled the people, not of their Priviledges onely, but their Liberty. Among the Reformed he brought in the bloudy Inqui∣sition; and indeed so tyrannically did he behave himself, that the people were forced to a defensive war, as well for their lives, as substance. This was a war of State, not Religion; the most part of the Hollanders being Papists, at the time of their taking Armes. During these troubles, the Prince of Orenge was not idle, but he in one place, and Count Lodewick his brother, in another, kept Duke Alva imployed; though divers times not with such fortunate successe as they did expect. In the year 1572, Flushing was surprised by Voorst, and Berland, as we have before said. So also was the Brill in Voorne, an Island of Holland, by the Count de la March, and not long after, all Holland, except Amsierdam, followed the fortune and side of the Prince, together with all the towns of Zeland, Midleburg excepted, Anno 1573. Duke Alva being recalled, Don Lewis de Requisens was appointed Go∣vernor; during whose rule many of the Belgians abandoned their Country: some flying into Germany, others into France, most into England. After his death, and before the arrivall of Don John, the Priuce and his party recovered strength and courage again, till the coming of the Prince of Parma, who brought them into worse case then ever. Yet anno 1581. they declare by their writings di∣rected to all people, that Philip of Spain was fallen from the Government: and take a new oath of the People, which bound them never to return to the Spanish obedience. This done, they elect Francis Duke of Anjou, heir apparent to the French King, and then in no small hopes of marrying Queen Elizabeth of England, to be their Lord. But he intending rather to settle a Tyranny in himself, then to drive it from the Spaniard, attempted Antwerp, put his men into the town, but was by the valour of the Burgers shamefully repulst. Shame of this ignoble enterprise, especially grief for its ill suc∣tesse, took him out of the world. About which time, the estate of these Countries was thus by this Hieroglyphick expressed. A Cow represented the body of Belgium: there stood the King of Spain spur∣ring her, the Queen of England feeding her, the Prince of Orenge milking her, and Duke Francis plucking her back by the tail, but she foul'd his fingers. During his unfortunate Government, Par∣ma prevailed in all places, especially after the death of William Prince of Orenge, treacherously slain with a Pistoll, anno 1584. Now were the poor Hollanders truly miserable; desperate of pardon from their Prince, and having none to lead them, none to protect them, but such as were likely to re∣gard their own profit more then theirs. England was the only sanctuary they had now left: to which they sue, offering the Queen thereof the soveraignty of their Provinces, who had, if not a true, yet a plausible title to them: As being generally descended from Edward the third, and Philip his Wife, who was sister, and (as some say) Heir to William Earl of Hainalt, Holland, &c. If Margaret, from whom the right of Spain is derived, were daughter to Earl William, then was our Queen to succeed after Philip, who was rejected: if that Margaret were (as many write) his younger sister, then was

our Queen the undoubted Heir: her predecessour Philippa being Earl Williams eldest sister. But that Heroick Queen not disputing the right of the title, nor intending to herself any thing, save the honour of relieving her distressed neighbours; and providing for her own estate, by this diversion; took them into her protection. Under which the Belgian affairs succeeded so prosperously (I will not now stand upon the particulars) that before they would hearken to any treaty of peace, they forced the King of Spain to this conclusion, that he treated with them as with a free Estate, abstract∣ed from all right and title, which he might pretend unto the places which they were possessed of. This peace was concluded anno 1609. since which time, they have kept Garrisons well disciplined, and as well paid: so that these Countries have in these late dayes been the Campus Martius, or School of defence for all Christendome, to which the youth of all Nations repair to see the manner of Forti∣fications, and learn the art of war. Thus did they for 40 years hold the staffe against a most puissant Monarch, and in the end capitulated with great advantage; that it is observed, that whereas all other Nations grow poor by war, these only grow rich. Whereupon it is remarkable to consider into what follies and extremities Princes run, by using their people to the warre. The Kings of France place most of their hopes in their Cavalrie, because in policie they would not that the Vulgar should be exercised in arms. Lycurgus gave a Law to the Lacedemonians, that they should never fight often with one enemie: the breaking whereof, made the Th••bans a small Common-wealth, to be their equals in power. The Turks won the vast Empire they now possesse, by making many and speedy wars. But now that policy being worn out of fashion, we see that (to omit Persia) the little and di∣stracted Kingdom of Hungarie, hath for 200 years resisted their Forces. So was it between the Dukes of Austria and the Switze••s; and so it is betwixt the Spaniard and Low-country men, who formerly being accounted a dull and heavy people, altogether unfit for the wars; by their continuall combat∣ing with the Spaniard, are become ingenious, full of action, and great managers of causes appertain∣ing to sights either by Sea or Land. We may hereby also perceive what advantage a small State gain∣eth by fortifying places and passages; there being nothing which sooner breaketh a great Army, and undoeth a great Prince, then to beleaguer a well fortified town: for that herein he consumeth his time, and commonly loseth his men, credit, and money, as the Romans before Numantia; the great Tu••k in Malta, and Charls of Burgundie before Nancie. For where war is drawn out of the field unto the wals, the Mattock and Spade being more necessary then the Sword and Spear, there the valour of the assailant is little available, because it wanteth its proper object.

Thus as before we brought these severall Estates and Provinces into one hand; so now we have broke them into two, the one part continuing in obedience to the Crown of Spain, the other gover∣ning themselves as a State apart. Under the King remain the Dukedoms of Luxembourg, Limbourg, and Brabant, (some few towns excepted) the Marquisate of the Empire, the Earldom•• of Hainalt, Na∣mur, Artois and Flanders (except only S. Ivys) and the Lorship or Signeurie of Machlyn; with many pla∣ces of importance in the Dutchie of Gueldres, to countervail the towns with-held from them in Flan∣ders and Brabant. This is by far the greater part of the Countrie, and more fruitfull in regard of the Commodities there naturally growing; but as much inferiour to the other in power and riches by reason of their strength in shipping, by which they have the command at Sea, and thereby draw the whole trade of Christendom, driven before at Antwerp, to Amsterdam, and other towns of their con∣federacie.

For the government of these Provinces, there is a Regent sent from the Court of Spain, whose au∣thoritie is generally as great as that of the Kings, save that all matters of moment passe under the Kings name, and that all Officers of any great trust and moment are appointed by him: and that all laws, decrees, sentences and negotiations are dispatched in his name. For the assistance of the Regens there is a Privy Councell, a Councell of State, and a Councell of Finances, by whom all things are ordered which conern the publick, the Regents authoritie cooperating and concurring with them: without which, though they may consult, they can execute nothing. And for the governance and well or∣dering of the severall Provinces, there is in every one of them a Lieutenant, or Provinciall Gover∣nour, subordinate to the Regent and accomptable to him: and in each Province a particular Coun∣cell held in the Kings name, consisting of more or lesse Counsellors (as the bignesse of the Province is) for the most part Doctors or Licentiates of the Civill-Laws, with a President as the head thereof: which in some places they call the Parliament after the manner of the French, and in some the Chancerie. To these Courts all the Subjects do resort for justice in causes both Criminall and Civill: to these are brought appeals from inferiour Judicatures, such as the Courts of great Towns, and particular Fran∣chises: and from these lieth an appeal to the great Councel at Machlyn, supreme and superintendent un∣to all the rest.

When any thing is to be done which concerns the profit of the Prince, or otherwise is of publick moment, the Regent sendeth out letters in the Kings name to command the Estates, that is to say, the Clergy, the Nobility, and the principall Towns of every Province (except those of Luxembourg, Guel∣ders, West-Friseland and Over-yssel, who by speciall priviledge cannot be called out of their own coun∣tries) to come before him. The place of their Assembly is for the most part at Bruxels, the Court and residence of the Regent, because the Brabanters are also priviledged not to be summoned out of the Precincts of their own Province. Where being come, the States assemble not all together, but those of one Province at a time, so one after another: to whom the President or some one of the Councell of State proposeth in the Princes name, that which he demandeth: to which if any town oppose, then all which the rest have done is of no effect; nothing being granted by the Deputies or States of

any Province, but with this condition, that all the rest of the Estates do agree unto it. Without this punctuall content of all parties interessed, the Prince can impose nothing, by their Laws, upon the Subject, nor alter any thing at all in the publick government.

And as the people are thus priviledged in regard of the Prince, so are the Princes and Prelates pri∣viledged in regard of the Pope: it being agreed upon between them,

• 1. That the Prince is to give Clergie-Benefices, and the Pope to confirm them.
• 2. That neither Prelate nor Lay-person may be cited to Rome, but the Pope to send his Delegates or Commissioners into the Countrie.
• 3. The Pope not to give a Benefice nor grant a Pardon, nor send a Bul into the Country without the leave of the Prince.
• 4. That no Clergie man can buy lands or other immoveables without the Princes consent. And
• 5. That the Prince hath power to visit the Clergie, to see if they be well governed or not, and if they be not, to reform the abuses.

Great priviledges, if considered rightly, greater then which few Protestant Princes do pretend to in their own Dominions.

As for the Revenue raised by the Spaniard out of his part of this Estate, it is not easie to be guessed at: and of that which is, there comes but little to his Coffers. The expences of his Court there, is as great as ever under any of the former Regents, and his charge of entertaining Souldiers for his towns and garrisons, greater then before. Nor doth it now stand with reason of State to lay any arbitrarie taxes upon the people, lest he exasperate them to a second Rebellion, or startle them to some new Con∣federacies against his quiet.

Under the government of the Confederate Estates, are the Dukedome of Guelderland, excepting some few Towns in the hands of the Spaniard, the entire Earldoms of Holland, Zeland, and Zutphen, the Seig∣neuries of West-Friseland, Vtrecht, Over-Yssell, Groining, the town of Sluyes, with the Isle of Cassandt in Flanders, and many pieces of importance in the Dutchie of Brabant. This is the lesser part by far, and far inferiour to the other in regard of the soil, but the more populous of the two, and by the indu∣stry and great trading of the people, the more rich and powerfull. Governed after their own old Laws, by the particular Estates of every Province not yet united into one entire body of a Comon∣wealth: saving that for the better preservation of their confederacie, the Commissioners of the seve∣rall Provinces doe consult together, whom they have honoured with the name of the States Generall.

The Estates of the particular Provinces, elected out of the principall towns and places of most impor∣tance, doe order the affairs thereof according to their ancient priviledges, rights, and customs, as well by themselves as by their Colleagues and Officers whom they doe appoint, and that as well for mat∣ters of State, as in point of Justice. For administration of the which, the Governour, President, and Counsel∣lors of the Provinciall Courts, have the cognizance of all cases both civill and criminal; and in all causes of appeal from inferiour Courts, in each of which they do proceed without appeal, making their Acts and Commissions in the name of the said Governour, President, and Councell; but pronouncing sentence and executing judgment in the right of the Soveraigntie of the said Province. And these Provinciall States are chosen generally out of the Plebeians or common people, and the Burgers (at the best) of the grea∣ter Townships: the Nobilitie and Gentry being so worn out, that in all Holland, and Zeland, there are not left above 3 families of Gentlemen; and those compelled to live after the Plebeian fashion for fear of envie, and to avoid the insolencie of the saucie Clowns, who out of rudenesse and the desire of equality, hate nothing more among them then the name of a Gentleman.

Out of these Provinciall States which hold not for any certain and determinate time, but only du∣ring the pleasure of the communitie for which they serve, are chosen one or more for each severall Province, according to the condition and capacitie of those which are chosen, to reside at the Hague, there to consult of the affairs which concern the publick: but so, that be they more or lesse out of every Province, they make amongst them but one suffrage when any thing is to be put unto the Vote. And these they call the States Generall, first because a collected body out of all the Provinces, and se∣condly, because they are not properly to deal in any matters of particular concernment, which are determinable absolutely by the States Provinciall, but only in such things as concern the generall good of the whole Estate; as treating with Ambassadours, making war and peace, &c. For their assistance in the which, there is a Councel of State made up of the Governours and some eminent men of every Province (in which the Ambassadour of England, as long as we held Flushing and the other Cautiona∣rie Towns, had his voice or suffrage:) by whose advice they dispose of all things which concern the publick. But so, that if any difficultie do appear in the businesse they conclude nothing till they have the approbation and consent of the particular Cities and Provinces for which they are chosen, to whom they are accomptable for their administration, and by whom revocable whensoever they please.

The Revenue of this Estate doubtlesse is exceeding great, the Armie which they keep in continuall entertainment, consisting of no lesse then 30000 men, which they can draw into the field, leaving the Forts and Towns very well provided: yet so well paid, that we never read of any mutinie amongst them for want thereof. The whole charge, with the entertainment of Captains and superiour Offi∣cers, is said to amount to 500000 l. per annum, raised on the people by Excise laid upon all commodi∣ties, and many taxes of like nature so insupportable in themselves and amongst men which would be thought to live in a free State, that should the Spaniard, or any Prince in Christendome lay but half so much upon their Subjects, it would occasion a Revolt. So that whereas one of the first causes of their

falling off from the King of Spain, was to free themselves from taxes and impositions, illegally (as they said) inforced upon them, they have drawn upon themselves more arbitrarie and illegall pay∣ments then any Nation in the World. So little have they got by the change of government. Tou∣ching their power at Sea, we have spoke alreadie. All I shall now adde to it, is by way of instance, which is, that in the year 1587. the King of Denmark on pretence of some displeasure, arrested 608 ships of theirs, of all sorts at one time, in the Sound; and that the next year after they set out upon ve∣ry short warning, an hundred good men of war to join with England against the invincible Armada which then threatned both. To conclude, there is nothing wanting to these Countries, wherewith the God of all blessings doth enrich a Nation, but a gracious Prince, unitie of Religion, and a quiet Govern∣ment: which if it pleased the Almighty to confer upon them, they would surpasse all neighbouring States in treasure, potencie, content, and all worldly happinesse.

There are in these Countries,

• Archbishops 3.
• Bishops 15.
• Universities 7. Viz.
  • Lovain,
  • Doway,
  • Leige,
  • Leyden,
  • Harderwick,
  • Franeker.
  • Groyning,

Notes

• * 1.1

  Zutphen.
• * 1.2

  Groining∣land.
• * 1.3

  Guelder∣land.