¶ A brief request or declaration presented unto Madam the Duchess of Parme. etc. Regente of the low Country of Flaunders: By the Lords and Nobility of the same Country, with the Answer and Reply, and other writings. Englished by W.F. 1566.  
¶ Imprinted at London, by John Kyngston, for Thomas Humble, dwelling at the sign of the George in Lumberdstreate.   

To the Reader.  
BEfore we set forth the declaration of the Nobility, we have thought good to express the copy of the letters of Madam the Duchess of Parme, Regente. etc. sent to the Governors and Counsaillors Provincial of the low Country of Flaunders. etc. Also the extract of the letters of the King our sovereign lord, sent to the Provinces of the low country, the which have been published already in some places, and are meant to be published throughout, which thing hath given occasion to the nobility, to present the said declaration, tending to the hindrance of the execution of the said letters.   


¶ Margaret by the grace of God Duchess of Parme, and of Plaisance. etc. Regente and Governess.  
RIght dear and well-beloved, although that from the beginning of the reign of the King, my Sovereign Lord, of the Countries on this side, aswell by the renewing and publishing of the Placardes and ordinances of the Emperor Charles, my sovereign lord of most high memory deceased (whom God have in his glory) touching the state of Religion, ratified and confirmed by his royal majesty, that the same which hath since been written you, even at his last departure from the said Countries, for his Kingdom of Spain, you might always know the good zeal and most holy affection of his said majesty, to the conservation of our old true faith and catholic Religion, and to the weeding out of all sects and heresies, in these said Countries on this side: notwithstanding this, as it hath pleased his said majesty for certain occasions, to renew again unto us his most holy intent, by his last letters, we have thought good by express charge thereof, to represent that which his majesty hath written unto us, which is thus in effect: That his Majesty desiring nothing more than the conservation of of the said Religion, and of his good subjects on this side, in good tranquillity, peace, unity, and concord, and to preserve them from the inconveniences, which have been seen to chance in many places of Christendom, for the changing of the said Religion: His said majesty willeth and intendeth, that the said Placardes and Ordinances, of his Imperial majesty deceased and his predecessors, be kept and observed in all points, as it is also the intent of his said majesty, to cause to be well and straightly observed that which is decreed by the holy Council of Trent, and the Provincial congregations, especially as touching the reformation of the Clergy, without resisting the said decrees in any thing, to the end that punishing the heresies, the manners also may be corrected: Also that all favour and assistance be given to the Inquisitors, of the faith and the erecution of their offices, and that the Inquisition be made by the said inquisitors, as it hath been made heretofore, and as appertaineth to them by divine and human right, the which thing his Majesty also expressly commandeth, by his said letters. And following this writing of his said majesty, and to obey thereunto, in a thing so holy and favourable, we could not omit to write this unto you, for to pray you, require you, and of the behalf of his said majesty to command you very expressly, to call and guide yourselves herein, according to the ordinance of his said Majesty, without gainstanding it in any point or article, and that you cause the same to be understanded to the officers, and those of the law, of the principal Towns of the Country and County of 〈◊〉 to th'end that they may order them selves thereafter, without dissimulation or covin, under the penalties contained in the same Placardes. And so much the better to have knowledge of it, that ye appoint and assign a councillor of your College (who notwithstanding may be changed from half year to half year, to th'end that one alone be not always charged) and he to do none other thing, but to have regard to the said Country of 〈◊〉 for the observation of the decrees of the said holy Council, and to advertise you always of that which shallbe needful to be provided for, according to the intent of his said majesty. And to the end that we may always know the state of the said Religion, as is aforesaid, we desire and command you as aforsaied, that from three months to three months, ye writ unto us the success particularly, making your recourse to us in matters of difficulty, or to them of the privy counsel of his said majesty, that report may be made unto us, whereas likewise we will appoint some Councillor, who shall take the charge particularly, and shall confer with you, and him that shallbe sent by you. And to the end that upon all this afore said, you might so much the better see the express pleasure of his said majesty, we have caused to be joined hereunto, the chief points of the letters and other writings of his said majesty, concerning this matter, to the end to order and guide your selves, according to the form and tenor of the same without default. And thus most dear and well-beloved, the Lord have you in his keeping.  
Written at brussels the xviii day of December. Anno Dni .1565. H.  underneath was written Margarita. And lower then that the Seal of Ouerlope. Upon the back was moreover written, to our right dear and well-beloved, the Precedent and people of the Counsel of the king in.   

¶ An extract of the last letters and writings sent by the King to Madam the Duchess, with the last dispatch, concerning the state of Religion.  
First of all, as concerning the Placardes and Ordinances aswell old as new, touching the said state of Religion, that his Majesty understanding the estate wherein the affairs of Religion now stand on this side, it is not convenient to make, as touching the said Placardes and Ordinances any change, but that the said Placardes of the emperors Majesty deceased, and those of his said Majesty be also executed. And his Majesty hath perceived the cause of the evil which hath chanced, and of that it is so augmented & gone so far, to have been by the negligence, slothfulness, and dissimulation of the judges. And that if there be any judges, which dare not or will not execute them, for fear of any tumult, then let his Majesty thereof have knowledge, to the end that he may provide other of stouter heart & better zeal, to the execution thereof, whereof there can be no default in those said Countries, seeing there be so many Catholics, and men desirous to serve God and his Majesty, and that doing this, and executing the said Placardes, it is to be hoped that by that means, the hurt which is done may be the better and sooner remedied.  
For the second, as concerning that which toucheth the inquisitors of the faith, his Majesty chargeth her highness, to help that the said inquisitors be favoured in that, which toucheth the execution and administration of their charge, in asmuch as is convenient for the profit and sustentation of the Religion, being th'intent of his Majesty, that the said Inquisition be made by the said inquisitors, as it hath been until this time, and as to them belongeth by divine and humane right, and that this is no new thing, seeing that it hath been always done so in the time of the emperors Majesty deceased, and of his majesty also. The inconveniences which are to be feared, being moche more apparent, more nigh, and greater, when there is not provision made for the said Inquisitors, of that which appertaineth to their office, and that they are not assisted. And because her highness doth understand what this importeth, his Majesty chargeth her as much as she may to do whatsoever shallbe necessary thereunto, and that she do not consent, that any other thing be entreated of, her highness knowing how moche his Majesty hath the heart, desire, and contented that it shall thus be.  
For the third, his Majesty commandeth her highness, that seeing that the holy Council of Trent was already published, that there rested nothing but that which toucheth the execution, which belongeth to the Bishops, her highness should cause them to make all speed and assistance possible, to th'end that she enforce herself as behoveth. Also that the same be executed, which the said Council of Trent hath decreed, as concerning the reformation of the life and manners of the spirituality, his majesty charging as well her highness, as the officers of his said Majesty, to give all the favour and encouraging that should be needful, and that if in case it should be requisite, that on the behalf of his Majesty, she should cause it to be dispatchte quickly, especially where the people of the Church, will not obey to the reformation made by the Bishops, conformable to the decree of the said Council of Trent.  
And for conclusion, sith that which his Majesty writeth to her highness, as is aforsaied, is that which belongeth to the profit of the Religion & of the country on this side, which were nothing worth without the same, and that this is the way for to keep them in justice, peace, and tranquillity. And because her highness seeth what it importeth, his majesty requireth her again to follow the way, whereby that which is aforesaid, may be brought to effect, & that it shallbe the thing, whereby his Majesty may receive moche contentation, aswell of her highness, as of the Lords being under her, to whom her highness should give in charge the same, to the end that they implose themselves as his Majesty trusteth that they will not fail, knowing the contentment that they shall do unto him, besides that they shall fulfil the duty of such personages as they be, and according to the obligation that they have to the service of God, and of his majesty and to the universal profit of the country on this side, and also of themselves particularly.   

¶ The Precedent and Council of the Kings majesty of holland, Zelande, and Frieslande.  
NOble, worthy, and discrete, and also good friends, we have received certain letters of the Duchess, Regent of the Kings Majesty in these low countries, with express; e commission and commandment unto your honours. For to certify how his majesty, nothing in the world more doth require then the conservation of the Catholic religion, and his good subjects of these countries in good peace, rest, quietness and union to maintain, and the same to keep from all inconveniences, the which in many places of Christendom, by the changing of religion, be chanced and happened: Doth will you to understand that the Proclamations and ordinances of the late Imperial majesty, made upon points of religion to be kept, and in all points to be maintained and executed, as also the mind of his majesty is well and straightly to maintain that, which by the holy & general Council of Trent by the Provincial synods hath been ordained and statuted, and in especial as touching the reformation of the spirituality, without any thing against the same, to do that in correcting of the heresies, evil manners, by the same may be amended and punished: Therefore his majesty doth will that the Inquisitors of the faith, in the executing and exercising of their office, shall have all the help and assistance that you are able to show or do unto them: and that the Inquisition by the same Inquisitors be done in like sort, as it hath been unto this present time, according as it appertaineth unto them, by Spiritual and Temporal laws, the which his Majesty expressly hath commanded, and in the same to his Majesty, in so holy & good a matter to be obedient, we could no less do, then to write these presents, and in the same to require, and in the name of his Majesty to command very earnestly, that in these you will do, according unto the will & ordinances of ●is majesty, without doing, or suffering to be done against the same in any point, upon pain and penalty of the placard and ordinance comprehended, like as by us hath been in the departing of his majesty out of this low Country, by his majesty at large hath been written. You shall further keep and observe the last Proclamation, published the .29. day of March afore Easter. Anno .1563. touching the Midwives with also that that hath been commanded you by our letters missives, at the sending of the same proclamation, as to keep and take good regard upon all such as do absent themselves from the church, not heating Mass upon the sunday & holy day in that his majesties letters, the .29. day of March Anno .1563. and ours the 11 of April. An 1564. after Easter, & unto us. Certified that daily more and more, upon the streets, wagons, boats, and ships, and other places, dishonest & unreverent songs he used against the holy Sacraments of the Altar, Baptism, and others: We charge & ordain your honore, the same coming unto your knowledge, with all comely manner, the same to let & hinder, and those to apprehend that shall sing any such Songs, contrary to the christian faith, unto the tenor of his majesties Proclamation aforesaid, and to the intent that you, and also all the subjects, the better ordain yourselves, unto the good pleasure and will of his majesties Proclamation: you shall henceforth take better regard, that the Proclamation upon the points of Religion namely the Proclamation of the year of our Lord .1556. every half year be renewed and published, to th'end that such as be inclined to any new learning and sects, by the penalty in the Proclamation contained, might be retired.  
Noble worthy, discrete, & in especial good friends, our lord God be with you: written at the Hage the 8 of january. 1565. Stilo curi.   

¶ The Proposition made by Mounsire de Brederode, to Madam the Duchess, before he presented the declaration.  
Madam, the gentlemen assembled in this town, and others of like quality in compitente number, who for certain respects, are not here present, have stayed for the service of the king, and the public weal of this low Country, to present unto your highness with all humility, this declaration, upon the which it shall please you to give such order, as shallbe thought convenient, humbly beseeching your highness, to take it in good part. And further Madam, we are advertised to have been charged before your highness, before the lords of the Council, and others, that this our deliberation, hath chief been made for to raise up tumults, uproars & seditions, and, which is more abominable, they have charged us that we would change our Prince, having practices, leagues; and conspiracies, with Princes & Capttaines' strangers, aswell frenchmen, Almains, as others, which thing we never thought ●pon; and is altogether contrary to our loyalty, and to that which your highness shall find by this declaration: beseeching nevertheless your highness, to name and discover unto us, them that have so unjustly blamed so noble and honourable a company.  
Moreover Madam, the Lords here present have understanding, that there is some amongst them, who particularly are accused and charged, to have taken in hand and gone about, to bring to effect the foresaid wicked enterprise, aswell with Frenchmen, as other strangers, whereat we feel ourselves greatly grieved. And therefore humbly beseech your highness and favour, as to name the accusers, and accused, to the end that the wrong and mischief being discovered, your highness may make brief and manifest justice, and by that means suppress the evils and slanders, which might come upon it, being well assured that your highness will never suffer, that soche a noble and honourable company, should remain charged, with so great infamies and wicked acts.   

¶ The request of the Nobility of the low Country, presented to Madam the Duchess of Parme and Plaisance. etc.  
Madam, it is well enough known that throughout all Christendom hath always been greatly renowned (as it is yet at this present) the great fidelity of the people of this low Country, to wards their lords and natural Princes, wherein the nobility hath always kept the chief rank, as the same which hath never spared neither body nor goods, for the conservation and increase of the greatness of them. In the which we the most humble subjects of his majesty will always continue from good to better, so that both day & night we keep ourselves ready, for to do him most humble service, both with our bodies and goods: and seeing in what case the affairs are at this present, have thought best to charge ourselves with some ill will, then to keep secret from your highness, things which might hereafter turn to the prejudice of his majesty, and forthwith altogether trouble the rest and tranquillity of this country. Trusting that theffect will appear in time, that amongst all the services which we might have done, or hereafter may do to his majesty, this same aught to be accounted amongst the most notable, and to best purpose, whereby we assuredly persuade ourselves, that your highness can not take it but in very good part. Although then, Madam, that we doubt not but that all that, which his majesty hath heretofore, and also now presently of new doth constitute, touching the Inquisition and strait observation of the Placardes for the state of religion, hath had some foundation and just title, to wit, to continue that which the Emperor Charles, of most high memory deceased, had established for a good intent. Nevertheless considering that the difference of one time from an other, bringeth immediately with it diversity of remedies, and that now of late within these few years the said Placarde, notwithstanding that they were not executed with all rigour, have nevertheless given occasion to many grievous inconveniences. Certainly the last resolution of his majesty, by the which he forbade not only that the said Placardes should not be mitigated, but also plainly commanded, that the Inquision should be observed, and the Placardes executed with all rigour, doth give us sufficient just occasion to fear, that thereby not only the said inconveniences should greatly increase, but also that in th'end should follow a commotion and general sedition, tending to the miserable ruin of the whole country, according as the manifest tokens of the alteration of the people (which now appeareth on every side) doth give us plainly to understand.  
Wherefore, knowing the evidency & greatness of the danger, which doth threaten us, have hitherto hoped that either by the lords, or by th'estates of the country, declaration should be made in convenient time unto your highness, to th'end to remedy it, by taking away the cause & original of the evil: but since having seen, that they have not executed it for some occasion to us unknown, and that in the mean while the evil increaseth daily, in so much that the danger of sedition & general rebellion is even at hand, we have thought it good, following the oath of fidelity & homage together, with the good will that we bear to his majesty and the Country, not to tarry and longer, but rather to set forth ourselves with the first, to do the duty required, and so much the more boldly, because we have more occasion to trust that his majesty will take our advertisement in very good part, seeing that the matter toucheth be nearer, than it doth any other, seeing that we are in more danger of the inconveniences and calamities, which customably come of such like accidents, having for the most part our houses and goods situate in the fields, and ready to be a pray to every man: considering also generally, that following the rigour of the said Placardes, as his majesty hath expressly commanded to proceed, there shall not be amongst us any man, no nor in the whole country on this side, of what estate or condition soever he be, that shall not be found guilty of the confiscation and forfeicture of his body and goods, and subject to the reproach of the first enemy, who to have part of the confiscation, will accuse him under colour of the Placardes, not having any other thing left him for refuge, but only the dissimulation of the officer, into whose mercy his life & goods are wholly put. In consideration whereof, we have so much the more occasion, most humbly to beseech your highness (as in deed we beseech you by this present request) for to give good order herein. And (for the importance of the matter) to send as speedily as may be, an express and fit man to his majesty to advertise him, and beseech him most humbly on our behalf, that it would please him to provide as well for the time present, as the time to come. And forasmuch as the same can not be done, suffering the said Placardes to remain in their force, seeing that thereof dependeth the spring, and original of the said inconveniences: that it would please him to abolish the same, the which shallbe needful for the withstanding of the total ruin and loss of all his countries on this side.  
And to th'end that his majesty have no occasion to think that we (which pretend nothing but to do him most humble obedience) would take in hand to bridle him, or make him a Law at our pleasure (as we doubt not but our adversaries will interpret it for our disadvantage) it may please his majesty, to make other Ordinances, by the advise and consent of all the estate generally assembled, to the end to foresee to this aforesaid, by other means more apt and convenient, and without so evident dangers. Beseeching also most humbly his highness, that until such time that his majesty shall attend to our just request, and give order according to his good and just pleasure, that in the mean time he foresee unto the said dangers, by a general stay, aswell of the Inquisition, as of all execution of the said Placardes, until such time that his majesty have taken other order.  
Protesting expressly, that in asmuch as to us appertaineth, we are acquitted of our duty by this present advertisement: Sith that from henceforth, we discharge ourselves before God and men, declaring, that if any inconvenience, disorder, sedition, rebellion, or shedding of blood, do hereafter come to pass, through fault that there hath not been remedy taken in time, we can not be blamed for keeping close so apparent an evil, wherein we take God, the King, your highness, and the Lords of his Counsel, together and our conscience in witness, that we have proceeded as behoveth good and lawful servitors, and faithful subjects of the King, not exceeding in any thing the limits of our duty, wherefore also we so much the more instantly beseech, that your highness will see unto it, before that the evil happen.  
Presented by Mounsire Henry of Brederode, Lord of the said place, with Lodowick Erie of Nassowe th'earls of Berge and Culenborgh accompanied with the Nobility of the low Country, the .5. of April 1565. before Easter.   

¶ The Answer made in the Counsel of Estate, by Madam. etc. upon the declaration going before.  
HEr highness, having understanded, what is required and domaunded, by the matters contained in this request, is fully determined to send towards the Kings maisstie, for to present it unto him, and to ●se towards him all good means, that her highness shall think, may serve to dispose and incline his sai● Majesty, to condescend to the request of the said suppliants, who ought not to doubt, but that all things shallbe worthy and conformable to his native and accustomed benignity: her highness having already (before the coming of the said suppliants, by the assistance and advise of the governors of the Provinces, Knights of the Order, and those of the Council, being under her) gone about to conceive and address, a moderation of the said Placardes, touching the state of Religion, for to present it unto his said majesty. The which moderation her highness hopeth should be found such, that it should give to every one reasonable contentment. And seeing that th'authority of her highness, as the suppliants may well consider and understand, doth not extend so far, as to be able to stay the Inquisition, and the Placardes as they demand, and that it behoveth not to leave the country, as touching religion without law, her highness trusteth that the suppliants will content themselves with this, that she send (to the end aforesaid) towards the kings majesty, and in the mean time whilst she waiteth for his answer, her highness will give order, that aswell by the Inquisitors (whereof there have been until now) that by the officers which have the oversight, things be executed discreetly, and modestly, as appertaineth to their charges, in such sort that there be no occasion given of complaint, her highness trusting also, that the suppliants will order themselves after such fashion, that it shall not be needful to use it otherwise. And it is to be hoped that by the good means, which her highness shall make to his majesty, he shallbe content to discharge the other of the Inquisition where she is, according as it may be understanded, that it is now declared upon the request of the chief towns of Brabant, that they shall not be charged with it. And her highness will labour so much the more freely towards his majesty, to the end and effect aforesaid, in that she is assured that the suppliants do mind and intend determinately, to bring in no new thing, contrary to the ancient religion, observed in the country on this side, but to maintain it and observe it with all their power.  
Made by her highness at Brusels, the 6. day of April .1565. before Easter.   

¶ The Reply upon the Answer going before made the. 8. day of April.  
Madam, having seen the answer, which it hath pleased your highness to give us, we will not fail first of all to thank most humbly your highness, for the brief expedition thereof, especially of the satisfaction that your highness hath had of this our assemble, the which was made for none other occasion, but for the good service of the kings majesty, & the tranquillity of the country: And for the better contentment, and rest of the same country, we have greatly desired that the said answer of your highness, had been made more ample and plainer. Nevertheless, sith that your highness hath not the authority that we desired, as we understand, whereof we are very sorry, we trust according to the hope and assurance that your highness hath given us, that there shallbe such order made, aswell towards the Magistrates, as the Inquisitors, enjoining them to stay themselves from all suits proceeding of the Inquisition, Ordinances, or Placardes, aswell old, as new, touching the state of Religion, until the Kings Majesty have otherwise decreed. Of our part, Madam, sith that we desire nothing but to follow all that which by his majesty, with the advise and consent of the Estates generally assembled shallbe decreed, for the maintaining of the ancient Religion, we trust to guide ourselves in such sort, that your highness shall have no occasion of miscontentment. And if any man commit any heinous or seditious act, that he be by your highness, and them of the Council to Estate, appointed s●…ke punishment, as the desert of the deed shall require. Protesting again that if any inconvenience do rise, by fault of not having given good order, that we have fulfilled our duty, most humbly beseeching your highness to hold that our duty as agreeable and bounden, receiving it for the service of his Majesty. Offering ourselves to remain most humble and obedient servitors to your highness: and to die at his feet for his service, as oft as it shall please your highness to command us.   

¶ requests of the four members of Flanders, and the Cities, and Cassellries joining thereunto upon the effect of Inquisition.  
Showing and requiring in all humility, the four members of your country and Countess of Flanders, as well for them as for all the cities, Cassellries in general of all the Inhabiters, and Subjects of the same countries. How that not long sithence, they had presented your Majesty a supplication, for that it might please your highness, to permit the suppliants, to emoy in the afore written quality, their old liberty and freedom, for the preservation of them, and to forbid the inquisitors, and other Spiritual persons, for the bringing in of any new matters, through the practice of Inquisition, and that upon the afore written supplication, as it nothing had been ordained. For that your majesty first and foremost require in particular, to understand the meaning of the suppliants, according to supplications here unto annexed, so is it that they for the satisfaction, they now adressing themselves unto your Majesty, as to the same perforsed by obligation of their oath, and to the conservation and welfare, of your afore written low Countrées: as also newly thereunto moved, through the new practice and subtlety of my Lord the bishop of Bridgis, and of miaster Peter Litelman, them naming inquisitors, as it appeareth by the copy of the articles by them, showing hereunto annexed. Therefore requiring very humbly, that you taking regard, upon the reasons hereby rehearsed at large, by the afore said supplication, and in especial that your patrimonial lands, their neighbours not brought to bondage or subjection, of the aforesaid Inquisition, by liberty of the which, your other patremoniall Countrées, the Inhabitors of the afore written, your country of Flanders, should be occasioned to departed, and to leave their country and lands, for the avoiding of such bondage, vexation and subjection, as already hath been found by experience. It may please your Majesty, to let the suppliants enjoy peaceably the aforesaid, their rights, freedoms, customs, and usaunces, and for as much as the exercise of the aforesaid Inquisition, is directly contrary to all the aforesaid rights, freedom, customs, and usances of the said suppliants: the same wholly to disannul, and wholly to frustrate and make void, in asmuch as it toucheth the temporal persons. Forbidding furthermore all Spiritual justices, to take any knowledge of matters belonging unto the knowledge of temporal jurisdiction, but the same to put only to the judgement of the Temporal judges. And not to consent that the Inhabiters of your afore written countries of Flanders, more straightly to be bound to any inquisite or rigour of Ordinances and Proclamations, made touching Religion, than other their joining countries and Provinces, the aforesaid declarations Your majesty well assuring that they of your country of Flanders, and the Commons in general, having no other meaning or desire, than themselves to employ, & to the country masion, and maintaining of the old catholic faith, & to all the service of your majesty, as true and obedient subjects of the same.  
anno .1565. April after Easter.   
FINIS.