THE joyful and royal entertainment of the right high and mighty Prince, Francis the French Kings only brother, by the grace of God Duke of Brabande, Anjou, Aláunson, etc. Into his noble City of Antwerp.  
Translated out of French by Arthur Golding, according to the Copy printed by Plantine at Antwerp, his highness printer.  
❧ Imprinted at London for William Ponsonby, and are to be sold at his shop in Paul's Churchyard, at the sign of the bishops head.   

The Preface.  
STrange and wonderful changes, have by God's just judgement happened heretofore unto men, for their horrible and outrageous crimes, even in the greatest Empires, Monarchies, and common weals. And like as God, who knoweth how to pull down the pride even of the greatest which abuse their authority, hath executed those judgements too manifest his justice: so hath he also set them forth for example to such as should come after, into whose hands he would put the sceptres to rule folk withal: to the intent they might understand, that as they report themselves to reign by his grace, so in very deed they be his lieutenants, & Ministers of his justice upon earth, and therefore ought not to abuse that sovereign and well-near divine authority, wherewith he hath inhonored them.  
Also, (which thing hath not come to pass without God's providence) there have ever been learned men of rare wits, which have conveyed the remembrance of such changes over to posterity, to serve them for example: leaving in writing the causes of such chances, with their effects and diversities of falling out, to the end that whensoever the like turnings come again, men may be in a readiness to take the counsel which may be most for their welfare, or at leastwise which may be least hurtful to their Countries & to their own persons. Thucydides the prince of Historiographers among the Athenians, affirmeth that his taking upon him to write the civil wars among the Greeks, called the wars of Peloponnesus, which were full of divers changes: was for the example of them that were to come after him, when they lighted into wars of the like kind. And of a truth, wise men which have advisedly examined the causes of the civil wars, as well which have been in certain ages past, as which have been in our age: have found many things resembling the said wars of Peloponnesus, whither it be in the causes and the effects, in difficulties of resolution, in differences of dispositions, in lets of execution, in treasons, treacheries, surmises, misreports, or slanders against good men, and in such other like incidentes. The like also is to be seen in other Historiographers: For the more precisely & faithfully they have written, the more have they done us to understand, that this saying of the Orator is true, That an History is the Scholemistresse of man's life. And sooth if ever any change in the world were notable & worthy to be imparted to posterity▪ it is that which hath happened in these Low countries. For whither ye have an eye to the far differing qualities of the two princes that entered 〈◊〉 into these wars: or to the inequality of their forces: to the diversity of the causes which moved them to enter into arms on either part: to the diversity of their success, on the one part with secret enterprises sagely demeaned, and on the other part with wiles, deceits & mischiefs practised: or to the treaties of peace & unity made, double made, and unmade again: to the diversity of parts which some self same persons have followed almost at one time, or finally to the change of the prince that had been followed with long, advised, & sage deliberation and to the incounterings that have been made to the contrary, & the things that are to ensue thereof hereafter: these things (I say) being diligently examined, will show how there have been few changes heretofore, which have better deserved to come to light, thanthat which we have presently before our eyes. Which thing maketh us to hope, that God will not suffer so goodly and rare an example to be buried, but that he will stir up some wise, learned, and eloquent man, meet to set it forth in writing, to commend it to posterity. Howbeit forasmuch as it is our duty to help him that shall enterprise so great, so high, and so difficult a work: and one (as it were) of most principal and special points, fallen out in the investing of the Duchy of Brabande in the person of the Lord Francis, only brother of the French King, Duke of Anjou: and in his entering into the right renowned city of Antwerp: I thought it my duty to write down the same truly now while the remembrance thereof is yet fresh: as well to give knowledge thereof to strange nations, as to s●rue his turn with notes of remembrance, which shall impart to posterity the whole and universal change happened in this country. By the way, I would have all men to understand, that although we have no cause to repenteus of the receiving of the said Prince, chiefly for that it hath pleased him to like well of it: yet notwithstanding, the said city of Antwerp had not any more than six days respite, to prepare for the entertainment of so great a prince: to the intent that all men may perceive, after what sort the people were affectioned, which in so short time undertook so great a matter: and how great the sumptuousness of his entertainment was like to have been, if the time might have been answerable to the good will and earnest desire of all the inhabitants of the noble and rich city of Antwerp.   

¶ The departing of the Mounsire the Duke of Anjou out of England, and the receiving of him into Zealand.  
When the Queen of England and Mounsire the Duke of anjou understood by report made to her Majesty and his highness by Mounsire de Pruneaux, (who had been sent over a little before from the Duke to the Prince of Orange, and had prosecuted the treaty the former years as his ordiniarie Ambassador,) what good will & great longing he had found in the prince of Orange, who was come into the isle of Walckeren with a great number of Gentlemen, and with the deputies of the States & of the chiefest and best Cities of the Low Country, to receive his highness and to do him most humble service: And when they had also heard the embassage of the Lords of Ohain and junius, sent from the Lords of the State to the Duke, to show unto him the exceeding great desire which all the people had to see his highness, for the present ratifying of the former covenants that had passed betwixt them: for the accomplishing whereof it was needful that he should pass over with all speed: whereby the same thing was confirmed which had been declared oft afore by the Lord of Mount Saint Aldegond, ordinary Ambassador to her Majesty and his highness: Upon the intelligence of these things, it was resolved by her Majesty and his highness, that the Mounsire should departed. Whereupon the Queen calling the Lord Haward, commanded him (for the Earl of Lincoln the high Admiral of England was then sick,) to take upon him the charge of the Admiralship, and to go to Rochester, & there to choose vessels meet for the transporting of the Mounsire and his train, and to furnish them with men of war, Mariners, and all manner of necessaries as well of war as of victuals. Which thing was done with such diligence and speed, that the ships being ready with all things in less than eight days, passed out of the river of Rochester and the Thames, and were conveyed to the Downs near to the town of Sandwich, where the Mounsire was to take shipping. And forasmuchas the Mounsire came into England accompanied but with a few princes and Lords, and they also had left their train in France, & some of the same Lords were sent back again afterward by his commandment & for his service. The Qneene determined to give him a company & train meet for his greatness, taking his journey about so great and noble exploit. And therefore she commanded the Earl of Leycester master of the Horses, the Lord of Hunsdon governor of Berwick, her majesties near kinsman, & the L. hayward the Uiceadmirall, (of whom the first two were of her privy Counsel, & all three were Knights of the order of the Garter,) to attend upon him, and to assemble as great a number of English Lords and Gentlemen, as could be gotten in so little time, to honour him withal: Whereunto the said Lords obeyed very willingly: and there went with them to accompany them, the Lord Willowghbie, the Lord Windsor, the Lord Sheffeelde, the Lord hayward, and the Lord Awdley, second son to the late Duke of Norfolk: master Sidney, Nephew to the forenamed Earl of Leycester, sir George Caree, and master john and Robert Caree all three sons of the said Lord of Hunsdon: master William hayward brother of the said Lord Haward: sir Thomas Shorley, sir john Parrot, sir William russel, sir William Drury, and sir George Bowser Knights, and a great number of other Gentlemen, so as the whole train that attended upon the said Earl, was to the number of a hundred Gentlemen, and of more than three hundred Servingmen. The Lord of Hunsdon had of Gentlemen and others together to the number of a hundred and fifty: and the Lord haward had as many.  
The Queen determined to accompany the Mounsire to the seas side: and yet nevertheless commanded the said Lords to keep their course, and to attend upon his highness to the said place, with all manner of solemnities, interteynments and feastings. He on the other side desired and besought her Majesty, not to departed out of London, as well for that the journey would be painful unto her, as for that he saw the wether fair and wind favourable, and therefore was loath to lose any occasion of performing his voyage withal speed. But he could not prevail. Whereupon her Majesty took her journey with her whole Court, the first day of February, and lodged that night at Rochester. The next day, abiding still at Rochester, her Majesty showed him all her great ships which were in that place, into most whereof his highness and the Prince and Lords of his train entered, not without great admiration of the French Lords and Gentlemen, who confessed that of good right the Queen of England was reported to be Lady of the Seas. Also he behold how all those ships were ready furnished and well appointed. And her Majesty told him, that all those vessels and the furniture of them, should do him service whensoever he would employ them: For the which he humbly thanked her Majesty: and so after all the great ordinance had been shot of, they returned for that day again to Rochester.  
The third day they went to Sittingboorne, where dining both together, the Queen was served after the English manner, by the greatest Ladies of her Court: and the Mounsire after the French manner, by the Gentlemen of his train, which Ladies and Gentlemen dined afterward togethers. Then his highness be sought her Majesty again, to go no further, declaring unto her that the fair wether pass-, said away. But notwithstanding his entreatance, the Queen went on still to Cauntorburie. At which place, after one days tarriance, when she had openly feasted all the French Nobility, either part took their leave of other, not without great grief and show ●f very great amity, specially between her Majesty and the Mounsire. Which thing was perceived also in the Lords and Gentlemen of both the nations, and likewise in the Ladies, to all whom it was like grief to departed after they had been conversant and had lived friendly and brotherly together, by the space of three months, without any change or alteration of their good wills. But the honour which enforced his highness, assuaged his grief, and made him to proceed on his journey with the said Prince and Lords of both the nations.  
The sixth day of the same month, whereas he was determined to have taken ship, he was counseled to lodge that night at Sandwiche, because the wind was somewhat changed. Howbeit, some of the English Gentlemen, namely master Killegrey, master Dier and others, to eschew thronging at their embarking, went to Dover, & there taking ship the same night lay a while at anchor, and somewhat after midnight sailed away with certain other vessels.  
The seventh day, in the morning about ix. of the cloak, his highness took the sea in three great ships of war. In the greatest of them named The Discoverer, sailed the Mounsire himself with the Earl of Leycester, and the Lord Hawarde the Uiceadmirall: In the second called the Sentinel, went the Prince Dauphin: and in the third went the county of laval, and the Lord of Hunsdon. Now as his highness was yet at anchor, there came a post from a Lord of England, who brought him word that the States of the low Countries were revolted, and namely the city of Antwerp, and therefore he prayed him not to departed, until he had more certain news. Notwithstanding this, his highness determined to departed, and so sailed away with fifteen ships: and he had so fair a weather, (which continued even until after his entering into Antwerp, and his feasting & solemn entertainment there): that the heaven, the winds, the sea, and the earth seemed all to favour his voyage, & to further the gladness which the people showed in receiving him with so great goodwill.  
In the mean time, the Prince of Orange, seeing the time fit, departed from Middleborowgh where he had tarried the Mounsires' coming six weeks and more, and came to Flushing, to take order for allthings that were requisite for the honourable and commodious interteyning of so great a Prince. At the which place, understanding by the letters of the said Lords Ambassadors & others, that the Mounsire was departed from London and comed to Cauntorburie: and therefore thinking that it would not be long ere he arrived there: he dispatched Mounsire Treslon his vice-admiral of Zelande with a little pinnace called the Chasse, to go before to meet the Mounsire: commanding him that as soon as he had discovered his fleet, he should give him a watch word thereof by the shot of two Cannous. Mounsire Treslon having about noon tide discovered the ships that were parted from Dover, and thinking that they had been the great fleet: gave his watchword, which was the cause that a certain vessel went forth to the sea to meet his highness. But anon after, perceiving his error, he returned to Flushing, where by and by the fleet of Dover arrived. Then Mounsieur Treslon going forth, found the Mounsire and the great fleet between Newporte and Dunkirk: where after salutation given and taken on either side, the Mounsire standing upon the Hatches of his ship, espied his own Secretary named Nephew standing likewise upon the Hatches of the Chasse, to whom he sent his shipbote, commanding him to come a board to him, which thing he did, and there advertised the Mounsire, that as concer●ing the revolting of the states, there was no such matter, but that all things went very well, and that his Highness was waited for with great longing. That day by reason the wind 〈◊〉 turned North-east, they could go no further, but were feign to cast anchor over against a place called Eastende, where they passed that night, waiting for the tide the next morning. His ships were perceived by them of Flushing, where anon after midnight arrived the Lord of S. Aldegond, who assured the prince Orange, that the next morning the Mounsire would arrive there with the tide. Whereupon the prince of Orange and the prince of Es pynoy with a great number of Gentlemen took sea the next morning, but because the tide was against them: and on the other part the Mounsire having a side wind with him was constrained to haste to the Land: by means thereof the Prince being not able to come aboard to him with his ship, was fain to turn sail back again to Flushing, where the Prince Dauphin had taken land already, and sought every where for the prince his brother. When they had embraced and saluted one another like brethren, the prince of Orendge perceiving the Mounsire to approach very near, took the water again. But when he perceived him to come down into his boat to take land, he turned back again, and hied him so fast that he took land before him, and there tarried his coming. As s●ne as he was arrived, while he was yet in his boat ready to come a land, the prince received him with great reverence, and embracing his highness knee, because he saw the weather was cold, said unto him in few words, that he was very glad to see that happy day, which had been so long expected, wherein he had the honour to behold his highness, and to offer unto him his most humble service, with goods and life and all that he had beside: hoping that by means of his highness, that country having endured so great adversity, should now be fully set at liberty. Whereunto the Mounsire answered very wisely and briefly, And when he had embraced him with such honour as was dew in respect of his age and doings: he came a land, and was brought by the prince to the palace of the city, howbeit not without great difficulty, by reason of the great press of men of war and other people pestering one another, the folk of that country pressing to see his highness, and the Englishmen which as then were come down thither in great number, pressing to know the prince of Orendge: In the mean while the trumpet's & 〈◊〉 sounded with such noise, that the air rang of it, and ●ll the Ordinanceshot off, (as well of the Queen's ships as of the other ships whereof the number was great which lay them in the road,) with so great roaring and thundering, that they conu●yed the news of his highness happy rival in the Low country, to Caleis and to other places of France. They of Flushing shot two peals, with so great noise by reason of the great number of the pieces that are in the town, that all the ground rang of it. The Mounsire found in that place all sorts of his Officers: for his household and his guard of Swisses and Frenchmen, departing from Caleis and Bolloin four days afore, were come to Middlebrowgh. The Magistrate of the city waited for him at the gates of the city, who told him by the mouth of their Recorder that they were very glad of his coming & thought themselves happy to see him, in hope that by his guiding and government, they should see their country restored to tranquillity, & set up again in her former renown.  
The states of Braband speaking by the mouth of Mounsire Uan Stralen Amptman of Antwerp, after their welcoming of him declared with what mind the noble & good cities of Braband had expected him, beseeching him most humbly to honour the country of Braband with his presence out of hand. Next them the deputies of the city of Brussels (besides the declaration which they made of their own goodwill, & generally of all the peoples of that country) declared also particularly, with what great good will & affection his highness had been waited for in that city, the chief seat of the lords of that country: & that after so many mischiefs which they had suffered for withstanding the tyranny of the Spaniards, next unto god they had not any hope but in the coming of his highness their prince and Lord.  
Afterward they of Antwerp were heard: who declared the affection of the people towards his highness, their long longing for him, and the great desire with they had to see their prince & sovereign. The colonels & captains of the town spoke afterward, and declared unto him how carefully and diligently they had kept the city, in hope to put it shortly into his hands, and rejoicing likewise at his coming.  
Unto all these Orations his highness answered very sagely and briefly as unto all the residue, to the well liking and coutentment of all that stood by.  
The prince of Orendge tarried a while with the Mounsire in the town house of the city: and then taking his leave went to visit the princes and Lords of both the nations that came with him, to see how they fared, and to take order that they should want nothing, so far forth as the ability of the town of Flushing (which is none of the greatest) could extend, where such provision was made, that all were well lodged and served, notwithstanding that above ●iue hundred men of the only english Lords were come a land that day. All that afternoon was spent in feasting, in making of Bonsires', in firewoorkes, in sounding of trumpets, and in all manner of tokens of toy, which all men uttered universally for the coming of so great a prince.  
Also the four members of Flaunders, which came by the council of the prince of Orendge, waited to present themselves unto him at middlebrowgh.  
The Prince of Orendge perceiving that the Monsyre was minded to go next day too middlebrowgh, told him that there were three ways The one about by the castle of Ramekins to euter in at the great channel of Middlebrowgh, by the bowght of the foreland. An other by the little channel through the country: and that he had kept ships in a readiness too go the outer way, and a great sort of boats to go the inner way, because his highness could not journey either by coach or on horseback by reason of the winter: and there was but only one causey whereby folk traveled ordinarily on foot. The Mounsire beholding the fitness of the time, (for in deed it was very fair wether, and understanding that the way was not passed a good french league in length, undertook to go it on foot: and so did all the rest of the prince's lords and gentlemen as well of the same country, as of France and England. A great sort of the Mounsires' house which were lodged already at Middlebrough, came to meet him, specially his guard of Frenchmen and Swissers. A good way out of the town, the magi●rate of Middlebrough came too meet him, as it were about a third part of the way: and there making an oration to him, told him of the great and long desire which all the people had of his coming, and that the people of Middlebrowgh for their own part thought themselves greatly honoured, in that he had vouchsafed to come to their ●itie, offering all dutifulness unto him. His guard also met him in the same place, and then began the Swis sers to march on in their order, striking up their drums after their manner. Moreover six companies of the citizens well armed and well arrayed, stood embattled without the town: who kept their place till the M●ūsire was passed, and then they followed after leizurely behind.  
The deputies of the states of the earldom of Zealand, waited his coming at the town gate. Who having declared the gladness which they conceded, rejoiced at the happy success which his highness had had in making the peace in France, and in rescowing the city of Cambraye by his army and in his own person, and in his passing into England, which they knew he had taken upon him for none other cause, then for the furtherance of the affairs of those countries, & finally for the having put his person in danger of the passage, he was now happily arrived in zealand: most humbly thanking his highness, & declaring what hope they had conceived of his presence and therewithal offering right humbly what soever their duty required.  
At the entry of the gate one brought him a courser of Naples: but he determined with himself, (seeing that the princes and Lords had not their horses there) to go through with his journey on foot, and so entered into the city of Middlebrowgh in this order.  
First went the Magistrates of the city with their under officers and ministers of Justice. Next them the deputies of the states of Zealand. After them followed divers Gentlemen of all the three nations, with the deputies of the cities of Braband, and of the four members of Flaunders. Then marched the Swissers after their accustomed fashion: in whose train were a great sort of noblemen and Gentlemen, of whom the most part were Englishmen of the retinue of the three Lords sent thither by the Queen. Behind them insewed as it were in one troup together, the Prince Dauphin, the Earl of Leycester, the prince of Espinoy, the county de Laval the lord of Hunsdon, the lord Haward, and the rest of the Lords. Then came the Mounsire himself, having on his left hand some what more than half a pace beneath him, the prince of Orendge, of whom he always asked some question. After him followed his guard of Frenchmen, and after them the guard of the Prince of Orendge, and last of all the six ensigns that stood in battle ray without the city, and ten others which had marshaled the streets unto the market place, where all the rest of the citizens were imbattelled. Throughout all the streets from the gate to the Mounsires' lodging, there were rails: and at every tenth pace on either side were burning cressets. And so his highness and all the nobility which accompanied him, passed on, marveling to see so goodly a city in so little an isle, and so near to three other good towns, not distant one from another above one league. But most of all they wondered at the beauty of the marketsted, and of the common hall of the city. His highness lodging was very well and richly hanged & furnished, considering the small respite that the inhabitants had: so as he was very well and 〈◊〉 lodged, both he and all the princes, noblemen, and gentlemen of all nations that attended upon him. That evening was passed in feasting, in making of bonfires in the streets, in artificial fire works upon the towers and steeples, and in sounding of trumpets.  
The next morning, the twelve deputies of the four members of Flaunders, speaking to his highness by the mouth of Mounsire Tayard the Recorder of Gaunt, declared at large the great good will of all the people of Flaunders cowards him, and that like as they had been of the first that had sent unto him, so they hoped to be of the first that should yield all humble service and subjection unto him. Whereunto his highness answered very discreetly, as his custom was. He passed the rest of the time in playing at tennis, with the Prince of Orendge and afterward with the other Lords.  
The thirteenth day he had a solemn feast made him in the Townehall, where his highness commanded the tables too be prepared of purpose, that he might have the company of the Prince Dauphin, the prince of Orendge, the Earl of Leycester, the Prince of Espinoy, the County de laval, the Lord of Hunsdon, and the Lord Haward. For the Lords of England were highly regarded and honoured every where, both in respect of her Majesty which sent them, and also for the worthiness of their persons. The feast was excellently well furnished of all things, and specially of tapistry work and other devices of sugar: insomuch that both the Frenchmen and Englimen confessed, that they had not been wont to see such manner of services in their countries.  
The fourteenth day, the prince of Orendge would needs go see the putting of the ships in a readiness, which should carry the Mounsire and his train, which were in number four and fifty: and therefore he would have gone to the foreland of Middlebrowgh. Whereof the Mounsire hearing, would needs go with him.  
On thursday the fisteenth of that month, his highness went to see the town of Ermwyden which is about half a league from Middlebrowgh. And understanding that the english lords were gone to see the Town of Vere, (called by strangers Camfer by reason of the passage that was sometime in the town of Camp which is now drowned) he also took boat and went thither, where all the company was very well received by the inhabitants, notwithstanding that they were taken unprovided.  
The sixteenth day, his highness was determined to have taken ship: but there arose so great a storm, that the mariners counseled him to forbear the sea for that day: by reason whereof his embarking was deferred till the next morrow, at which time his highness wi●h all his train sailed away. He himself was carried in a ship painted all over with his own colours, beset with a number of flags and pencils of the arms of Anjou. The residue had their accustomed flags so greatly feared of the Spaniards, belayed with the colours of the prince of Orendge. This fleet came the day against Beerlande in the isle of South Beveland, where they cast anchor & spent that night there.  
The next day being arrived luckily at Li●oo, after many shot of ordinance from the Fort and from the ships of war which accompanied his highness, they did cast ancre again. He himself went a land, and lay that night in the captain's lodging, longing for the morning. This Fort of Lis●oo is builded a three leagues beneath Antwer● upon the point of a dike or causey in the parish of Lisloo. The place is so commodious, that with a Musket a man may easily shoot from the one bank of the river Skeld to the other: and by reason that the stream of the river and the tide of the Sea which passeth that way twice a day, do make it crooked, that place being occupied by the enemy, might greatly hinder and annoy the sailing thereof. And therefore the citizens of Antwerp following the advice and platform laid forth by the prince of Orendge, bestowed great cost in fortifying that place, which hath a great Tower with great bulwarks, rampires and ditches, and is so well strengthened and flanked to the purpose, and hath the water so at commandment, that as now it is not too be won by any force.  
The next day being monday the nienteenth day of February, his highness departed thence, to make his entry into the renow●ed city of Antwerp.   

❧ The royal entertainment of the right high and mighty Prince, Francis the French Kings only brother, by the grace of God Duke of Braband, Anjou, Alaunson, Berry etc. into the city of Antwerp.  
IN all great and stately shows and assemblies, they that are the authors and setters forth of them, endeavour too beautify & commend as much as they can, the things which they offer to the sight of those whom they intend to honour, & of those which resort thither from strange places, to delight themselves with the beholding of them. The ancient Histortographers describe unto us many great triumphs, and stately entertainementes of Emperors, Kings, and great Captains, and they forget not to put into their writings, the great costliness and charges, and whatsoever else was set forth to the show, to content the eyes of the beholders. And albeit that neither gold, silver, precious stones, tapistry, cloth of silk, fine linen, diversities of vessels, nor variety of paintings were spared, but all such things have enriched those shows: yet notwithstanding, there is not any thing that hath yielded greater grace, beauty, and contentment to such assemblies than the multitude and brightness of armory and of things perteyving too martial affairs, as engines, artillery, and shows of cities and castles beaten down or taken by force from the enemies, And therefore in the Roman Empire, (which excelled all the other not only in conquests, martial discipline, and politic order of government, but also in sumptuousness and royalty) although infinite numbers of public games and exercises were exhibited by them being the greatest Lords of the world, who not only spared not any thing that was in their own power, but also made the cities and countries which were any way bound unto them, to send unto them whatsoever rare & exquisite things they could come by, to serve their turns in the shows which they exhibited to the people: yet notwithstanding their Triumphs have so borne the bell above all the rest, that the word Triumphing which cometh thereof, hath been applied to all high, great, and stately doings Not that in their other shows any thing was spared which might content the eyes 〈◊〉 of c●etous folk, or satisfy the bludthirstie hearts of such as tock● no pleasure but too behold the shedding of blood, yea and oftentimes of man's blood before their eyes. But in their triumphings nothing was so glorious as the armory and personages of the great Captains that had been conquerors, which thing contented the beholder's far more with out all comparison. And therefore when men intent to betoken the exceeding huge greatness of Rome, they term it the Triumphant Rome, which importeth as much as the rich, wealthy, and victorious Rome, replenished with great numbers of noble Captains, and valiant soldiers. And this term is come of the great numbers of Truimphes, which were seen there in the times of the Scipios, Paul's, Claudies, Metells, Pompey's, Caesar's & others. True it is that the other shows also were very glorious & beautiful to behold, & did (I wot not how) tickle the hearts of such as were fed with the beholding of their rich●s and of the infi nite numbers of Lions, Tigers, Panthers, bears, and swordplaiers encountering one another to to the death: but yet the beholding of a goodly company of men armed in goodly armour, marching in good order (besides the contenting of the sight, which is far better than too see riches) doth also wonderfully ravish men's minds, and drive the beholder into an astonishment, setting him after a sort besides himself, and yet nevertheless filling him with a joy and contentation surmounting all others. For as in the pleasures of the body, tho●e seem greatest which do most alter the senses with their plea●nes: so ●ares it also with the delights of the mind: which become so much the greater, when admiration being matched with them, doth also moreover ravish the understanding, and set a man as it were out of his wits. And therefore when great personages (who can better judge of matters than plain simple folk can) do make discourse of things that are beautiful and desirable to behold: they speak of gold, silver, precious stones, pictures, vessels, tablets, and divers other exquisite jewels: but yet they pass over those things and stand not upon them, but when they come to talk of fair armour, good horses and such other things as belong to knighthood and chivalry: then they make such tarriance upon them, as they hold it for a thing fully agreed upon and granted that in beauty and glory nothing is comparable to a goodly army. Only this matter remaineth still in question undecided: namely whether is the pleasanter sight, to see three or four great battles of footmen well appointed in bright armour, well flanked with small shot, and with their great ordinance before them: or to see as many Squadrons of horsemen, or else two or three hundred ships furnished with their flags and banners, and ranged in order as if they were ready to give battle. But as for the rest of all goodly things, all men are fully agreed that they come nething near to any of those three, and much less do them all three together, if a man might behold them all at once, as it is reported that at one instant a man might have seen the great army of Xerxes both footmen and horse men ranged in battle ray: and also the two fleets of the Persians and of the Greeks fight upon the Sea by Salamine, where by the wisdom and valiantness of Themi●ocles, the Greeks got that famous victory of the Persians. In mine opinion that is the rause why the glad receiving and joyful entering of Francis Duke of Brabant into the City of Antwarpt, seemed so goodly and royal to all such as saw it: insomuch that there hath not been any of them which hath not confessed that he never saw the like. And yet were there very many present at it, as well of the same country as of strangers, which have seen many stately and royal meetings, both in the same city and in other cities of the Low countries, and also in other great cities of other Countries, as Paris, London, Rouen, and Lions: and yet nevertheless the common voice is, that this last hath passed all the rest. And truly the City had no more but six days respite to prepare for it, as I said before: insomuch that they could not put to making any work of silk, nor of gold and silver beaten or woven, nor any embroidery: no nor in so shorttime make any mean apparel new, nor any rare costliness of imagertes, pillars, triumphal arches or other pageants: but were constrained to make a shift with such things as they had in a readiness aforehand of their own store. In other entertemements, there have in deed been seen great plenty of riches and royalties in attires of Kings and Queens, Princes and Princesses, Lords and Ladies, Citizens and their wives: but in th● entertainment no such were seen: howbeit there was not any grossness, nor aught that might not well beseem the neatness and fineness of that people, although it came nothing near the sumptuousness of other entertainments. As touching triumphal arches, Chariots, portraitures and such other Shows: although there were many witty inventions & agreeable to the time: yet have men seen of them in other places, which might match these. And as touching the number of their people, although it was great: yet it is well known that Paris exceedeth them in that behalf. But the only reason of this contentment, cometh chief of the great number of people in armour, being not fewer than twenty thousand, in so good and so fair armour: and of their order & obedience, and of the small noise which all that huge multitude made: insomuch that if it had not been for the thundering of the Canons, and the sounding of Trumpets, Clarions, Halboys, and other instruments, there was no more noise than is among a Counsel of grave men. That then was in mine opinion the only very cause, which was greatly furthered by their beholding of the Mounsire of Braband, who representhe stateliness of old time, was clothed in a large Mantle, with the Bonnet of his Dukedom upon his head: so that among that great number of people, which were so well armed that three of the best cities in Christendom could not show so many fair armours of their own:) his highness resembled a precious stone or jewel set in fine gold. And because that they which were the beholders thereof, (for they could not be every where, nor see every thing) will be very glad to understand of the things that so escaped them, and delight their minds now with the remembrance of the things which they saw before, as they delighted their eyes and minds with the beholding of them that day: And strange nations too whom the fame of that so renowned days work is come, will take pleasure to understand the same, whereof they could not be beholders: Therefore is this book set forth, for the satisfying of all men, and also to make it known to a number of men, (who partly for enmity, partly for envy, and partly for other surmises and mistrustes will not believe it,) with what mind and affection the Prince of Orendge, and the other Lords and noblemen of Braband, the good cities, and the small Towns, and namely the most renowned city of Antwerp, have received their new prince and sovereign Lord.  
The nienteenth day of the foresaid month in the forenoon, Mounsire the Duke of Anjou departed from Lisloo and sailed towards Antwery, having in his company but twenty ships: for the rest had gotten to Antwery afore, as well to put themselves in a readiness as for other affairs. And he came about eight of the clock, nigh to the new town, and passing along by the towns side, left the foreland of Flaunders on his right hand and the town on his left, and passed beyond all the town & the place where the Castle was. By the way he heard all the Canons shot of from that part of the town which faceth the river, & from a great number of ships which road at ancre there: and he saw all the wharfes furnished with men of war of the city, well armed, who welcomed him with their shot, and were answered again by the ships of war that accompanied him, conducted by Mou●sire de Tres●on and the Uiceadmiralles and diverse Captains of Flushing. And so the first foot that he did set on land in Brabande, was at a village called Riell, which is at the Canon wharf of Antwerpt. The states of Braband, the Magistrates of the City, and divers other States, coming in like order on horseback to the same place with their trumpets, sergeant and Heralds appareled in coats of the arms of Lothyer, Braband, & Limbourge: alighted there, and waited on foot at the wharf to receive his highness, and to show him the good will and affection of the States and people. But the press of people was so great, which resorted thither to see the prince, whom they looked for to be their duke: and again there were so many impediments in his landing: that it was found better for them by the advice of the prince of Orange, to return back and to tarry for his highness upon a Theatre which was prepared for him.  
This Theatre was set up towards a corner of the Castle, and opened towards the city, so as his highness being there, might at one time view both the City and the Castle, and behold the Counterskarfes: the deep Ditches full of fair water clear to the very bottom of the channel, enclosed on either side with hewn stone: the great and fair buildings, the goodly walls, beautiful to look on and very thick: and the broad rampires garnished with trees planted by hand, that it resembled a little forest. The Mounsire was brought up to this Theatre accompanied with the prince Dauphin the only son of the duke of Mountpanuser: the Earl of Leycester, and other English Lords representing the Queen of England: the Princes of Orendge and Espinoy, the county de laval, the other english Lords, the County de Chateauroux, and a great sort of other barons, lords & gentlemen, besides the chief Magistrates and Masters of the companies of the City of Antwerp.  
The Lords of the State of Brabande waiting upon the Theatre, came dutifully down to go meet his highness: which thing he perceiving, did stand still. Then the prince of Orendge stepped forth to take his place among the States, as one of the chief Lords and Barons of the Duchy of Brabande. As soon as they had saluted his highness, and with great humbleness kissed his hand, they mounted up the steps again with him, after whom followed the Princes and Lords of France and England, and when they were come up above, they ranged themselves on either side. There was set for the Mounsire a chair covered with cloth of gold, wherein he sat him down. And upon the theatre there was likewise a travers of cloth of Gold, & all the Theatre was covered with tapistry. On the front of the Theatre on the highest part thereof were the arms of the Marquesship of the holy Empire: and a little beneath them on the right hand, stood the arms of Brabande with a wreath of fruits: and on the left hand stood the arms of the City of Antwery. Also there were set up two banners of ●ilke azured with the arms of Anjou, and in one partition were written these verses.  

O Noble prince, whose footsteps faith and gentlensse preserve:  
Receive thou here the honour which thy virtue doth deserve.  
That these Low Countries may at length take breath by meaves of thee,  
And thou a father to us all in name and doings be.   
A●er that every man had taken his place and silence was made, the States of Braband began their Orarion by the mouth of Moun● de ●esseiles doctor of both the laws, Secretary to the said estates: and one of their Counsel: the sum whereof was that the Baron's noblemen and deputies of the chief cities, and of the other good Towns, representing the states of the Duchy and country of Braband, having now the good hap too see among them and to behold face to face, the prince in whom next unto God they had wholly set the hope of their deliverance, and of the stablishing of their ancient rest and liberty: Did highly thank the almighty Lord, which had showed them that favour: taking it for an assured warrant, that he of his infinite goodness and providence, had not forgotten nor forsaken their just quarrel: but had choose his highness too be the defender of his people and the administrer of his justice, too the end that too God's glory, and to his own honour, and renown, the storms of all troubles, and of all other things that annoyed their estate, might by the beams of his princely majesty wisdom and prowess be chased away, and the ●ightues of their former prosperity heretofore known to all nations, be made to spring up and shine forth again: In respect whereof they gave his highness most humble thanks for the singular love and good will, which he of his own only motion and princely disposition, had vouchsafed to continue towards them unto that instant, notwithstanding all the cross dealings and practices that cunning heads could skill to put forth to the hindrance of their affairs, forasmuch as they were not ignorant that for their calamities and miseries sakes, nothing could have fallen in, which could have made more to the favour and furtherance of their case. Which thing they had esteemed & would esteem for ever, as a peerless precedent of his incomparable staidness and rare constancy: for the which, and for the great number of his other benefits and gracious dealings towards them, they were and ever should be bound to acknowledge themselves indebted to his highness with all faithful obedience, and were ready that day (by God's grace) to submit themselves to him, as his humble vassals and subectes. And although they doubted not but that his highness did well understand, and was fully satisfied, not only of the general causes which had universally moved the states of the Provinces of the Low Countries together, to sew to him for succour, and to put themselves into his hands: but also of the particular causes, which the states of that Duchy and country of Brabande had, to renounce their obedience to the King of Spain: Yet notwithstanding to the intent to put his highness in remembrance thereof, and to confirm that sacred resolution and high enterprise of his, builded thereupon: and moreover to yield some reason of all their doings to the Princes and Noblemen, and to the rest of that whole company, who for the honour of his highness were come thither of courtes●e, to further the solemnity of his entertainment: to the intent that at this his repair thither, (which always was called joyful,) they might utter the more good will and gladness of heart: they would say no more but this, that as long as the Dukes of Brabande, (specially since the falling of that duchy into the hands of the Dukes of Burgoyne, and other the famous Ancestors of his highness) gave themselves to the governing of their subjects by themselves, thereby making it to appear that they loved them and were not careless of them: they reaped so great commodities and notable services at their hands, that their names & puissances became oftentimes renowned, yea, and sometimes dreadful to● the greatest monarch kings and commonweals of Christendom, whereof their wars and conquests made proof, howbeit that of those things as of matters familiarly known by the histories, it was not requisite to make discourse in that place and time, which were appointed to greater matters. But after that their Dukes and princes either by other allurements, or being withheld in their other country and Sentories, begun to leave them for a time, and afterward at length to forget them, abandoning them to the pleasure and wills, and sometimes also to the lust and covetousness of their under officers, whereof the king of Spain had lastly finished and perfected up the work, leaving them disdainfully as husbandless & fatherless utterly destitute of his presence by the space of twenty years: It came to pass, that having altered & changed almost all the whole state of the country, & committed the offices to such as by the laws and privileges of the country were not capable of them, or rather to such as would give most for them, & yet the unsatiable covetousness, malice, and exceeding tyrannical lordliness of the Spaniards being not contented therewith: in the end, when they had abused the whole commonweal after their own lust, they grew into so great pride, that they fell to snatching of the private goods and substance of the inhabitants, to living upon the labour and sweat of the poor. yea and to ravishing the chastity of men's wives and daughters: and (to fill up the measure of all obhomination and cruelty) they fell to taking away the lives, and to sucking the blood of those which sought by all means to please them. Whereupon in the end the great & righteous God (who hath a care of his servants,) being offended thereat, made that people (who had aforetimes been of great valour) to call to mind their former state & liberty: & gave them both will and courage to maintain the same, in such sort as they had received from their forefathers. Which thing they sa● could not be better done, than by the election which the said States of Braband, united with the other provinces, had made of his highness person to be their prince and Lord, of purpose to bring all things back to their former order having first sought (howbeit in vain) for all remedies of their mischiefs & of the disorders of the estate, from the causes & wellsprings there of. Declaring that the dukes in old time had been of great valour prowess and power, and had made many renowned voyages and exploits of war, & that among others, they had choose a duke of Anjou heretofore: who had been equal with the rest in chivalry and feats of arms, as their conquests and dominions witnessed. That they had had their princes gentle, mild, gracious, familiar, & favourable to their subjects: & that his highness had in the behalf already given such proofs of his gentleness, truth, & 〈◊〉, y● to their seeming, some ancient duke of Burgoyne was raised up again unto them. Insomuch that in his only h●hnesse, they firmly believed themselves to have recovered whatsoever good renown the dukes of Brabande, 〈◊〉 and Burgoine could have left unto them. Wherefore inasmuch as there remained no more, but to proceed to the accomplishment of the chief work, which it had pleased the soveraingod to put into the hands of his highues, & of the said states to perform the day: they on their part were ready and resolute to do him the homage, fealty, duty, and obedince, which loyal subjects, & good vassals ought to do to their rightful princes: of which sort they trusted in God without doubting, that his ●hnes was, and that he would promise by solemn oath unto God so to continue.  
Hereunto his highness answered in effect, That intending not to hold the States with long talk, but only to be mindful of the honour and good will which they had vowtsafed to yield unto him, in that among so many other great Princes, they had chosen him cut to do deliver them from the oppression and tyranny of the Spantard, & to rule them according to their customs laws & privileges: he thanked them heartily for it, assuring them that the justness and equity of their case, their honourable dealings in his behalf, and the love which they had▪ showed him, had made him to resolve which himself to take upon him their protection, & the restablishing of their ancient liberty, and to hazard therein whatsoever ability God had put into his hands, & whatsoever else it should please the king his Lord and brother, and the Queen of England of their favour to bestow upon him, yea even to the shedding of his own blood and the spending of his life.  
This done, the foresaid Mounsieur 〈◊〉 told his highness, how it was the custom there, to proclaim openly before the people in that dutch tongue, the points & articles of the joyful interance, which the duke's of Braband are bound to promise & swear at their admission. Hereupon, when as one held the said articles translated into French, ready to rehearse them point by point after the proclaiming of them in Dutch: for as much as the day was far spent, and communication had been had thereof already, the Mounsire to win time thought it expedient, by the advice of the prince of Orendg, that they should be read but only in dutch. Which thing was done by the said Mounsire Hassells, with a new preface added too the articles, containing briefly the reasons and causes of the dealing.  
After the reading of the said articles, it was demanded of his highness whither he liked of them, and whither he were conte●ted to be sworn to them, or whether it were his pleasure to be further satisfied of them. Where upon he said to the prince of Orendge, that forasmuch as he had seen the articles & conferred of them wi●h him as they came by ship out of Zealand, he held himself well satished with them, and was well contented to swear unto them. Which speech of his was forthwith proclaimed, & with further declaration, that for their better contentation his highness was desirous to have them all known, that although the said articles were read but only in dutch, yet would he of his own good mind, with aduized deliveration and certain knowledge be sworn unto them.  
Then did the said Monsieur Hesselles recite unto the people in the dutch tongue, the first oath which the Dukes of Brabande were of old time accustomed and bound to take, for the observing of the said Articles. Which done, delivering the book wherein it was contained, to Messire Thierrey de Leiesfield Chancellor of Braband, he read the same oath again openly in French, and the Mounsire spoke it after him word for word.  
Then Mounsieur Hesselles taking the book again, told the people that the Duke's of Braband made another second oath to the Barons, Noblemen, Cities, boroughs, and all the Inhabitants and subjects of the country, too be to them a good and just Prince, and not to deal with them after his own will, nor by way of rigour, but by law and justice, and according too their privileges. Which oath was like wise rehearsed in the dutch tongue, & the book delivered again to the said Chancellor, and the Mounsire repeated the oath after him as he had done the first.  
Then were the mantle and Bonnet of the Duchy b●ought unto him, which were of Crimzen velvet: the mantle was tra●ed on the ground, and both of them were furred with powdered ermine turned up very broad. The Prince of Orendge told his highness, that it behoved him too be appareled in those Robes. And when he aske● whither he must wear them into the city, it was answered yea: and that it was the solemn attire of the Princes and Dukes of Braband of old time. Whereuntoo when his highness had agreed: the Prince did first put upon him the said mantle, and fastening the button thereof, said these words: My Lord, you must keep this button fast clozed, that no man may pull your mantle from you. And then he set the bonnet upon his head, and said unto him: Sir, I pray God you may well keep this attire, for now you may well assure yourself that you be Duke of Braband.  
Then the said Hesselles told him how the custom required, that the States should presently be sworn to him again, to yield him fealty. Whereupon he uttered to the people the form of the oath: and then the said Chancellor required it of the Barons, noblemen and deputies: and they pronounced it after him according too the manner of the former oaths, reverently doing again their homage, & promising their fealty and obedience.  
After the taking of the oaths on both sides, as well by the Mounsire as by the States of Brabande, while his highness was yet still in his robes of estate, the Magistrates of Antwerp commanded their Recorder and Counsellor Master Uanderwerck too come up upon the stage, to make him an offer of the Marqueshipp of the sacred Empire, in the name of the city of Antwerp. Which thing he did as followeth:  
Most gracious Lord and Prince, the margrave, Amptman, Boroughmaisters & Skepons, the Treasurers, and Receivers, the chief Burgesses and Quartermaisters, the Wardens and ancients of the handicrafts; together with the Colonelles, Wardens of ●wyldes, and captains of the City, were very glad when they understood of your highnesses happy arrival in the isle of Walckeren, as they have caused too be very largely and with all humility and reverence showed unto you, by their deputies sent unto your highness for the same purpose. But now, forasmuch as they see your highness not only arrived in the country of Braband, but also received for Duke, and for their prince & lord: their foreconceived joy is greatly increased and made fully perfect: trusting that by this your coming, there will once ensue an end of the desolations, calamities and miseries, whereinto the Country hath been brought by the unjust government passed, & by the more unjust and wrongful war which the enemies hold yet still, to bring the whole country too destruction, with all manner of calamities and oppressions, which they are able to devise. And therefore they give your highness most humble thanks, for the pains and travel which you have vouchsafed too take too come into this country: yielding infinitely like thanks unto God, for that he hath given and sent them such a Prince, as not only is of ability and power, but also is willing, and well disposed to defend them from all enemies, and to rule and govern them with all good policy and justice, according to the privileges laws and customs of the country. For although they be joined in league with the rest of the ●tates of Braband, and generally with all the states of the low countries, a●d that they have all entered into arms jointly together: yet their so doing hath not been to exempt and withdraw themselves from the just government of their Lord & Prince: but only too maintain their ancient liberties, laws, and privileges: that being governed according to the same, they might live which all dutiful obedience, in good rest, peace, & tranquillity: The full accomplishment of which their desires, they think themselves too have most happily obtained, ●ith it hath pleased God of his infinite grace and mercy, to put into your highnesses heart, to take upon you the sovereignty of these low countries, the Dukedom of Braband, the city of Antwerp, and the Marqueship of the sacred Empire. For seeing that God hath stirred them up so great a Prince, the brother of a mighty king: they have no doubt at all, but that your highness will (by God's grace) soon find means to deliver these Countries, from the wretched wars wherein they have been so long plunged. The margrave, Amptman, Boroughmasters, Skepons, and other members of this city, think it not expedient too repeat the causes of the war, and the equity of the case whereon they stand, forasmuchas it hath divers times heretofore been discussed largely enough by the general estates, and moreover been notably known too the world, and many ways allowed by your highness: Yet again therefore, with all humble submission and reverence, they thank your highness that it hath pleased you too agree unto them, and to promise the maintenance of their privileges, Laws and customs, yea and of the articles comprised in the principal composition and in the joyful entrance into the Duchy of Brabande. Assuring your highness, that the people of the city of Antwerp and of the Marqueship of the holy Empire, shallbe and continue right humble subjects too you, even too the spending of their bodies and goods, & whatsoever else they be able to make, for the increasing of your honour and glory.  
Heereuntoo his highness answered very graciously, that he thanked those noblemen for their good will and affection towards him, and that he meant to show them by his doings, how desirous he was too govern and rule the country with good policy & justice. And all this he did at large and with very great grace.  
This done, the said Uanderwercke turning himself to the people, cried with a loud voice: that his highness as Duke of Brabande, Alaunson, Anjou, Berrey &c. would be sworn to the city of Antwerp and the Marqueshippe of the sacred Empire: desiring them to pray unto God, that by that so good and solemn deed, God's name might be sanctified, the safety and prosperity of the country procured, and the honour and glory of the said Duke increased.  
Then was the oath which his highness should take, read openly too the people in the flemish tongue by the same Uanderwerck. Which being done, Mounsieur the Amptman read the same oath too his highness in French, and his highness made and performed the same in his hands, which the Borowghmayster of the Town of Antwerp held up, because the receiving of the oath at his hand belonged unto him. Also the said Borowghmaister whose name was Sir Philip of Schoonhoven, kneeling down before the Duke's highness, at the same time, gave him a ●ilte key, in token of subjection, and that he might dispose of the city as of his own: which Key was delivered again by his highness too the Borowghmaister, too whom he said very graciously, that he assured himself, that the said Borowghmaister, and all the Burgesses and Inhabitants of the city, would keep the city faithfully for him, as they had done unto that instant.  
After the finishing and accomplishment of all the said Solemnities, the Herawltes of Braband and Lotrick, (or in the vulgar Braband Wallon, Lothyer, that is too say Lotharing, or the true Lorraine,) cried with a jowd voice, God save the Duke of Braband. And then sounding the trumpets, they made a Largesse, casting a great sort of pieces of gold & silver among the standers by. These pieces were of two sorts: the one sort had on the one side the image of the Mounsire then Duke of Braband: the other sort had on the one side the arms of Anjou and Brabande, and about the verges was written Francis of France Duke of Braband. On the other side of them all was a device of the Son, with the Mounsires' own inscription, Cheriseth and Chaseth, which is the Mounsires' ordinary poesy. Without the Town were three Regiments of the Citizens, too the number of a three thousand men in order of battle, who made a goodly show with their fair armours and their antesignes displayed. And they never went out of their place, until all the Ceremonies were dispatched, and that his highness was gone into the city. Besides these, there was an infinite number of people in the city, whereof many were Strangers: who marveled greatly at these sights, and especially the Frenchmen, who wondered to see their master in that apparel, and spoke diversly of it, as is wont too be done in matters that are new and erst unseen. But when they understood how it was the Dukely apparel, and that he wore it as a representation of antiquity, the like whereof is worn yet still by the Electors of the sacred Empire in their great ceremonies: they were astonished, and thought him to be a Prince of more stately countenance and majesty then afore: insomuch that it was said aloud among them, that seeing it was the mantle of the Duchy, it should cost the lives of fifty thousand Frenchmen, before it should be plucked from him again.  
As soon as the Ceremonies were ended, his highness came down from the Theatre, and mounted upon a white courser of Naples, covered with a coperison of velvet richly embroidered with gold. And so he be 'gan too take his way towards the right renowned and rich city of Antwerp, and was conveyed along by the counterscarp, unto the sumptuous and stately gate called Keizars gate or Saint Georgis gate, whereat he entered into the good city of Antwerp,  

The order of his entering in was such as this.  
FIrst marched the 2. Sergeant majors or marshals of the city, accompanied of two Pursivamts with the arms of the city, after whom followed the Trumpets with the arms of Braband.  
The first company was of Almaigne Merchants commonly called Easterlings, well mounted and well appareled after the manner of Almaigne.  
Next them followed the English merchants in excellent good order: all apparelled in Cassocks of black velvet, all of one fashion.  
Then came the Colonelles, & captains of the city: after whom followed a great number of Gentlemen, as well of the same country as of other nations.  
Behind them went the body of the city, that is to wit, the Wickmaysters, the Wardens, the ancient Magistrate, the masters of the Wards, the Burrowghmasters, deputies, the Wardens of the halls, the Usshers, the Secretaries, the Registers, the Receivers and Treasurers, the Skepons, the Amptman, and the two Borowghmasters, all apparelled in Cloaks of black velvet, and all of one fashion.  
After them came the Trumpets of the States of Braband, Lembourg, and Lothyer: & after them the states themselves in this order.  
First went the deputies of the under cities.  
The Deputies of the city of Antwerp.  
The Deputies of Brussels.  
Then succeeded the noblemen of Braband, as  
The Chancellor of Brabande, and above him Lamorall Egmonde Brother too the County of Egmond, Baron of ●asebecke.  
A great number of Lords of the same country, of France, and of England well horsed and richly appar●ed.  
The Swissers with their drums and fiffes.  
The Mounsires' own household, among whom were intermingled certain Lords of England.  
Next this came the county de laval, having on either hand an English Lord:  
The Prince of Espinoy, having on his right hand the Lord of Hunsoon, and on his left the Lord Haward:  
The Prince dolphin, having on his right hand the Earl of Leycester, and on his left the Prince of Orendge:  
The margrave of Antwerp bore headed, bearing the mace of justice:  
The Lord Peterson Baron of Merode, taking upon him that day as Marshal of Braband, and bearing the naked sword before the Duke's highness:  
Then came the Duke himself, mounted & appareled as ye have heard afore.  
Next behind the Duke, followed County Morice of Nassau son too the Prince of Orange, having on his right hand County Philip of Nassau, nephew too the said Prince, and son to county john of Nassaw: and on his left hand the Lord Shefeeld.  
His Highness was guarded by the companies of the guilds, that is to say, by the ancient brotherhoods of the Archers, Crossbows, & Hark webuzers in so goodly armour, as fairer could not be found: The is went afore him and about him on a cluster without order, like flowredeluces upon a royal rob.  
After them followed the guard of Frenchmen on a like heap, and after them the Prince of Orendges guard on foot.  
Then lastly in very good order came the twenty Antesignes of citizens, which had stood in order of battle without the Town.  
Over the gate where his highness entered, there was a compartement of Doric work, wherein was written as followeth.    

Too Francis the Son of Henry the second, and only brother of Henry the third King of France, called by God's singular providence to the sovereign Principality of the low Countries, and to the Dukedom of Braband, & the Marqueship of the sacred Empire, which God grant to be most happy and lucky unto him, as to their invested Prince whom they have most earnestly wished for, & who as now is happily come into this his most ●er visable city, His most hearty Favourers.  
The Senate and People of Antwerp.  
THe Chariot of the Maiden of Antwerp could not go out of the city for want of room too turn in: and therefore it tarried for his highness at the gate within the city. This Chariot was called the Chariot of Alliance: wherein sat a damosel appareled in Satin red and white, which are the colours of Antwerp: who had in her left hand a branch of Baytree, and on her head a garland of Laurel, in token of victory against the tyrannies of the king of Spain, & in token of the deliverance which the people hoped for by means of their new prince, through his gracious goodness, faithfulness, victoriousnes, and defence: too whom with her other hand she presented the keys of the Town, according to the verses written over her head, which shall be set down hereafter. Before her were the arms of the Marquiship of the holy Empire. On her right hand was Religion appareled like one of the Sibylles, holding in her one hand an open book, named The Law and the Gospel: and in her other hand a sword: named God's word: & on her left hand was ●ustice holding a balance & a sword in her hand, & over the Balance was written, Yea and Nay. Before the Damosel sat Concord, clothed in white, yellow, and Orengetawny, bearing a target upon her arm, wherein was painted a crowned Sceptre, with two little snakes, and under them two doves, all closed in with a garland of Olif, betokening commendable government with providence. Upon her head she had a helmet, betokening Wisdom. In her hand she carried a Lance, with a penon upon it, on the one side whereof were the arms of anjou crowned with Olif, and on the other side a Lamb with a Wolf, and a Lion with an Ox, to betoken the great peacefulness that is looked for under this Prince, as well in Religion as in matters of State. At Concords right hand sat Wisdom, and at her left hand Force. In the mids of the Chariot was a Pillar richly made of Corinthian work, upon the top whereof was a Heart hold between two armed hands, which heart had two wings, betokening Union, Faith and Force: and a Sword with two serpents writhing about it, & holding their tails to their ears; signifying discreet government, and ears stopped against flatterers. At the foot of the pillar, was a compartement with the arms of Anjou and Brabande. On the breast of the Lion of Brabande, were the arms of the Marquiship of the sacred Empire, and of the City of Antwerp, Upon the Arms was written Atonement. Upon the corners of the Chariot, were two armed Images, with morions on their heads, attired in Orendge, white and blue. The one of them was named Faithfulness, and the other Watchfulness. In their hands they had each of them a shield, wherein were painted two swords a cross, and two doves with a sheaf of arrows, betokening Union. Upon one of the Shields was written, Defence: and upon the other, Offence. Each of the images had a penon of azure silk: in one of the which there was a Pelican killing herself for her young birds: and in the other a Hen a brooding her Chickens. Over the Maiden's head were these verses.  

My ruler's outrage wickedness, and furious tyranny,  
Have cast me back these keys which I had given obediently,  
Upon conditions never kept O Prince of noble fame,  
With better bode of luck and lot receive thou now the same.  
Thy godliness and proweffe have of right deserved it.  
O triple happy Prince to whom these Courteous do submit  
Their state! O happy Belgik, O most happy like to be,  
Which underneath so great a prince mayst now live safe and free.   
Six Gentlemen of the city waited at the gate with a Canopy of cloth of gold fryzed, which they afterward unfolded and carried it over the Duke's head, who went under it into the town in the forementioned order.  
All the streets from the gate to his lodging, were set on either side with armed men under their ensigns with their ●iffes and dro●es. The officers carried gilt targets and sword in their hands: and all the rest were armed after the best & goodliest manner that could be seen. His highness proceeded forth on to the corner of the street called Gasthouse street, that is to say, the Spittlehouse street, near unto S. George's Church, where was a show made in the likeness of a table, very great & high: which was made by one of the companies of their tragical & comical poets, commonly called among them Rhetoricians. The company was called Care, or as some others term it, the Fellow sun, after the name of a flower with followeth the son, & the speech of the device was, Growing up in virtue. The Show or table had three compartments or pertitions. The first was the first book of Samuel the fifteenth chap. where Samuel chargeth Saul with his disobedience, & hath a piece of his garment rend of by him, in token that the kingdom should be plucked from saul's house & given to a better. Whereby was meant, that the sovereignty of those low Countries, was taken from the king of Spain for his abominable perjuries, tyrannies, & extorttons. In the second compartment was set forth, how Samuel commanded I say the father of David to bring forth his sons: of whom God would make one the prince of his people, that is to wit the youngest, which was David. In the third was showed how David being anointed fought with Golias & overcame him. The title or superscription was a Pl●igian work, wherein were written these verses:  

As God bereaning Saul of Crown and Mace,  
Did dispossess him of his kingdom quite,  
And after set up David in his place:  
so now likewise dispatching from our sight,  
The tyrants which oppressed us by might,  
He giveth thee (O noble Duke) the rain  
Of these our Countries, over us to reign.   
The frunt and krest being garnished with banners, skutchions of arms, Cressettes and torches, carried the Duke's device Cherisheth and chaseth. And at the foot of the Table lay Discord closed up in a prison of Lattisworke, where she was tormented with Hellhounds and Serpents: and there were these verses.  

Alaunson whom God cherish ay,  
Doth chase all ire and wrath away.   
His highness passing forth still beyond the place called the Threewayleete, came to the street named Hwyvetterstreete, that is to say, the Chaunlers' street, where was another stately Pageant with arms, torches, and cressets, made by another company of the Rhetoricians, called painters or Uiolers, who had for their device, Knit together by singleness. In this Pageant was painted the near alliance of David and jonathas: to betoken the firmness of the oath mutually made by his highness and the States of Braband, and the Magistrates, Members, Colonelles, and Captains of the City of Antwerp. In this table was written in a compartment of Phrygien work.  

Like as the faithful jonathas did promise to defend  
Good David from the harms which Saul against him did intend:  
So keep thou us (O gracious Prince) which love to live in rest.  
Against the Tyrants by whose force we have been sore oppressed.   
Then went he further to the end of the street where the Upholsters shops are, which part was full of burning torches & barrels of burning pitch, and so came to the Merebridge. At the entering thereof stood an Oliphant bearing a castle of stone with soldiers and artillery. Before ●e Olyphant were painted the arms of 〈◊〉 Marquesdome and of the City: and 〈◊〉, a spear with a banner of Taffeta, with the arms of Anjou in a wreath of Laurel, and four other bannerets of Crimosen taffeta, pulled out, wherein were painted the Hands of Antwerp, with this posy: Cherisheth and Chaseth. And upon his side of his belly were these verses.  

Whom light of Phebee heretofore did lead,  
Enough am drawn away,  
Her brother's beams to follow in her stead,  
A far more certain stay.  
I think my change right gainful, sith I see,  
These Lower Countries under him to be.   
From the Merebridge he went along the Mere street, till he came to the ward, where were four companies ranged in order of battle. From thence he passed to the corner of Clare street, where was a stage made by a company of Rhetoricians called the Olifbranche, who had for their posy, Behold grace. Upon this stage sat a Damsel named Antwerp, bearing in her bozom a pretty daughter called The knowledge of God: who held a coffer wherein were privileges, laws, fraunchizes & truth: which were kept by the grace of God, & by providence, wisdom, faithfulness, diligence, loyalty, perseverance, unity, good heed, and order. And aloft was a compartment of Phrygian work, wherein were these verses.  

O prince, our father, hope of help and stay:  
Dame grace, God's imp, whom here thou seest to stand,  
From top to toe fair clad in white array,  
With branch of Olif in her heavenly hand:  
Hath willed thee to harbour here within  
The stately walls of Lady Antwerp, and  
The love of her with endless fame to win,  
By curing of her griefs with law and right,  
And ocke by putting of her foes to flight.   
Somewhat lower towards the mids, was Neptune with his threetymed mace, riding over the waves upon a Dolphin: and on his left hand were these verses:  

Gods heavenly grace, and soothful skill, reviving Antwerp new,  
Through char defence of faithful league have kept her safe, as dew  
To thee her Duke ennobled both by father & by brother,  
Both kings of France, tone gone to Godlong since, still reigning toother.  
And therefore bend thou now thy wits, by rightful force to wreak  
Her cruel foes, which did so oft their leagues through falsehood break.   
He passed from Clarestreete through long new street unto S. Catherins' bridge, right over against Cros street, where was a triumphal arch cunningly painted and builded of white stone: which was garnished with his highnesses arms, and with torches and cresfettes, and with Music of Holboyes and Clarions, And on the top of it was written:  
To the happy coming hitherof Francis, only brother to Henry the third, son to Henry the second, graundchilde to Francis the first, now invested Duke of Brabande, the prince that hath most deeply deserved of this their Country, as a Father of the same.  
The Senate and people of Antwerp.  
Underneath this in another compartment of Phrygian work, was written this:  
At length yet hinder not this Imp to bring thee wrooping world, again to some redress.  
In passing through the short Newstreete, and by the Marketsteed he turned towards the Cooper's street, in the street called Cheeslane to the great Market place, which was full of Torches of wax, and of Barrels of pitch upon long poles up to the highest windows, which commonly are five stories high. In this Market place were inbattelled six ensigns with the ensign of the youth which was under a green standard, all in the best armour that was to be seen in any place of the world. In the mids of the citizens was the great Giante the founder of the City of Antwerp, whose Cuirass was azure, and his apparel tawny white and grey: He boor banners of Azure with the arms of Anjou, and had these verses written before him:  

Feèrce Furi●, moody rage, unbridled ire,  
Stout Force, hot violence, cruel Tyranny,  
Nought booted me, ne furthered my desire:  
In keeping of my wished sovereignty.  
The surest way for kings to govern by,  
Is mildness matched with a prudent mind,  
to vice severe, to virtue meek and kind.   

For oft the calm and quiet governance, brings things to pass which violence could not win:  
Feercenes that case will nought at all advance:  
By mildness shalt thou better hold folk in:  
Outrageous storming is not worth a pin.  
By mine example therefore have a care,  
All cruel dealings utterly to spare.   
Behind the Giant were written these verses:  

See you this Orped Giant here,  
so huge oslim and bone?  
Fame says that Antwerp was  
sometime a thrall to such a one.   
This Giant was made by cunning to turn his face towards the Duke as he passed by, & to let fall the arms of Spain which he hold in his hand, and to put up the arms of Anjou.  
Also there was a stage in the same Marketplace before the Town house, full of nymphs and virtues. But forasmuch as it served chief for the day of his taking of his oath in the city of Antwerp, which was the xxii. day of the month: it shall be spoken of more at large hereafter.  
His highness departing out of the market place, took his way towards the street called the high street, & when he came to the street called the old cornmarket: there was a Whale carrying neptune naked with his threeforket mace in his hand, which betokened the great commodities which the city of Antwerp received by the sea & by the river Schelt. Before this monster was another naked man, & by him two other portraitures, the one of navigation, & the other of merchandise, which a baoke of accounts, & a purse, such as the factors do carry with them when they go to receive money. Before the Neptune in a compartment were written these verses.  

The lordship of the seas to thee the destinies behight,  
In sign where of I Neptune yield this mace as thine of right.  
That Antwerp having rid allets by thee on sea and land,  
May once enjoy her wished fruit, & safe from peril stand.   
His highness kept on his way through the high street, to a place where sometime was the gate called S. john's gate, which was beaten down the year before: in steeds where of there was a triumphal arch of Ionian work. This arch was wholly applied to his highness own posy Cherisheth and Chaseth. On high over it was strained a covering after the manner of a round vault, wherein was painted the Son: & under the Son was painted the sea with ships, and the earth clad with her verdure. Also there appeared a cloud on both sides, so as the light of the Son did shine forth and yield out his force to the earth. On the outside of the bowing of the Arch, were painted three goddesses: namely Flora, who hold her flowers in her hand: Ceres, who had her corn: and Pomona, who hold a horn stored with abundance of all things. Likewise the earth was clad with green trees, fruits, and fields replenished with all fruitfulness, which thing came to pass by the heat and operation of the Son, which was betokened by this word Cherisheth. On the other side being the left hand, were dreary and barren fields, the air every where lowering and cloudy, and the trees and plants withered, which thing was done by the three Hellhounds Discord, violence & Tyranny, who fled away at the sight of his highness, according to the signification of his other word, Chaseth. On another side stood the same po●e again, Cherisheth & Chaseth, by another mean.  
At the right hand over the word Cherisheth, was a great field well tilled, with a husbandman's house upon it. The husbandman himself being appareled after the french fashion, was sowing of corn: & another by him was spreading of Muck. At the left hand was written the word Chaseth, on which side also was painted a French Captain in armour, following his allies, confederates and soldiers: to do men to understand, that by the treaties, leagues and agreements, made with the duke's highness, all tyranny, violence, and discord should be chased a way: & that by the beams of that son, the country should receive all peace, prosperity and abundance. Upon the forefront were these verses:  

Like as the rising of the Son doth chase the night away,  
And with his kindly heat the ground well cherish ay:  
Even so thy coming (noble Prince) doth Chase all tempests quite,  
And folk with cheerful hope of freedom much delight.   
This Arch was impossed aloft with scutcheons of the arms of anjou, compassed about with branches of Olif, all upon Azure. Also there were divers other scutcheons, whose field was gewles bordered with argent, and a great number of burning torches. And the said Arch was furnished with divers instruments of Music, & the musicians themselves were clad in the colours of the city.  
His highness passing under this triumphal arch, came to a place called the Owure, that is to say the bank, where were two companies unbattelled, armed like all the residue. And so passing by the Ward there, he went to the place that is right overagainst the Mint: before the which there was a huge and monstrous sea-horse, of twenty foot high, upon whom sat a Nymph called Concord, bearing a shield wherein was painted a book & a rod, which was named The rule of truth. In her hand she bore a flag, wherein was written faithful alliance. This monster of the sea was named Tyranny, and he had a bridle in his mouth with double reins of iron chained, called law & reason. Whereby the duke's highness was done to understand, that he as a true Perseus, was to deliver that country from all tyranny, and afterward to govern it by justice & reason. Over against the mintgate, where the street is narrowest, were two Obelisks or round Spires, & between them a triumphal arch with his pillars of Corinthian work, gilded & enriched with his relief under him. Upon the forefront were his highnesses arms, and likewise on the sides were other arms, with banners, torches, and cressets. Under the arms of his highness, were these verses following:  

Fulmighty is that commonweal, & in a happy case  
And blest with all commodities through Gods most heavenly grace,  
Where prince behaves himself as head, & commons him obey  
As members, either carefully regarding others stay.   
From this triumphal arch unto the palace, that is to wit, all along S. Mighels street, which is a mile in length, stood on either side threescore & ten pillars, with a space of 22. foot between pillar & pillar. Every pillar was 12. foot high, & upon the pillars was a continual Terrace, & on every each other pillar was a cresset: & on the pillars between, were the arms of Braband, Anjou, & Antwerp, divided according to the spaces between the said pillars. And the pillars were crested about which garlands of ivy.  
On the side of the street towards the palace, was a pageant with banners, torches and pyramids. Upon the uppermost part of one of the sides whereof was a Crane, and upon the other side a Cock. Giving knowledge as well to the heads as to the members, that watchfulness is needful. A little spaniel betokening faithfulness, and a little lamb betokening peace, were painted accompanied with the Sibyls, which represented wisdom, love, faithfulness, obedience, virtue, & honour: without the which, no true peace can continue. And all these were guided by the light of the holy Ghost, which was resembled by a certain brightness that discovered the chief instruments of discord, namely Envy & Slander, who peered out be hind, Envy gnawing her own heart, & Slander having double heart, double tongue, & double face, howbeit with small effect. Foron the two sides of this pageant, were two counterfeits: on the one side, Hercules, & on the other David as it were in Copper, hane gotten the upper hand of Golias, betokening strength & stoutness: and underneath was Concord, who held discord in a chain with collars about his neck: which discord offering with his one hand an apple of gold, and with his other hand threatening men which his force & tyranny, was yet never theles driven into the dungeon of sorrow, where he is kept prisoner by concord, who keepeth the door fast shut: betokening the same thing which the country looketh for at his highness hand, according to his posy, Cherisheth & Chaseth.  
Upon the forefront of the compartment made of Phrygian work, were these verses:  

O let the earth the kissings sweet of peace and justice see,  
And let her power her riches forth in all men's bozoms free:  
Let godliness and faithfulness go matched arm in arm,  
And let the bond of endless love keep all things knit from harm.   
Before the duke came at S. Mighels, where the palace was prepared for his highness, the day was so far spent, that they were feign to light up their cressets & torches, which cast so great and clear a light through the whole town: that the dukes highness, & the princes & lords which accompanied him, & likewise the soldiers with their glistering armours, were seen more clearly then at any time of the day. And as the multitude of people was very great in the city, so the nearer that his highness drew to his palace, the greater still did the number grow. So at length the Duke of Braband and Anjou entered into his palace in the order aforementioned, having moreover a two or three hundred as well of offenders as of banished folk, which followed him ●are headed and fettered, craving mercy.  
The Herawlts did cast pieces of goold and silver abroad, as they had done at the meetings of all the Streets as they passed through them.  
At the entry of the palace was an Arch of twenty foot high, resting upon three pillars of Phrygian work. Upon the top whereof was a compartment, wherein were the three Graces, that is to wit, Virtue, Glory, and Honour, who offered unto his highness an Olifbranch in token of peace, a Lawrelbowgh in token of victory, & a Crown which was sent him from heaven. And under the compartment were written these verses.  

O Prince whose merits pass his praise, whose vertewz have no peerz,  
Whose mind surmounts his fortune far, whose thewz exceed his yeerz:  
Take gently here this Olifbraunch, this Lawrelbowgh and crown,  
Three presents given thee by three Nymph, and sent from heaven down.   

The oath made by Francis Duke of Braband to the members of the right renowned city of Antwerp: and the oath made by them again unto his highness.  
THe Duke of Braband being come into his palace, caused a peal of a twenty or thirty thousand Hargwebuzers to be shot of, and then all the companies, (saving those which were to watch the night,) began too withdraw themselves apace. Which thing was done in such order and with such silence, that in less than half an hour, all the city was disarmed, after which manner they bade also armed themselves in less than an hour without any noise in the morning. The Princes also & the lords withdrew themselves to their lodgings, & then was all the great ordinance of the town shot of twice, as it had been at the Duke's first coming to the city, that all the town seemed too be on fire. Cressets were lighted and fires made for joy through all the streets and meetings, ways, & upon the steeples, in so great number and so continually, that all the night resembled the day: insomuch that when they that were without the Town looked up into the sky, they thought the element was all on fire. These bonfires continued every night until the next Thursday, on ●hich day his highness took his peculiar oath too the town of Antwerp, in the doing whereof, these solemnities insewing were observed.  
The Amptman, Borowghmaisters, & Skepons of Antwerp, came too the said Palace of S. Michael the next Thursday being the 22. day of the same month. At which place they made humble su●e to his highness, that as he had vowtsafed too give his oath too the States of Braband and the Marquesdome of the sacred Empire, and likewise too receive theirs: so it might please him too give his oath that day peculiarly to the city of Antwerp, and likewise too take theirs, at the place of old time accustomed. Where unto when the Duke had assented, they took their way in the same order that had been observed at his entering into the town, saving that the Lord Edward de clastro Ambassador for Don Antonio King of Portugal, was that day in the latter company of the Princes and Lords. And so they marched along the said street of Saint Michael too the great marketsteede, where the sumptuous common house of the city is. And because that on the day of his entrance in, it was not possible for him too take a perfect view of all the shows, by reason that the night overtook them: they were presented unto his highness again, as well in the place before the mint, as in other places. Also there were two pageants more prepared, which were devised both in one day. The one was Mount Parnasus whereon sat Apollo appareled like the Son, and accompanied with the nine Muses, playing upon ●uers kinds of Instruments, and with sweet voice singing a certain ditty together, written in commendation of his highness. This Pageant was in the street called the high street, over against the street named Reyner street. Right over against this Pageant, was another on the side of the street called the flax market: Which was a mossy Rock over grown with dry and withered trees, wherein appeared a cave very hideous dark and drerye too behold, and in the same lay lurking the three Helhowndes, Discord, Violence, and Tyranny: who feeling Apollo's beams, and hearing the sweetness and harmony of the voices and instruments, shrunk away and hid themselves in the deepest of the Dungeon, & afterward peered out again, to hearken whither that melody and harmony continued still or no: minding to have come forth again, & to have troubled the common weal, if the same had ceased.  
His highness passed on and with very much ado came to the great Market place, by reason of the infinite multitude of people, which could not be put asunder without great pain. As soon as he was alighted from his horse, he went up a scaffold which had been set up for the same purpose, in the mids of the Market place hard by the Town house, before whom went the Magistrate of the city, and a great number of Prince's Lords and Gentlemen. This Scaffold being great and large, of the height of forty foot, was hanged with scarlet. Upon it was a cloth of estate, the back whereof was cloth of gold frized, under the which was a chair of the same. The day of his first coming thither, there had been presented unto him on the right side, Wisdom offering him a golden Sceptre: on his left side, justice offering him the sword of justice from above the Chair: and behind him Clemency offering him the Cap of the Dukedom. Before the chair as it were at the feet of it, were Obedience, Faithfulness, Love of God, and Reverence. And by the chairs sides there were with them, Concord, Sageness, vaeleantnesse, Good will, Truth, pitifulness, Perseverance and Reason, of whom two on either side held each of them a torch of virgin wax, and they were all apparelled like Nymphs. But on this day when his highness went up too this stage, the Nymphs were away. And in steed of them, the chair was garnished on both sides with pillars. On the right side between the pillars was a Lion holding a naked sword, to betoken the authority of the magistrate. Above the Lion was an Eagle feeding her young, and turning herself towards the shining of the Sun, as taking her force of the Prince. On the left side was an Ox with a yoke on his neck, and above him a Hen brooding her chickens, and by her a cock. The Ox with his yoke signified obedience: and the cock and the hen betokened the watchfulness, care, & 〈◊〉 of the superior. The said scaffold was garnished with bamners of azure beaten with the arms of Anjou, and with banners of gewles beaten with the arms of Antw●rpe, and with cressets and torches. And above among the arms were written these verses.  

At length thou art come, and joyful we be,  
Thy presence long looked for here present to see.   
And a little under, at the right hand under the arms of Braband, were these verses.  

Of triumphs though stately, kings boast but in vain,  
Unless they by justice do uprightly reign.   
And on the left hand under the arms of Antwerp was written thus.  

Nowght booteth law, Authority, or sage forecast of wit,  
Unless to lawful government folk do their force submit.   
And yet somewhat lower was written.  

God, God is he the hearts of kings which holdeth in his hand,  
He, He it is that highest things doth make too fall or stand.  
When he with gracious look beholde● a people: they enjoy  
A goodly Ruler, under whom no troubles them annoy.  
But if misliking make him frown, then makes he them a pray  
Too Tyrants, under whom they taste of sorrow every day.   
FRom this Scaffold, he might behold before him an infinite number of people, ready too be sworn unto him: and also three companies of banished and condemned men in fetters, and bareheaded, craving mercy at his hand, which was granted unto them. Moreover all the houses about the Market stead had Cressets burning on high before them. Now then, after that room and silence was made, their Counsellor and Recorder Uanderwerck propounded the matter as followeth.  
Right gracious Lord and Prince, the margrave, the Amptman, the Boroughmaisters, the Skepons, the Treasurers, the Receivers, the old Deputies, the chief Burgesses, the Duartermaysters, the Wardens, the ancients of the handicrafts, the Colo●lles, the Wardens of the ●wyldes, & the captains of the city, your Highness' most humble and obedient subjects, are exceeding glad to see that you whom they have already received for Duke of Brabande, and for their sovereign Lord and Prince, are ready to make your oath unto this City, and to receive it at the hand of the Magistrates, Burgesses and Citizens thereof, in respect of the City itself, and of the Marquesdome of the sacred Empire. Assuring themselves that your highness willbe unto them a good, righteous, and lawful Prince, to govern them according to their franchises, Laws and Customs: And promising mutually on their behalf to your highness, to be good, loyal and faithful subjects unto you, to spend all their goods yea and their lives in your service, and in the maintenance of your dignity, rights and pre-eminences. And like as God hath put into your highness mind, to take upon you, first the protection and defence, and secondly the whole Sovereignty of the Low Countries and Provinces, which have entered into league with you, upon hope that the same God, will of his gracious goodness and mercy, so bless and prosper your dealings and enterprises: as that they shall out of hand see the effect of that communication in the highest degree, to the accomplishment of your royal and Heroical desires, both in the general, and also in the particular deliverance of the Country from the calamities and miseries of war: whereby they shall have the better cause to acknowledge the great goodturnes and benefits received at your highness hand, and to honour, love and serve you, as the very Protector of the land and father of their Country.  
When Uanderwerk had made an end, and the Duke's highness had answered him conformably to that which he had spoken without the Town: the said Uanderwerk told the people aloud, that the Duke was ready to take & receive his oath, at that hand of the Magistrate & of all the people & Inhabiters of the City of Antwerp. And that god had vouchsafed to sand them a Prince of so rare and heroical virtues, of so great puissance, and the only brother of so great a king: that they might well hope, that the same God would enable him to rid these Countries within a while, from the great number of calamities and miseries wherewith they were oppressed. And forasmuch as his highness had been received with solemn deliberation of the states confederate, yea and with solemn resolution of all the members of that City, and GOD had commanded men to love, honour and obey their Princes: he exhorted the people to yield him all humble obedience according to God's commandment. To which intent, the oath as well which his highness should make to the people, as which the people should make to his highness, should be read unto them. Praying God to give such grace unto his highness, as he following the same, might well rule & govern: and unto the Burgesses and Citizens of Antwerp, as they might perform their obedience like good, loyal and faithful subjects: that God's name might be sanctified, to the benefit, prosperity and safeguard of the City, and to the great increase of the Duke's puissance, honour and glory.  
Then the same Underwerk red the oath which was to be made by the Duke, with the style of the Duke of Brabande, and all his other titles. Which oath was red to his highness in French, and received by Sir Philip Schonehoven Lord of Wan●roe Borowhmayster without the City.  
Which being done, the said Uanderwerk red y● o'th' which the Magistrate & people were to make which was repeated word for word by the Magistrates and a great number of people which were within the hearing of it. And this oath was exacted of the Magistrate and people of Antwerp, by the Amptman in the name and by the commandment of the Duke.  
Upon the finishing of these solemnities, the Duke himself did cast twoor three handfuls of gold and silver among them, and then the Heralds cried Alargesse, and the trumpets and drums were sounded every where, and many instruments of music were played upon, as had been done afore at his first arrival.  
When he was come down from the scaffold, he went into the Townehouse with all the Princes, Lords and Gentlemen, which were very many: where he was received by the Worshipful of the City, and dined openly at a very sumptuous and royal feast prepared for him: and so that day passed in great joy, contentation and admiration, as well of his highness and his company, as of all the rest of the people. Towards night were shot off two peals of great ordinance again, and the fires of joy were continue● much greater, and more in number tha● afore.  
Thus ended the joyful and royal entertainment of the right noble Prince Francis, Son & brother to the kings of France, by the grace of God Duke of Braband. The rest of the week and the days following, the Lords of the privy Counsel, the officers of the Aids, of the Exchecquers, of the chambers of the accounts, and of the other Corporations, Colleges and Commonalties came to visit his highness, and to offer him their humble service, promising all faithfulness and obedience. All whom he received very graciously, to their contentation: answering them so advisedly, with so good grace and fitness, without omitting any point of that which he had purposed: that all men not only wondered at him, but also were enforced to honour and love him, and to set forth his praises among the people. Finally the Deputies of the reformed Churches, of both the languages, being presented unto him by the Prince of Orendge, were gently heard: and they spoke unto him as followeth.  
Sir, we be sent unto your Highness by the reformed Churches of this City, as well of the language of low Duchland, as of the French, to show unto you with all humility, reverence and subjection, that we have thanked and still do thank God with all our heart, for vouchsafing too bring your highness so happily hither. And this our joy is matched with the toy of all other folks, as we hope your highness hath understood by the glad and joyful receiving and entertaining of you. Also Sir we hope, that as the great honour and felicity which these Countries have attained unto (wherein few Countries are able to match them) have been purchased under the sovereignty and government of the right renomed Princes, the Dukes of Burgoyn, which issued out of the most noble house of France: so under your guiding and government being of the same house, the ancient renown of the same dignity, shallbe recovered by your prowess, and maintained by your wisdom. It is little more than three hundred years ago, that these Countries being governed by sundry Dukes, Earls and Lords, had not attained the renown which other nations have since that time so much wondered at. The first that began to give increase to it, was Philip Duke of Burgoyne surnamed the hardy, who was brothe● to king Charles the fifth, the son of king john, and graundsonne of king Philip of Ualoys: of which kings your highness is lineally descended from the father to the son. For the first Duke of Orleans, of whom your highness is lineally descended from the father to the son, was the son of King Charles the fift, & as now there be no more heirs males of the said Duke of Orleans: but only your highness and the king your brother. Whereby it falleth out, that the Dukes of Burgoyne are great uncles to your highness by the father's side. And therefore we doubt not but you will follow the footsteps of their virtues, in restoring the state of the Country to her ancient renown and dignity: and also maintain and increase the honour whereunto it hath been advanced, by those noble princes your Uncles. The second duke under whom this state hath been greatly advanced, was john the second. Nevertheless it came not to full perfection, till the time of Philip the second. In which perfection it was maintained by Charles the last duke of Burgoyne, so long as ●e lived. The said Philip the second, to whom the honour of stablishing that state most peculiarly belongeth, was one of the most knightly and valiant Princes of his tyme. He won the victory in nine fought fields, in most of the which he was put to the trial and hazard of his person, by fight with his own hands. He was a very sage Prince, and such a one as had to deal with the greatest Princes in Christendom: of whom some were his adversaries, and yet he behaved himself so wisely, that he achieved all things to his honour, whatsoever he took in hand. Also he was very rich: insomuch that for all his wars, which lasted above thirty years, he left behind him more substance and ready money than any other Prince of his time, as the Writers of the histories of that age do witness unto us. And yet notwithstanding, for all these great virtues and qualities of his, he was not named Philip the sage, nor Philip the valiant, nor Philip the rich: but Philip the good. So well do all folk by general consent understand, which is the virtue that best beseemeth and becometh a great Prince, and is best liked of his people: namely that a Prince be good and loving to his subjects. Surely Sir, all men hope that your Highness will follow the example of that good Prince, the first bringer of the state of this Country to perfection, a right noble and renowned prince of the house of France. And we praise God, for that as many as have had the honour to come into your highness presence, yield record that you have very great likelyhods of these virtues, which we prays God so to accomplish and make perfect in you, as all his people may to your great honour receive the perfect and ripe fruits of them. And this do all the rest of the people desire as well as we. Howbeit, we have a most humble suit to make particularly to your highness, which we most humbly beseech you to grant. The thing that induceth us to do it, is that you bear the name of Francis. For as oft as we hear that name named: the remembrance of that great king Francis, your highness grandfather cometh to our mind. He was a right valiant, courageous, noble and godly Prince: and yet notwithstanding, all the nations of the earth, did by one common consent surname him the Father of learning. For of a truth, since that Emperor and great king of France, called Charles the great, there was never any king of France that so heighly favoured learning, as this great king Francis. And as the said king Charles was the founder of the famous university of Paris: so was king Francis the restorer thereof again: and both of them to their great costs & charges, called men of excellent knowledge thither out of strange countries, to teach the languages & all kinds of arts and sciences. The house of this great king Francis was as an university, and his table was a place of conference concerning all manner of learning. And like as other great Princes of his time following his example, enriched their dominions and kingdoms with learned men and learning: so we most humbly beseech your highness, to follow the example of this great king your grandfather, in doing the like, and to make singular account of learning, and to take the professors thereof under your protection. True it is Sir, that through the malice of men, war is commonly the overthrower of fearning. But if a great Prince set himself against the mischief, he may easily stop it. Our desire is not that your highness should neglect the exercise of chivalry, for to give yourself to study: but to follow so the one, ●s the other be not left of and forgotten. For as we have seen many commonweals flourish so long as they professed chivalry and learning together: & yet have fallen into the hands of their enemies, even in the chief flower of their skill in sciences, by reason of their discontinuing of their former trade of arms, after which manner it befell to the Athenians, to come into subjection to the kings of Macedon: so the people which have professed arms alone without learning, have always become barbarous, cruel and utterly destitute of all humanity, as we see at this day by the Tartars and Moscovites. And therefore to our seeming, a man may well say, that chivalry is the foundation and sinews of a commonweal: and that learning garnisheth and beauti●eth the body thereof with lively and fresh colours, serving it for enrichments and ornaments. In respect whereof, as we meant not to desire your highness to forget those which make profession of chivalry, whom you ought to embrace as your strength: so we most humbly beseech you to vouchsafe to secure learning, and to maintain learned men with your gracious favour. Sir, very needful causes move us to make this humble petition to your highness: first for that we being professors of learning, aught to have learning in singular estimation, and to procure, if it be possible for us, that the fruit of the things which we have enjoyed for a time, may be conveyed to our posterity: and secondly for the oaths sake which we have taken at the time of our proceeding in our degrees, which is, to maintain and further the schools and learning of the university, in what degree soever we come unto. And therefore we hope that your highness will do us the honour, to take this most humble request of ours in good part. As touching our own persons, we promise your highness all obedience, faithfulness and subtection: and that according to our small ability, we will do our endeavour towards such as we may have access unto, that they also may yield obedience to your highness, and to the Magistrates whom it shall please you to set over the people. And here to make an end, we heartily pray God to preserve your highness long time, in happy estate among this people, and to give you the grace to rule and govern them justly and uprightly: to rid them out of the hands of their enemies: to maintain them long in happy peace, and to restore this state again to the ancient dignity, greatness, renown, & felicity: that after your decease you may leave a most blessed and famous rememembrance among all nations. And for the bringing hereof too pass, we yet again beseech the king of kings & great prince of princes, too make you as valiant as David, as wise as Solomon, & as zealous of his glory as Ezechias.  
hereunto the Duke answered, that he was very glad too see such a consent of all the people in the receiving of him: & that he hoped so too rule & govern them, as they should not be disappointed of the hope which they had conceived of his government, which he would fashion out after the pattern of his predecessors & great uncles, who had governed these countries so happily. And he thanked them for their good will and love, praying them to continue the same, & promising too take them into his protection● together with the rest of the people in general: & that as he had heretofore a singular regard of learned men, so would he be willing to continue the same hereafter.  
After this manner began this great prince ●o govern that people with great authority and modesty: and the people too yield unto him very wissing and honourable obedience: And all men hope both generally and particularly, that God will give him the grace so to hold on in that so holy and commendable government, as that by his example, he shall show too all princes and too all others that come after him, how greatly the just and lawful government availeth. And that the people on their side, shall show what manner of obedience, love, & constancy is dew to good Princes, in which virtues there was never yet any people that could skill to surmount them, neither shall any hereafter, by the help of the great God and everlasting father of our saviour Jesus Christ, to whom in the unity of the holy spirit, be all glory for ever and ever,  
Amen.    

¶ A Sum of the Privilege granted to the Printer by the foremencioned Mounsire Duke of Braband, Anjou etc., for the printing of the foretranslated book.  
Francis of France the king's only brother, by the grace of God Duke of Lothyer, Braband, Limbourge, Gelder's, Anjou, Alaunson, Touram, berry, Eureus, & the castle Thierrie, Earl of Flaunders, Holland, Zealand, Zutphen, Maine le Perch, Manutes of Melaun, & Beaufort: Marquis of the sacred Empire, Lord of Fryselande and Malines: having retained & confirmed Christopher Plantine for his Printer, hath given him power to print all Proclamations, commissions, Letters patents, Statutes, Ordinances, Placardes, and other things concerning the common weal in general, or any city in particular: and specially the discourse of his entertainment and receiving into the city of Antwerp and the rest of the country thereabouts. And he forbiddeth all other persons, of what state, condition, or quality so ever they be, too print or cause to be printed, to sell or distribute abroad, the same or any the like, upon pain of forfeiture of the same books, and to be fined at his highness pleasure, and to pa●e all the said Plantines costs and damages, as is more largely declared in the letters Patentes given at Antwerp the xvii. day of the month of April. 1582.  
Vndersigned I Van Assehers.   

¶ Imprinted at London at the three Cranes in the Vintree by Thomas Dawson for william Ponsonby, 1582.