De rebus belgicis, or, The annals and history of the Low-Countrey-warrs wherein is manifested, that the United Netherlands are indebted for the glory of their conquests, to the valour of the English, under whose protection the poor distressed states, have exalted themselves to the title of the high and mighty ...

The Fifth BOOK of the History of the Dutch AFFAIRES.

THE Netherlanders, under the Spanish Obedience, be∣gan the year merrily, from the unaccustom'd Joy of them, which were come from the French Borders, as well as from the new hope conceiv'd from Albertus, Arch-Duke of Austria, who was sent with great honour to be Successor to Ernestus: He was the youngest of all his Brothers; But, which is a great advantage to Nobility, and an implicite Agree∣ment between the Pope and Kings, he was graced with a Cardinals Hat. Afterwards, being approved by Philip, for his Government of Portugal, where he had gotten Repute by his careful Obedience and Affability towards the Subjects; and therefore now was not thou••ht unworthy to be bound to the King in a nearer Tye, according to the Custom of Peo∣ple agreeing in Affection. To this purpose, that he might with the greater Honour unde••take and enter upon this Govern∣ment, belonging to the House of Austria, great store of Pro∣visions

were made, both for Peace and War: He had a safe Journey from Spain into Italy, and thence, through Savoy and Burgundy as far as Lutzenburg, and the Borders of the Ne∣therlands: Souldiers both of Horse and Foot were on all hands drawn together; not onely as a Defence for the whole, but as a Supplement to the old exhausted Militia; which he, as soon as he came to the Army, he reduced into a few Regiments or Brigades, & partly filld them with old Soul∣diers, wisely desiring to find true Valour among them, rather than great Name and an outward shew, lest he should by an unnecessary multitude of Officers, both trouble the Soul∣diers, and burden the Treasury: And therefore he removed from being Governours and Colonels, all those Netherlandish Noblemen, who seldom coming at their charges, scarcely made use of any thing, besides the name and profit arising therefrom, putting others in their places, who by long obedi∣ence, had deserved to command; He appointed also, other things worthy of imitation, as, That none should carry an Ensign, unless he had thrice received pay; Moneys also were looked after, because a new Sedition was feared, and the old Sores began again to rankle; for prevention whereof, for the future, the Spaniard promised every Moneth, eleven hundred thousand Florens, but the same should not proceed beyond the first Autumn.

The Archduke Albert, brought along with him a great Mass of uncoyned Silver, by which means, the damage of money to be returned by Writings, or Bill of Exchange, would be much advanced, and because being coyned in the Netherlands, it would bear the greater price; Besides, other∣wise, the many hazards of long Journies were now prevent∣ed the same at present being defended with a strong Guard▪ he brought with him also, and boasted it as a g••eat Pledge of his clemency, the Prince of Aurange, whose name was Philip William, who at the first beginning of the troubles in the Ne∣therlands, had been carryed thence, where being honourably

kept in the Spanish Court, had now first received his Liberty, for being firmly grounded in the Catholike Religion, and ob∣liged by that benefit, if he should go to his younger Brother and the Provinces where his Fathers Memory was yet f•••••• it was hoped he would either become a Moderator for Peace or be the cause of Discord among the Enemies: Nor truly was Albertus himself look'd upon by the Hollanders with a•• Evil Eye, being known to most of the Sea-men for his libe•••• Clemency, when being all seized in Portugal, he dismissed them, to this very end, as was believed, in hope that the•• would spread abroad his Fame. But above all, he was most beloved before all others; because, by his coming, Ibarra and Fontayne, were removed from their maligned Greatness, and sent into Spain. But the absence of those was supplyed with many more; as, Francisco Mendoza, Admiral of the Arrage∣nian Sea, a chief man both in Counsel and Actions of Warre, Gonsalvo Carilia, Girolam Zapata, and Baptista Taxis, per∣sons with other Names, but of the same Nature and Disposi∣tion with the former, whereby dissembled Goodness was more feared, than the remaining Evils.

The States of the United Provinces, fearing lest the Vulgar should be chang'd by the speech and presence of the Prince of Aurange writ to him, congratulating his Freedom from a Captivity of Twenty Eight years continuance: But that it was not safe for him to come within their Jurisdiction being all in Arms, unless he were publikely invited, nor could they, as present Affairs then stood, come to him: However, they hoped, that he, who had so throughly tryed the Spanish Cru∣elty, would not seek to subvert their Liberty, founded by his Fathers Counsels, and cemented with his Bloud. Whereto he answer'd, as concerning his Father dissemblingly, but to the rest friendly; to wit, That he was come thither, to be an Author of nothing, but what might conduce to the benefit of both Parties, whereupon he hoped he should meritedly expect their best Wishes.

Being then debarred thereof, for the time to come, he af∣••••••ed nothing, complaining, That the Hollanders suspected 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and the Spaniards hated him for his Alliance; wherefore he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not take up Arms, chiefly as being desirous of a private life, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 partly also out of respect to his Brothers Honour. But Prince Maurice, and his Sister, who was marryed to Count Hohenlo, before he came into the Dutchy of Cleves, sent to him by particular Messengers, both Gifts and Money, each offering to clear themselves, concerning the Domestick Administra∣tions of those great Possessions in their Power. But the States, publickly desiring to avoid all imminent Snares laid to catch them, give Order for strict Watches upon the Ways; their chief Care was against the Jesuits, lest any Seditious Doct∣rine should be blown among the people. But Albertus, not ••elying upon these Inventions, although desirous of peace, yet so he might be ready for War; to which purpose, he made ready an Army of 15 Thousand, besides his Garri∣••on.

Fayer, a Town in Vermandois, surrounded both with War and Want, there was no reason or possibility to maintain, un∣less by continual Additions of little Forces, which must be put in by stealth, because all about it lay the Enemies Towns, with a great Body of Horse, beside the dampness of the fields: By how much the Besiegers Fortifications were greater, by so much more they terrified all that endeavour'd to approach it with the greater danger: Wherfore, to withdraw the Besiegers, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 if they should stay, it was nearer to attaque Calais, a Town of greater value, and the ill repaired Fortifications of that City, perswaded the Avarice of the Praefects hereto.

The Duke of Parma formerly destin'd the same thing; so did Fontayne afterwards, by the advice and perswasions of La∣••••••. But the honour of beginning thereof was reserved for a new Governour. This most eminent Reward and remain of their Transmarine Expeditions, the English kept for two hundred years, as the main Port of their Sea; which being

regained by the Valour of Francis Duke of Guise, one Gor∣don had the Government thereof, which he soon after trans∣mitted to a near Kinsman of his own: But neither of them had to much care, as to amend what was decay'd and become ruinous, either by Age or War. And the Works were far short of an Age in standing, a Stone Wall encompassing the City: It hath a little Castle, slightly running out with four Platforms; there was not a Souldier in it that thought of an Enemy, but made it their business to strengthen their Autho∣rity, while they onely study to inrich themselves by Sea and Land, and (which is frequent, where there is a distraction in Affairs) out of a Captainship erect a Kingdom. Wherefore, neither the King of France, though he was fore-warned of the danger by some intercepted Letters, could help it, he ruling yet as it were but at pleasure, and by his Subjects good-will. Moreover, the Governour, hearing it strongly reported, that Calais was aim'd at, conscious to himself of the defects of the Town, admitted two Companies of Holland Souldiers into the Town, but no more, he himself having six more; where∣of when Albertus was told, the more to spread abroad the Terrour of his Design, he commanded several Bands to go out of the Town of Valenciennes under their Captains, and in the nearest parts of France to make a great Uprore.

The Camp-Master-General Christian Roneè, the famousest Man among all the French Exiles, sent with part of the Army to begirt the Town, cut off all the Passages, by which onely Relief might come: For taking the Bridge, whereby the Land-Entrance is straitned, he raised against the Wall a Tower, which is called a Rice-Bank, just at the sides of the Port (this same way the Duke of Guise before found into the Town) where the Fortifications were long since half fallen down; which, the danger being not yet fully known, every one helped to fasten again, being shaken with Cannon plac'd upon the Shore, and not defended so long as it ought to have been, the Conquerour ascended and won.

After this the Hollanders Ships, which lay upon the Coast of Flanders, were driven off, that they might not so commo∣diously assist the Besieged: Notwithstanding which, among all the Shot, the Haven being very large, a Ship was convey'd into the Town, which deliver'd to the Governour such Work∣men as he requested, for the mending his Works together with a quantity of Gun-powder, and then returned. Shortly after the Count St. Paul, who had brought 1500 French-men to the Sea-Shore, for Relief of the Town, was promised by a Sea-man to be put into it, but he durst not undergo the dan∣ger.

At last all the Arch-Duke's Forces being met together, and fought with upon the Sand-Hills; from whence the Besieged being forced, forthwith the Suburbs were gain'd. Within a while after, the Town it self, after a three days Siege, when the Gate began to be batter'd, between the People's Fear, and the Hatred of their old Lord (because the Governour him∣self was wanting both in Authority and Counsel) was sur∣rendred to the Spaniard. The Souldiery retired into the Ca∣stle, which was held six days, during a Truce, in hope of Re∣lief: And now Prince Maurice, with 50 Sail of Ships, and a great number of Souldiers, was come thither, to see what was the Resolution, as well of the English, as the French: But the Count St. Paul marched away, and the Earl of Essex was rea∣dy with a Fleet to fight the Spaniards, if, by chance, they should offer an Invasion: But the Emulation of the People never well agreeing, hindred it. For the Earl of Essex tryed Mounsieur de Vique, the Governour of the next French Garri∣sons, if he would suffer the English to have the Custody of Ca∣lais. if it were recover'd: But the French believed, that the English, now under a shew of Friendship, did clandestinely seek to regain, what they had long since gain'd by War. How∣ever, King Henry not minding to leave his Siege, but leaving his Army at Payer, and doing so, either because he despair'd of passage to Calais, the Way being cut off by Dutches that

let to the Sea, he came with 4000 men by the River Sama•• to Boloyn the next Harbour. And there he advised, but too late, about relieving the Castle of Calais. Prince Maurice being desired by the King to come on Land, he excused It, affirming, He was to advise concerning their own Borders 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Home, which were left unprovided. But while they were argu∣ing, almost 300 Souldiers, under the Conduct of Campsa•••• making use of the Night, and the Ebbe of the Sea, with great silence marching by Land, broke through the Trenches into the Castle, giving rather an Example of Courage, than any other help to the Besieged; for many of them, the Forts ly∣ing open to the Assailants, were killed, together with the Dutch Souldiers, at their very entrance, while the rest of the French, being altogether unaccustom'd and unfit so; War, by an inconsiderate Sally, caused the Ruine both of themselves and thers; at which time the Governour himself was slain: About 60 Hollanders valiantly defending themselves from the Topt of Houses, obtained a Grant to be sent away safe. The presence of the Arch-Duke caused the Victory to be moderately used, who having gained Calais, without the loss of many of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 men and being a Town in the uttermost Borders of France augmenting and strengthning with good Works, he subjected it to the Government of Flanders, the Speech of which Pro∣vince was agreeable to the same. By the Fame of this Victory Arde, a Town lying not far off within the Land, (and for∣merly a stop to the English invading that Country) soon yielded it self to the power of Albertus; by which mean•• there was a passage this way open'd into France, with the same Felicity to him, as it was much to the blame of the Ene∣mies, that they had oppressed them e're they were aware: Two Thousand Souldiers marched out of this Town, which was indifferently well Fortified, having honourable. Terms, though dishonourably obtained; for they did not hold out so long, as to endure one Assault, being frighted with the dennu∣tiation of Death, if they forthwith did not surrender.

While these Things were doing, at last Fayer, being sub∣dued by Famine, King Henry distributed his Army into all places about, and near to, Calais, lest any of the weaker Cities' who were surprized with great fear, should make a defecti∣on to the Conquerour: whom the Flandrians intreated, (be∣ing now compelled to depart out of France, by want of all ne∣cessaries) promising to assist him with great Sums of Mo∣ney, if he would besiege Ostend, and restore it to them, that Town onely being wanting upon all that Coast: And Prince Maurice fearing the same, went himself to view it, and took care at his departure, that they at present be supplyed with Souldiers enow, and afterwards should be stored with Victu∣als, and all other Things, both for maintaining their Works, and for War; which the Scouts and Spyes relating; as also, that the Sea came up to the very Town, with a commodious Haven, and that all backward was very dangerous, being full of Elluaries: So that Siege was put off, left being rashly be∣gun, it should wound and lacerate the Fame of his first Suc∣cesses. Yet because, besides the Auxiliaries sent to France, a great part of the Holland Souldiers was swallow'd in the English Fleet, Peace was by them condemned, though it mainly was contested by the Requests of the Cities, and the Counsels of the Captains; whither they should carry the War. But while the Dukes Forces were employ'd in France, Prince Maurice his Horse wasted all the utmost Skirts of Brabant, and the Netherlanders with Fire and Sword, and took Ech∣t••••••ach, a Town in Lutzenburg; and as soon as those Retreat∣ed into Flanders, the French likewise fell in there. Thus had each of them continually a troublesom Enemy at his Back or Side; Fusa's and Albertus Troops attending each others mo∣tions, as Fortune or Opportunity presented occasions. And certainly, this time, by much Exercise, and the Care of the Commanders, gave to the Hollander's establish'd Horse, not onely an Example of being mo••e active and vigilant to the greatest Attempts, but also instructed them better, and reduced

them to a more setled Discipline. For the Spanish Brigades were even inclosed and unfit for Service, when, on the other side, all the Enemies Country lay open to the Nassania Horse, as a fit Object for their Spoil. The Arch-Duke, when he thought fit to march out, that he might not leave any thing dangerous, or suspectfull to him behind, removed from T••••∣mont all the Italians, first giving them their Pay; then be••∣ing all his Hopes and Counsels against Hulst, because it seem∣ed the reducing thereof would quiet Flanders, and be of no small advantage also to Brabant. It is a Town of no strength, by reason of the Antiquity of its Building, whereof Prince Maurice being Conquerour, and having a long time design∣ed to change and alter the round fashion of the Walls, he had added, in the interim, some Fortifications to the new made Trench. Soon after the Zelanders, undertaking the de∣fence, and keeping thereof, erecting some Forts about the ad∣jacent Fields, did seem rather to have taken Counsel for pre∣serving the Country, than the Town: The chief strength of the place is a River arising not far off, which being helped forward by Art, that it might, so passing further, fall into the Hont, was also brought back into the Scheldt; for, that same River, by both Names, being full of Meanders, washeth all the back-part of the Territory of Hulst: By which means, it is on every side inaccessible, as is an Island; and being in••∣pendent on both Battles, daily sent forth Souldiers to plunder and wast the Land of Wase, and the Province of Brabant: Be∣sides, they could cut their Sea-Banks, to let in the Water up∣on their Enemies; and then they that were within the River were lyable to Slaughter by the Darts and Shot of the Town. During the several Governments of Ernestus and Fontayn, the Flandrians had erected two Castles, to stop their Excur∣sions: The Ʋnited States had raised more for the Defence of the Bank. Two of these were annexed to the Town, by an excurrent Rampire or Breast-Work; which Passage, as we has the mutual assistance of each to the other, was hidden

by the Ground which lay open between them. These were not both of an equal strength, for that which was called Nassau Fort, was the stronger, being opposite to the Hont, because it served as a safeguard for the bringing Recruits, ei∣ther from Axele, or the Isles of Zeland.

They that were sent by Albertus to view the place, being testified with these Difficulties, advised quite contrary to what was before resolved on: For how was it possible (say they) to carry over naked Souldiers, a great quantity of Pro∣visions, and a Train of Artillery, which can but move slowly, while those Threatning Forts stand there to resist, and espe∣cially a great Fleet of the Enemies lying in the Scheldt, into the very middle whereof, their lesser Vessels will penetrate. Certainly, it was both a difficult and doubtful Attempt, not did the rest seem to have any thing more of Expedition, for the Soll was full of Marishes, the Enemy active and vigilant, and the Siege would be to little purpose, in regard of their free passage with shipping: Nor had they any better hopes to gain the same by Assault, for that the Town would be con∣tinually supply'd with found and fresh men: Besides all this; the King of France, having taken many of his Rebels into Mercy, it was to be fear'd, he would venter into all vacant places with greater Force: Nor indeed could it be accounted an Honourable Action, to attaque Hulst through so many Ha∣zards.

But Claudius Barlot, a Netherlander, and the most earnest of all the Colonels, rising up, desired he might have the car∣rying over those Regiments, against which the Spanish Offi∣cers had spoken: That the rest of their Arguments were fill'd with nothing but vain fear, whereas they ought, to expect some good success, to wait upon their courage, and hope for an opportunity, either from the errour or fear of the Enemy; That the vicissitudos of War should be brought to a stay, if equall Counsels should be found on both sides, and a like valour in every one: At present, the matter being dissembled

to most, but some few, that they might the better dr••w the Enemy into a Condition of Security, whom to remove one of the suspected places, was the chief work: the design ••••••∣ed not its effect; For Rones, by making a Bridge over the Scheldt, was commanded to march with some Ensigne into Brabant, meerly to affright them of Berghen or Breda, where∣by he compelled Prince Maurice, leaving a Garrison at Hulst, whereof Count Solmes was Governour, to follow him diligently with the rest of his Bands.

Then certainly, if ever at any time, were the Forces of the Ʋnited Provinces small because for the avoiding too great charges, they were contented only to maintain their own Borders; but this year made them sensible of the folly of such kind of Resolves, they having therein suffered so many losses, and undergone so vast expenc••s: Part of their Soul∣diers were by agreement aboard the English Fleet; the other part was gone into France, to relieve Cambray, and whit re∣mained, was almost taken up by their Garrisons; the German Souldiers of late being dismissed, and no new Regiments yet raised in their stead; Prince Maurice had scarce two thousand, wherewith to follow and observe the uncertain motions of the Enemy; But for supply thereof, the Souldiers out of France being eighteen Companies, were recalled, and soon came; In the interim, Barlot (with whom was present Prist in hope of the future Government of the Town) commanded some little Boats, which he caused to be brought from the next Castle in Flanders, through the ditches, in the night to be put into the Channel of the River; Barlotts Walloon, and Teslines German Regiments, being about fifteen hundred, of rather more, loaden with their Arms, and some few dayes Provisions, followed them with slippery steps, the place con∣sisting of a soft Clay, mingled with water. At last, being gotten aboard (for there were no Fords) they had a safe pas∣sage, wrought by their own silence, and the carelesness of the Holland Seamen, who as they dreaded no danger, so the neg∣ligent

and sloathful Watch, never offered to hinder, or stop with their Ship-Boats, which was easie to be done, the Ene∣my, while he was upon the Water; It was in vain to shoot or throw Darts in this darkness of the night, nor did the Guards get into the Town in time, for there being a little Fortification at the Bank, which thirty Souldiers were com∣manded to keep, as there was Reason, they, out of a rash bra∣••ado, going out thence, and being killed, furnished the E∣nemy; then wanting Engines, and a place of safety and re∣treat, with bo••h; suddenly after followed a Fight, but it hap∣pening in the night, proved more confused, neither party be∣ing able to know which were Friends or Enemies, yet the Germans, at the very fi••st brunt, their Colonel Tescline being killed, who came along with Barlotte, turned their backs, and being in vain withheld, ran into the encreasing Waters (for it then flowed) and there met a cowardly and obscure death. But Barlotte with his men, by much labour and valour, resto∣red their Fortune, encouraging them to Honour with his words, and the Assaylants being compelled to return into the Town, both parts reported the number of the slain, to be greater than it was, each affirming themselves Conquerours; Count Solmes, because he had taken some Colours, and they, because they had some Prisoners: Some Souldiers, which Barlotte had left beyond the River, to assist and be as a supply to the Germans, being hired to swim over, were rewarded with the spoyls of such as were slain; Then was it, if any things lying nigh was, in that sudden and nocturnal attempt, possessed by the Enemy, that it happened (for within, there ra•• to and fro cross Banks, to prevent the over-flowings of the Rivers, in the same manner, as Prince Maurice had com∣manded them to be kept.)

These things, as soon as they were noysed through Bra∣bant, both the Commanders by divers marches, tend to one and the same place.

The Prince, that he might drive out of the Isle this en∣creasing Company; the other, least those few who had en∣tred, should be destroyed, either by the multitude of the E∣nemies Forces, or by Famine; for they had no more Provi∣sions, than what they carryed upon their shoulders, there be∣ing no passage for Carts or Waggons: But Prince Maurice laboured in vain, to recover the lost places, because Ro••es had brought thither five Regiments from beyond the Scheldt, to wit, the Neopolitan, Walloon, and three Spanish Regiments, but not without great danger and some loss; with the rest of the Army, Albertus himself filled the further Banks: Prince Maurice remained at Cruning, in the utmost Borders of Ze∣land, sending from thence into the Town, as many Souldiers as he could possible; for the Zelanders earnestly conjured their Allyes, that they would not be neglectful of them, a∣gainst whom, both a valiant and victorious Army was com∣ing, and would lie upon them with all their force, wasting and spoyling their Country, although they would have all Provi∣sions from Gaunt, which is close at hand, and Antwerp not far off.

Therefore, Souldiers were both raised and encouraged in the Cities beyond the Rhine, and in other places where hi∣therto they had been feared. The Guard of the Borders w•• committed to some fresh water Souldiers lately raised, who besides their Oath taken as Souldiers, were further obliged by half pay. Besides, it was decreed, that there should be Drums beat up in England, for the raising two thousand good Souldiers, the Queen being beseeched, that she would by her Authority, be contributary to their Assistance in this great necessity. But the King of France sought to for the same pur∣pose, that he would lay hold of this opportunity against his careless Enemy, and make some speedy incursions into his Territories, was backward in granting their Request, from some designs of peace, whereof he now began to hope.

In the mean time, the Spanish brought in by one side, and the Hollanders Horse by the other, filled the whole Country about Hulst, with sudden fear and slaughter: The Hollan∣ders had the greater strength, and as oft as the water over∣flowed the Fields, they passed backward and forward with their small Vessels unmolested. Then between the Town and the Castle adjoyning to the Town, which looketh toward the Scheldt, and so to the Enemy, slighting their Fortifications, they laid themselves open, by which mock or scorn, the Ene∣mies being provoked, as they pursued them seeming to fly, were cruelly shattered, and beaten by the Townsmens shot, and also a more compact and well ordered Sally: It was manifest, that these things happened for want of Cannon; without which no good could be done; and there was no small difficulty in the wafting them over the River: the more marishy places were by little and little, made firm with Fag∣gots, and other blushwood.

In the Estuary, several Ships were bound, and tyed one to another so strongly, that they were as good as a Bridge, and at the furthest part of the Bank, served the Kings Forces like a Sconce, framed into the shape of a half Moon; from hence the great Artillery battered-both the Town and Castle. But at that time there were two, which had been brought at the first coming, into the very Island, and as any of the rest were brought over, they were planted immediatly against the Ene∣my. Afterwards, many others were brought thither, for se∣curity of the former, and Rouce attempted to take from the Hulstians a Fort, which was (as we said) to secure their Pro∣visions) and to cut off the use of the River from the Town, yet make it advantagious to themselves, which after it had not succeeded by several mean assaults, at length, with the Thunder of Cannons, and the noyse of Trumpets and Drums, whereby (as he openly confessed) he intended to strike at the same time, terrour into the Enemies, and infuse Courage into his own men, at midnight, he commanded the Italians to

go and break through the middle bank, possessed by the Ene∣my, which led from the Castle to the City. The darkness of the night was spent in wounds and slaughters, with a confu∣sed noyse, while the doubtful stroaks fall among the Croud, and there is no possibility to foresee or avoid them.

In the morning, the Garrison was driven out; And in this interim, the Germans of the same side, that they might by po∣licy assist them in the assault, with great labour passing through the marishy and unguarded places, had won the outer Trench of the Castle, and cutting down the Palizadoes, fell upon the Watch, and killed them, not thinking of any dan∣ger from abroad: Thus keeping one part from the relief of the other, he became Conquerour of both, and all that day battered the Castle with his Cannon, which as it was princi∣pally strengthned with a Bank of moist plashy Earth, so was it easily beaten down; the Besieged therein, were no less than eight hundred, yet although the breach was not made wide enough, and they were sensible of no force near to assault them, feared nevertheless, the Bridge taken by the Enemy, and many other doubtful and unseasonable events of chance, but chiefly, by the commixture of those, who flying from the Battel in the night, and mingled themselves among them, and would not suffer one among them to remain honest and just: And throwing down their Arms, with horrible cla∣mours and threats, and force against their Commanders, if they could not consent forthwith to surrender. And just as the Count Solmes was bringing to them Relief, they marched out late in the Evening, being derided by their Enemies, and according to the merits of their cowardise, punished by their Commanders in chief; so highly oftentimes are the man∣ners and Customs of an Age corrupted, that the remedies of evils are more to be feared, than the evils themselves.

The Spaniard having thus sooner, nay beyond his hope, obtained so easie an entrance against all stops, drained all the ground near the Trench, and from thence, what with Strata∣gems,

and what with force, he sorely battered all the Forti∣fications encompassed with the Trench: and also by the help of the Fort, could now secure the River, draw his Forces round the Town, and take order for encamping them: and which was as much as all this, by reason hereof, the prices of all things were abated, which the difficulty of transporting before, had made so scarce, that the Souldiers were much pinched with hunger.

The Besieged laboured, and earnestly strove, by breaking down some water, to have let in an inundation upon their E∣nemies, but they found means to prevent the same, and turn∣ed all those Banks which they had gotten from the Towns∣men, to serve against them for present use: But they bending their whole study to procure eruption of the Water, made a Cave under their Walls, whereby they might drown them unawares; and after much slaughter, some Ensigns and Pri∣soners were taken, without harm to the Assaylants, while they took the Souldiers, either idle in their Quarters, or some∣times at play at Dice, which of late is become the passe-time of Military retirements and leysure; or, if they were forewarned by the Sallyers out-cryes, that a greater number came out, they would shun the danger, either by fighting at distance, and waveringly, or else by a lingring and flow re∣treat. The Cannon aid the greatest damage, together with Granadoes; for against all persons that came towards the City, there were empty Baskets set out for blindes, as well to hinder their sight, as to keep off their Darts; notwith∣standing all which, not onely they that were fain to expose themselves to danger in their continual attendance upon the batteries, were slain, but also not a few of the Commanders were in like manner killed; and among these, Rones, by whose advice all the noble actions of the Spaniards, atchieved in France, were managed, but that both the Archduke Alber∣tus, Fontayne, and the Duke of Parma, took the glory thereof to themselves, by commanding the same things,

He was by Nation a Lorrayner, and of a Noble Family, who, from the beginning of the French Commotions, follow'd the Party and Fortune of Francis de Valois. Afterwards, the Duke of Guise, observing him to be a man no less subtilly po∣litike, than truly valiant, and one that would not think any thing dishonest that was profitable, by great Gifts and Boun∣ty made him his own. In these last years, he had under-hand discover'd many of the Spanish Counsels to King Henry, as if his Affection banded towards him but, in truth, that he might hide his greater Aims: The Office of Camp-Master-Ge∣neral, being void by his Death, was bestow'd upon Herma•• Count Heremberg. But to proceed, The Townsmen were by their own streights compelled to fight, the Banks and Hills round about beholding them with a threatning Aspect, for Varas being General of the Ordnance under the Duke, had armed all those places with Cannon.

Thus there was nothing cover'd, but their filthy biding places under Ground, or which lay under the Covert of the lofty Rampire: Count Solmes being wounded with a Shot in the Thigh, perform'd the Duties of his Command by Mes∣sengers, and Conference with the Collonels: And Prince Mau∣rice himself, from the Neighbouring Shore, had an Eye to∣wards all Things; so as whoever were wounded, or unable to bear Arms, being near fifty every day, were taken out of the Town, and plac'd in Hospitals, in the several adjacent Cities and Islands: Piron also a Collonel of Zealand, by continuall labour, and studious vigilancy, weakned and fallen sick, was licensed to depart. Supplies, and all other Things necessary for War or Provisions, were brought thither also from the same place first by the Care of Ernestus of Nassau, and after∣wards by Captain Dorpius: And the Garrison, by little and little, increased, till there were in the Town 36 Companies, and in Nassau's Fort 6 Companies: Besides, such plenty of Corn, that when they could not conveniently keep it within the Town, part of it was laid up in the Ships: But this was

hardly to be indured by the Enemy, that Ships should so fre∣quently pass to and fro, as in Trade, while he lay there in Siege: And therefore against the Port, they raised severall long Works, sometimes extending one way, anon turning another way, that so they might from thence infest the Haven with their Artillery; but for the most part in vain: For by the interposition of the Marishes, and long distance of place, the Shot was spent, before it came to the place, which it was intended to batter: And besides, the Enemy lay within reach of the Shot from Nassau Fort. And the flowing of the Sea, growing more violent, prov'd to them both an hindrance and damage. From thence, the Italians, under the Leading of the Marquess of Trevigiana, attaqued the Fortification, which Count Solms had lately made before the Gate of the Town, looking towards the Camp: First, they begun with plain and open force of Pioneers; but as soon as appearing out of the Trench, they found themselves gall'd with Shot, present∣ly raising two Breast Works, they inclosed their Flanks, and then began to shoot furiously, and the Italians soon after, climbing up to the very bottom of the Fortification, were thrown down in Fight; from whence again rising, by the Va∣lour of the Zelanders, thick showrs of Bullets, and casting of Wild-fire, they were totally put to flight. They had joyn'd to them some other Aids of other Nations, which stood every one separated by themselves, that so their Valour might be the better discerned. Nay, and a proper Band of Voluntiers was commanded to go forward, with not onely Military En∣signs display'd before them; but such as were wont to be used at Processions, and Solemn Times of Prayer appointed by the Church.

This was an ordinary thing with the Spaniards of old, as often as they had War against any Profane or Barbarous Ene∣my; and because it is a Nation much addicted to the Cere∣monies of Religion, there is no surer way can be devised to encourage them. On the other side, the several Regiments

by turns, took care of the Guards, and the whole multitude of Towns-people became subservient to the War, bringing Darts to the Souldiers, and Faggots, Fire-Brands, and other Materials, both for Offence and Defence. Thus for three days, one after another, continued a sharp Fight, but with the greatest slaughter of the Assailants; for as the Souldiers of the first Rank, by reason of their heavy Armour, were like a Wall to the rest, their Arms not being penetrable by Shot, so if they were kept nigh at hand, for the avoiding of stroke, by their standing still, they hindred both themselves and others. At last, they fell from Force to Stratagems; the one, begin∣ning to undermine; the other, to countermine; so as the Da∣mage yet fell equally: There were some for the Assailants, who, partly by the plainness of the overturned Ground in one part, and partly by the rising thereof in another, were helped by the Slaughters both of their Friends and Enemies: But then did Death appear most terrible, when the Ground, made uneven by daily Graves, and slippery with Bloud, cau∣sed such as stagger'd thereon, that they could neither avoid to tread upon the sprawling Limbs of their Fellow-Souldiers, nor keep themselves from being annoy'd, though in the heat of Fury, by their dying spurns. Notwithstanding all which, the increasing Enemy drove the Defendants to Extremity; and lest, being the less follow'd, they might at once break through the Bulwark, which already began to lye open by Breaches, made with continuall Battery, there was raised more inwardly, by the Providential Care of Count Solms, a new Work in form of a Half-Moon, and with a deep Trench, whither was drawn together, a great strength of Souldiers to make resistance: Neither did the Spaniard keep long the use of that Fortification, which they had obtain'd with so much Labour and Bloud. For whatever remain'd thereof, the Besieged threw down by the force of Gun-powder from a Mine; and besides, in the void place, which lay between that and the Rampire, they had made a little lurking Hole,

from whose obscure mouth they shot against the Enemy, who hardly detecting the fraud, yet at last when discovered, they stopped it up, from doing further mischief; but when the Besiegers had stopped it up behind also first throwing fire therein, the repressed force thereof, at length burst out with ••••••th violence, that it overwhelmed with Earth divers of the Enemies: In the interim, they ceased not to drain all the rest of the Water out of the Trench, and to batter the Ram∣pire, with so much the more violence, because the breaches of the Walls were sustained by Palizadoes, decaying towards the bottom, and whereever at any time the Works grew de∣fective, the Townsmen brought thither Faggots, Wood and other heaps of things to amend of stop up the same: Nei∣ther was the Assaylants labour small against the mayn Bull∣wark, that reached to the ravelin at the Haven, which they be∣gan to batter without success; for the Gunpowder desti∣ned to that Work, being by chance fired, destroyed many of the by-standers, with so much Thunder and terrour, that it was heard beyond the Sea of Middleburg: At which time, either by reason of this chance, or else being otherwise wea∣ried, the Besiegers fury beginning somewhat to abate, a se∣lect party out of several Companies of Hollanders, to the number of six hundred, at open noon-day, that being the time of the Waters great ebbe, passed over the River, partly with Boats, and partly by the Fords, and attained the parts beyond the River, and then so suddenly slying into divers places, that they slew the Spaniards even within the Tren∣ches, wherein they lay fortified.

The great Guns that were planted against them, as they sailed over the River, they clogged, because they could not bring them away, and presently after so beat down, and worst∣ed several Troops of Horse, and eight hundred Foot, that came to relieve their Fellows, or revenge their deaths, that they returned with very great Honour, and little or no da∣mage.

And after this, they made from other parts of the Town, many succesful Sallies: yet for all there things, the Spaniard continued to batter the Walls, and in one place had made a breach in the Bulwark, where there was not a more inward Work, though Prince Maurice had commanded one to be made there, the neglect whereof was excused by them that were guilty of it, by the Townsmens poverty, and Souldiers inability to undergo so many and great labours at once.

Albertus, according to the Custom of War, sent another Summons to the Town, being in this Condition, denouncing against them great threats, unless they would surrender. Whereto receiving a couragious Answer, he yet durst not begin a new Assault, because in the former Skirmishes, he had lost above two thousand men; among whom, fell many Captains, and other Commanders, with the most vallant men, while they drew the Souldiers to prolong the Fight by their Example, striving to win to themselves, favour and Reputa∣tion with the new Governour; and also an incredible number of sick and wounded men, were scattered in the Fields, for the Neighbouring Cities would not entertain them, the hor∣ribleness of which Spectacle, made a mixture together of fear and pity. Therefore he endeavours to undermine the Rampire and Bulwark, but without any certain hope, so long as they daily saw fresh men brought into the Town; but Fortune soon after ridded them of this trouble; for some did advise, suspecting the lying still of so furious and active an Enemy, that they should endeavour to get from the Besieged, some Islands and Fords, whereby they might command the River and Ships; Others, that Ambushes should be laid to break into the City from the Trenches, whereby not onely the Front as heretofore, but the backside also should be ren∣dred unsafe; or else to give sudden Assaults upon the breaches: Thus fear inventing many things, first conceived in the brest of one, is afterwards made publick by voyce and

consent of others: whereupon, some who were eloquent presently said, that to begin to extoll the Enemies Forces and to undervalue their own, which had before in those days slighted their greatest Valour, was one of the greatest evills that could be: Hereupon, they go to Count Solmes, where at a frequent Consultation (and there were some who blamed that very thing, that he had not advised with them, or some choyse men) a Captain perswading a Surrender used these, or the like words.

[If the greatest documents of Vertue, had not been published for this place, I my self should yet doubt, whether we could walk in is more ready way to Honour: That fame is unjust, which will not be satisfied; How often have we sustained the shock of the E∣nemies fury powred out upon us? how oft have we voluntarily fallen upon them? But alas, instead of being diminished, he ra∣ther encreaseth by the slaughters we make of him. We cannot receive so great Supplies as will answer the losses we suffer in being victorious; What have we gotten by this whole Months fighting, but the beating down of our Fortifications about the Town, and to devide our voyd works with the Enemy, and all our wast ground is taken up by making new defences within the former: What do we stay for therefore? Do you look for an Army to come, to drive the Enemy out of their Trenches and Leaguer, whom they could not keep off? Far be from you such a vain expectation: for France, and the furthest parts of the World, withhold our hopes; We are here fifteen hundred, who are daily called out to fight, the rest being either dead or wounded: We are besieged with twenty thousand, with whose very Arms we may be over-whelmed: What should I mention, the Ambushes and Snares hidden under ground, from which, no Vertue nor Valour can be safe; but we must perish without either defence or revenge; Truly we have been instructed by our Ancestors, that a valiant man will never slight apparent and visible dangers, nor do rash persons merit to be praysed as wise, while they seek a certain, but not an honourable grave; But now there is a far greater difference between us and

our Enemies: We, furnished onely with a few Companies, think by the chearfulness of our Obedience, to supply the defects of our number. They Powerful, exceeding Wealthy, prodigall of their Souldiers lives esteeming it costs but lietle, that is bought onely with blood. And who would desire to have him become an Enemy, who so lavishly wasts his Friends? But miserable is the poor Souldier, who having so oft with contempt, even looked death in the face, if yet at last he should not deserve to live; Rather let us take heed for the benefit of our Country, least while we defend a small part so stifly, the rest be left open to the same fury. Let him then be Su∣periour, whom we cannot but acknowledge more potent. Let him have the ground so sated with the blood of his followers: They will have no great cause to boast of this Victory, which hath robbed us of so many famous Leaders, and such a multitude of common Soul∣diers.]

This accurate defence of fear, did not work upon all one Matthias Helly, being the chief of the resisters, cryed out; [This is altogether anew mischief of War, to desert the Works be∣fore they are assaulted, and to intreat a safe passage from the E∣nemy, out of that place, from whence yet they were able to make good their defence, rather let some time be taken for deliberation in which interim, they might keep out the Enemy, by repairing their Works, or else by force and Sallies beat him off valiantly, untill they could receive further advice and directions from Prince Maurice and the States, the Prince lying but in the next Island, full of care for the Town, not expecting from thence any such newes.]

For all this, safety was preferred by all the valiant men, and Count Solmes, who a little before had promised the Prince, to hold the Town to the utmost extremity, and was encouraged by Letters, and Promises from the States to the same purpose, now fearing the Souldiers rashness, or else as it is experimentally observed, that generous Valour, which in Field-Fights is undanted, and not Conquerable, is not able in a Siege to endure the toyls and miseries of War,

thought it fit to hasten the Surrender, left the Condition and State of Affairs within the Town, should be discovered by the Treachery of any Renegadoes. They themselves in a man∣ner, prescribed their own terms of delivery; which Albertus consented to with the greater joy, by how much it came so unexpectedly, and beyond his hopes.

About the end of August, when the Siege had devoured no less than threescore Officers, and near five thousand Soul∣diers, Hulst was delivered to Albertus, together with Nassau Fort, not so much as defaced in the least manner, during the whole Siege; the rest of the Fortifications upon that Coast, the Garrison Souldiers that were therein, when they sled, did overthrow and destroy. The Hollanders took very heinously the loss of this Town, by which they had compelled the Pro∣vince of Flanders, to bear a part of their burdens, in paying them Tribute. Besides, they were possessed with great fear of the victorious Army, for that the greatest part of the year yet remained fit for Service; and what City would Hand out against them, if the touching of their Works by the Enemy, were enough to fright them into a Surrender, and if three thousand men durst not put off, and delay the Enemy by skir∣mishing and fighting? The multitude hereupon, murmured cruelly against Count Solmes, as become effeminate with the carasses and amours of his Lady, and as if they would be pleased, to have one guilty person sacrificed to the publick Calamities. Nor did the Zelanders defer to remove him from the Command of their Regiments, being now •••• pleas∣ed with him, because he had of late behaved himself impe∣tiously among them: professing they wanted his help no fur∣ther, and dissembling the rest of their anger. But he being conscious to himself, answered the same both by word and writing, as he heard thereof, excusing his actions by necessi∣ty: so that he obtained from the confederate States, a new Regiment, they of Zeland not opposing the same.

At which time he protested, that having been in the War for the Hollanders, during the space of thirteen years, he had always resolved, for the publick good, to pardon all the in∣juries he could receive from any particular persons.

The Cardinall Albert was received with extraordinary applause of all his followers, because the Austrian Family was not barren of Valour and Vertue, and that he being the restorer of Flanders and the French limits, after seven years, had then perfected their returned felicity with a treble Victo∣ry, and once more made their good Fortune permanent to them. Thus at present, they shewed nothing but content and joy, but the future did not continue to them the same hopes.

The War thus speedily ended, when the consumed Soul∣diery on both sides, and the exhausted Treasury should have given rest to the remainder of the year: he cast both his mind and eyes to the enlarging his bounds otherwise: sending Francisco Mendoza to the Emperour his Brother, to desire of him many things in the Kings Name; As, [That Besancos claiming liberty to it self, under the Reverence due to the German Empire, might be restored to that Burgundy which is subject is the Spaniards. That the Citizens of Aquisgrave, might be com∣pelled to submit to the Decree, which commanded the Magistrates to receive the Catholick Religion, and from thenceforth to forbid all Novel Rites of Religion. That as to the Ansiatike Cities, He would not suffer the English unpunished, to infest the Sea by Py∣racy. And that the Spaniard, for the listing and raising of Soul∣diers in Germany, might be assisted by publick Authority, which hitherto had been allowed but by permission.]

But the chief hopes of the Spaniard were removed a great distance into the Dutchy of Cleves and Juliers, where the Wife of the mad Duke, being struck suddenly dead, had with new jealousies and suspitions, inflamed the old discords.

The Counsellors retained the Government, against the wills of most of the Native Noblemen, enjoying the benefit of their false report, that the Duke, was recovered: These, be∣cause they ordained for the Duke, another Wife of the Fa∣mily of Lorraign, were believed to have wished and plot∣ted the death of the former, and now while the Spanish Af∣fairs prospered, arrived to that pitch of pride, that they com∣manded the Procurators of the Marquess of Brandenburg, and the Palatine of Newburg, to depart out of their Territories; and besides, they sent to the United States, with great de∣manding, if they expected ought from them.

The States knowing their own imbecility, and their Ene∣mies strength, modestly answered, that they were Friends, both to the Marquess of Brandenburg, and the Palatine of Newburg; yet nevertheless, they would observe peace with them, so long as they remained within the rights of Peace; yet wished them to be advised, lest they fetched forreign Forces out of Germany, to their great damage: Soon after, they accused and prepared to degrade from his Honour Count Brugny, and several others of the Protestants, as guilty of a Plot against them: And at the same time, sent to excuse themselves to Albertus, that they were compelled to dis∣semble many things, and to defer them until more seasona∣ble and happy opportunities: And Mendoza had brought it to passe, that these mens Authority was confirmed by the Emperours Decree; And when they requested more, in an∣swer whereto the Emperour declared, that He himself feared to give offence to the Protestants, whose Ayd and Assistance would be very necessary for him in his War against the Turks; Mendoza replyed, that remote Wars ought so to be minded, that in the mean while, neerer injuries should not be tolera∣ted. And now the Spaniard admits a discourse of Peace, be∣ing very acceptable to Germany, though without any Reason, or hope from himself; And Albertus wrote to King Philip to that purpose.

Whereupon the Emperour sent to the States a Nobleman, to require safe Conduct for some Embassadors that were to come thither; which when they excused, the Spaniards were, from their own words, charged with the Envy of the refused Peace; yet did Albertus keep the people obedient to him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whit the less, by the hope of Settlement.

While all these Accidents happen in and about the Ne∣therlands, in the interim, a Fleet of English and Hollander (which I spoke of before) passed up and down the Spanish Seas victorious: The cause of sending it was, because it ap∣pear'd to the Queen, that the Spaniards had gather'd together a great Navy, wherewith he intended to take some Pole in France, or near thereabout. Nor were the Threats vented •• years before quite forgotten; and that the Earl of Tyrone then Rebelling in Ireland, was greatly assisted and incourag'd with the hope of Spanish Supplyes: And thereupon it was thought very necessary, because both the charge and occasion offer'd it self, to divert those Forces raised and prepared for Defence of her Borders against he procra••inating Enemy. In this Fleet there were drawn together 16 of the Queens great Ships, and 40 lesser Ships, all fit for War; whereto were added 50 more for carrying Souldiers, and transporting Provisions: Reb•••• Earl of Essex was made General of all the Land-Forces, a person in great favour with the Queen, for the Honour of his Age.

The Charge of the Fleet was committed to the Lord Charls Howard, the Admiral thereof; both of them had equal power and authority; which Thing hath ever been observed preju∣dicial to Enterprises of that Nature, and to have damnified them, and hindred their Success. They were both of very unsuitable Dispositions; Essex, in a Youthful Heat of Bloud, seeking to get to himself both the Honour and Name of Chief Captain, was wont to force the Queen into Arms, un∣der the Notion of Danger; though she her self, as a Woman, endeavour'd to avoid Expences: And, that the Fleet might

the more honourably proceed, he expended therein no smal matter of his own Estate; himself shewing the way to his Relations and Familiars, that they might follow his Example. Howard being a person more wary of managing Affairs, by reason of his Age, tended to the contrary, and endeavour'd by all means he could, to delay the going out of the Fleet: And when it was ready, he had perswaded the Queen, that she would admonish Essex by her Letters, that he would desist from that dangerous Ʋndertaking and that she would re-imburse him what he had laid out. But he because he was not plainly forbidden, answer'd, That he would proceed in his Voyage, and doubted not his good Fortune. Nor did he refuse his Emulator, to be equal with him in Command, knowing, that his own Authority was greater with the Sea-men; and that he, upon any Mis∣carriage, should be less blamed where all Things were done with a Companion. And besides, under pretence of Honour, he had won as many Noble-men as he could to go with him, who, he knew, had no kindness for him; lest, in his absence, they should do him greater damage at home. There were ad∣ded to both of them as Counsellors, several great Souldiers, and no Order should be effectual, but what was approved by the consent of the greater part of them. The Queen's princi∣pal Care was, That they should fall upon the Spanish Fleet, that was set out against England or Ireland, and destroy whatever they met to that intent. Moreover, And if they could intercept the Ships coming from the Indies, or elsewhere, the Prey therein taken should be the Reward of their well-deservings.

The Ships set out by the Hollanders, and the rest of the League were in number 24. the greatest part of which were well fitted and prepar'd for War; the Admiral whereof was John Duvenvord Warmondt, to whom, next to the Prince, the chief Command, in Sea-Affairs, through Holland was com∣mitted. Also, there were some selected men out of the English Regiments, then in Pay in the Low-Countries, sent aboard, which indeed were the strength of the Fleet, and a

Pattern to the Fresh-water Souldiers. And the States wil∣lingly consented to it, that they might by such a Friendly Of∣fice, please the incensed Queen, although they fear'd the Evils. which afterwards hapned, upon their want of Money. Lewis of Nassau, the Son of Jehu and Cozen-German to Philip and Ernestus, going with those Souldiers, laid before them famous Rudiments of Vertue and Valour.

The 23 day of June, the great Commanders determin'd early to depart from Plymouth, with Order, To meddle or sight with none but Spaniards, or People subject to the Spaniards, or such as furnished them with Ships, Guns, Souldiers, or Provi∣sions; And that all other People might safely go about their Af∣fairs, whether they would follow the Fleet or depart to Sea; with promise of Impunity, to all that would forsake them, and come over to the English.

All the hope and preparation of this Fleet, was rather to look after Prey, than to fight; because being far from Home, far from any Assistance, among their Enemies Countries, the danger of the Sea, and their Passage subject to Storms and Tempests, no delay could be safe enough. Nor do old Chro∣nicles alone teach this, and the Portugall Voyage not long since undertaken, but the success of the very former year in America, which fell so far short of expectation: And there∣fore, those Things seem'd rather to be put in Execution, which would, by their suddain violence, in no small manner, terrifie and break the Enemies strength; and they were not resolved in what part to set upon them, a little before they came to Cadiz. At length, by private Letters, all the Na∣vy was commanded to meet there: These Letters, close seal∣ed and signed, the Captains received, with this Order, The they should not open them, unless they were by foul Weather sepa∣rated from the Fleet.

This most noble City of Cadiz, from its very first Original (when many say it was call'd Tartessus) and afterwards a Colony of the Tyrians, was said to be the furthest part of the

World: Neither will it suffice to shew, that it was now far decay'd from its antient Opulency. The Scituarion thereof, with other Things belonging to the same, hath been described by many. At this day, it is beholding to a Bridge, which they call Suaca, for making it no Island; for that joyneth it to the Coast of Spain, separated there from onely by a small Inlet of the Sea: On which side, the Name of the Region testifies, that formerly the Vandals inhabited there: Beyond is that Streight, where first the Ocean broke in upon, and di∣vided the Land: On this side is a convenient Bay, for the Reception and Safety of Ships: And then, by chance, a great Fleet lay under the Defences of the Island, which was partly prepar'd for the American Voyage, and partly furnish'd for War, which had not so much increased the difficulty for the English to land, as it had their Expectations, to the hope of a most plentiful and rich Booty. There were four Galeoons, two of Epidaurus, every one of them carrying fifty Guns, or more, and near 700 men: Of the Kings own Ships of War, there were 21. and as many Merchants Ships, which carryed 20 Guns a piece: Three Frigats, each of them beating 18 Guns, and laden with more for use of the Fleet, that was at Lisbone, and other Ports of Spain; for this Fleet here was on∣ly the Third Part of the Spanish Naval Force. There were then also 50 Sail of other Ships belonging to private persons, come both from Spain, Italy, and other parts, which were ei∣ther unarm'd, or but weakly furnish'd: And not far off from the City, lay 21 long Ships more. The Earl of Essex earnestly desir'd to fall upon them, while they knew not what to do, and before their fear should decay or grow less, lest he might give them time, either to take counsel, or gather strength; which if he could have perswaded others to effect, (and in∣deed the Hollanders were willing to have assisted him) they had then gotten infinite Honour, together with an inestima∣ble Booty.

But the Lord Admiral Howard was afraid to suffer in Ships committed to his Charge, especially those of the Queens, which she had forbidden to be rashly brought into danger, to come into that narrow Streight of Sea, which was full of dangerous Shelves and Quick-Sands, because the Wind blew a little high. Thus, by delaying the time, they lost their Opportunity. The next day, being the first of July, the Ebbe of the Sea hindred them, that they could not come to fight. Upon the left hand, as you enter into that Streight, is the Royal Port, so called; hither the Spanish Ships had withdrawn themselves, excepting onely the Galeoons, and Long Ships, which remain'd nearer to the City, where the Shore runs out into Linga, which the Inhabitants call Punta••. But Sir Francis Vere setting upon these with some lighter Vessels, and soon after the Earl of Essex pressed forward, that they forced them to the Bridge Suaca, and there an Engine being placed, they were lifted over, that so they might get into the Streight, or escape into the Sea, that lyes more inward from thence. Essex and Howard, for 4 hours together, batter'd the Galeoons; and that the more violently, for that the Flood of the Sea increa∣sing had brought them nearer; and it hapned at this time, that a Holland Ship, by the negligence of Captain Peter Henry, perishing in her own fire, and the Gun-powder she carryed, yielded to the Enemy a short cause of rejoycing for presently the Galeoons not daring to stand out the fight, cur∣ting their Cables, fell upon the Sands, all the Sea-men esca∣ping. Part were carryed away, and part burned, either by themselves, or their Enemies; at which time also one of the English ships was burned. And this strook no small Terrour into the Spaniards, that were wont to confide in the great Bulk of their Ships; so as King Philip receiving News here∣of by a peculiar Messenger, presently sent to Naples, Genoa, and Sicily, That they should immediatly send what great Ships they had to the Relief of Cadiz; And the Assistance also of the Knights of Malta was demanded: But the French that were

there in service, urged and insisted on the contrary. After the Sea-fight, the Earl of Essex, the day now declining, landed his Souldiers at Puntal without resistance; and the Holland Mariners having taken a Castle that lay upon the Sea, set up their Ensign thereon. Others also were sent, to break the Bridge Suaca, lest any Relief should come that way, which accordingly they performed: All the Spanish Noble-men, that lived thereabouts, came to the Defence of the City with 600 Foot, and as many Horse: Against whom was sent Lewis of Nassau, with 400 Spear-men, and a Band of English Volun∣tiers; nor was the Fight long against them, being unaccu∣stom'd to Matters of War: At the first Onset being routed, and flying to the City in no order; They were follow'd by the Conquerours, who, while the Terrour remain'd fresh, entred the City, part over the Walls, and other part by the Gates, which they had how forced open.

The People of Cadiz, at the beginning trusted to the Tops of their Houses, which were flat, from thence casting stones down upon the Enemy, as they were scatter'd in the Streets, not a few at a time, but as it were by whole Loads. Anon, when the Court and the Market-place were possessed, here the Townsmen all ran together into the Castle; there two Com∣panies of Souldiers follow'd, but staid not long in it, because they understood the Passage to them was shutting up by the Bridge, which we before mention'd: Whereupon the chief persons of the City being given for Pledges, they redeem'd their Lives onely for One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Ducats: And these Pledges being soon after carryed into England, in regard the Queen would not suffer them to be Ransom'd, being provoked with new Injuries, dyed in Pri∣son.

There was also a Treaty between the Earl of Essex, and one Peter Herrera, a Spanish Merchant, for redeeming the Town and Ships from spoil, for the Sum of Twenty Hundred Thousand Florens, whereto Essex was consenting, as discer∣ning

the Prey would be imbezill'd and wasted by the Soul∣diers, and serve for the future to no purpose; but the Duke of Medina Sidonia would not allow of that Agreement, being the Supervisor of all the adjacent Coast, chusing rather, that the King should be despoiled of his Fleet, and Ten Thousand Citizens outed of their Estates and Fortunes, supposing that then to be Gain in the midst of Damage, if nothing after∣ward accrewed to the Enemy: and therefore the Town was spoiled, no small Damage alighting upon the Merchants of Holland thereby; many of whom were by long Voyages in∣termingled with the Enemy, who esteemed this Loss at Three Hundred Thousand pounds. And moreover, a Holland Ship, which came over to the English, upon the Credit of Procla∣mation, had Fifty thousand Florens taken from her, upon pre∣tence, that it was the Enemies Money. And the Americas Fleet, well laded with Merchandize, and consisting of Two and Thirty Sail, was burned by the Spaniards, together with some Ships of War that were for their Convoy. The Com∣modities there burned, amounted to no less value than One Hundred Thousand Florens. Here the Commanders differ'd in Judgment, Essex advising, to retain their Victory, while the greatness of the Report upon a suddain, should strike such a Terrour into all the Neighbouring Ports, and even in Sevil it self, that they might dig through the Streights; which be∣ing taken away, the City it self would be made an Island; protesting, That he himself would be ready, if the rest would go away, with four hundred Souldiers, either to perform for his Country an eminent and noble piece of Service, or else, that he would valiantly dye in the Enemies Country; and if they had no other Reward for their stay, than the Preyes of Ships, passing through those Streights, that they may go the next way into Africa and Europe, it would certainly amount to an immense Revenue. But the Lord Admiral Howard, pretending to fear scarcity of Provisions, hindred Essex his Glory, whose Honour and

Wealth, gotten at the taking of Cadiz, was never any where equalled with the like Naval Success.

And it was true, that the English going from Home with no great store of Provisions, had yet profusely, and unadvi∣sedly wasted, even in the City, what would have sufficed them for many days. Neither would the Dutch Admiral War∣•• be hearkned to, offering to the Fleet a Moneths Provi∣sion out of his own Ships; and that, in the mean time, as the Wind favour'd, Provisions might be fetched, either out of Italy or England; and he believed (as he said) That the Peo∣ple of Carthage, who maintain War constantly against the Spani∣ards, would not refuse to furnish them. Notwithstanding all which Advice, first setting the Town on fire, they hoysted Sails: And although Essex did again demonstrate, That the Plate-Fleet coming from America, was not far off, bringing no less than threescore and ten hundred thousand Florens; and that there was another going to the Indies, bring as it were a Booty pre∣pared for them, if, next after Cadiz, they would, which he concei∣ved best to go to the Islands of Azores, not far from the Line, (which the Netherlanders call the Isles of Flanders, because they say they were of old inhabited by the People or their Country) all Succour being intercepted, by the speedy Expedition and Report of the Matter. But other Advices were prefer'd, which oftentimes under the Vizor of an over-careful Provi∣dence and Fore-sight, do many times vitiate, if not ruine, the most noble and valiant Undertakings. And the same Envy, as before, pretending danger of the Ships, and want of Vi∣ctuals, would not suffer him with the Fleet, to touch upon any of the obvious parts of Spain: So that they passed by so great an open Shore, and almost void of Towns, doing no∣thing but dishonourable Pyracies.

Thus it came to pass, that the spoil and burning of the City of Cadiz, could not have been the least of his Actions, when the whole Land and Continent of Spain, offer'd it self to be

spoiled, if it had not been defer'd, by the never agreeing Minds of men equ••l in Authority; so that Fortune had in vain thus far flatter'd the Earl of Essex. They praised also the Industry of the Dutch-men, whom they were not willing to make use of; yet the Queen sent Letters to Admiral W••∣mondt, wherein she gave him Thanks for his faithful and good Service: Nor did it a little augment the Trouble of the Spa∣niards, for their decaying Wealth, that their Fleet was burn'd at Cadiz; all the Tribute and Customs of the following year were lost, his strength at Sea much diminish'd, about Twelve Hundred great Guns lost and consumed; and, which was worst of all, it was made known to the World, how weak they were at Home, that were so much fear'd abroad. As an Addi∣tion to all which Losses, that old Evil of Usury, eat up all the publick Revenues: For Philip, Twenty years before, having much impair'd his Credit, while he was yet intangled in the Dutch War, not depressing his ambitious Things, after the Kingdoms belonging to others, nor comparing his infinite Disbursements, with his ordinary Income, by nourishing too covetous Endeavours, wherein Fortune proved various, he brought upon himself Poverty. For the greatest part of the King's Creditors suspecting his potency, onely some Mer∣chants of Genoa and Germany, much improved their Money, by the hazard of Commerce, and dealing with him, To these were given in Pledge as Security, almost all the Customs, who reckoning all the Hazards, both of War and the Sea, the incommodiousness of Transportation, and also infinite Use and Extortion for their Money, did, for a long time, prevent the coming in of the Revenues to the King's use.

Thus, his Treasury bring besieged, as it were by his Credi∣tors, from whence he should place and displace Officers, or at leastwise bear the Charge of his Wars, nothing came to the King, until some Polititians of his Court, rather careful for the present, than provident for the future, invented a way, though

not very honourable; which Advice, the King laying hold of, in the Moneth of November, he set forth an Edict, wherein declaring, with many Circumlocutions, the grievousness of the Usury he suffer'd; insomuch that Husbandry ceased, and Merchandizing was left off: That the Customs of the King∣dom, the Tenths of Priests, granted to him by the Pope, and the Tributes of several Nations, were all detained by most unjust Covenants, which the fear of worse Evils had extort∣ed: And in regard that ail his many Labours, in behalf of Christianity, would be perverted, unless some speedy course were taken, to supply or prevent those Necessities. Where∣fore, without any other pretence of words, he declared, That whatsoever had been by him pawned, or laid to pledge, was abso∣lutely free from every such Obligation: So that he presently laid hold of all his Possessions, leaving to the Usurers, at the pre∣sent, nothing but hopes: Adding withall this Proviso, That whatsoever had been paid above lawful Interest, should be dedu∣cted from the Principal. In the mean while, a great many were stripped of their Wealth, though some, under a false pretence of Poverty, abused it to great advantage: And this same Calamity, for the like Reasons, fell also upon some in the Netherlands.

The Arch-Duke hereby was surprized with such a want of Money, that the next year he suffer'd by it most inexplica∣ble Damage: So that at last all came to his wonted course; not so much for shame of the Creditors, who cryed out, There was no Faith left, if the Royal Power would take upon it self the infringement of Covenants; as because the Names of the Revenues coming in were various, and where hence Money should be brought, the Ways were infested with Thieves, and the Charges of the War required a present Remedy. But this could not be obtained, before the Promises and Engagements were renewed by the Restauration of the Pawns, and pro∣mise to pay every Moneth Eighteen Thousand Duckets, and adde to the old Bank Four Hundred more; the Third Part

of which to be paid in Spain, and the Residue in the Nether∣lands, by Bill of Exchange. But, among the Hollanders, as the Dearth and scarcity of Provision in Italy decreased, so did their Revenues, both publick and private: For supply where∣of, the Hollanders, besides their old Taxes, lately increased an Eighth Part, imposed a new one, whereby they might restrain Riot and Excess daily increasing, or else bring the Gain thereof to the publick Advantage. There was a Rate set upon all those that sold Silk, and other such like pretious Commo∣dities for Garments. But when as the Collector began to put in Execution the said Tax, at first the People began to rail with scurrilous Language; but afterward they fell to open force and blows. They, who without grudging, underwent the burden of daily Provision for Extraordinaries, yet strove a∣gainst this, as if it had bin for their Liberty. But this seem'd a Reproach, not a Tribute; for the Contumacy of some so witstood the publick Authority, that it appear'd unsafe, to incline to the contrary: But, in Frizeland, they who had the charge both of the Cities and the Country, not yet agreeing, while every one defends his Possessions against the payment of Tributes, they made it evident, with what Diseases chiefly the Common-wealth may be afflicted, where there is not likewise a common profit. But the chief care of the Nobles, was bent to settle and confirm a League between themselves and the French and English; for hitherto they had given As∣sistance one to the other at request, and their own pleasure; which had sometimes been the cause of Complaints among them, and on all sides produced Threats, tending to the breach of Peace. But the Hollanders, who had perpetual cause of War, and, as for the most part, such Alliances overstrain the Inferiours, while their Forces were at War in France, or at Sea with the English, lost Hulst, and all the Tributes grow∣ing out of Flanders, no man caring for their Griefs or Los∣ses.

In the mean while, the French not dissembling concerning

Calais, and the Succours sent too late, complainad, That the King's Confidence was deluded, who, lying at the Siege of Fayer with his own Forces, fear'd the danger of no part less than of the Sea-Coast. And their Courage was heightned from de Maiu, and others of that Faction, who had preferred the King's Pardon, before the Commerce of Foreign Pride: And now the great Council of the whole Kingdom of France be∣ing summon'd at Roan, there appear'd the lawful Face of a Kingdom: Nor was there any great aversion in King Philip, from hearkning to Pacification; which as it was true, so that he should marry the King of France his Daughter, was first onely a Spanish Device; a little after strengthned with a false ••umour.

But Queen Elizabeth, the Counts of Bulloin and Sancy, being sent Embassadors to her from France, at such time as Albertus had taken Calais, at first shew'd her self very strange towards them, as if she could very ill spare to lend them five and twenty thousand Scutes: But shortly after, taking a nearer view of the danger, of her own accord, she not onely kept the Embassadors with her, but treated with them of a more set∣led League, the Conditions and Articles whereof were then begun to be discoursed of. In the interim, the talk of Peace more and more increasing, the King signified to the Ʋnited States, (and by that Name, they being much troubled, that the King had changed his Religion) that he was so high in the Pope's Favour, that he accepted of him to be a Moderator and Reconciler of Differences in Religion; nor was it a wonder, if he endeavour'd to win the Minds of the Vulgar, by the pretence of Peace: But if the League was confirm'd, he would be ready to invade the Borders of Artois with 8000 men, which was beyond the strength of his Nobility. But for all this great ostentation: when, at the Siege of Hulst, a little after, such an Action would have been most acceptable, the French never so much as made an offer to stir. And besides, Count Bulloin being return'd home, and again to be sent into

England, for conclusion of the League, was detained Three Moneths: And there was at this time a Truce agreed be∣tween the Garrisons of Calais and Bulloin; all which Things the French excused thus: That they were not able to bring forth their Army, because the French Nobility are always wont to rest themselves from all Actions Military in time of Har∣vest; and not onely so, but the Netherlandish Border: also were visited with the Plague; That the League was delay'd onely, while it might be fully deliberated in all the French Parliaments, and that the Truce was quickly broken off. But the Hollanders had more to do with Queen Elizabeth, who now, for two years together, had required them to come to an Account, and re-imburce her Money; enumerating, the Successes of the War, not without a shew of Emulation, and the stately structures of their Cities: And, on the other side, declaring her own Necessities, which she could not supply with continual Veins of Mettal, as the Spaniard did, but only from the Love and Benignity of her Subjects: And the Irish Rebellion, as it inforced the new raising of Money at Home; so likewise it necessitated her to call in what she had abroad: On the other side, the Dutch Embassadors, first rendring many Thanks, beseeched her to stand to the League; complaining, That they had had but a short Benefit of those Things, which had bin agreed 12 Years before: And that the Covenants did not set down any set number of Souldiers; whereupon they, who as they never had stagger'd in their Fidelity, nor had inclined to the War with wavering Counsels, yet had bin, by the uncertainty of Forces, oftentimes revolved unto vain Attempts; and that this was very unseasonable in the heat of War, to expect that, which did not begin to be a debt, until there were a Peace setled, as by the Agreement will ap∣pear: That their Condition was not so much alter'd, but that they still deserv'd rather Pity, than Envy: For besides the rich Cities of Brabant, they had lost certain Towns at the Maes, and particularly, those which were most convenient both by

Sea and Land, for raising and collecting the Flandrian Tri∣butes. Nor had they bin at a small charge, after the driving away the Spanish Fleet from England, in so many Naval Expe∣ditions of the English; and to what end had they assisted France, but that the War might be repelled, and the Seas be kept open, while the Enemy was imploy'd at Land. Hereto was added the Shipwracks they had suffer'd, the restriction or taking of their Ships, the breaches of their Banks by the Sea, and other daily Evils they had undergone, by Misfortunes and Casualties. Concerning these Things, there was a long Argument with Bodley, who was Leiger for the Queen among the Hollanders, concerning the Dutch Affairs: Notwithstand∣ing all which, Queen Elizabeth grew every day more obdu∣rate, till at length she was mollified by procrastination, but chiefly by the Supplies they sent to her for the Cadiz Voy∣age.

But no sooner was the benefit of that Kindness consum'd, but presently the same Contest was again renew'd, and Seba∣stian Lose, James Valquy, and Abel Franken, being sent Em∣bassadors into England, the Queen gave them this short An∣swer; That, that was not the intent of the League, that the Hol∣landers should prolong a War against themselves, on purpose to delay, without measure or end, the payment of those Charges, by others disbursed for them. And as to the Peace they hoped, if it proved disadvantageous to them, neither had it been profitable to her those 12 years, having both for that time, and hitherto e••hau∣sted both her self and her people, in sending them perpetual Aids, and keeping the Towns deliver'd to her for a Pledge. And what kind of Alliance must that be, whose very Branch must depend upon the pleasure of another? But if they would look upon the Laws as the Queen was pleased to do, she would urge nothing fur∣ther than was in them: That it was truly so conceived, Words of Promise, upon Honour, were plighted.

The Lord Burghly added also, the Irish Rebellion, and the proper fears of England, were Causes just enough, why the Queen might fall off from those Agreements, when even private Promises are wont to be absolved, upon unexpected Events. Therefore, this Debate of Right being in vain, and but for a shew made use of, the Hollanders ran back to their old Guard, shewing the danger they should incur from all their Neighbouring Dominions, if the strength of their Cities already weakned, should be utterly dejected by such De∣mands, and so much both of Wealth and Power by Sea added to the Spaniards: But above all, when the dubious state of the matter, and so discordant in the setling the Account of Receipts and Disbursements, had almost brought them to a Non-plus: The English urged the payment at least of some part of the Debt; and, for the future, not to seek a Remedy against growing Danger, from old Covenants, as by Compul∣sion; but rather to merit new Favours by their Gratitude and Thanks for the former. The Embassadors, with many hum∣ble Intreaties, offer'd, That there should be an Annual Portion paid, notwithstanding all their present streights, and the resi∣due, at the end of the War; which the Queen slighted as inconsiderable, while in the interim, a great fearspread it self, arising from a Rumor, that there was Hostility intended against her in Spain; and that the preparations there made, to that purpose, were greater than ever before. Hereupon the Wise of those times, began seriously to consider of both Af∣fairs, and judged, that the Hollanders were not so much op∣pressed with Poverty, but that it would oblige them to the Queen in a strict Alliance, especially considering the danger of so great a Loss, and that the Queen might at some time want Money, they might well bear, unless their Counsel could put the Hollanders, now tyred with importunate De∣mands, in mind of her Power, it being not to be suffer'd, that her Debtors should raise themselves to a more prosperous Fortune by Foreign Amities.

Now the Count of Bulloyne was sent into England, to con¦clude the long Treaty of a League between the two King¦doms, which was at last agreed upon, in manner following: The League and Alliance, concerning inf••ring or resisting Wars, between, or upon the King of France, and the People of England, is concluded under these Articles and Conditions.

That all former Leagues and Covenants be confirmed; That both shall endeavour to bring other Princes and Nations into the same League: And when either shall be offended, or invaded at Home, that one common Army of the Allies, shall transferre the War into the Enemies Country; That it shall not be lawfull for either Kingdom without the other, to make either Peace, or a Ge∣neral Truce: That either shall assist the other with Arms, and other things necessary for War among themselves, at a reasonable price, and without fraud, and aid the Souldiers with all Provi∣sions without Treachery; That all things relating to Religion, and Travellers of either Country, be used no otherwise, than as naturall Subjects; That the King of France use no violence to any Eng∣lish for difference in Religion; and in regard he was at the pre∣sent most subject to the Injuries of his Enemies, the Queen promi∣sed him four thousand English Souldiers, for the Defence of Normandy and Picardy, which are the nearest parts of France to her Kingdom, giving them half a years Pay, and taking Pledges: But if they were kept any longer there, it should be at the King's Charge; Who, on the other side, promised the like Aid to the Queen, so as they should remain near the Shore, or within fifty Leagues; That it may be lawful to raise and take into Pay four thousand men, and the Command of the Souldiers to be in that Prince, within whose Borders the War is.

These were the Heads that were publickly known; for by some private Agreements, the number of Souldiers the Queen was to send this year was lessned. To the performance of this League the Queen was sworn. And the Earl of Salisbury went to see the King take the like Oath on his part. From hence the Count of Bulloyn went into Holland, to receive their consent

and submission. At the confirmation of this League were pre∣sent there, Paul Busanual, who was the King's continual Lei∣ger with the States, and George Gilpin an English-man, and an Assistant in the Senate by the old League. After Prince Mau∣rice and the Senate's Advice had, the United States were also included within the same words, onely there were added these peculiar Things; [That the King of France, at the begin∣ning of the Spring, shall have Souldiers ready upon the Borders of Artois and Henalt; and, on the other side, the States shall have ready 8000 Foot, and 1500 Horse, that the lying, as it were in the middle may be divided in his purposes, what to do in so doubt∣ful a case. Therefore the States will add to the two Auxiliary Re∣giments, which they sent at their own charge to aid the King, two Regiments more; but, if for all that, the Enemy should turn his whole strength upon them, that it shall be lawful for them to recall those Forces. And the French King, for his part, shall at his best conveniency, send as many Regiments to the Hollanders, as also 1000 Horse; That each shall have the chief Command in his own Country. What hath formerly been agreed, and is not by this present League renewed or altered, to be, and remain as they were: That the King have great Care and Honour to the Confederate Cities, and the Subjects within this League, and above all other, to the House of Nassau, for their everlastingly famous Merits towards the Commonwealth; That all Journeys, backward and forward, and all Trade, be free on both sides; That neither of them impose heavier Tributes upon the Subjects, of the other, than upon their own Citizens; That all the Laws which confiscate the Estates of Strangers, be cut off, and invalidate between them, and that the Right of Succession, and making Wills and Testaments be restored: That all Booty tak••n at Sea shall belong to them who first invaded or set the Enemy: That the Hollanders may sail whither they will even into the Western Kingdoms: That there be no demands nor distresses made for a publick debt upon privat per∣sons. That it shall not be lawful for any to retain any ships, either in their passage by, or coming to the Shore, to unlade, or to expose them to sale.

The publick Instruments of this League, were signed the last day of October, which were solemnly attested with pub∣lick Joy, wherein there was nothing omitted to make it com∣pleat. For besides that, it was for the settlement of peace. It also conduced much to the Honour and Majesty of the Com∣mon-wealth, much envyed for its new rising, that it was look∣ed upon by Kings in Honourable Leagues; which that it might be brought to passe, the French King had exceeded, while he esteems it convenient and agreeable to his own Af∣fairs, and the benefit of the Hollanders, even against them∣selves, although Queen Elizabeth had laboured, that these her old Allyes, should be comprehended under her Patronage: affirming, that it was enough, there being no cause, why Ci∣ties falling from a strange Government, should be inserted among Names of Princes of the highest Rank.

There were some who would have repeated former seuds, how the Franks of old passed the River Wael, and seated themselves in that part of the Country, which is called Gel∣derland, that they possessed the Isle of Holland, from whence their Kings took the name of Meronee. That Governours were sent out of France into Holland; Then also that the English confess them of Frizon original by the idiom of their Tongue. Shortly after, their Princes were obliged to both the Kingdoms by Marriage; and that a great while before, when the Roman Power carryed all before it, the Hollanders were famous for Arms, fidelity and honest liberty, so that they were called the Emperours People, Brothers and Friends. When the Romans renounced all right and fair dealing, these choosing themselves a civil Leader, opposed them, making a confederacy both with Germany and France; O hers took notice of the vicissitude of their Affairs neerer hand, as particularly that, now the King of France had made a publick League against the Spaniard, with them, whose Deputies but a few years before for fear of the Spaniard, they durst hardly hearken to.

But the Regiments, which the Hollanders by the League, were bound to send, were not sent, but according to the King's desire, money instead thereof, which he rather want∣ed than men; But this the English took amiss, nor did the Queen vouchsafe to send any person to go to the German Princes, together with the Holland and French Embassadus, and certainly there was nothing proved a greater hindrance of others to joyn in that Allyance, then that Emulation; from hence the French conceived a deadly suspition, that the Eng∣lish desired to have a perpetual War with them: Nor with any other mind, was the Queen desired to forward the ma∣king a Peace between the Turk and the House of Austria: And not long after, there being a Conference appointed at Diope, to consider what course should be taken for carrying on the War the next year. There again the French were of∣fended at a Request made by the English, to wit, that if they could recover Calais, a Garrison might be put into it for the Queen. But they had rather the Spaniards should keep it, hoping that they might in the future, extort it from them, either by force, or by Article, which they much doubted, if once the English should get it.

About the same time, it was desired of King Henry, That the Professors of several Arts which had been taught at Leyden, by ingenious persons bred there, might be allowed in France. The Prince of Aurange had formerly chosen this place for a Seat for the liberal Sciences, least for fear of charge, the People at a great distance, and being bred and born among Arms, should grow rude and barbarous; And by this means also, the City was repaired, and the ruines which it had suffered by a Siege amended; for being fa∣mous for fidelity and constancy, it rather chose this Reward of Learning, than to be free from Taxes, which was offered to it. The main motive hereto was Religion, the prop of their party, the gift of expounding whereof, had hitherto been assumed by Artificers, or of the unlearned and illiterate

common people; while the labour it self being without hope of preferment, and certainly attended by poverty, was the cause of penury, both in the teachers and learners. In a short time, although the Frizons also had to the like purpose or∣dained Franecre, this School of Holland, by the fame of the Instructors, and the flocking thither of much youth, both of their own and foreign Countries, got the preheminence: The Teacher of the study of the Civil Law, was Hugo Donnell, who following the steps of Connanus and Duarenus, compo∣sed the Discipline of the Laws, into an order and method of Art, taking away those things which the too secure ignorance of the former age had disordered, yet not so, as that it should give place to modern want of knowledg, which in empty dress of words, hath infringed the very sinues of that kind of Learning. But this man, by the infection of the Earl of Leicesters party, was carryed so far, that he forgot not onely his Studies, but even the duties of a private person, and a stranger, and from thence went away to Altorf: For inter∣preting the Manners and Customs of the Romans, and disco∣veries and dilucidations of Antiquity, was Justus Lipsius, who added both to his own fame, and the Honour of the place by his Learning, a person, who by the pleasing gravity of his behaviour, was honoured beyond his Profession, allu∣ring most men to delight in him, by the sweetness of his Dis∣course; for since Nature had denyed him neither Rhetorick nor Oratory, he rather chose that concise manner of speak∣ing, which is intermingled with mirth, which was in truth, a new mode of Speech, but yet in some sort resembling Anti∣quity; which when such did strive to imitate, as were not equall to him in wit and Judgement, they deviated into the most corrupt conceptions: But when publick fear, and pri∣vate injury had forced Lipsius to change his party, there was sent for out of France, Joseph the Son of Julius, who had con∣ferred to the Family of Scaliger, from which he was descen∣ded, not onely Nobility, but the vertue of paternal Wisdom,

by the laying open all things that were to be known, either concerning Nations or Ages, he was not wearied with con∣tinual study, even to his old Age, and might solace himself with this, that from his very Child-hood, his Fame and Re∣nown continually encreased.

The Oriental Tongues were taught by Francis Raphelenge, and the Greek by Vulcanius, with no little Reputation; For disputation in Divinity, there was Franciscus Junius, a Man of a very sharp Wit, and one that would with great inginui∣ty, use the subtilty of the Adversaries Arguments against themselves.

Here also was famous Hadrianus Julius, a Hollander, for his Learning in natural Philosophy and Medicine: nor was he contemptible for other parts of Wisdom. Hither also came that great light Aldegonde, there seeking leisure to translate the divine Law, into the Language of his Country. And that most famous Herbalist, Charles Clusius of Artois. Among the rest, we may reckon Janus Dowsa, who was ap∣pointed by the States, to oversee and govern the Students. (We may call him Chancellour of the University,) to whom Posterity will attribute great Honour, for his description of quality, the Honours born and enduring of the Siege of Leyden, in everlasting Poetry, yet in that kind, his Son, which bore the same name, excelled him; the same also being joyned with his Father, for composing the Annals of Holland, and 'tis probable, he would have been fit for greater Employ∣ments, if immature death had not taken him away, being a young man of highest expectation for Learning. With such Masters, and such examples as these, were Youth trained up, whose number in a short time so encreased, that Arts necessa∣ry both for publick and private Commodity, which before, by the unfrequentedness of the place were neglected, now were not sufficient for instructing Ingenuity. And although others of their own accord, do earnestly labour by literature and Poetry, to advance their name above the vulgar, Holland

having never been barren in that kind of Eloquence, wherein formerly excelled Peter Mannius, and Janus Secundi••, and his Brothers; so now also, the like is found in the Wri∣tings of many young men. But yet the raw Studies of this Nation, which rather minds the getting of Wealth, were not come to their heighth, for yet had it not been the Country, either of Erasmus or Longolius. But the Reverence I bear to the Names of these great Men, and the Reputation of that more peaceable sort of Wisdom, hath made run far astray, both from the Common-wealth and the War. But now I return.

There were Embassadors sent to Christian the Fourth, who now being come to his full and lawful Age, was of himself, without a Governour, King of Denmark, and had taken into his own hands, the full power of Government; and these were to congratulate him in the name of the States, with their Joy and well-wishes; but they were not to pre∣sent themselves, before the greatest of the Solemnities were past, least among so great an Assembly of Embassadors, there should arise any Contest for preheminence out of envy, or least they should voluntarily give place to all, to the diminu∣tion of their dignity. There wanted nothing, but that they for the common fear of the Spanish domineering, should have requested ayd.

The Priviledges of Amsterdam onely, were confirmed; Those old ones claimed by the Cities of Schidam, and En∣chuysen, from former Kings, were disannu••led, yet the Em∣b••ssadors were dismissed with Honour and Gifts, and so not long after, John Baptista Taxis, coming to him from the Spaniard, although he brought far richer Gifts, yet was not received with the like kindness. The Reason hereof, was be∣lieved to be this, because the Spaniard, who not long before had promised three hundred thousand Duckets yearly to the Dane, instead of a Tribute, that he would not suffer the Hol∣landers to come into these Streights, having not performed

this, was afterwards convicted, that he would by treachery have invaded his Castles upon the Sound, whereof notice had been sent him by the Ʋnited States.

After the taking of Hulst, all things about the Hollanders were quiet, excepting onely some light and memorable Skir∣mishes between the Horse. For as well theirs, as the Ene∣mies Militia, was so exhausted, that they could hardly de∣fend the Borders of the Netherlands against the French; And at the beginning of Autumn, fulfilling his promises with an easie hope, and the great favour of his Allyes, sent against the Artoysians, the Marshall, Biron, Commander of a consi∣derable Body of Horse, seeming as if he went to defend Picardy.

Verembonius, earnestly desiring to free the Government, committed to him from rapine, marched with twelve Troops of Horse against the French, being then not so many in num∣ber, yet nevertheless, he was overcome and taken Prisoner, together with Count Montecuculi, an Italian, and several o∣thers, upon whom was imposed a great Sum of money for their Ransom: And presently, the Conquerours falling not onely into Artois, but Flanders, so pillaged the whole Coun∣try, that they made a greater wast and havock there, than had ever been remembred to be made in France in the Wars, ei∣ther of Charles formerly, or Philip lately. The Country people and Boors, flying into the Cities, carryed thither not onely Poverty, but Infectious Diseases. Whereupon the Lord of Cimace was presently sent with a new strength to defend the Borders; but he also was put to flight, Ambrosio Landria∣no, the General of the Horse, undervaluing his Command, who being afterwards taken by that Name, besides the igno∣miny, was glad to redeem himself with a great Sum of Mo∣ney.

Thus were the French wholly become Masters of the Field, and being Conquerors in all the Fights of Horse, with long Marches tired out the Foot.

The Winter now approaching, the King of France, as if he intended somewhat against Henalt, requir'd the States, That they would disturb the Enemies quiet in another part. They ful∣filling the Request, without any other Reason, though to their great disadvantage, put some Souldiers aboard Ships at Berghen, until they were informed, that the King's Endeavors were hindted, by the increase and overflowings of the Ri∣vers, and that all the French Forces, for fear of the Cold, were marched quite out of the Netherlands.

Another great and insolent Mischief attended the Arch-Duke's Poverty; for the Germans, though they were sworn to him, because they were not paid their Wages, seized He∣rentals, against whom some Spaniards being sent, to revenge the imitation of their own Customs, and strongly repulsed, infinitely increased the Sedition. And, in Walcheren, one John Wr••mys a Scot, was put to Death, for that he sollicited others, to deliver up to the Spaniard, Vere, a Town in that Island; yet affirming, he was mov'd thereto by the Jesuits.

About this time, Messengers were sent to the King of Spain, day after day, That he labour, by all means, to raise what Money he could, that the Fleet might be expedited; and, to the same purpose, that he would lay a Restriction upon all Forreign Ships whatsoever; and besides, that they make diligent search for all Hollanders, and bring them to punishment.

This being heard, it pleased the States to make a Decree, for that there was not caution enough used against danger, that no one should dare to carry Corn into Spain, and there was the greater Reason, for this being a dangerous year, both Poland and Prussia retaining their Harvests, by the like means, by shunning Famine at home, they sent it to their Enemy; and notwithstanding, Amsterdam resisted this Decree, whose principal gain consisted in that Transportation, yet by the consent of the rest of the Cities it was confirmed. And lest domestick offences should make any of them become a prey to the French or English, they set some Ships of War upon

the Sea running by their Coasts, which when to search all Ships when they went out.

In the Month of November, the Spanish Fleet, as if impa∣tient through fury, to defer the revenge of the injury done to them at Cadiz, until the Summer, set out, consisting of one hundred Sayl of Ships, wherein were fourteen thousand Soul∣diers, under the Command of Martin Padilla, report giving out, that they intended for Cornwall, where Britain stretcheth out her Land to the Southward, between France and Ireland; And it was added further, that the King of Spain would give England as a Dowry to his Daughter, having first purged it from Heresie in Religion, and this was given out, least the fear of Foreign Empire should avert their affections. But the same God who had often before prevented them in the like endeavours, now again shewed his power; for in one night, forty of their Ships were cast away upon the Sands and Shallowes, with the loss of five thousand men, and a great Sum of Money.

The greatest harm to the Spaniard, was his own diffidence; for the German and Netherlandish Officers, which they had taken into the Fleet, admonishing them to go another way, they compelled with drawn Swords, to follow the ill presa∣ging Signs of them going before: At length among the hindermost of the Ships, a certain Seaman of Holland, was believed, who eight years before, having great Rewards for preserving many of the Spaniards, by so much the more faithfully he now again performed the like Office. They that survived this mischief (which hapned about the Promontory called Artabram) returned home. But the Dunkerkers in the Netherlands, being commanded to expect this Fleet in the mean while rested quiet.

Thus without damage done to any of the Sea-Coasts, this yea•• was ended with the Hollanders, but on the contrary, they burned two Ships which were built at Newport.

Moreover, this restless People sailed to the places of the Spanish Negotiation, being Islands beyond the Equinoctial Circle, being most fruitful of Salt, without any labour of man; They went also to Guiny for Gold, Ivory, Pepper, and Brasile-Wood, and St. Thomas Island for Sugar, and all this for gain sake, contrary to the Kings Edict, feigning them∣selves to be Portugueses; But most wonderful, and where to the Antients have not delivered any like matter, nor are there any Testimonies of this more experienced Age like to that; which the Hollanders undertook, and performed the latter end of this year, and the beginning of the next, when now the third time they went into the North, all whose Secrets they throughly searched. They remembred, that the search after great things is long and difficult, that all the corners of the new World were not found out at once, that the Portu∣gueses had made long stayes upon the edges and skirts of A∣merica. And they who were skilful in Nature, pointed out a surer way through the open Ocean, whose reciprocal ebbing and flowing, keeping by motion, the Waves thereof free, defends them also against the violence of the cold.

Two Ships leaving the Islands of Orckney and Norway, putting out far to Sea, from thence steered divers courses, both towards the North, but the one inclining more to the East, the other to the West. There lies in that Sea, a Land full of grass, which is wonderful in that Scituation, and most pleasantly green, where the Pole is elevated eighty degrees (though the Antients counted it distant from the Equator, above ninety.) But whether it was encompassed by the Sea, or hath further behind it a larger Continent, was not then tryed. Some of the Seamen thought it to be the Isle of Groenland, famous of old for the Commerce from Venice, Norway, and the Low-Countries: now the name thereof is onely mentioned, the Dane claiming it as a part of his Do∣minions, but to little purpose, since he cannot find it.

This proceeded from the sloath of such, as denyed things formerly known, both in Writings of Antiquity, and even in the memories of some alive. Whereas we follow Nature to the most remote distances, as knowing what God hath discovered to us by nearer Journies. But afterwards, a more diligent search being made by Island, we found that Groen∣land was something more distant from the North: In this Land, which we found, having no Inhabitants, the first dis∣coverer, thereof, had placed Monuments made of thick square Timber and Stones, whereon was written the name of Spits∣berg, from the sharp pointed Mountain tops, so called-as was believed; in which very place, as appears both by Fame and Records, that in after-times, the fruitfulness of its many bayes, for the catching of Whales, hath been no small occa∣sion of discord between the English and the Hollanders.

There also are found Birds, not unknown in ou•• Cly∣mates, (it is a kind of Goose) which the ignorance of for∣mer times believed, to be bred in Scotland upon Trees, whence falling in••o he Water they took life: Then bending their course a little towards the South, their Ship endeavour∣ing to steer to the Westward, was by Tempests driven back to the Coast of Russia.

A little lower is another Island, besides those found by them passing•• which as al••o that which bears the Discoverers name, to wit, Willoughby, they came to Z••mbla, where the Pole is elevated seventy and six degrees; where while the Seamen reviewed the known place of the Coast, and the ap∣pearances of their former Voyage, hindered first by Winds, then by Ice, so that they could not passe that Sea. At length, among many delayes, and great dangers, both of the Men and Ships, they scarce reached the Aurange Islands, for now they were set fast, as in a consolidated Body of continuall Ice, and anon, the same breaking, and returning upon them, made all things full of danger: which were really true, yet

yet no less wondrous, 〈…〉〈…〉 Greeks, proceeding a little so 〈…〉〈…〉 passage was quite 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by 〈…〉〈…〉 well into the Scythian Sea, a•• into the Straigh•• Nassaus at last, being reduced to the ultimate hope, 〈…〉〈…〉, by the same way they came, the Ship was quite frozen up, not far from the Shore; whereby it came to passe, that af∣terwards, when the rest of the Sea was thawed, yet the Ice still kept the Ship fast. Nor did there any thing ••e••ain, but that wintering in Zembla, they should wait for a better sea∣son: Wherefore taking out of their Ship, Boards and Planks, they built for themselves and then s••ffe a poor 〈◊〉〈◊〉 And by chance, the Tyde had thrown upon the same Coast, a great quantity of T••••ber, but uncertain from whence it should come, which in this their desolate Condition, was a great help for perfecting their House, and yielded withall, good Provisions for Fewel: during their above here, they had continual and daily sights with Beats, which some∣times were driven away by making great out-cryes; but otherwhiles, being more hungry, and so more furious, they were fain to make use of shot, as well to affright them, as defend themselves; Their flesh they found to be unwhol∣som for food, not without some harm (for in this place, the Maritime wild Beasts are the only Food to the wild Beasts of the Land) the fa•• they made use of to make them lights to burn in the night.

These miserable poor Creatures, were at last after all other humane benefits, lest by the 〈…〉〈…〉 Coun∣try, and among none but wild Beasts▪ And here it is to be remembred, that a certain 〈…〉〈…〉 the Sun 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and doth not arise again of a long time, as we have elsewhere re∣membred; And now their fear and horrour encreased with darkness, and the cruel untemperateness of the Ayr.

The vast accumulated Mountains of Snow, with much pain and difficulty, they very hardly removed, for fear least it should overwhelm their Habitation, and were fain to make the same into steps, and such was the bitter sharpness of the Ayr, all about, that if at any time they went forth, they were so benummed in their joynts, that they could scarcely bring them to be again warm, until they scorched them into bli∣sters: nay, even within doors, such so penetrating, and fierce was the cold, that both the mens Apparel, the Walls, yea, and the very fire it self was so deaded, that they might as soon be burned as warmed. And now while they endeavou∣red to keep out the cold, by shutting their doors; the vapor of the Coals had like to have suffocated them all. They found it the greatest help to them, to imitate their own Country Stoves, or else to warm their beds with exceeding hot Iron or Stones.

Now did Foxes occupy the empty places left by the Bears (for the Bear is a Creature, whose sight being more dull, and therefore afraid of the darkness, had hidden them∣selves in Caves.

These Foxes being taken by Traps, served them both for Victuals and Rayment. Long had their better hope to see once again, the light spun out of their over-worn patience, when as it were by divine mercy and providence, the Sun be∣gan to spread his splendiferous tayes, sooner than the ordi∣nary course of the Heavens directed; For the night was three months shorter, then that part of the World, being un∣der seventy degrees usually is acquainted with, unless it may be, they erred either in the Scituation of the place, or in the reckoning and measure of that disconsolate darkness, which their Diary or Journal will scarce allow to be be∣lieved; or else, while the Sun was passing not far off under the Earth, some thick Clouds received its opposite light, and there dispersed the same by repercussion, or some yet undis∣covered

parts of the Earth might cause the wonder: how∣ever it was, 'tis sure, they begun then first to creep abroad, and habituate their weakened Bodies to labour, which they were very earnest at, though to them at that time, both grie∣vous and painful; For the Sea now growing open towards the very North it self, not towards Scythia, called them away.

By which Argument, many have been induced to believe, that the Ice was brought down cut of the River of Scythia, and that the violence of the cold is encreased, by the vicinity of the shores, rather than of the Pole; for the heat doth not presently abate as much as you back from the Equi∣noctial: wherefore they were forced to take their Journey in this open Sea, under the very North Star, if any for the future durst make an attempt there after them. Another con∣firmation of this Opinion was, that the Island which we men∣tioned formerly to be green, lay below Zembla in regard Zem∣bla it self, nourisheth nothing green, and therefore in all that Land, there is no Creature bred, which useth such Pasture. But now the Marriners in vain, delayed the egress of their Ship, yet detained by the Ice, and by this procrastination, the Victuals which hitherto they had moderately distributed every day man by man, began to fail, and their drink being corrupted, and spoyled by the Frost, compelled them to melt Snow to asswage their thirst, and if they should stay any lon∣ger, Winter would again return, and together with it, cer∣tain mine: hereupon, they speeded forwards, their Ship∣boats, and although most of them were sick, (for poverty, and the many great miseries they had undergone, had even worn out all their strength:) yet necessity, which is stronger then any Disease, so did encourage them, that they hewed the Ice rising into great Hills, untill they had made it level, and then drawing their little Vessels that way, at length they got a float, yet had they not then an end of their Labours; for

being often stopped with Ice, and scarcely escaping away by the help both of their Oars, Sails and hands, they were compelled to go thence to the next Coast, for meer hunge••; and there they found Eggs and Birds, easie to be taken, for that they knew not the guite of humane Rapine, and cove∣tousness; and also it was found, all along the subsequent places, that we are shunned by other Animals, not that they want gentleness, but onely we. In the interim, they among them that were sick, being exposed to the Rain, and the in∣juries of the piercing Ayr, dying, were a great cause of grief to their Companions, if not of envy, when they looked back upon their own condition, trembling to think what end, Fortune, or rather Providence would allot them.

Among those that dyed, was William Barent, the Master of the unfortunate Ship, who was no less worthy to be remem∣bred in the Catalogue of famous men, then was Vesputius and Columbus though in dispight of Fortune. Those few that survived, sometimes drew the Boats over the Ice, other whiles repaired their decayes.

Thus while their Labour increased, and their strength de∣cay'd, an auspicious Wind brought them, even now fainting, and able to work no more, to the utmost Skirts of Zembla, opposite to our Ocean. Here, after a whole year, they first saw some Russian Sea-men, and, by hap they were the same, which they found nig•• the Streight in their second Naviga∣tion. They therefore, as indeed the whole Nation is very Religious, comforted and pitied them both by Countenance and Speech, as much as could be understood thereby, be∣holding them to be the Reliques of a Fleet, so late before ter∣rible; and besides, they voluntarily supplyed them with Pro∣visions. Here they found a very wholesom Herb, for weak∣ned and strained Members; which very Disease, had and did vehemently afflict the Sea-men at that present, caused by

the violence of the former and present Cold: Thus equal and tender is Nature, that provides fit Remedies for all Di∣stempers and Climates. This Herb was supposed to be the Britannica, or Spoonwart of Plimy, which a most diligent Wri∣ter commemorates, that the Romans used against the same Disease, by the reaching of the Frizons. After this, being long retained by a cross Wind, in the Entrance of the Russian Sea; and as oft as they were pinched with any Extremity of Hunger, by chance, by the last meeting of some Ships belong∣ing to the Laplanders, living on that Coast, whose Hospitality refreshing them, when the Darkness had separated their Boats, they arrived at the Isle of Quilodun. There they under∣stand (so do••h Chance o••tentimes restore the most desperate Affairs) that there was in the Neighbouring Port a Ship, which had come with them out of Holland, and wa•• th••own by Tempest upon that Shore, to furnish and promote their Return into their own Country. They were Twelve, the chief of them being Jacob Hemskerk, who, after so many perils, and so much labour, returned even miraculously to Amsterdam, from the furthest and most desolate part of the World.

Notes

• 1596.